The Braille Forum Vol. XXIV December 1985 No. 6 Published Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Mary T. Ballard, Editor ***** For the latest legislative and governmental news, call the Washington Connection after 6:00 P.M. weekdays or all day weekends and holidays. Toll Free — 1-800-424-8666. * National Office: Oral O. Miller 1010 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 1-800-424-8666 * Editorial Office The Braille Forum: Mary T. Ballard 190 Lattimore Road Rochester, NY 14620 (716) 442-3131 Promoting Independence And Effective Participation in Society ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, large-type, and cassette tape (15/16 ips). As a supplement, the braille and cassette editions also include ALL­O-GRAMS, newsletter of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to: The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to LeRoy Saunders, Treasurer, American Council of the Blind, 1010 Vermont Ave., N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 2005. You may wish to remember a relative or a friend by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. The ACB National Office has available special printed cards to acknowledge to loved ones contributions made in memory of deceased persons. Anyone wishing to remember the American Council of the Blind in his/her Last Will and Testament may do so by including a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you may contact the ACB National Office. Copyright 1985 American Council of the Blind ***** ** Contents Notice to Subscribers President's Message What about Tactile Marking of Paper Currency?, by Robert J. Leuver News Briefs from the ACB National Office, by Oral O. Miller ACB Listens to the Wall Street Report, by Laura Oftedahl A Tennessee Homecoming -- 1986 ACB National Convention, by Regina Campbell Department of Justice Appeals ACB Victory in Section 504 Suit, by Lynn Abbott Let's Take A Cruise!, by Judy Pool Partially Sighted Student Receives First CCLV Scholarship First Japan-U.S.A. Conference of Persons with Disabilities, by Durward K. McDaniel Joint Statement of the Delegations, First Japan-U.S.A. Conference of Persons with Disabilities Artworks Sought for International Art Show by Disabled Artists You Can Fight City Hall!, by Shirley Mussillo Victory for a Delaware Vendor, by Lynn Abbott Alarm Systems for the Handicapped High Tech Swap Shop Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Calendar of Events ACB Officers Contributing Editor ***** ** President's Message The President's Message this month is actually a joint statement by four leaders of the American Council of the Blind who participated in a meeting held in the Washington, D.C., area on September 30, 1985, with four leaders of the National Federation of the Blind. Although the meeting was an informal one, it has generated widespread interest, concern, and curiosity among ACB members. The purpose of this joint statement is to answer those questions. * Joint Statement On September 30, 1985, representatives of the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind met to explore the possibility of improving relations between our two organizations. This was an informal meeting at which ideas were exchanged and views freely expressed. No action was taken, and no formal recommendations emerged from the discussion. It was agreed, however, that the two national presidents, Grant Mack and Kenneth Jernigan, would confer in the near future regarding the possibility of scheduling additional talks. The September 30 meeting was held at Stouffer's Concourse Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Those participating -- four officers and/ or board members from each organization -- included Kenneth Jernigan, Diane McGeorge, Donald Capps, and Marc Maurer from NFB; Grant Mack, Otis Stephens, Durward McDaniel, and LeRoy Saunders from ACB. The discussion continued from approximately 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M., with a working lunch. Although we disagreed on a number of points, we identified several commonly held concerns. The tone of the meeting was cordial throughout. Highlights of our discussion are briefly summarized in the following paragraphs. NFB representatives began by suggesting that the two organizations consider holding a joint national convention within the next three or four years. They expressed the view that such a convention might advance the ultimate goal of merger. ACB representatives stated the opinion that although a joint convention might be feasible at some point in the future, the political and psychological basis for such a meeting does not exist at this time in either organization. We discussed the joint convention suggestion at some length, but reached no agreement on this question. ACB representatives maintained that before the two organizations could realistically consider such a convention, it would be necessary for us to work together successfully on major issues of common concern to blind persons in the United States. We noted that both organizations strongly support such objectives as improving library services, producing and disseminating more braille material, reducing the cost of communications technology, and broadening employment opportunities for blind persons. We emphasized that ACB and NFB should first try to develop a basis of cooperation in advancing one or more of these or related objectives before proposing a joint convention. After extensive discussion, to which all participants contributed, the two groups tentatively agreed that reform of the rehabilitation system as it affects blind persons throughout the country is a critically important goal that we might profitably pursue. We reach consensus on the opinion that such a goal might well provide the needed basis for cooperative action in the future. At this writing (November 15, 1985), no final decision has been made on the scheduling of further meetings. Clearly, it would be of great benefit to blind persons in this country if a genuine basis of cooperation could be developed between our two major national organizations. Serious differences continue to divide us, but we share a number of broad concerns. Exploring ways of working together to achieve commonly held objectives could strengthen us significantly. At a time when important gains of the past may be in jeopardy, the effort is well worth making. ***** ** What About Tactile Marking of Paper Currency? Address Before the 24th Annual Convention American Council of the Blind Las Vegas, Nevada By Robert J. Leuver, Director Bureau of Engraving and Printing Department of the Treasury Washington, D.C. Honored members of the American Council of the Blind, it is my pleasure to be with you today. As the largest organization of visually impaired people in the United States, and probably one of the most active, as I have seen, as well as an organization dedicated to improving the well-being of the visually impaired in all aspects of life, the American Council of the Blind represents the kind of dedication that fills all of us with pride. ... The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which I represent, is the world's largest security printer. We are not funded by the U.S. Government. We are the only agency within the Government that is not funded. We sell our product to about 25 Government agencies, none of which are required to do business with us. Our sales this year will be $250 million. So we run our operation as a business, and most of the senior people associated with me have experience in private industry. ... Today I want to share with you the possibilities of incorporating or developing devices that would help visually impaired persons to identify paper currency. I will discuss the various possibilities of denominating currency and the advantages and disadvantages of each. In 1983, the Bureau was commissioned by the Congress to conduct a study to identify and evaluate possible changes to U.S. currency which would assist the visually impaired. The study group reviewed 54 currencies of different countries, design features utilized by other countries for the visually impaired, as well as features which are or will be practical as a result of technological developments. There were three major considerations. The first and primary was the utility to the blind; the second, the effects on currency production; and thirdly, the cost to the public and the Government. This study was the result of efforts of a group of technical specialists in my Bureau, under the direction of a steering committee composed of representatives of your organization, the Bureau, the Federal Reserve Board, and the U. S. Secret Service. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has conducted research into methods of denominating currency over the past 12 years, including studies in 1976 and 1980. The 1976 study evaluated the incorporation of braille markings in currency. Experimental currency notes were printed, and both the physical characteristics of these notes and their usefulness for the visually impaired were assessed. During 1980, research was done to evaluate the potential impact of notching notes in unique locations of each denomination as well as cutting the corners of notes. Several resolutions have been introduced in Congress between 1971 and 1981 which would have required incorporating braille denomination or other means into currency, but none were passed into law. Basically, I feel that there are two approaches which can be taken to help the visually impaired distinguish different denominations of currency. One is the incorporation of a tactile feature into the design of currency. The other is the development of portable electronic devices to read the currency and provide denomination information. Tactile mechanisms are braille symbols, different sized bills, clipped corners or holes punched or perforated in currency. All three devices are possible to accomplish, and all have been seriously suggested and considered. For instance, braille symbols. We could emboss paper with ink in a series of raised dots or circles. Now, this is the most common practice of those ten or twelve foreign countries which incorporate aids for the visually impaired. Another would be to emboss the paper with a series of raised dots in groups or cells. This would be identical to the braille books that you have. The third way would be to manufacture currency with inherent raised dots which are produced during the paper-making process. This requires depositing extra fibers or small lumps in the paper — rather difficult. The main advantage of these braille symbols would be that there would be discernable features for the visually impaired. The disadvantages are: Not all the visually impaired can read braille. Not all visually impaired have a tactile capability. The embossed designs would not last very long in circulation. A $1 circulates for 18 months, or about 400 transactions. During my two days here, besides losing all my money, I have seen some very limp bank notes in Las Vegas. Now, I know most of you people — and I'm being very serious about this -- can tell a genuine currency note quicker than I can, because you can feel it. You can tell the weight and substance of that paper. But when one gets to the condition we see here, in Hawaii, the west coast, the braille markings would not stand up. One tactile modification with apparent high utility for the visually impaired as well as low counterfeitability, is sized currency — that is, currency which is cut to a different size for each denomination. No exceptional tactile ability is required. A person may carry a small template or coded ruler for use in comparing the dimensions of each bank note. Unfortunately, there are a few disadvantages to this approach. Introducing new denominations in a sized sequence would be extremely difficult. For example, the introduction of a $5 bill sized between a $1 bill and a $10 bill would require substantial changes in the way notes are handled by banks and private citizens as well as the way the Bureau would produce them. You can imagine the changes that would be required for sizing all seven denominations, $1 through $100 bills. (In case somebody's counting, I did count the $2 bill.) … Cash register drawers, automatic teller machines, change machines, and other devices used in dealing in currency would have to be changed or modified, and that would be relatively expensive. Another tactile mechanism like notched edges or clipped corners has been suggested as a means of identifying currency through touch. The idea is to place notches at strategic points on currency indicating the denomination. Of the foreign currencies reviewed, none exhibit these design features, mainly because they shorten the life of currency. There is also some concern about public perception of the notes and their usability in currency handling equipment. A similar mechanism would be to punch holes or perforate currency in a different pattern for each denomination. A finer sense of touch would probably be needed to recognize this kind of pattern and to differentiate between the notched edges or clipped corners. Again, unfortunately, the life span of perforated currency would be very short. I wonder if anybody could tell me how many trees we have to cut down to make a thousand currency notes. There's no wood in the currency. It's 75 percent cotton and 25 percent flax. It washes and wears well. That's why you get those 400 transactions. I realize these tactile options have more difficulties than benefits associated with them. But there remains at least one very probable and viable device for determining currency denomination. This would be the development of a pocket-sized electronic reader. I believe this technology offers the greatest hope of success for the visually impaired and the most economical approach for the visually impaired and the Government. I am also looking very seriously at this same technology to combat counterfeiting. The basic technology for an electronic reader is not new. Readers have been on the market for sorting currency for about 15 years. They have been and are used for money changers and automatic teller machines. However, a major problem associated with them is that they are rather expensive and complex. Current equipment that has been on the market for 15 years relies on the magnetic properties of the black ink that we use on the face of the note, or the density of the light patterns on the face of the note. More recently, a joint program with the American Foundation for the Blind and Ardac, a company serving the note-acceptor field, has reduced the complexity of earlier designs to the point that a new product designed for the blind vendor has now been accepted and is available through the Foundation's Consumer Products Department. Two other technologies are available that would use readers. The first is a microchip emitting a coded signal that is read by a reader. The microchip would be introduced into the currency at the time that the paper is manufactured. That's important to combat counterfeiting. The cost is about one cent for each note. Right now it costs me a little less than two cents to manufacture each note. The reader would cost about $25.00. There is a strong possibility that all counterfeit notes would be caught. We at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are pursuing this technology now. What I have, though, is a high manufacturing cost -- it would increase my manufacturing cost by 50 percent. If I could tie it into an anti­counterfeiting device, that would be a negligible cost. On the other hand, we have a low end-user cost — that's your cost. A second technology is being pursued by the Bank of Canada. We are following their progress very closely, and the officials at the Bank have been extremely kind in sharing their progress with us. The Canadian technology may not require a significant change to currency. The readers are estimated to be relatively expensive. The hand-held reader will be the size of an eyeglass case and would articulate the denomination in English or French. Over-all, the cost of the Canadian process would be significantly less than that of the U.S. The Canadians, though, tell us that they have considerable work to perform before they can market this device. Readers can be manufactured as part of a cash register or as hand-held devices. ... We are keeping abreast of the most current information regarding hand­held readers. It is my sincere hope that private industry will be able to manufacture on a large scale these readers for our visually impaired population. As you know, there are many considerations which indicate that caution should be used in recommending any kind of change to the design of currency. The costs of modifications are not only tremendously expensive, but most are useful for only certain portions of the population. The currency-handling system is far-reaching and comprises many segments, including retailers, banks, and private citizens. The industrial sector is also involved in currency changes as a result of capital expenditures and technological research to develop and manufacture devices like cash registers, coin changers, and automated teller machines. There are also policy implications related to new currency. Currency is a tangible representation of the strength of governmental institutions and the U.S. economy. Major changes or logistical problems associated with distribution of bank notes may, at the worst, lead to some loss of public confidence, or even temporary hoarding. There are also a number of not yet ascertained costs to the private sector for adaptation of currency-handling and change­making equipment and other devices which I have mentioned that handle paper money. Ideally, what is needed is a device that has a high utility for the visually impaired population and a minimal impact in equipment and cost for the visually impaired. Electronics and hand-held currency readers seem to fit this bill, and we at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will continue to support its development in any way we can. It is my hope that we will soon have a product that is not only completely dependable, but is affordable to every single person who needs one. But ... We need the support of your organization -- and this before the Congress and the public. Change only occurs when the need is heard and perceived. Following Mr. Leuver's remarks, Scott Marshall, then ACB's Director of Governmental Affairs, spoke to the convention as follows: I wanted the convention body to know that I participated in the 1983 study that the Bureau conducted on research on currency, and I appreciate their positive attitude then, and I appreciate their positive attitude now. I would also like to remind all of you that a few months ago in The Braille Forum ("NIHR Asked to Make Funding for High Tech a Priority," by Scott Marshall, The Braille Forum, February 1985), we carried an article indicating that we had commented to the National Institute on Handicapped Research, letting them know that we wanted this as one of their research priorities -- the miniaturization of an electronic paper money identifier. I think one of the things that we could do as a positive step, in cooperation with Mr. Leuver as he is developing his microchip technology is to let NIHR know that some of their research funds should be contributed to this endeavor. ***** ** News Briefs from the ACB National Office By Oral O. Miller National Representative October picked up where September left off -- with a fast-moving, interesting, busy schedule! For example, hardly had I unpacked my suitcase from taking part in the annual state convention of the Oklahoma Council of the Blind when it was time to leave for historic and picturesque St. Joseph to participate in the state convention of the Missouri Council of the Blind. That convention featured the same enthusiasm, optimism and confidence which several generations earlier had caused St. Joseph to become the starting point of the famous Pony Express as well as to serve as the "jumping off" point for hundreds of wagon trains loaded with westward-bound pioneers. The genuinely upbeat and educational program was concluded with the largest state convention banquet which it has been my pleasure to attend and address. The officers, convention committee, and members of the Missouri Council are to be commended for the exceptional attendance which the convention achieved, particularly in a city which is not the most centrally located in the state. At mid-month, it was my pleasure to speak briefly to the disabled foreign editors who were taking part in an educational tour of the United States under sponsorship of the Travel and Tourism Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department. I suspect that the Editor of The Braille Forum wishes such interesting tours could be arranged by other governments for the benefit of disabled editors from this country. One extremely busy weekend was devoted to participation in the meeting of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes, hosted by the Parkview School for the Blind in Muskogee, Oklahoma. There is no official relationship between the USABA and the American Council of the Blind. However, it is becoming increasingly important for knowledgeable and qualified consumers to be involved in the making of decisions concerning leisure, recreational, and sports activities, in view of their increasing importance in the lives of blind people and the enormous increase of interest in such activities on the part of the Federal Government, the United States Olympic Committee, and the private sector. Those who attended the Las Vegas convention will recall the adoption of National Membership Resolution 85-18 concerning the importance of such input. During October, I took part for the first time in the convention of the New Jersey Council of the Blind, held in Somerset. In addition to hearing an excellent program, I was privileged to discuss with officials of both the New Jersey Council and the ACB of New Jersey the possibility of their conducting a joint convention in 1986. Have you ever received by mail a cassette in the traditional cardboard box, but missing the familiar elastic band that is supposed to hold the box closed? All of us have. And, what is worse, countless cassettes have never reached their destination because they were separated from their mailers. No, we do not have a solution to this problem yet. However, I am pleased to report that the U.S. Postal Service is itself working on developing an improved mailing carton for single cassettes. A prototype which was critiqued by the ACB National Office staff would hopefully eliminate the need for an elastic band. According to the postal official who is conducting the project, such bands frequently get caught in mail-handling equipment. Watch future issues of The Braille Forum for further information on this subject. Near month's end, it was my pleasure to take part in the meeting of the National Advisory Committee of the National Council on the Handicapped, to review the draft of the report and recommendations which the National Council will be making to Congress pursuant to statute during 1986. The only preliminary provision which I found contrary to the interests of blind people related to the possible deletion of Section 7(C) of the Rehabilitation Act, which authorizes, among other things, services for elderly blind people. I objected strongly to the recommendation. Following concurrence by several other members of the Committee, a consensus was reached to eliminate the recommendation. However, there was immediate optimism and encouragement concerning the draft recommendations relating to the civil rights of disabled people. Those recommendations concentrate on restoring rights which have been substantially restricted by recent court decisions and governmental administrative actions. The National Council on the Handicapped will review the re-drafted version and make its report in the near future. The nationally-broadcast Larry King Show on which I was interviewed on November 1 explained to the listening public that there is most assuredly room for blind people to disagree on subjects which had been covered in previous broadcasts of that program. I commend Jim Bohannon of the Mutual Broadcasting System for the considerate, objective, professional manner in which he conducted the program. In view of the fact that many of the positions of the American Council had not been enunciated previously by guests on that program, I await with interest the ways in which the proponents of other points of view will attempt to interpret our positions. I am hopeful that such proponents will calmly accept the fact that there was a need for our views to be heard and to be weighed against views and positions previously aired. One of the low moments of the months came as we said an official farewell to Scott Marshall as he left our staff to join the staff of the American Association of Retired Persons. Although we will not have the use of Scott's indefatigable energy and conscientious dedication as a staff member any longer, we are very fortunate that he will continue to be an active member of the American Council of the Blind. ***** ** ACB Listens to the Wall Street Report By Laura Oftedahl Director of Public Affairs The American Council of the Blind has entered into a mutually beneficial agreement with the Wall Street Journal Radio Network. The concept is a "natural," and both organizations will come out on the winning end. For quite some time, the folks at the Journal's Radio Network had been wondering how to monitor their affiliate stations across the country to confirm if the three-minute radio report on Wall Street news was indeed being aired as agreed to in the contracts. The idea arose: Why not enlist blind people, many of whom have free time on their hands and radios to their ears, to monitor the stations? Well, to make a long story short, the folks from this division of Dow Jones & Co. bounced the idea off of ACB, and we said, "Sure, it sounds like a great way to involve some of our members to help their organization, and an opportunity for us to benefit from the Dow Jones donation." A pilot project covering ten radio markets was successfully completed in late September, and we have just agreed to set up monthly monitoring projects in selected cities throughout the nation. We want to thank those dedicated ACB members who gave their time and energy during the test period. You did such an efficient job that this will now be an ongoing project, with both ACB and the Wall Street Journal benefitting from it. We will be looking for volunteer ACB members to participate, if/when the project is set up in your city. If you fill the requirements listed here and you would like to be considered as an ACB monitor, please contact the ACB National Office and leave your name, address, and phone number. 1. You live in the metropolitan area of one of the cities listed below. 2. You have use of a tape recorder with 1 7/8 ips (standard speed). 3. You are available to listen to a designated radio station and record short program periods between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. mainly weekdays, but weekends may be involved in certain cities. Complete details will be provided to each monitor at the time that a monitoring period is arranged in a specific city. All ACB monitors will receive a handsome certificate of appreciation from Dow Jones & Co. We expect to be conducting monitoring projects in each of the following cities over the next year or so: New York; Greenwich, CT; Stamford, CT; Los Angeles; Chicago; Philadelphia; Princeton, NJ; Wilmington, DE; San Francisco; Boston; Detroit; Dallas; Houston; Cleveland; Pittsburgh; Minneapolis; Miami; Atlanta; Seattle; St. Louis; Tampa; Denver; Sacramento; Baltimore; Hartford; New Haven; Phoenix; Portland, OR; Indianapolis; San Diego; Cincinnati; Kansas City; Milwaukee; Orlando; Daytona Beach; Nashville; New Orleans; Columbus, OH; Oklahoma City; Greenville­Spartanburg-Asheville; Raleigh; Providence; Grand Rapids, MI; Memphis; Salt Lake City; Charleston, WV; San Antonio; Louisville; Norfolk; Birmingham; Harrisburg; Winston-Salem; Albany, NY; Tulsa; Richmond, VA; Wichita; Palm Beach; Albuquerque/Sante Fe; Rochester, NY; Davenport; Chattanooga; Austin; Tucson; Las Vegas; Salinas/Monterey/Santa Cruz; Naples, FL; Santa Barbara, CA; Lubbock, TX; Tallahassee; Palm Springs, CA; Honolulu. ***** ** A Tennessee Homecoming -- 1986 ACB National Convention Knoxville, Tennessee By Regina Campbell Calling all ACBers -- from the hustle and bustle of the northeast to sunny southern California -- from the broad expanses of the Kansas prairies to the warm beaches of Florida -- and from all points in between! Y'all come -- home to Knoxville -- to the 25th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind, June 28-July 5, 1986. Tennessee is celebrating "Homecoming '86" all next year, and we want you to come join in the fun. If you've ever lived in Tennessee (or just thought you might like to visit) -- if you were "country when country wasn't cool" -- if you like down­home friendliness, southern cookin' and warm hospitality -- then Knoxville's the place. Tennessee is where you'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the east and the majestic Mississippi River on the west. Music City USA is right in the middle. There is the excitement of Gatlinburg and many other attractions that cluster around the approaches to the Great Smokies National Park. There are Civil War battlefields and a museum of Appalachian history, as well as the American Museum of Science and Energy, which will give you more than a glimpse of the America of the future. Tennessee is full of the history and lore of the Cherokee Indians who lived in the state until they were moved west on the Trail of Tears. By crossing the Smokies into North Carolina, you can meet the Cherokees who live there still. Knoxville is full of modern hotels, great restaurants, and loads of entertainment. It was the home of the World's Fair in 1982, and many new facilities were built at that time. As an ACB conventioner, you will be staying at one of three modern hotels. The Knoxville Hyatt is a beautiful structure situated atop a hill overlooking the Tennessee River. ACB general sessions, exhibits, and the main registration will be located there. The Knoxville Hilton and the Holiday Inn World's Fair are only three years old and are a short five­minute shuttle ride away. All special­interest meetings and activities will take place in the Hilton. Connected to the Hilton-Holiday Inn complex is the World's Fair site, consisting of a fabulous outdoor amphitheater and spacious picnic grounds. Many fun­filled activities will be planned there throughout Convention Week. Room rates for the 1986 ACB convention are $32.00 per day, singles, doubles, triples and quads. Now is not too early to make those room reservations; they are already coming in. To make your reservations, contact the Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau (preferably in writing) at P.O. Box 15012, Knoxville, TN 37901; (615) 523-7263. Because of the changes in the convention schedule this year, we will bring you information on important dates and meetings as it becomes available. Make a note of these details each month, as they will assist you in making your travel arrangements and convention plans. As of this writing, meeting dates have been confirmed for three of ACB' s special-interest affiliates. The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA), the Visually Impaired Data Processors International (VIDPI), and the Visually Impaired Secretarial/Transcribers Association (VISTA) will hold their conferences from Saturday, June 28, through Tuesday, July 1. If you have comments, suggestions, or questions concerning the upcoming 1986 ACB convention, address them to one of the following: Helen Wild, Chairperson 1986 ACB Convention Committee P.O. Box 4151 Chattanooga, TN 37405 (615) 267-2287 Carla Franklin ACB Convention Coordinator 148 N. Vernon Avenue Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 897-1472 John Horst Assistant ACB Convention Coordinator 96 N. Pennsylvania Avenue Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 (717) 826-2364 ***** ** Department of Justice Appeals ACB Victory in Section 504 Suit By Lynn Abbott, Legal Assistant In 1983, the American Council of the Blind, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities filed a lawsuit against the Civil Aeronautics Board for the purpose of broadening the coverage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to include all major airlines. In January 1985, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rendered a favorable decision, stating that the 1982 regulations of the Civil Aeronautics Board must include Section 504 non-discrimination provisions to protect the rights of handicapped air travelers. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Justice has decided to challenge the logic of the Circuit Court's opinion and has appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on October 21 stated that it will hear the case next spring. The apparent reason the Department of Justice has decided to appeal the decision is that it believes the major airlines do not receive "Federal financial assistance" within the meaning of Section 504. The American Council of the Blind as well as the other plaintiffs disagree with the Justice Department and maintain that air travel would be impossible without some form of Federal assistance. For example, Federal employees operate the air traffic control system and Federal funds build airports and runways. Without these Federally­funded services and benefits, air travel would be impossible. The American Council of the Blind is distressed that the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has appealed the lower court's ruling. Blind and visually impaired air travelers need Section 504's protection to ensure that discrimination by the major airlines will not be tolerated. If ACB is successful in defending its position before the Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of Transportation will revise its regulations regarding air travel to reflect Section 504's intent. However, if the Justice Department succeeds on appeal, blind and visually impaired passengers could be subject to the whims of airline personnel. It appears that the Civil Rights Division has a great deal to learn about the needs and rights of handicapped persons. ***** ** Let's Take a Cruise! By Judy Pool Taking a cruise has been a long­time personal dream of mine. Well, actually, it's more than just a dream: it's a goal! Sailing on a large, comfortable ship with lots of excited passengers, enjoying all sorts of leisure activities, has been on my "want" list long enough. Since life tends to move at such a rapid pace, I am already planning ahead to accomplish this particular goal: I am going on a cruise! The Oklahoma Council of the Blind has joined with Rainbow Travel Service, Inc., of Oklahoma City in coordinating two cruises specifically designed for a group of thirty visually impaired persons. The first cruise is a three-night voyage on the Norwegian cruise liner, Sunward II, sailing to Nassau and to Norwegian Caribbean Cruise Line's private island. The second is a more extensive seven-night excursion on the Royal Caribbean liner, Song of America. This cruise will sail to Nassau, San Juan, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Both the Sunward II and the Song of America sail from and to the port of Miami. Cruise dates for the Sunward II are April 18-21, 1986, and cruise dates for the Song of America are August 31-September 7, 1986. Start planning now! Your next question is anticipated: What about the cost? Are you aware that a cruise is the most economical travel bargain available? Cruise prices are inclusive of round-trip air fare from any city in the United States to Miami, all gratuities while on the cruise, lodging, three meals daily, plus brunches, snacks and midnight buffets, city touring charges, all sorts of entertainment aboard the ship, plus a tour guide from Rainbow Travel Service, Inc. In other words, the one price pays absolutely everything except cocktails and souvenirs. Rates for the Sunward II range from $715.00 to $765.00 per person, depending on whether you choose an inside or outside room and the number of people sharing that room (some rooms will accommodate up to four people and still have a private bath). Rates for the Song of America range from $1,399.00 to $1,475.00 -- here again depending on location of the room and the number of people sharing the accommodation. Children do receive reduced rates. Reservations for the Sunward II must be made with a $125.00 deposit, with the balance to be paid by March 1, 1986. The reservation deposit for the Song of America is $250.00, with the balance due by July 1, 1986. If circumstances should make it impossible for you to take the cruise after the deposit and balance are paid, all or part of the money is refundable, depending on when you notify the travel agency. You will find these rates even more attractive if you do some comparison shopping. It has been reported from time to time that blind people have been denied travel opportunities based on their disability. The Rainbow Travel Service, Inc., assures that all visually impaired persons traveling in these groups will be welcome aboard the ship. No ophthalmological reports are required, and no eye examinations will be conducted on the ship. Blind persons must be made aware that the ship environment can be an orientation problem; therefore, a reliable sighted companion would be extremely helpful. Furthermore, a visual description of the beautiful scenery always adds a little pleasure to the experience. At any rate, you will not be left ashore because of your visual disability. Neither are you guaranteed a sighted personal guide for the cruise. Special brochures and general cruise information are available in print. Special information on both the Sunward II and Song of America cruises is available in braille, large­type, and cassette tape at no charge, as long as the supply lasts. Mail reservation requests to: Judy Pool, OCB Travel Coordinator, 1919 N.W. 30th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Make checks payable to Rainbow Travel Service, Inc. If you wish to telephone with questions or comments, you may call Judy Pool at (405) 525-0635 in the evening, or Helen Nash, Rainbow Travel Service, Inc., (405) 528-5741 during regular working hours. Written information can be received and processed in print, braille, or cassette tape. Let's take a cruise! ***** ** Partially Sighted Student Receives First CCLV Scholarship Gina Rae Adams, a partially sighted student at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), Philadelphia, has been awarded a scholarship by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLV). Ms. Adams is a student in the Master's degree program in Vision Rehabilitation and was the first partially sighted person to be accepted into the program. She is a speech therapist on leave of absence from the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children in Pittsburgh. She is one of fifteen students participating in a rigorous one-year post­graduate course aimed at helping professionals get the training they need to deal more effectively with people who have some useful remaining vision. According to the National Institute for Handicapped Research, there are an estimated 11 million people in the United States alone with major vision loss that stops short of functional blindness. "These are people who probably cannot be helped by surgery or other conventional eye care approaches," said Audrey J. Smith, founder and director of the program. "About 90 percent of our nation's severely visually impaired population is not totally blind, but has some degree of useful remaining vision. These people are under-served and their needs are not being met, even though help is available." Gina Adams was chosen for the Master's degree program despite blindness in her right eye and only partial use of her left eye. She was selected from applicants in 26 countries because "we firmly believe she will make an impact and because of her strong commitment to work in the low-vision field," Smith said. Previously, students in the program have been fully sighted teachers of the blind, mobility instructors who teach travel techniques, rehabilitation workers, optometrists, and others with professional backgrounds in the vision field. Ms. Adams helped found a CCLV Western Pennsylvania chapter and served as its first president. The $1,000 award she recently received is known as the Carl E. Foley Scholarship, in honor of CCLV's immediate past president. Ms. Adams was selected to receive the newly created scholarship by a PCO faculty committee, in cooperation with CCLV. Foley himself presented the award in brief ceremonies at the College. The Council of Citizens with Low Vision is a nationwide consumer advocacy organization within the American Council of the Blind. Dr. Elizabeth Lennon is current CCLV President. ***** ** First Japan-U.S.A. Conference of Persons with Disabilities By Durward K. McDaniel I was one of fourteen Americans who met with 25 Japanese delegates, representing the major disability constituencies and advocacy organizations of Japan and the United States. The conference was held August 21-28, 1985, in Tokyo, but with a brief session also in Osaka, Japan. We dealt extensively with matters of mutual interest and concern. We considered plans for cooperative action in areas of disability policy, the disability rights movement, international outreach to and for disabled people in less developed countries, and disability­related technology. The conference was proposed by Senator Eita Yashiro, a wheelchair user and a former television performer, who is a prominent member of the Upper House of the Japanese Diet. He is an authentic advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. The American delegation was chaired by Michael Winter, Director of the Berkeley, California, Center for Independent Living. The conference was promoted and organized by Senator Yashiro, Michael Winter, and Justin W. Dart, Jr., who is undoubtedly one of the foremost leaders of the disability rights movement in America. The opening session was addressed by Prince Tomohito of Mikasa and by the Japanese Minister of Health and Welfare, Hiroyuki Masuoka, who read a message from Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. Two United States Senators, Daniel Inouye of Hawaii and Robert Dole of Kansas, were honorary chairmen of the conference. Senator Dole presented a message to the conference by video tape. Justin Dart read a personally signed letter from President Ronald Reagan. In Japanese tradition, gifts were presented at appropriate times to the American delegates, including those from the Prince and the Prime Minister. There were many individual presentations of gifts by delegates and assisting participants, and Justin Dart presented gifts from President Reagan to the Japanese delegates — pins for the women and tie clasps and cuff links for the men, which bore the Presidential seal. One afternoon of the conference was devoted to workshops on six specific disabilities. The one on visual impairment was moderated by Masahiro Muratani, Vice Chairman of the Japanese delegation and President of the Japan Federation of the Blind. It was attended by about 30 blind Japanese. Don Galloway, the other blind American delegate, who is Director of the District of Columbia Center for Independent Living, and I participated as speakers. I delivered a speech to the general conference on the disability rights movement in the United States, with specific reference to my experience in the organized blind movement. I found the bilingual interpreters at the conference to be very good, and I especially appreciated the assistance of the Red Cross volunteers. Don Galloway and I spent an evening with several blind people and related volunteers at the Library for the Blind in Tokyo. They were members of the Japan Association of the Blind. We exchanged information about our countries, and we were their guests for dinner that evening. I was surprised to learn how much is going on in Japan by and for blind people. Their vocational choices are not as varied as ours, but as we have come to expect and to respect, they are very serious, productive people. I found two readers of The Braille Forum there. It was agreed that there should be established the Japan-U.S.A. Exchange Center of Persons with Disabilities. It is to provide for the exchange of information and personnel among the disabled communities of Japan, the United States, and other nations. At the August 24 session, the delegates unanimously approved a Declaration of Principles, Goals and Rights, which follows this article. It was also agreed that there will be a second conference next year in the United States, probably in Washington, D.C. ***** ** Joint Statement of the Delegations First Japan-U.S.A. Conference of Persons with Disabilities August 24, 1985 During the past century, persons with disabilities have dramatically demonstrated their potential to live independently and to be equal, productive members of society. However, the vast majority of the more than 500 million disabled people in the world continue to be subjected to massive traditional discrimination, paternalistic oppression and material psychological and social deprivation. Decisive action must be taken to remedy this intolerable situation. 1. The more than 50 million individuals with disabilities in Japan and the U.S.A. must unite with their disabled colleagues in all nations, and with people everywhere who love independence and justice, to create independent living programs in their communities, and effective disability rights advocacy organization at the local, national and international levels. They must firmly establish in the consciousness of their societies that all human beings -- disabled and non-disabled -- and the families, communities and nations which they constitute, are absolutely responsible to prevent disability and to create a physical and social environment in which the independence and prosperity of every person will be assured. 2. Certain principles are universally recognized as being fundamental to the rational realization of the individual human being and interdependent human society. These principles clearly apply to persons with disabilities, and require specific, immediate action. * The existence and dignity of each human life is equally sacred and inviolable. * All persons with disabilities have the same rights as other human beings. * All persons with disabilities have the fundamental right and responsibility to demand and to receive the sustenance and the medical, rehabilitative and social services necessary to live a full span of life in the least restrictive and most dignified and productive environment possible. Such environment must be chosen by the disabled persons or, when appropriate, by their legal guardians, from a range of choices. * All persons with disabilities have a fundamental right and responsibility to fulfill their personal potential to exercise independent control over their own lives, to participate fully and equally in the mainstream of society, and to preserve and maximize the quality of life for themselves and for all people. * Disabled persons must be provided affordable access to public and private facilities, services and activities which are open to other citizens, including, but not limited to, access to communications, transportation, attendant care, housing, health care and legal services. In addition, disabled people must never be denied services because of lack of funds. * All persons are entitled to be protected as far as possible from the risks of becoming disabled. The causes of disability are very diverse, some occurring before, during or at any time after birth. Among the causes which can be at least partly prevented are malnutrition, infectious diseases, environmental contaminants, vehicular and other accidents, drugs, tobacco and alcohol addiction, prematurity and specific genetic anomalies. * All persons with disabilities have a fundamental right to full public and private support for and protection of their basic human rights. All nations must enact and vigorously enforce laws, and provide for the establishment of affordable public and private services which affirmatively and effectively support the efforts of persons with disabilities to achieve their maximum quality of life, potential, independence, productivity, and equitable participation in society. Such laws must protect them from any discrimination whatsoever, whether intended or not, that has the effect of limiting their rights. 3. The disabled people, the government and all citizens of Japan, the U.S.A. and all other nations must unite in decisive action to provide the basic necessities of life and productive independence to those uncounted, forgotten millions throughout the world who, denied the very minimum of social status, nutrition, shelter, and medical and rehabilitative services required to maintain a standard of living that could be called human, have been abandoned to lingering misery and premature death. All societies must undertake massive programs of education — through all education and communications media — to eliminate traditional prejudice and misinformation, and to prepare each person to prevent disability, and to deal with it effectively when it occurs. 4. Persons with disabilities have a right to share equally in the benefits of modern science technology and methodology. Disabled people and their supporters and the governments and private-sector organizations of Japan and the U.S.A. should work together to promote and organize greatly increased public and private research, planning and development designed to utilize our cultures' major resources to prevent disability and to maximize the independence, quality of life and productivity of disabled people. This project should have full and visible support of the highest levels of the governments of Japan, the U.S.A. and all other technologically advanced nations. It should be pursued with that sense of historic drama and transcending priority which is consistent with the project and that will determine the survival and quality of life of hundreds of millions of persons with disabilities in this and future generations. Human beings have demonstrated that they can travel to the moon and beyond. Now, let them utilize the awesome power of modern science to fulfill their most fundamental responsibilities to the preservation and quality of life on earth. Nations in which all citizens achieve their full personal potential will be nations that love peace. 5. The Conference has recommended the establishment of the "Japan-U.S.A. Exchange Center of Persons with Disabilities." The Center will provide for the exchange of information and personnel among the disabled communities of Japan, the U.S.A. and the other nations. Emphasis will be placed on enabling individuals and organizations to contribute to the independence, equality, productivity, and full social participation of persons with disabilities. 6. The Conference has appointed a committee to pursue the implementation of its recommendations and to plan the organization of a Second Japan-U.S.A. Conference of Persons with Disabilities, to be held in the United States. Hirokuni Dazai, Chairperson, Steering committee Michael Winter, Co-Chairperson of the U.S.A. Delegation Senator Eita Yashiro, Co­Chairperson of the Japan Delegation ***** ** Artworks Sought for International Art Show by Disabled Artists Artists with a disability are invited to enter their artworks in the 23rd Annual Sister Kenny Institute International Art Show by Disabled Artists. Artworks should be sent to the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis no later than February 15, 1986. The art show will be held from April 4 to May 6, 1986. Any artist with a physical or mental disability which limits one or more major life activities (such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, or working) is eligible to enter up to three pieces of art. All media are accepted, including oils, acrylics, pen-and-ink, water colors, pastels, sculpture, and photography. If anything potentially breakable is sent, it must be professionally packaged. We cannot be responsible for breakage, and for that reason, we cannot accept ceramics or pottery. More than $1,300.00 in prize money will be awarded. Works will be judged in the following categories: oils and acrylics, water colors, graphics, sculpture, drawing, and photography. Other art forms will be exhibited and sold, but not judged. The art show is co-sponsored by the Abbott-Northwestern-Sister Kenny (ANSK) Auxiliary and the Sister Kenny Institute. Artists interested in entry forms or further information may contact: Art Show, Public Relations Department, Sister Kenny Institute, 800 E. 28th Street at Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407; (612) 874-4482. ***** ** You Can Fight City Hall! By Shirley Mussillo At its March 1985 meeting, the New York City chapter of the American Council of the Blind discussed the fact that New York City Civil Service tests are not given in braille, large-print, or on a cassette tape checked for errors. Only an amanuensis was available to legally blind persons, and the quality of these readers was often poor, especially with reference to interpreting charts and graphs, always a part of these tests. Two tests were upcoming, one for caseworker and another for hospital caseworker. We knew of seven persons interested in taking these tests in order to improve their current employment. Therefore, the Legislative Committee of three members was determined to change New York City's personnel practices. When the test for caseworker came up in May, we were far from our goal. However, the poor quality of the readers for that test helped to strengthen our case. Committee members wrote many letters and made countless phone calls to anyone and everyone who might listen and help. We encountered indifference, lack of understanding, and misconceptions about the cost of offering tests in the mode of a candidate's choice. We explained patiently, logically, politely, helpfully — telling the Personnel Department how our requests could be met with minimal cost and still provide the best possible product. The second test, that for hospital caseworker, was postponed until the City could look into the matter, based upon the information we had provided. And then one day in September, seven months later, victory was ours -- and how sweet it is! A letter from the Examining Service Division, City of New York Department of Personnel, to a candidate who had requested the exam in braille reads in part as follows: Dear Candidate: The examination for Caseworker ... will probably be rescheduled for a date in November 1985. We will provide the examination in braille, on a taped recording, or in large­type for candidates who have requested special accommodations because of visual impairment. Since you had previously provided documentation that you are legally blind, we are writing at this time to advise that the test will be made available to you in braille, as you requested. In addition, we will provide you with a reader-writer and double time to complete the examination. ... What we have done, you can do, too, if your community does not yet provide for various ways for a legally blind person to take a Civil Service examination. If a limited number of positions are available, it is vital that a candidate do well on the test. It is estimated that the traditional method of giving tests to the blind -- having them read aloud -- can lower test­takers' scores by as much as 15 points because of mispronunciation by the readers. Even if all who pass will be hired, the person high on the list could get the job a year sooner. ***** ** Victory for a Delaware Vendor By Lynn Abbott, Legal Assistant The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on September 9, 1985, issued a favorable decision in the Albanese case. Robert Albanese is a blind vendor licensed under the Randolph-Sheppard Act by the State of Delaware. In August 1979, Albanese applied to the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired for a management position in a food vending facility in Georgetown, Delaware. State law provides that when a management position is to be filled, the most senior qualified applicant is to be offered the job. In this case, however, the Delaware Division appointed a less senior applicant to the position. Albanese filed a grievance which resulted in a hearing and subsequent determination that Albanese, being the most senior qualified applicant, should have been installed as manager of the Georgetown vending facility. Unfortunately, the hearing examiner did not allow a portion of Albanese's legal fees to be paid, nor did the examiner award Albanese the increased income he would have earned between the time he should have been appointed and the time he actually began work. Albanese filed a complaint with the Secretary of Education in which he sought the unpaid legal fees incurred as well as back pay. The complaint was submitted to arbitration, and the arbitrators concluded that Albanese should receive both the unpaid legal fees and back pay. The Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired, dissatisfied with the arbitration panel's decision, filed suit against the Department of Education in District Court. The District Court disagreed with the determination of the arbitration panel and reversed the panel's decision. Albanese appealed the decision to the Circuit Court. The Third Circuit Court, as noted above, issued a favorable opinion and reversed the District Court's decision, stating that attorney's fees are an appropriate remedy in cases which involve the breach of a Randolph-Sheppard contract. Additionally, the Court concluded that Albanese was entitled to back pay. The Albanese decision represents a victory not only for Robert Albanese, but for all blind vendors in the state of Delaware. The Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired has been informed by the Third Circuit Court in no uncertain terms that it is expected to follow the letter of the law with regard to the Randolph-Sheppard Act. In light of this recent decision, the American Council of the Blind believes that an important precedent has been established, which hopefully will be followed by other states in the administration of the Randolph-Sheppard program. ***** ** Alarm Systems for the Handicapped Applied Concepts Corporation is working on contract with the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, entitled "Alarms Documentation Project." The purpose of the project is to obtain and analyze information concerning public fire alarm systems for the vision, hearing, and mobility impaired. The A&TBCB will determine whether amendments are necessary to the Minimum Guidelines and Requirements which deal with alarms. Therefore, Applied Concepts is inviting you to tell of your experience with public fire alarms and life safety systems. We are interested in receiving letters from you explaining your experiences with alarm systems, good or bad, telling where and when the experience took place. Please send your letter to: Mrs. Judy M. Winkfield, Applied Concepts Corporation, P.O. Box 190, 405 Stoney Creek Blvd., Edinburg, VA 22824. ***** ** High Tech Swap Shop * For Sale: VersaBraille P2C. Like new. $3,150.00. Contact Kim Lingo, 3603 Tennyson Street, San Diego, CA 92106; (619) 222-8994. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon John Henry "Blind John" Davis, a Chicago blues pianist with an international following, has died at the age of 71. Davis was born in Hattiesburg, MS, in 1913 and moved to Chicago at the age of 2. He lost his sight when he was 9 years old. Although his repertoire was drenched in blues, it wasn't limited to that. A Davis performance could range from show tunes to standards. Dr. Abraham Nemeth, who developed braille music symbols and math and science codes, was honored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind recently. Nemeth, who is blind, retired in July after 30 years of teaching at the University of Detroit. He was presented with a plaque which reads: "Abraham Nemeth, creator of braille symbols for higher learning, we commemorate your sparkling creativity in opening the vast world of mathematics, science and music to blind and visually impaired people throughout the world." The Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation is the official mathematics code for blind people throughout the United States and in many parts of the world. From Talking Book Topics: A stylized figure of a person walking with an outstretched cane has been adopted by the World Blind Union as the international symbol for blindness. The Union recommends that the white cane design be used as a logo-type on letterheads and magazines, as a traffic sign, as a symbol of access, and in other appropriate ways. The design has already been used as a traffic sign in many parts of the world. For a copy of the design, write World Blind Union Secretariat, 58 Avenue Bosquet, 75007, Paris, France. The Business of Living with Retinitis Pigmentosa, by Dorothy Stiefel, is now available on cassette in English, Spanish, and French, as well as in large-print in English. In the booklet, Ms. Stiefel offers advice based upon her own experience with loss of sight. Cost of the booklet is $3.00 for large-print, $5.00 for cassette. Order from: Business of Living, P.O. Box 8388, Corpus Christi, TX 78412. "The Assertive Consumer" is a consumer education course on three 90-minute cassettes. Included are segments on shopping, marketing methods, money, health care, and financial planning. Cost is $12.00. Order from: In Touch Network, Inc., 322 W. 48th Street, New York, NY 10036. Since its inception in 1951, Recording for the Blind has served more than 100,000 blind and print-handicapped students, researchers, and professionals in all 50 states, Canada, and 50 foreign countries, according to the agency's brochure. During the past year, 3,677 new titles were recorded by 5,000 RFB volunteers in 29 recording studios around the country. RFB serves as many as 350 borrowers a week, the year long. The new Subject Reference System enables students to find all RFB books that relate to a particular area of study and to locate any related items in the Library of Congress collection and other tape libraries throughout the country. For further information, contact Recording for the Blind, 20 Roszel Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. Geraldine Scholl, Professor of Education at the University of Michigan, was awarded the Migel Medal, given annually by the American Foundation for the Blind "to honor professionals whose dedication and achievement have significantly improved the lives of blind and visually impaired people." During her 43-year career as teacher, researcher and administrator in the field of blindness, Dr. Scholl has led efforts to improve standards for teacher competency, to upgrade assessment techniques, to provide visually impaired youngsters with vocational counseling and training, and to increase interaction between researchers and practitioners. The award was presented on October 4 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. "Art is for everyone!" is the philosophy of a new company, Tactile Art Products, 405 Oak Tree Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119. The company offers several products to enable blind and visually impaired persons to engage in creative art activities. Among these are the Art Box, with its specially designed drawing pad to enable visually impaired individuals to create colored drawings and sketches, and brailled water colors for the serious artist. Write the company for a free catalog. One of the findings revealed by a nationwide survey conducted by the National Society to Prevent Blindness is a striking contrast between attitudes and practices of parents regarding eye examinations for their pre-school children. According to the Society's 1985 report, the survey showed that eight out of ten parents of young children believed that children should have an eye examination before they begin school. However, the reality is that 54% of parents of 3-to 5-year-olds say their children have not been to an eye doctor. An estimated 474,000 pre-schoolers, aged 3 to 5, have vision problems. Innovative Rehabilitation Technology, Inc. (IRTI), 26699 Snell Lane, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022, is pleased to announce its Talking Tape Recorder, Model TR-101. Weighing under two pounds, this slim-line, desk-top adapted Sony includes the following features: four-track or two­track Record/Play, either at standard speed or in Library of Congress format; speed adjustable at either 15/16 or 1 7/8 ips; built-in speaker; operates on either four C cell batteries or on AC (AC cord included). Dimensions: 2 by 5 by 10 inches. Position Available: Orientation and adjustment teacher, Nevada Department of Human Resources, Rehabilitation Division. Minimum qualifications: graduation from an accredited college or university, plus at least one year's experience in teaching braille, typing, physical conditioning, mobility and other alternative techniques used by the blind, or academic teaching. Additional pertinent experience may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the education required. Person appointed will be required to complete all course work necessary to obtain Library of Congress certification as a braille transcriber or proofreader prior to expiration of the 12-month probationary period, and to demonstrate proficiency in typing. Must be willing to travel throughout the state. For further information, contact Kevin Hull at (702) 789-0450, or: Colleen A. Nelson, Department of Human Resources, Rehabilitation Division, 505 E. King Street, Room 502, Carson City, NV 89710; (702) 885-4440. The American Legion, an organization of 2.6 million military service veterans, has for several years produced its monthly publication, The American Legion Magazine, on flexible disc. The magazine contains articles on subjects of current national interest to all Americans and information concerning veterans' benefits and legislation. The Talking American Legion Magazine is available on a no-cost subscription basis to all American veterans and to institutions, including public libraries, nursing homes, and veterans care facilities. Additional information may be obtained by writing: The Talking American Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. The Alumni Association of the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children will make the convention of 1987 something special. We will be helping the school celebrate its centennial. Former students who qualify for membership in the Association, and all graduates who are interested in this centennial should write to: Alumni Association of the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, 201 N. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The following mailgram was sent on October 23 to Mr. and Mrs. Doc Watson by National Representative Oral Miller on behalf of the American Council of the Blind: "We were saddened today on learning of the untimely death of your son and musical partner, Merle. The members of the American Council of the Blind remember fondly the outstanding concert which you and he gave at our national convention in Philadelphia. The world has lost an outstanding musician, and we share your grief at the loss of your beloved son." Arkansas will celebrate its sesquicentennial during the year 1986. The program for the 1986 annual convention of the Arkansas Council of the Blind, to be held March 14-15 in Little Rock, will focus on the contributions blind persons have made to the state during the past 150 years. Arkansas may well be the only state which has had a blind governor. At the convention will honor ex-governor Bob Riley, who is now living in Arkadelphia. He was elected Lt. Governor in a hard-fought campaign and succeeded to the governorship when then Governor Dale Bumpers became U.S. Senator. Robert M. Gray has been named Executive Director of the RP Foundation -- only the second in the Foundation's 14-year history. An Illinois native, he comes from a long and successful tenure with the National Easter Seal Society, where most recently he was Deputy Director of Development. "Silvana" braille watches -- new design, flat line, comes in colorful dials, straps and bracelets. Built with the famous "ETA" movement from a traditional Swiss manufacturer, at attractive prices. For more information and a free brochure, write: Time and Time, Inc., 225 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012; or call collect: (212) 219-8584. Checkrite is a program that allows blind Apple users to write checks in a desired format without spelling out the amount. It features storage and retrieval of all check information, plus a mailing address program. Cost: $30.00. For additional information, write: Alice Lee, 29 Maple Drive, Swoyersville, PA 18704. ***** ** Calendar of Events This Calendar of Events is prepared by the Public Affairs Director in the National Office of the American Council of the Blind to assist ACB affiliates as well as national organizations of and for the blind in publicizing their events. We need your conference dates to maintain this popular service. Please contact Laura Oftedahl at 1-800-424-8666 as soon as your meetings are set. January 24-26, 1986 - Bay State Council of the Blind State Convention - Boston, MA March 14-15 - Arkansas Council of the Blind State Convention - Little Rock May 4-6 - Louisiana Council of the Blind State Convention - Baton Rouge June 7 - Connecticut Council of the Blind Spring Convention - Wallingford ***** ** ACB Officers * President: Grant Mack 139 East South Temple Suite 5000 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 * First Vice President: Dr. Otis H. Stephens 2021 Kemper Lane, S.W. Knoxville, TN 37920 * Second Vice President: Durward K. McDaniel 9468 Singing Quail Drive Austin, TX 78758 * Secretary: Karen Perzentka 6913 Colony Drive Madison, WI 53717 * Treasurer: LeRoy Saunders Box 24020 Oklahoma City, OK 73124 * Contributing Editor Elizabeth Lennon 1315 Greenwood Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 ###