The Braille Forum Vol. XXIV May 1986 No. 11 Published Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Mary T. Ballard, Editor ***** Promoting Independence and Effective Participation in Society 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 THE BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, large-type, and cassette tape (15/16 ips). 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 Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. You may wish to remember a relative or 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 wish to contact the ACB National Office. For the latest legislative and governmental news, call the Washington Connection. Toll-free: Daily, 5:30 P.M. to midnight Eastern time -- 1-800-424-8666 Washington, D.C., metropolitan area: 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 A.M. Eastern time, weekdays and all day weekends and holidays -- 393-3664. Copyright 1986 American Council of the Blind ***** ** Contents President's Message, by Grant Mack Library Services Lose Ground, by Kim Charlson News Briefs from the ACB National Office, by Oral O. Miller Details, Details ... -- 1986 ACB Convention Notes F.Y. '87 Budget Makes Slow Progress; Rehab Reauthorization Moves Forward, by Kathleen Megivern Hands-On Halley's Comet Kit Opens the World of Astronomy to the Blind, by Dr. Mae Davidow Injunction Granted Under Section 501, by Lynn Abbott "Now Hear This!" -- ACB of New York Showcases Professional Blind Musicians Blind Skier Wins Merit Award RP-FIND -- A Nationwide Search User Network and Evaluation Center Needs Your Help Blind Americans "Break the Ice" in Speed Skating Tips for the Home Shopper, by Lynn Abbott Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week Technology Notes Usher's Syndrome Family Learning Vacation Program High Tech Swap Shop Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Calendar of Events ACB Officers ***** ** President's Message By Grant Mack Those of you who have been reading this column for any length of time will not be surprised at this time of year to find me commenting about Mazatlan, Mexico. This delightful city, with its powdery white sandy beach stretching for miles, its gentle surf and absolutely perfect temperature continue to draw my wife and me and a few close friends to it like a magnet. With a population of approximately 500,000, it lies 800 miles south of the Arizona border and features a climate very similar to that of Hawaii. Tourism and the largest shrimp fleet in the world are its chief industries. Even though relaxing on the beach and soaking up sunshine and surf continues to attract us to this lovely part of the world, I find it difficult to eliminate troubled feelings which prevail when I think of the plight of blind and other handicapped people who must live and work there. Uneven and broken sidewalks, irregular patterns of curbs and streets, and buses with narrow doors and steep steps on entry and exit are symptomatic of the inattention given to the needs of handicapped people in Mexico. Attempts in past years to locate any blind people, young or old, have proved almost fruitless. Average citizens, when questioned, seem to have no knowledge of any blind persons. Families with known blind children and young adults tend to hide them from the outside world. Three years ago, an English-speaking cab driver and I spent an entire afternoon trying to track down a 21-year-old blind girl who had always "just left" the house we were directed to. It could have been they were suspicious of the blind "gringo." However, there seems to be a pervasive feeling to over-protect blind family members. These attitudes, combined with the great dearth of educational services, make it very difficult for these people to realize any fulfillment of their potential. As a result of these and other experiences, I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of a new special-interest organization which is being considered. Spearheaded by the enthusiasm of Maria Lopez of the East Los Angeles Chapter of the California Council of the Blind, an attempt will be made to organize a new group to be called the International Friendly Circle of the Blind. Its main purpose will be to share some of what we have with our blind Mexican friends south of the border. Others in the American Council of the Blind have expressed a similar interest. If you share these concerns, and if you are interested in this kind of project, Maria would be very pleased to hear from you. Also, be sure to consult the convention program for the notice of meeting time, etc. If you care to write, you may address correspondence to Maria Lopez at 3925 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023; (213) 268-4526. ***** ** Library Services Lose Ground By Kim Charlson An article to be considered for the Ned E. Freeman Award for Writing Excellence) Due to cuts mandated by both the Legislative Branch appropriations bill for fiscal year 1986, which was signed last November, and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman­Hollings), library services for the blind and physically handicapped have experienced, and will continue to experience, significant cutbacks. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) has been forced by these mandates to reduce its budget for fiscal year 1986 by $4,283,000, or 11.7 percent. This has resulted in a number of unfortunate cutbacks in the NLS program. Braille and recorded magazine subscriptions have been frozen at the February 1986 level. This means new readers subscribing to a specific magazine through their cooperating regional library will be placed on a waiting list and notified by the producer by letter. As subscribers are dropped from the mailing list of a specific magazine, the producer will then add new names to the list. In addition, a recorded young-adult magazine will not be added to the NLS magazine program at the present time. Such a periodical had been scheduled for inclusion in the program in 1986 to replace the Young Adult Magazine of the Month program which was dropped in December 1985. The Braille Magazine of the Quarter was also dropped from the program, effective immediately, with Cross-Country Skier being the last offering. The Braille Magazine of the Quarter was intended to serve as a magazine browsing program, and through its cancellation NLS can guarantee that subscriptions to all other regular braille periodicals will continue through 1986. These cuts have also impacted the number of talking and braille books which can be produced in this fiscal year. Cassette book production will be reduced by 100 titles to 1,250 books. Likewise, press and hand-copied braille production will be cut by 110 titles. Cuts have also affected the music section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The Music Article Guide project has been dropped from the music program. This project included the production of the Music Article Guide on cassette and in braille, as well as the recording and brailling of specific indexed articles which were requested by patrons. Effective April 30, 1986, the NLS Multistate Center for the South in Daytona Beach, Florida, will be closed. Services to the southern region will be transferred to the multistate center in Cincinnati, Ohio, which has been renamed the Multistate Center for the Midlands/South. Multistate centers provide support services to regional and sub-regional libraries and maintain equipment and supplies which libraries can order, as well as handle the inter-library loan program for recorded, braille, and hand-copied braille titles. The future undoubtedly will hold additional cutbacks. Already projected is the reduction in financial support in, 1986 of the monthly periodical, The Braille Mirror. All NLS monetary support to produce this magazine will be discontinued totally in 1987. Produced by the Braille Institute of America, The Braille Mirror has been published since 1926. The Braille Institute is currently investigating other sources for financing the production of this magazine. To see the depth of the budgetary cuts laid out certainly makes one realize the extent of the fiscal emergency. NLS has attempted to make the necessary cuts in a manner which will not seriously impact the majority of individual readers. No matter how unfair or discriminatory we feel these actions may be, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has no choice. Gramm-Rudman-Hollings is in effect and must be adhered to. The future level of reductions will be larger and eventually will make very significant service decreases. Gramm-Rudman-Hollings was drafted and passed by the United States Congress. We, as constituents, can certainly make our views known regarding the cuts called for by this legislation. If Congress enacts legislation, they have the power to amend such legislation. Make your views regarding the impact of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings known. It's up to us to effect change. (Kim Charlson, a member of the American Council of the Blind, is the Assistant Director at the Massachusetts Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, Mass.) ***** ** News Briefs from the ACB National Office By Oral O. Miller National Representative The month of March lived up to at least part of its reputation, in that it "came in like a lion." However, it went out the same way as far as the ACB National Office was concerned. For example, as the April 1 deadline approached, the last of approximately 350 scholarship applications came in from a group of exceptionally well qualified applicants. The massive job of screening the applications on a preliminary basis started late in the month and went on almost non-stop until all had been processed and were ready for further consideration under the supervision of the ACB Scholarship Committee. The names and outstanding backgrounds of the winners will be announced in an upcoming issue of The Braille Forum and featured at the 1986 ACB national convention in Knoxville in July. In view of the tremendous number of exceptionally qualified applicants and the limited resources available for scholarship aid, this is one program that could easily be expanded many times over without "scratching the surface" in meeting the needs of deserving students. Early in the month, the ACB National Representative, along with the ACB President and the ACB Second Vice President, participated in the annual meeting of the Legislative Action Project in New York City. The purpose of this project, which was started several years ago, is to bring together representatives of organizations of and for the blind having active governmental monitoring programs, for the purpose of sharing information and coordinating actions. The specific actions to be taken are decided upon for the most part by the Washington, D.C. members of the Legislative Working Group, which meets regularly to share information and coordinate appropriate action in cases where coordinated action is desirable from the point of view of the participating organizations. The American Council of the Blind was represented by several staff members at the mid-month reception announcing the opening of the Washington office of the Association of Radio Reading Services (ARRS) and the appointment of its voluntary executive director, Bernard Posner. Mr. Posner is the former Executive Director of the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. He brings many years of experience on the Washington scene to this position and will surely be able to advance the cause of the radio reading service concept very effectively. Inasmuch as the new office is located on the premises of the American Association of Retired Persons, perhaps greater utilization of radio reading services by older blind or visually impaired people will be one of the objectives of the new office. Since ACB staff members attend an enormous number of meetings outside the office each month on a variety of subjects, we generally do not mention most of them. However, during March, ACB's Legal Assistant, Lynn Abbott, was privileged to attend the oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court on the appeal of the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Agency by the American Council of the Blind and the Paralyzed Veterans Association. Lay persons often believe incorrectly that such arguments are extremely quiet, uninterrupted, methodical recitations of legal points before a group of passive Justices. In reality, these Justices seldom give the attorneys an opportunity to go very far through their arguments before interrupting with very difficult and thought-provoking questions. One of the difficult questions asked, for example, related to the necessity for everyone in the travel industry to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act if they benefit from Federal assistance, as do the airlines. Braille Forum readers may have heard National Public Radio's interview with Lynn Abbott following the argument before the Supreme Court. I urge readers of The Braille Forum to watch future issues for an important announcement concerning the Legislative Workshop which ACB plans to conduct during the 1986 national convention in Knoxville. The workshop will take place on Friday afternoon, July 4, and I cannot think of a more appropriate way to celebrate Independence Day than by taking part in a workshop designed to teach more about the operations of government. ***** ** Details, Details ... 1986 ACB Convention Notes The American Council of the Blind will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its upcoming convention in Knoxville, Tennessee. Convention dates are June 28-July 5, 1986; convention activities are many and varied. This month, we bring you last­minute details of ACB, special-interest, and related programming, as well as some vital information that you will need upon arriving in Knoxville. * Additions and Corrections Maria Lopez (Los Angeles, CaIifornia) hopes to develop a new special-interest organization to be known as the. International Friendly Circle of the Blind (IFCB). The intense need of blind students in developing countries for educational materials is underscored and will be addressed by this new group. IFCB will hold an organizational meeting on Friday, July 4, at 1:30 P.M. Everyone is welcome to attend. Look for IFCB on your pre-registration form. National Industries for the Blind is sponsoring a breakfast/workshop on Monday, June 30, at 7:00 A.M. A program dealing with issues related to sheltered workshops will be presented. Tickets may be obtained by checking the appropriate space on the pre-registration form. The ACB Radio Amateurs are planning a workshop entitled "The World at Your Ears," on Thursday, July 3. It is designed to provide information on amateur radio and to give interested persons a glimpse of the breadth of this exciting hobby. Check ACBRA Workshop on the pre-registration form. A highlight of the week will be the ACB banquet, appearing in its traditional spot on the convention schedule, on Friday, July 4. You will experience not only a delicious dinner, but also an unusual, unique, and moving program. An original presentation, "ACB 25th Anniversary -- The Impossible Dream," will depict the founding and history of the organization. The VersaBraille Users Group will meet on Tuesday evening, July 1, at 7:00 P.M. A meeting on Women's Concerns is scheduled for Thursday evening, July 3, at 7:00 P.M. The Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Seminar will be held on Sunday morning, June 29, at 10:30 A.M. Note that this is a change from the time listed in the March issue of The Braille Forum. Two receptions are scheduled for graduates of dog guide schools. The Seeing Eye reception will be on Tuesday evening, July 1, at 5:30 P.M., while Guiding Eyes for the Blind invites graduates and friends to a reception on Wednesday, July 2, also at 5:30 P.M. Friends in Art (FIA) is making plans for a very special exhibit, "The Art of the Eye," to be on display in Knoxville during ACB Convention Week. While the exhibit will not be at one of the convention hotels, it will be in close proximity. Be sure to save time for this unique presentation which includes artworks by notable masters known to have had vision impairments (see The Braille Forum, May 1985). Watch for more details in the program and/or on the convention information line. The National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC) will host its third annual breakfast/workshop for consumers on Thursday, July 3, at 7:00 A.M. This year's forum, entitled "Consumer Partici­pation in NAC's Self-Study," will provide you an opportunity to take part in the upcoming self-study and evaluation of NAC. During the program, you will be encouraged to share ideas and suggestions for the accreditation process. * Convention Registration ACB is making every effort to improve the convention registration process. Last year for the first time we were able to supply each special­interest organization with a post-convention name-and-address list of all individuals who indicated an interest in that group. We also had up-to-the­minute information on the number of tickets sold for all events of particular importance in cutting waste and maximizing the convention budget. While we are pleased with these improvements, our major goal of reducing waiting time in the registration lines was not achieved. In an effort to address this issue, we ask your cooperation. Please read the information below carefully: 1. On the pre-registration form, you will find a space asking for the hotel in which you will be staying. Be sure to fill in this space. 2. Complete the pre-registration form. Purchase all tickets (tours, luncheons, banquets, etc.) at this time. 3. Return your completed form and check or money order to cover registration costs by June 10. 4. Upon arriving in Knoxville, go directly to the hotel in which you will be staying. If you have pre-registered by June 10, your packet will be ready and waiting for you at a special VIP registration table in your hotel lobby. 5. If you have not pre-registered, or if you need to obtain additional tickets for convention activities, it will be necessary for you to stop by the main registration line at the Hyatt. * Convention Shuttle Shuttle services will be available between convention hotels from 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. daily. Additional hours will be provided as convention activities dictate. Shuttles will be operated on a continuous basis over a 25-minute route (driving time between the Hyatt and the Hilton is about five minutes). The number of vehicles available at any given time will vary from four to nine, depending on expected movement of conventioners between hotels. Vans and city buses will be utilized. The convention shuttle is free. However, YOU MUST WEAR YOUR CONVENTION ID BADGE in order to use the service. Badges will be included in the pre­registration packet; temporary badges will also be issued in each hotel lobby. * Convention Schedule ACB general sessions will begin on Monday morning, June 30, and will be held each morning thereafter through Saturday, July 5. Special-interest meetings will begin on Sunday, June 29 (some board meetings will be held on Saturday, June 28), and will continue during afternoon hours throughout the week until Friday, July 4. See the pre-registration form or the Convention Supplement in the braille and cassette editions of the April Braille Forum for more details on specific groups. Exhibits will be open on Saturday, June 28, and will close at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 3. Hours will be 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday; 12:00 Noon to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; and 12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M. on Thursday. * Hotel Reservations As previously announced, the Hyatt Regency Knoxville is filled. At this writing (April 15), the Hilton is at 60 percent capacity, and reservations continue to arrive steadily each day. When the Hilton is filled, the Holiday Inn World's Fair will receive all reservations. All convention hotels are modern, spacious, and extremely attractive and comfortable. Each hotel has a swimming pool, and each is also dedicated to providing outstanding restaurant services. Room rates at all hotels are $32.00 per night per room. DO NOT CALL THE HOTELS DIRECTLY TO MAKE RESERVATIONS. All reservations are being handled by the Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Write or call them at P.O. Box 15012, Knoxville, TN 37901; (615) 523-7263. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, you may contact one of the following persons: 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 North Pennsylvania Avenue Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 (717) 826-2364 (Weekdays) Donald Franklin Registration Chairman P.O. Box 306 Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 897-6672 (after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends) ***** ** F.Y. '87 Budget Makes Slow Progress; Rehab Reauthorization Moves Forward By Kathleen Megivern Despite the ax of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings which hangs over their heads, Congress has already fallen behind in their budget deliberations for F.Y. 1987. Gramm-Rudman-Hollings set a nonbinding target date of April 15 for passage of the first budget resolution, but as we go to press, it seems highly unlikely that any consensus will be reached by that time. In many ways, this year's budget discussions are no different from previous years, with the President's proposed budget having been declared "dead before arrival" on Capitol Hill. The Republican-controlled Senate Budget Committee reported a budget resolution just prior to the Easter recess which contains three major points: 1) It cuts $14.6 billion from domestic spending, while holding most human resource programs at the level established by the March 1 sequestration under Gramm-Rudman-Hollings; 2) It raises $18.4 billion in unspecified new revenues (it does specify that these revenue increases will not come from any hikes in individual income taxes); and 3) It allows for an increase in defense spending limited to an inflation increase only ($25 billion less than the amount requested by President Reagan). Although the Committee-approved budget includes an inflation increase for special education, Senator Lowell Weicker (R., CT) was expected to offer an amendment to further increase funding amounts for these important programs. On the House side, House Democrats have spent several weeks caucusing to come up with the outlines of a budget resolution which they hope to bring out of committee and to the floor as soon as possible after the Senate has acted on its budget resolution. Although the caucus sessions were closed, reports indicate that the final product will contain no new revenues; will most likely freeze defense spending, or perhaps allow for an inflation increase; and will cut at least $10 billion from domestic spending, while protecting certain human resource programs. Specifically mentioned among the programs to be protected from cuts are special education, vocational rehabilitation, and legal services. There are likely to be several alternative budgets offered on the floor, including one which is being put together by the Congressional Black Caucus and a Republican alternative. Senate hearings on the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act were held on March 20 and 25, 1986. Senator Weicker, who had used the reauthorization hearings on the Education of the Handicapped Act as an opportunity to issue a blistering attack on the Reagan Administration, continued his angry criticism during his questioning of Assistant Secretary Madeleine Will during the rehabilitation reauthorization hearings. In addition to Senator Weicker's strong opposition to the Administration's requested funding cuts for rehabilitation, he indicated that he is also opposed to the House bill's pro vision which would change the ratio of rehabilitation state grant funding from 80%/20% to 75%/25%. Said Senator Weicker: "It would be better to ask the Federal Government to increase its commitment. To do otherwise is to simply shift responsibility." As we go to press, there still is no Senate version of a bill to reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act, although Senator Weicker is expected to introduce such a bill sometime within the next few weeks. ***** ** Hands-On Halley's Comet Kit Opens the World of Astronomy to the Blind By Dr. Mae Davidow Although none of my sighted friends have yet seen shy Halley's Comet, I have been following its progress for months. Following it on my large (33-inch), three-dimensional scale model of the inner solar system that includes the path of the comet has been fun and has revealed to me the amazing world of astronomy. Although Halley's Comet will have come and gone by the time this experience can be shared with Braille Forum readers, I feel it should be of great value to those of us who are visually impaired no matter when it is read. It all began back in January when l purchased a braille edition of the Halley's Comet Self-Teaching Model and Location Finder from Perihelion Scientific of Paoli, Pennsylvania. My husband Joe and I put the kit together one Sunday afternoon, and since then I have been on my own as I move the comet and earth markers to the daily positions marked in braille on the model. With the braille scale that comes with the model, I can tell my visitors just how many millions of miles away the comet is from the earth or the sun on any given day. When properly set up, the Halley Finder, a separate part of the kit, will point the comet out in the sky for any time and location for which it has been set. This is the very same self-teaching model that has been purchased by the Smithsonian Institute, the Hayden Planetarium, and the Franklin Institute here in Philadelphia -- except that this one comes with braille labels. As my interest and awareness of astronomy grew, I was surprised to learn how very little is done optically any more. It seems that the optical telescope is for the most part a relic of 19th-century astronomy. It is with the mind's eye that the great breakthroughs in this field are made today. With data from radio telescopes, X-ray source detectors, spectroscopes, high-speed computers and the like, the mind pictures what can only be imagined. I am referring here to the new discoveries in astronomy such as neutron stars, Quasars, Pulsars, and that ultimate in the unseeable, the now famous Black Holes in space. I have found this new hands-on Halley's Comet kit to be a great way to get started in astronomy. One can really feel, and then imagine, basic concepts such as the plane of the elliptic (the plane that the planets orbit the sun in), the scale and proportions of the solar system, the difference and the relationship between elliptical and circular orbits, the inclination of the comet's orbit, and so on. To quote the prestigious British science magazine Nature: "Such models are a great help when it comes to visualizing the movement of the comet with respect to the sun and earth, and Perihelion Scientific has produced one (the hands-on Halley's Comet kit) which is 85 cm across. Another accompanying model enables you to calculate the altitude and azimuth of the comet throughout the period November 1985 through May 1986. Both are great fun to assemble and use." Now that this product comes with braille labels, I couldn't agree more. The braille edition of the Halley's Comet Self-Teaching Model and Location Finder will be available as a mail-order item throughout 1986 (and later if one is interested) at $19.95 from Perihelion Scientific, Department B, Box 1009, Paoli, PA 19301. This kit should be of great value to any teacher working with the blind or to a parent who wants to share something with his blind child. ***** ** Injunction Granted Under Section 501 By Lynn Abbott, Legal Assistant In an unusual move by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, District Judge Samuel Conti granted a request for preliminary injunctive relief under Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The request was filed by five disabled employees of the United States Mint in San Francisco. An injunction is equitable remedy granted by a court which forbids the defendant in the action from doing a certain act; or, conversely, which permits the defendant to do an act. In the past, injunctive relief has been granted under Section 501 in very few instances. The plaintiffs in this action are employed at the U.S. Mint as coin checkers. Last January, however, their jobs were reorganized in such a way that the plaintiffs were unable to meet the new performance standards. In the complaint which was filed in response to the reorganization, it was alleged that the Department of the Treasury had changed its production standards so as to make it virtually impossible for the plaintiffs to perform their jobs satisfactorily because of their respective handicaps and ages. It was also alleged that the Mint sought to terminate the plaintiffs without providing them with reasonable accommodation. Upon review of the evidence, the Court ordered the Mint to accommodate the plaintiffs' handicapping conditions and granted the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction. The effect of the preliminary injunction is to prevent the U.S. Mint from taking any action to remove the plaintiffs from their current positions. The actual merits of the case will be decided at a later time. ***** ** "Now Hear This!" ACB of New York Showcases Professional Blind Musicians March 2, 1986. The day was sunny -- temperature in the 40's —a perfect day for the American Council of the Blind of New York to hold its concert titled "NOW HEAR THIS!" Numbering over 400, concert­goers from every one of the five boroughs of New York City as well as from New Jersey and upstate New York gathered at the Hunter College Playhouse in Manhattan. The audience was young, old, and every age in between. They were white, black, Spanish, and other; they were of every religion and creed. There were wheelchairs of every description; dog guides were numerous. Fourteen workers from a sheltered shop paid their own way to come as a group to honor pianist and performer Gerard Gabrielli, their grade-school music teacher at the Lavelle School for the Blind. And there were many persons who had no disability whatsoever, but who came simply because they knew they were going to hear an outstanding performance featuring professional blind musicians. At its 1985 state convention, the ACB of New York had voted to sponsor this concert featuring professional blind talent from the metropolitan New York City area. All proceeds were to be donated to the national ACB, to be used in carrying on the Council's many programs and services to members and blind and visually impaired persons throughout the United States. The event was produced by Shirley Musillo of Staten Island and directed by Peggy Eason of New York City, who has a master's degree in music education. Following a front-page profile of Mrs. Musillo in the Staten Island Advance in late January, expressions of interest and offers of help came pouring in. Neighbors wanted to buy tickets and offered rides to the concert. A community activist bought ten tickets and told Mrs. Musillo that she would urge all of her friends to do the same. The Eagle Bus Company in Mariners Harbor, provided a 49-passenger bus at no charge on the day of the concert to transport visually impaired Islanders and their friends and relatives to the concert. ACB of New York wishes to acknowledge the assistance of a number of agencies and organizations whose support contributed so much to the success of the concert. The Helen Keller National Center provided braille and large-print programs. The ACB National Office supplied print, cassette, and braille brochures which were given out to the audience. Off-stage, Fama Productions recorded the entire concert without charge and donated a professionally produced master tape so that cassettes could be sold to further benefit ACB. The publicity the concert received was remarkable. Many persons who had never heard of the American Council of the Blind before now know about the work that is being done and how members go about doing it. Besides all that, a check for the entire proceeds -- just over $2,000 -- has been sent to ACB by its New York affiliate. As the audience filed out of the auditorium following the concert, the question was heard again and again: When will the tapes be ready, and how can we buy them? The two-track, monaural, 90-minute cassette is available for $5.00 and may be ordered from: American Council of the Blind, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Make checks payable to the American Council of the Blind. The tape features Gerard Gabrielli, pianist; Peggy Eason, lyric soprano; and Roy Jennings, pianist. As with the concert, all proceeds from the sale of cassettes will also go to ACB. "Do think seriously about giving a concert in your area for ACB," urges Shirley Musillo, "and you, too, will have a most rewarding experience." ACB of New York offers to help other affiliates in any way by sharing their experience in sponsoring this concert. Contact Shirley Musillo, 22 Roberts Drive, Staten Island, NY 10306. The officers, directors, and staff of the American Council of the Blind wish to take this opportunity to publicly commend and thank their New York affiliate for this outstanding effort. It is this kind of support and confidence of members which has made ACB the largest, fastest-growing, and most responsive organization of blind and visually impaired people in the United States today. ***** ** Blind Skier Wins Merit Award ACB member Mary Kozy of Chicago recently received the American Foundation for the Blind's Certificate of Merit, awarded annually to a top blind or visually impaired athlete. Kozy, a prize-winning skier and runner, received the award at the 1986 Breakfast of Stars benefit February 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kozy, a social worker at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, took up cross-country skiing in 1978 and a year later was selected to represent the United States in the Ski for Light competition in Norway. She has won three of the seven national Ski for Light competitions she has entered. In 1982 she also won first place in both the 5k and 10k races in the national competition held by the U. S. Association for Blind Athletes, which qualified her for the 1982 World Ski Championships for the Disabled held in Switzerland. As a runner, Kozy has won first place the past three years (1983-1985) in the 5k race for blind women in the Kaiser Roll, a national race which attracts a field of 6,000 to Bloomington, Minnesota. "Before joining Ski for Light, I didn't like winter, wasn't athletic, and never went any place unless I knew someone there," says Kozy. "There is a magic to the program that I have experienced and that others have, too. Ski for Light changes lives and changes lifestyles." Kozy serves on the Board of Directors of Ski for Light, and also is an adviser to the USABA. Blind since age 18, she graduated with a double degree in sociology/psychology from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois, and earned a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis. For the past eleven years she has worked at the Rehabilitation Institute in Chicago, where she counsels newly disabled people and their families and provides training on psychosocial adjustment through the Institute's continuing education program. A native Chicagoan, Kozy also serves on the Advisory Board of the Chicago Radio Information Service (CRIS Radio). ***** ** RP Find -- A Nationwide Search A decade ago, there was little hope of ever finding answers to the cause(s) of a group of night blinding disorders commonly referred to as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). All this is changed now through the promising technology of molecular research. Retinitis pigmentosa is the name applied to a group of genetic disorders that cause the symptoms of night blindness (inability to discern objects well in dim light) and the gradual loss of very sensitive photoreceptor rod cells, which ultimately restricts all peripheral vision (tunnel vision). Very recently, Dr. Richard A. Lewis and colleagues at the Cullen Eye Institute, Houston, Texas, have completed very encouraging results with a particular type of retinitis pigmentosa called X-linked choroideremia. In the Fall/Winter issue of the RP Messenger, Dr. Lewis reports that "in the past three and a half years we have developed techniques for mapping the genes along the X-chromosome for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and for choroideremia, each of them progressive night blinding, and ultimately centrally blinding disorders. At the present time, my collaboration with Dr. Robert Nussbaum of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute appears to be the only worldwide interest in the actual mapping and ultimate isolation of the gene for choroideremia, which will serve as an example for the isolation of other genes for other retinal dystrophies including retinitis pigmentosa of the several types." The Texas Association of Retinitis Pigmentosa, Inc. (TARP), celebrating its 10th anniversary of human services and public education achievements is hoping to support this promising research project by launching a massive public awareness campaign under the name RP FIND in order to try to locate appropriate families for study by the Houston­based research team. "Isolation of the gene for choroideremia will necessitate the identification of at least another dozen large families with this disorder," states Dr. Lewis, "and we are interested in obtaining information about people who may have this diagnosis." If you know of anyone within a family who has choroideremia -- although several consecutive generations and at least three siblings within one of the generations is the optimal group for study -- please contact Richard A. Lewis, M.D., Cullen Eye Institute, 6501 Fannin Boulevard, Suite C-202, Houston, TX 77030; (713) 799-5935, or write Texas Association of Retinitis Pigmentosa, Inc., P.O. Box 8388, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-0388 for further information. ***** ** User Network and Evaluation Center Needs Your Help The National Technology Center of the American Foundation for the Blind is looking for users of computer equipment and aids that are useful to blind and visually impaired persons. If you are interested in serving as a resource person and/or a possible evaluator for the Center, please contact us by phone or mail. As a resource person, you will be contacted to share your experiences about employment, equipment used, and training you received. This will be an invaluable resource to consumers, educators, and employers. As an evaluator, you may be requested to evaluate new and existing devices, and reports of results will be published. Information will be stored in our Data Base for referral. All personal data will be kept confidential. The National Data Base will be a nationwide source of information about commercially available products for the blind and visually impaired persons -- ranging from canes and braille watches to sophisticated computer systems; courses available at training centers; names of users; funding resources; and previous evaluations performed on devices. Contact National Technology Center, American Foundation for the Blind, 15 W. 16th Street, New York, NY 10011; (212) 620-2080. ***** ** Blind Americans "Break The Ice" in Speed Skating "Everyone knows that ice skating is too dangerous for blind people to take part in, because they will fall or get tangled up with the other skaters!" Apparently, someone forgot to give these so-called "facts" to the blind skaters who recently made history as the first competitors ever to take part in ice skating races for blind participants. Though many blind people throughout the world enjoy ice skating as recreation, not until March 23, 1986, was a formal race conducted involving a course of a specified length and shape, a sanctioned system for guiding the blind skaters, and an accurate system for timing and counting laps. These races, which took place at the Meadowood Ice Arena in Reno, Nevada, were sponsored by the United States Association for Blind Athletes as the first national championships in speed skating for blind competitors. According to the rules adopted by the USABA, the official course is 100 meters in length and oval in shape. Its inner perimeter is marked with traffic cones spaced at five-foot intervals. Skaters who are not totally blind but have severely impaired vision can see the brightly colored cones and maneuver the course without further assistance. Totally blind skaters may choose to have a sighted guide skate ahead and call verbal instructions, or they may choose to have sighted "callers" stationed along the course call information to them as they go by. As soon as a blind skater leaves the starting line, the first caller, who actually serves as an audible course marker on the inner edge of the course, begins signaling his position. As soon as the racer reaches the first caller, that caller stops signaling and the next caller begins. By using the callers as stationary markers, the skater can complete the course without further assistance. James Duffield, Speed Skating Chairman for the Association, has stated that in the future the Association may consider using audible electronic signals that can be turned on and off quickly from one location. Each competitor traverses the course by himself or herself and is timed to determine the winner. In. Reno, each competitor skated in the 500 meter race and in the 1,000 meter race. Skaters were divided into three visual classes: totally blind, severely impaired vision (sight no better than 20/600), and legally blind (sight no better than 20/200). The first history-making race by a totally blind competitor was skated by Jean Parker of Colorado, whose guide, John Kelly of Reno, chose to skate the entire race backward so he could better observe Jean in relation to the edges of the course. The gold medal winners were Jean Parker of Colorado, Katie Mawby of Michigan, Bill Heppe of Nevada, Patricia Robinson of Delaware, and Joe Hojnicki of Delaware. Following conclusion of the championships, James Duffield said: "This event is a real breakthrough for blind and visually impaired people who like to skate. Almost every city has an ice arena, so anyone who knows how to skate or wants to learn to skate will have a chance to take part in these and other races. We hope our success will spur other countries into setting up racing programs, and we plan to ask the International Blind Sports Association to allow us to conduct an official demonstration of the sport at the 1988 Winter Olympics for the Disabled. Ice skating is popular in many countries, so it will undoubtedly be recognized as an international sport for the blind within a few years." Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the rules and learning about future national races, regional races, or training workshops should write to Mr. James Duffield, Route 3, Box 495, Felton, DE 19943. ***** ** Tips for the Home Shopper By Lynn Abbott, Legal Assistant Purchasing consumer goods through the mail or in response to telephone solicitation are often easy, fast, and painless ways to shop. Unfortunately, problems can and do arise, and the consumer may not know where to seek help. In order to avoid purchasing problems, there are a few basic points to keep in mind. Before making any purchase from an unfamiliar company, contact the Better Business Bureau. Although the services offered by the Better Business Bureau vary from state to state, all offices will inform the consumer if a complaint has been registered against a particular business. Some offices may even state the nature of the complaint. It is important to note that the Better Business Bureau does not provide legal advice, nor does it handle complaints concerning the price of goods. Because so many purchases are made with credit cards, the following tips may be helpful. When purchasing goods over the telephone, the consumer should never give a credit card number to a solicitor unless the purchaser initiated the call. As far as mail-order purchasing is concerned, a credit card number should never be put on a post card or on the outside of an envelope. In the event unauthorized charges appear on a monthly credit card statement, report the questionable charges to the card issuer immediately. Telephone solicitors should be regarded with suspicion. Even if the solicitor claims to be with a familiar company, ask who is in charge of the business and get specific names and titles. It is wise to get a phone number and then call back if interested in making a purchase. Before calling the company back, remember to check with the Better Business Bureau if the firm is unfamiliar. Be wary if a solicitor calls late at night or offers free gifts. The customer is often expected to pay postage and handling fees, and the fees may be more expensive than the value of the "free" gift. Mail-order purchasers receive more protection under the law than do consumers who purchase items over the phone. Within thirty days after a company receives a complete order, the goods must be shipped or a notice of delayed shipment, with an option to cancel, must be sent to the customer. It is important to keep a record of what is ordered, when the order was mailed, the price and method of payment selected, and the company's name, address, and telephone number. As always, check with the Better Business Bureau before sending in an order. Because problems may arise when making mail-order purchases, it is helpful to know where to complain in the event this becomes necessary. If the problem lies with the Postal Service, ask a mail carrier or a local Post Office employee for a postage-free Consumer Service Card. These cards are available for reporting mail problems. If the problem originates with the mail-order business itself, write or call the Consumer Advocate, United States Postal Service, Washington, DC 20260-6320; (202) 268-2284. All complaints are investigated. State, county, and city consumer offices are also available to investigate complaints arising within their jurisdiction. Consumer offices are generally very useful because of the staff's familiarity with local businesses and the state's laws. Another option is to contact a local newspaper, radio or television station which offers a consumer hotline. The media is often more successful in resolving consumer complaints than consumer offices because of their influence in a community. Small claims courts should be regarded as the last option available to a disgruntled consumer. Although hiring an attorney is generally not necessary, it may be advisable to consult with one before filing a claim. The party bringing the action incurs some court expenses, but filing fees are generally recoverable if the party wins the case. Call the small claims court clerk to inquire into the costs of filing such an action, and also ask for the maximum amount that may be claimed and awarded. Claim and award amounts vary greatly from state to state. The above tips should prove useful for the home shopper. Remember, however, that if a problem should arise, always contact the company first and give them a chance to rectify the situation. Put the complaint in writing and keep a copy for future reference. (Information for this article was obtained from the Consumer's Resource Handbook, publication of the U. S. Office of Consumer Affairs. Free single copies (print only) may be obtained from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.) ***** ** Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week June 22-28, 1986 Following the passage of two Congressional resolutions, with signature by President Ronald Reagan, a precedent has now been set which establishes the last week in June as "Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week," celebrated this year June 22-28. This week is particularly symbolic because June 27 marks the birthday of the most renowned deaf-blind American, Helen Keller. The goal of this designated week is to promote an awareness of, and sensitivity to, all Americans who are visually and hearing impaired, and to emphasize the need for continuing services, training, housing, and employment opportunities, particularly during this period of budget deficits and blanket cutbacks. This year's theme, "Coming of Age," will emphasize the fact that deaf-blind youngsters have been receiving increased education and training, are acquiring more life skills, but still need and require post-education services and/or vocational preparation -- and, most importantly, opportunities for employment and full community participation. Because of the "right to education" legislation of the last decade, an unprecedented number of students with disabilities are nearing the age for leaving school. Some 6,000 babies were born deaf­blind, often multi-handicapped, during the rubella epidemic of the mid­'60s. These young people and thousands of older deaf-blind individuals are COMING OF AGE. New options to provide appropriate housing and employment opportunities for deaf-blind people are possible -- i.e., community-based housing, with supervised apartments or group homes; "supported employment" programs in industry which combine work opportunities and ongoing support services; time­limited services, like the Helen Keller National Center's vocational rehabilitation program, designed to lead to entry or to re-entry into employment at the termination of services; innovations in on-site job training and placement programs; and business tax incentives for employers. The Helen Keller National Center reports that deaf-blind people have worked throughout the United States in a wide variety of jobs including: drill-press operator, computer programmer, childcare worker, foodservice prep worker, rehabilitation counselor, carpenter, civil engineer, etc. The Helen Keller National Center is the single national program which provides comprehensive evaluation and pre-vocational rehabilitation training and job placement for deaf­blind Americans. For further information, contact the Center at 111 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY 11050; (516) 944-8900. ***** ** Technology Notes VTEK of Santa Monica, California, has acquired the exclusive North American rights to distribute INDEX, a 20-character-per-second braille printer. INDEX is manufactured by Polar Print Productions of Gammelstad, Sweden. INDEX, according to braille experts, produces remarkably high quality dots for a 20 character-per­second printer. Press quality embossing is nearly equivalent to braille printers printing at half the speed. INDEX features include a braille keyboard permitting operating parameters to be established by keying in rather than removing a cover and changing dip switch settings. Other benefits include the capability to input braille directly for immediate character-by-character printing; continuous-feed printing; an internal memory of 30,000 characters and the ability to produce automatic multiple copies. MPRINT is an innovative device that produces braille and print simultaneously. This new device permits simultaneous production of braille and well-formatted printed information by also automatically translating Grade 2 braille input into fully expanded print. The braillist gains two benefits: proofing ink-print copies by referring directly to the braille copy, and retaining braille copies as file documents. MPRINT is a microprocessor-based system that works in conjunction with a standard Perkins Brailler. It senses the braille cells being embossed on the Perkins Brailler, back­translates those cells into print codes, and transmits the ASCII equivalents to any standard computer printer. The braillist has a choice of entering information in Grade 1 or Grade 2 contracted braille. In the latter case, MPRINT will automatically expand the Grade 2 braille input into full ASCII text for printing or communication. MPRINT will be available in two versions to meet specific needs: the MPRINT Message Center is for those whose responsibilities don't require print formatting. The MPRINT Writer contains extensive formatting options for those situations where well-formatted text is essential. The MPRINT Message Center and MPRINT Writer will be available summer 1986. For further information on INDEX or MPRINT, contact VTEK, 1625 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404; (800) 345-2256. FlipTrack Learning Systems of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, has added audio indexing to its computer courses for blind users. Computer courses on audio cassette are now being offered with low frequency index tones for easier reference. "How to Use Lotus 1-2-3" and "How to Operate the IBM XT and AT," from FlipTrack Learning Systems, now use the standard 50-Hertz index tone at the beginning of each optional FlipTrack branch for audible reference during fast-forward and rewind. "The suggestion that we add the audible index tones came from our customers," said Lee McFadden, FlipTrack President, whose company had developed the courses for the general computer market. "We are delighted that our courses have proven to be of such great value to blind computer users, and we are eager to make them even more useful." Each course is presented on four audio cassettes, using a patented Flip­Track branching format to meet individual learning needs. A flip of the tape at various stages of a lesson allows the learner to pursue optional special interest topics or get additional practice. The 50-Hertz index tones make it easier for a blind user to return to the previous position on the front side of the tape after listening to the optional material. For more information, contact FlipTrack Learning Systems, 999 Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137; (312) 790-1117. ***** ** Usher's Syndrome Family Learning Vacation Program A Family Learning Vacation (FLV) for families with children who have Usher's Syndrome or a similar dual hearing/vision impairment is being offered this summer at Gallaudet College, Washington, D.C., from July 26 through August 1. Since its inception eight years ago, the family learning vacation has emerged as a unique opportunity for families to come together to share experiences, questions, and concerns related to Usher's Syndrome and the future of their children. The weeklong schedule of activities includes seminars on genetics, communication, adolescent development, education, parenting, psychology, and resource availability throughout the country. Audiological services and educational evaluations are available for the deaf child upon request. A variety of recreational activities will augment the focus on family interaction, and while adults are participating in scheduled seminars, trained teams of teachers, aides, and recreation support staff will supervise youngsters engaged in their own educational/recreational activities. The cost of the family learning vacation is kept as low as possible. The fee includes room, board, and program activities and is less than $150.00 per person. Some scholarships are available. Early application is encouraged. For further information, contact Family Learning Vacation, Gallaudet College, 800 Florida Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002; (202) 651-5541/TDD or 651-5542/Voice. ***** ** High Tech Swap Shop * For Sale: IBM braille typewriter. Like-new condition. $300.00. Please contact Pat Ferguson, R.R. 1, Box 30, Iroquois, SD 57353; (605) 546-2366. * For Sale: TI 994A computer with speech, disk drive, expansion box, 32k extra memory, extended basic module, manuals, software. Excellent condition. $750.00 or best offer. Sal Pettinato, 1592 Mesa Brook Street, San Diego, CA 92114; (619) 267-2045. * For Sale: Used Optacon, with Smith-Corona typewriter lens. In good condition. $1,100.00 or best offer. Contact Richard Fiorello, 180 Euclid Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217; (716) 873-4132 after 6:00 P.M. weekdays; all day Saturday and Sunday. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon The American Council of the Blind of New York Inc., conducts a legislative seminar each year in that state's capital, Albany. This year's three-day conference enjoyed a rather special and significant event. During the Council's visit to the Legislative Office Building, State Senator John Flynn presented President Dorothy Matano with a resolution which was passed unanimously by the State Legislature, commending ACB/NY for its continued and. diligent efforts to improve the lives of all blind and visually impaired persons in New York State in so many ways. Members of ACB/NY all agree that dedication and hard work seem even more worthwhile when that work is sufficiently recognized by the State Senate and Assembly to pause in the midst of vital legislative deliberations in order to single out and honor a relatively small segment of the population. Anyone wishing a 1986-87 collegiate football schedule in braille may obtain one by sending a check for $3.00 to Jimmy Gibson, 6209 Lycoming Road, Montgomery, AL 36117. From The Slate (Louisiana): At a cost of approximately $22,000, the Louisiana Council of the Blind is going forward with the establishment of a Braille Transcribing System at its headquarters in Baton Rouge. Components of the system will include a Theil high-speed braille embosser, an Apple Ile computer with two disk drives, braille translating software, a speech synthesizer, and a printer. The necessary software to handle the Council's mailing list and basic accounting is also being purchased. Contributions from the Capital City Council of the Blind (Baton Rouge) and the Greater New Orleans Council of the Blind have assisted LCB in financing the project. Recordings for Recovery is an organization that supplies, without charge, music of a therapeutic value to reassure and assist persons in the recovery process, according to the Library of Michigan/Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped News. The library of more than 25,000 selections includes music from the classics to country, from relaxation to exercise, from children's songs to hymns. Programs on cassette are loaned for a limited period of time. Individuals can keep the cassettes if they supply high-quality blank tapes as replacements. For further information, contact Michael Hoy, Music for Recovery, 2013 Rodd Street, Midland, MI 48640. Associated Press: Sold over the counter, advertised in newspapers and on television, extended-wear contact lenses are often not treated like medical devices — and the result is increased risk of corneal infection, some eye specialists say. Not only do some commercial outlets fail to provide quality care that keeps lenses safe, charge optometrists and ophthalmologists, but advertising has led some wearers to underestimate the importance of proper care of the lenses. Spokespersons for manufacturers and commercial outlets say such statements are unfounded. Some call the care allegation part of a turf battle in which, at last count, the outlets were doing well. More extended­wear contacts were being sold from commercial outlets than by private practitioners as of the end of 1984, according to Health Products Research, a New Jersey marketing company. Wilderness Wish, a non-profit organization, offers disabled persons and senior citizens the opportunity to enhance the quality of their lives through escorted outdoor educational programs, according to an item in the newsletter of the Center for the Partially Sighted, Santa Monica, CA. Fishing, hiking, skiing, and bird­watching are among the outdoor experiences offered, both in the United States and abroad. For further information, call Ron Bass at (213) 756-7812. From Hoosier Starlight (Indiana): Dvorak one-hand typewriters and computer keyboards are available from the Typewriting Institute for the Disabled. The following models are available: IBM Correcting Selectric III Typewriter, Apple Ile computer converter, and IBM PC and XT computer keyboards. Specifically designed for use with only one hand, these keyboards eliminate the muscular contortions experienced when typing with one-hand on the standard keyboard. They are configured in right-hand and left-hand models, to assist the workload to the strongest fingers of the hand being used. For more information, contact Typewriting Institute for the Disabled, 3102 W. Augusta Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021. The National Library Service News reports that NLS served a readership of more than 629,000 during 1984 through its network of cooperating libraries. While patrons fall into a wide range of ages, handicapping conditions and reading needs, the largest groups are readers who are blind or visually handicapped, those who are more than 60 years old, and those who have both a disc and a cassette player. Patrons read an average of 30.2 books and magazines from the NLS collection during the year. Five-year figures for the period 1980-84 show circulation per readership to be up in all formats. Cassettes are becoming increasingly the most popular format. Both total readership and total circulation rose significantly. During the same period, readership for disc and braille declined. From Awareness, National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired, Inc., Fall 1985: Braille prescription labeling is now available to anyone in need of such a service -- children, adults, senior citizens, etc. -- from the American Association of Retired Persons Pharmacy Service. To receive braille labels, send a copy of the prescription to AARP Pharmacy, 355 7 Lafayette Road, P.O. Box 7010, Indianapolis, IN 46272. A print/braille transparent Dymo label will be made for the medicine bottle, listing the prescription number, name of the drug, and strength of the drug. For more specific information, call (317) 293-6235. Two courses of study written by Johnette Weiss are available on Apple computer disk: (1) "Fitness Talk" is a course of study for those interested in good health and good looks. Includes articles dealing with exercise, dieting, nutrition, etc. Cost, $15.00. (2) "Self-Improvement." Includes articles about setting goals, relating to other people, personal motivation, and relaxation and assertiveness training. Cost, $15.00. To order either course, make checks payable to Jeff Weiss and mail to Apple Talk, 3015 S. Tyler Street, Little Rock, AR 72204. CompuNet is a support network being organized for disabled computer workers. If you are disabled and presently working at home in a telecommuting job or in an office with a computer, you will want to join this brand-new support network for employed disabled persons who use computers to earn a living. Write Robert Mauro, Disability News Online, 257 Center Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. Brock Marketing, Inc., is pleased to announce a new service: repair of closed-circuit television enlargers for the visually impaired. They are equipped to handle all brands -- Apollo, Visualtek, Pelco, Video Magic, X­Pert, Optelec, etc. If parts are not required, equipment is shipped within 24 hours. Labor charge is $25.00 per hour. For further details, contact Brock Marketing, Inc., Center Office Building, 20475 Farnsleigh Road, Suite 105, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122-3836. The National Church Conference of the Blind will be held at the South Austin Plaza Hotel, Austin, TX, August 3-7. Special events include Bible study, seminars, choir and talent time; also a Texas-style barbecue dinner and boat ride on the Colorado River. For costs and additional information, write NCCB at P.O. Box 163, Denver, CO 80201, or call Frank Finkenbinder at (303) 455-3430. ACB member Charles Shecter has joined the customer support staff at Maryland Computer Services. He was formerly an applications programmer for Computer Data Systems, Inc. Prior to that, he was a consultant for undergraduate students at Baruch College's Educational Computer Center. ACB logo pins appropriate for both men and women to wear are available from ACB of New York at a reduced price of $2.00 to clear out the limited remaining stock. The original price was $3.00. To get yours, send a check for the number wanted to Peggy Eason, 33 W. 71st Street, Apt. 1F, New York, NY 10023. "Six-Ingredient Recipes" is a cookbook containing over 600 recipes which contain no more than six ingredients. The book contains recipes for beverages, breads, desserts, salads, and numerous main dishes. A tone­indexed edition of the book is available on two duplicator quality cassettes, Library of Congress format. To order, send $6.00 to Tacoma Area Blind, 6315 S. 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466. The Electronic Industries Foundation Rehabilitation Engineering Center (EIF /REC) announces the availability of a resource document entitled "Enhanced Consumerism Within Commercial Rehabilitation Product Markets; A Goal For Independent Living." This paper provides program ideas for organizations dedicated to supporting disabled individuals as consumers of rehabilitation equipment. A sizeable sample of exemplary programs are examined for the strategies they use to assist consumers in product financing, information finding, training, maintenance/repair, and used equipment exchange. Address requests for copies to: Librarian, Electronic Industries Foundation, 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006. Vision Foundation of Watertown, MA, announces publication of the 9th edition of its popular "Vision Resource List." More than 100 items (most free of charge) gathered nationwide are listed. Fourteen items have been added since the last revision in 1985. Resources include brochures, catalogs, cookbooks, sample magazines, and other materials in print, large-print, braille, disc, and cassette. Among new listings are annotated bibliographies of resources for visually impaired diabetics, microwave oven adaptations and cookbooks, and information sources for parents of visually impaired children. The Vision Resource List is available free in single copies in large-print and on cassette. Order from Vision Foundation, Inc., 818 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02172; (617) 926-4232. ***** ** Calendar of Events This Calendar of Events is prepared by the Public Affairs Department 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. May 23-26 - ACB of Texas State Convention - Fort Worth May 29-31 - Association of Radio Reading Services 12th Annual Conference - Pittsburgh June 6-8 - North Dakota Association of the Blind State Convention - Jamestown June 7 - Connecticut Council of the Blind Spring Convention - Wallingford June 13-15 - Florida Council of the Blind State Convention - Palm Beach June 22-29 - American Association of the Deaf-Blind 11th Annual Convention - Washington, D.C. June 28-July 5 - American Council of the Blind 25th Anniversary Convention - Knoxville, TN July 7-11 - Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired Annual Meeting - Chicago, IL August 10-12 - Georgia Council of the Blind State Convention - Rome August 10-14 - Blinded Veterans Association Annual Meeting - San Juan, PR September 19-21 - South Dakota Association for the Blind State Convention - Sioux Falls September 20 - Maine Fraternal Association of the Blind State Convention - South Portland September 26-28 - Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired State Convention - Wichita October 10-12 - Pennsylvania Council of the Blind State Convention - Philadelphia October 10-12 - Michigan Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired State Convention - Windsor, Ontario, Canada October 17-18 - ACB of Minnesota State Convention - Minneapolis October 17-19 - ACB of Ohio State Convention - Columbus October 24-26 - ACB of New York State Convention - Rochester ***** ** 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 ###