The Braille Forum Vol. XXVI September-October 1988 No. 2 Published 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 (202) 393-3666 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 at 202-393-3664. Available 24 hours a day. Copyright (©) 1988 American Council of the Blind ***** ** Contents President’s Message, by Otis Stephens News Briefs from the ACB National Office, by Oral O. Miller 27th Annual Convention, American Council of the Blind Elections Constitution and By-Law Amendments Awards Arkansas 1988 — A Convention to Remember, by Robert J. Acosta Assistive Technology Bill Becomes Law, by Kathleen Megivern How Much “Modernizing” Does Braille Need?, by John di Francesco Report of the ACB Board of Publications, by Christopher Gray Liberation Day of a Blind Survivor, by Max Edelman Fair Housing Act Passed by Senate AFB Names Scott Marshall Director of Governmental Relations Blind People Invited to Ski for Light 1989 in Montana Follow the “Fast Track” to Cross-Country Ski Racing, by Laura Oftedahl Constitution Week: Why We Celebrate Jim Chandler: Fond Remembrances; Final Respects, by Jim Doherty and Janiece Petersen High Tech Swap Shop Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon 1988 ACB Membership Resolutions ACB National Special-Interest Affiliates ACB Officers and Directors ACB Board of Publications ***** ** President’s Message By Otis Stephens Over the years we have had many great ACB conventions, and our 1988 meeting in Little Rock July 2-9 was no exception. From the excellent keynote address by Dr. Gregory Davis through completion of our final business session, the emphasis was positive and the quality of participation by ACB members was outstanding. The convention program was highlighted by excellent speakers on subjects ranging from services and programs for blind and visually impaired people to topics of general interest such as campaigning in national elections and new developments in telecommunications. Radio talk show host Jim Bohannon delivered an excellent banquet address. Other nationally prominent persons participating in our program included Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton and former Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner Justin Dart. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those persons who contributed to the success of our 1988 convention. Special thanks go to our National Convention Committee, chaired by Robert Acosta, with the able assistance of John Horst; the Arkansas Council of the Blind and its president, Amy Pais; ACB Board member Dick Seifert of Little Rock, who assisted with many aspects of program planning; Allen Jenkins, Jean Mann, Lleana Messer and Helen Wild, who chaired the Resolutions, Constitution and By-Laws, Credentials, and Nominating Committees, respectively; and Roger Petersen, our parliamentarian. In addition, I wish to express appreciation for the outstanding work of the many volunteers whose capable and thoughtful assistance contributed so much to the accessibility of convention activities. Many aspects of this year’s convention are covered in detail in this issue of The Braille Forum. I hope that those who attended will enjoy reviewing the highlights of Convention Week and that those who could not be there will find this information useful and interesting. Next year’s convention, in Richmond, Virginia, July 1-8, promises to be an equally informative and enjoyable experience. I urge you to make plans to attend. During the weekends of August 12-14, August 26-28, and September 2-4, I participated in the conventions of the Georgia Council of the Blind, the ACB of South Carolina, and the Tennessee Council of the Blind. Excellent planning went into each of these conventions, and the hospitality, as always, was great. I am pleased to see a growing understanding of the strong ties that must exist between our affiliates and the national organization. In setting our priorities for the future, we must rely on a strong partnership between all units of the American Council of the Blind — national, state, and local. One issue receiving more and more attention at meetings I have attended recently is the quality of braille instruction available to blind and visually impaired children in the public schools. Serious questions are being raised regarding the adequacy of instruction and the widely perceived lack of emphasis accorded to the teaching of braille reading and writing skills. It is reported that in many local school systems, even when braille instruction is offered, students are not taught how to use the slate and stylus. This is, of course, tantamount to teaching sighted students reading and writing skills and omitting instruction in penmanship. Through national membership resolutions and active efforts of such affiliates as the Braille Revival League, ACB has taken a strong position in support of more extensive braille instruction (including use of the slate and stylus). However, it appears that a more concerted and determined effort is needed if braille literacy is to be preserved. This is a critical issue affecting not only totally blind persons, but many visually impaired people who, although capable of reading print, thanks to advances in technology, could nevertheless benefit from the capability to read and write in braille. We need, first of all, to know more about what is going on at the local level throughout the country with regard to braille instruction in the schools. Local chapters and state affiliates of ACB must take the lead in compiling this information. As the facts are being gathered and disseminated, we need to develop strategies for addressing the issue. Although our current information is incomplete, we know that a national problem exists in this area. It is important that we begin now to focus on this problem and that we develop practical ways to resolve it. On a personal note, I want to convey my deep appreciation and that of our family for the many expressions of sympathy and concern following my wife's death on July 19. Many of you have written to me, and your thoughtfulness during this difficult period has helped me in dealing with a profound personal loss. During the last few months of Linda’s life, she taught all of us who were close to her the true meaning of courage, inner strength, and concern for others. ***** ** News Briefs from the ACB National Office By Oral O. Miller National Representative Because the ACB national convention usually takes place in July each year, there may be a tendency to assume that most early-summer activities relate in some way to the convention — that is, until the calendar is re-examined. For example, in early June it was my pleasure to attend several sessions and functions of the Arlington, Virginia, national convention, of National Industries for the Blind. The focus of NIB’s 1988 convention was the 50th anniversary of passage of the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act and the employment which that Federal statute has made possible over the years. Everyone in attendance (and attendance was very good) was very impressed and inspired by the records of the Blind Worker of the Year, Irma Acuna of Raleigh, North Carolina. Her accomplishments in the face of great adversity underscore the fact that so many workshop employees live full, interesting, rewarding, and caring lives as members of their communities. An information forum was hosted by the American Council of the Blind and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company prior to the 1988 ACB national convention. This was an outstanding opportunity for the invitees to ask specific questions concerning the implications of the AT&T divestiture and to look far into the future concerning the role of communications services and the communications industry. Some of the answers and observations by both Southwestern Bell personnel and forum invitees were real “eye-openers” — such as definite limitations on manufacturing activities of companies such as Southwestern Bell. It has been obvious for some time that Southwestern Bell is a progressive and forward-looking corporation. However, the forum underscored the corporation’s interest in obtaining knowledgeable and candid input from consumers. The same interest was shown by Southwestern Bell Vice President Tom Barry who, before addressing the ACB national convention in Little Rock, met with several dozen conventioners from the states served by his company. Frequently we hear questions asked (and perhaps justifiably so) as to why so many industries have been taken over by foreign companies. Though the answer to this question is truly complex as related to the communications industry, it appears to us that the efforts being made by companies such as Southwestern Bell could inspire a number of other American companies to make similar efforts. The Coalition for Information Accessibility for Print Handicapped Readers, of which the American Council of the Blind is a member, held its first full-fledged meeting in Washington, D.C., in late June (see The Braille Forum, “News Briefs from the ACB National Office,” May-June 1988). It was my pleasure to attend that meeting as a last­minute substitute for the designated ACB representative. I am pleased to report that one of the first tasks of the Coalition is the completion of a survey to ascertain the identity, policies, and procedures of individuals and entities providing significant tape recording and braille transcribing services. It is going to take a long time for the Coalition to attain its over-all objective. Although the 1988 ACB national convention is reported in detail in this issue of The Braille Forum, a few events — some scheduled, some non­scheduled — deserve special mention. For example, though they were not actually scheduled on the program due to other commitments, conventioners who attended the plenary sessions had the unexpected pleasure of hearing inspiring addresses by Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton and former Rehabilitation Commissioner Justin Dart, Jr. (Several persons have suggested humorously that Governor Clinton would have been well advised to make almost the same remarks to the Democratic National Convention.) Everyone who heard the presentation and attended the demonstration of “descriptive video service” was exposed to one of the important services of the future for blind people. And who could forget the informative and entertaining banquet speech of Mutual Broadcasting celebrity Jim Bohannon — especially his discussion of “generic news”? We want to extend the thanks and appreciation of the ACB National Office to everyone connected with the planning and conducting of the very successful 1988 national convention in Little Rock. The 1988 international convention of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, held in Montreal, was extremely interesting, educational, and important. While it was considerably different in tone from the national convention of a consumer organization such as the American Council of the Blind, it nevertheless devoted significant time to such important subjects as “Blind People Shaping the Blindness System.” During my remarks as a panelist representing ACB and ACB President Otis Stephens, who could not be present due to the serious illness of Mrs. Stephens, I emphasized the importance of knowledgeable and reasonable consumer input and responsibility, as well as acceptance of such input by service providers. I suggested that although respect and acceptance must flow both ways in the partnership that can improve the blindness system, the flow has not always gone evenly in both directions because some providers cannot believe that blind people know as much as they do about some subjects, and because some blind people refuse to believe that sighted providers can, through education, training and experience, provide useful and meaningful assistance. I pointed out, also, that consumer input is being mandated more and more by law, and that the Americans with Disabilities Act would include as an act of discrimination the refusal to allow disabled people to serve on advisory and planning boards or committees. The provider organizations represented on the panel were the American Foundation for the Blind and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. The consumer organizations were the Canadian Council of the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, and the National Federation of the Blind. A few members of the audience, who must have expected the panelists to disagree with one another on most points, seemed surprised when the panelists agreed substantially on several broad concepts. In the mistaken belief that such agreements and amicable discussions between the panelists had not taken place before, they asked if the panelists would meet together in the future to discuss other issues on which agreement might be reached. Inasmuch as the American Council of the Blind has always been willing to discuss issues if there appeared to be any future to such discussions, and since officials of the American Council of the Blind have taken part in many such discussions over the years, I agreed for ACB to participate in any future discussions. However, I pointed out that the five organizations represented on the panel were not all the parties that should be included in future discussions; that discussion for the sake of discussion would be pointless unless a mechanism were decided upon for determining what issues would be discussed; and that no one should expect immediate results on issues on which organizations had already made republic, philosophic commitments. The Executive Director of the National Federation of the Blind announced at that point that he intended to publish a transcript of that day’s panel discussion in the magazine of that organization. Any future developments of significance will be reported in The Braille Forum. What an opportunity I had this summer to talk “straight from the shoulder” to teachers of mainstreamed blind children when I was invited to lecture to graduate students in special education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia! While my remarks were not intended to disagree necessarily with current educational practices and philosophies, they were very frank and realistic concerning the actual needs and capabilities of blind people. I reminded the students, for example, that they should use all of the resources and expertise available in the “blindness system” in examining the “continuum” of services referred to in Public Law 94-142; that students who cannot reasonably use large-print should be taught braille; that students (and parents) should be encouraged to have meaningful contact with knowledgeable, accomplished blind people who can serve as role models; and that they, as teachers and administrators, must keep their own knowledge and skills up-to-date by interacting on a continuing basis with both service providers and knowledgeable consumers in the blindness field. In July, Roberta Douglas and I traveled with sad hearts to Knoxville, Tennessee, to attend the memorial service of Mrs. Linda Stephens, the devoted wife of ACB President Otis Stephens. The overflow attendance at the service served as stirring testimony to the esteem and respect felt by the community for both Mrs. Stephens and Dr. Stephens. ***** ** 27th Annual Convention American Council of the Blind The 27th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind was held July 2-9 at the Excelsior Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas. Hosted with true southern hospitality by the Arkansas Council of the Blind, this 1988 convention was well attended from throughout the United States (including, for the first time, representatives from Alaska), as well as from Canada and even as far away as Australia. General sessions of the American Council of the Blind took place each morning Monday through Saturday. ACB special-interest affiliates packed the remainder of each day and evening with workshops and seminars. There were breakfasts, luncheons and banquets; receptions, exhibits, tours, big-name entertainment, and more. The application of one new affiliate was accepted by the ACB Board of Directors at its pre-convention Board meeting: Visually Impaired Piano Tuners International — Stanley Oliver of Michigan, President. Denver, Colorado, was selected as the site of the 1990 ACB convention, to be held June 30-July 7. The 1989 convention, hosted by the Old Dominion Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, will be held in Richmond, Virginia, July 1-8. Watch The Braille Forum as plans develop. This issue of The Braille Forum will report highlights of the annual business meeting — elections, resolutions, and Constitution and By-Laws amendments. Also included is a current listing of the names and addresses of the ACB Board of Directors, the ACB Board of Publications, and ACB special-interest affiliates. Tapes of the 1988 convention are now available. Cost of the seven cassettes, which contain the formal program, staff and officer reports, scholarship presentations, the accepted Denver bid for the 1990 convention, and the annual ACB banquet, is $15.00. To order, send check made payable to the American Council of the Blind to: American Council of the Blind, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14620. From the first-timers meeting and the “Welcome to Arkansas” on Saturday, July 2, to the legislative seminar and annual banquet on Friday, July 8, to the elections and final business meeting on Saturday, July 9, Convention Week was a non-stop series of activities calculated to stimulate, educate, and/or entertain everyone from veteran convention-goer to first-timer alike. Southern hospitality was the key ingredient at the opening Saturday night gala to welcome all conventioners, hosted by the Arkansas Council of the Blind. Featured were a sit-down dinner of foods native to Arkansas, local arts and crafts, and down-home music. On Sunday evening, conventioners had the opportunity to travel back to the “Golden Days of Swing” with the Artie Shaw Band Concert, a 17-piece orchestra directed by Dick Johnson. At the opening ceremonies of the first general session of the American Council of the Blind on Monday, July 4, the official welcome to Arkansas was given by Mr. Bill McCuen, Secretary of State. At the conclusion of his remarks, Mr. McCuen presented Arkansas Traveler certificates (in print and braille), signed by Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, to President Otis Stephens, Oral Miller, Grant Mack, and Durward McDaniel, making them honorary citizens of the State of Arkansas. The keynote address, “Blindness, Blackness: The Struggle for Human Dignity and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” was delivered by Dr. Gregory Davis, Minority Student Adviser for Educational Support Services and Lecturer in the Afro-American Studies Department at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He outlined parallels between the black experience and that of disabled people, “parallels that bring us together as one.” He continued: “As we move into the 21st century, whether or not we survive will depend upon whether or not, and how well, we learn to work together.” “We need to teach the Federal Government it needs to stop beating about the business of ‘Do what I say and not what I do’ ... Wouldn’t it be nice, when we see the President board Air Force One, that all of his top advisers get on the airplane with him — Wouldn’t it be nice if he had someone coming along with a cane trying to catch the plane because they’re a few minutes late, and they’re one of the top advisers to the Executive Branch of Government?” Dr. Davis went on to reflect upon such topics as the direct connection between being poor in this country and being disabled; the number of senior citizens on fixed income who lose their eyesight; the direct connection between social injustice and the lack of health care. “Campaigns with a Twist: What Works and What Doesn’t,” was the theme addressed by Mr. Jerry Russell, President of Campaign Consultants of Little Rock. Mr. Russell has been involved in over 200 campaigns as consultant and adviser and has almost a 75% winning record. He presented a number of jingles which he has written and aired for various campaigns, some successful, some unsuccessful. These play on humor, he suggested, and also on repetition, “which is the most important thing you can do in any political spot.'” June 1988 marked the 50th anniversary of passage of the Wagner-O’Day Act (now the Javits-Wagner­O’Day Act). Under the leadership of National Industries for the Blind, this program is today providing employment for some 6300 Americans. In recognition of this important mile­ stone in employment for blind and visually impaired persons, ACB member John L. Granger, Executive Director of Royal Maid Association for the Blind, Hazelhurst, Mississippi, outlined the history and development of the program and commented upon its present scope and future potential. “American Printing House for the Blind, a Unique and Historic Business,” was the topic of an address by Dr. Carson Nolan. Dr. Nolan has been associated with APH for some 30 years and has been President since 1979. Although a heavy Federal Government contractor which appears as a line item in the budget of the U. S. Department of Education, the Printing House is a private, non­profit organization, chartered in Kentucky in 1858. This “Sears Roebuck of the Blind” is a highly diversified industry under one roof, with approximately a quarter of a million feet of manufacturing space. The four major product lines are: braille — 18% of sales; talking books —30% of sales; large-type textbooks — 12% of sales; and aids, tools, and special supplies — 40% of sales. A major address before the convention was that of Matthew Scocozza, Assistant Secretary of Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation; He expanded his topic, “Access to Air Travel by the Blind,” to encompass a broader concept, “making the skies more accessible to everybody.” He outlined from his perspective the “regulation by negotiation” process which was initiated following passage of the Air Carriers Access Act, to bring together all interested groups and all Government agencies to work out various issues dealing with transportation of people with disabilities. He emphasized one goal of that program to be “once and for all making all of the rules dealing with persons with disabilities on all of the airlines uniform.” The development and boundless future possibilities of descriptive video service were outlined by Mr. Cody and Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl of the Washington Ear and Laurie Everett, Director of Descriptive Video Service for Station WGBH Boston. (See The Braille Forum, “'Descriptive Video Service-Television for the Blind,” May-June 1988). WGBH produces about one-third of the programs which air on the Public Broadcasting System and is the station which pioneered the technology for closed captioning for the hearing impaired. The panelists called for consumer reaction to the service, as well as for pressure at the local level for other television stations to upgrade to the “second audio program” (SAP) channel. “To a large extent, the speed with which descriptive video service spreads to television and to your area depends on you,” urged Mr. Pfanstiehl. He encouraged each and every interested person to write letters to local TV stations, whether commercial or public television, and to ask when descriptive video service will be made available. The convention was pleased to welcome Mr. Thomas M. Barry, Vice President for Revenues and Public Affairs, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Mr. Barry compared the existing telephone network to a gigantic computer, accessible through millions of easy-to-use terminals — that is, touch-tone telephones. He explained that technology exists to provide a wide range of futuristic communications services relying on touch-tone phones and voice instruction. He pointed out that current regulation is an obstacle to progress, however, in making these services widely available. But the answer is not deregulation, he emphasized. Rather, he proposed replacing the traditional limitation on what a company can earn with a limitation on what it can charge customers for their phone service. This alternative, he suggested, would establish a strong incentive for telephone companies to operate as efficiently as possible and to make new and advanced communications services widely available. On Thursday morning, the convention was indeed honored by an unscheduled appearance by Governor Bill Clinton of the State of Arkansas. “In our state,” he said, “we have had a long history of commitment to equal and full opportunity for people whose only problem in life is that they don't see as well as the rest of us.” He went on to tell how in his first term there were three blind people employed in his office. One was promoted within state government; one went on to a career in the private sector; the third, ACB member Barbara Duncan, now runs the State Casework Division. A second unscheduled but most welcome speaker was Justin Dart, Jr., former Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and Chairman of the recently established Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities. Purpose of the Task Force is to gather evidence of broad­based discrimination against handicapped people, to be used in connection with efforts to obtain passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mr. Dart called upon conventioners to join him in action and to “cast a vote for justice” by describing in writing “at least one type or instance of discrimination or other problem experienced by you, your family members or others.” “And I guarantee you that I will deliver your message to both houses of Congress and that your vote for justice will count.” “Stage Within Your Mind” — Acts I and II, provided a delightful change of pace from traditional programming twice during the convention. These breaks consisted of short stories written and performed by John Dashney, President of the Oregon Council of the Blind. A professional story-teller, Mr. Dashney has, under the auspices of the Oregon Arts Commission, appeared before some 250 audiences at schools in Oregon, as well as before senior citizen groups and other organizations. Regrettably, space does permit commenting specifically on each presentation in this outstanding 1988 ACB convention program. However, other participants are listed here, with thanks and appreciation to all from the Board of Directors, staff, and membership: “Latest Developments and Information Regarding Library Services for the Blind,” F. Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; “Piano Tuning, Still a Viable Vocation,” Emil Fries, President, Emil Fries Piano Hospital and Training Center, Vancouver, Washington; “Am I an Editor, a Teacher, a Musician, or a Businessman?” Edward L. Potter, Editor, Playback magazine, Goldsboro, North Carolina; “Introducing the Blinded Veterans Association as an Advocacy and Service Organization,” Dr. Ronald L. Miller, Executive Director, Blinded Veterans Association, Washington, D. C.; Panel: “Present and Future Categorical Services for the Blind,” — Leonard Ogburn, Superintendent, Arkansas School for the Blind, Little Rock; James Cordell, Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind, Little Rock; and Charles Crawford, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind; “Government Contracts Should Mean More Employment for Blind People,” Paul Rupert, Executive Assistant to the Director, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, U.S. Department of Labor. ***** ** Elections In accordance with the American Council of the Blind Constitution and By-Laws, five Directors and three members of the Board of Publications were elected by the 1988 convention. Since both Robert Campbell of California and Adrian DeBlaey of Wisconsin had served their constitutional limit of two consecutive four­year terms as Directors, they were not eligible to stand for re-election. Citing personal reasons and commitments to his Florida affiliate, Paul Verner chose not to stand for re-election. The ACB Board, staff, and membership extend sincere thanks to Bob Campbell, Adrian DeBlaey, and Paul Verner for their dedicated service to the organization over the years. Brian Charlson of Massachusetts was elected to a second four-year term on the ACB Board of Directors. Durward McDaniel of Texas, who had been elected in 1987 to fill one year of an unexpired term, was elected to a first four-year term. Robert Acosta of California, Patricia Beattie of Virginia, and Jean Mann of New York were elected to their first four-year term. The three incumbents were elected to the ACB Board of Publications: Billie Jean Hill of Virginia for a third two-year term; Carol McCarl of Oregon and Phyllis Stern of Illinois to a second two-year term. ***** ** Constitution and By-Law Amendments Article III of the American Council of the Blind Constitution, “Membership, Voting and Dues," was amended to eliminate the requirement of United States citizenship for membership in ACB: “Any person or organization of the blind is eligible to become a member of the American Council of the Blind upon complying with the provisions hereinafter contained.” Article III, Section A-1., was amended to include life members as a voting class within ACB (amending language is in bold): “Voting members shall be affiliated organizations, their voting members, life members, and members-at-large of the American Council of the Blind.” In addition, several By-Law amendments were adopted relating to life members and members-at-large. By-Law 1 — Members-at-Large: Any person who has reached the age of eighteen may become a life member or an annual member-at-large of this organization by complying with these By-Laws. A certified member of an affiliate shall not simultaneously be eligible to be an annual member-at­ large. By-Law 3 — Dues: A. Dues for annual members-at-large shall be $5.00 a year. D. Dues of life members shall be $1,000.00, which may be paid in no more than five consecutive annual installments. A life member may be a member of an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind. Article V, Powers and Duties of the Convention, the Officers, the Board of Directors and Committees: This amendment relates to affiliate representation on the Nominating Committee. Amending language is emphasized below. D. The Nominating Committee shall consist of one person from each affiliate, the method of selection to be determined by that affiliate; provided, however, that any one individual shall not be appointed to the Committee on behalf of more than one affiliate. By-Law 2, Section B., regarding updating of voting membership records, was amended to read as follows: To facilitate the updating of voting membership records, a computer printout of each affiliate’s membership records shall be sent annually to that affiliate. The affiliate shall verify the list and make appropriate additions, deletions, and/or corrections and return said printout, accompanied by annual dues, to the National Office at least ninety days prior to the first day of the annual convention. An affiliate may amend its voting membership list at any time by adding, deleting, or correcting names and/or addresses, but the number of votes which an affiliate is entitled to cast at a convention shall be computed according to its voting membership record as of ninety days prior to the first day of the convention on which per capita dues have been paid. If an affiliate makes no additions, deletions, and/or corrections for three consecutive years, the Board of Directors may require a complete recertification of the affiliate voting member­ ship record. If an affiliate fails to comply with this section, the first year of non-compliance shall result in the loss of voting privileges and the second consecutive year of non-compliance may result in the revocation of the affiliate’s charter. By-Law 6, Section A. The first sentence was amended to read: The President, at the close of each annual convention, shall appoint a Membership Committee which shall be composed of no less than five members. By-Law 7 — Publications Board. A next-to-the-last sentence was inserted, as follows: Pursuant to this end, a majority of the Board of Publications may agree to include an editor/producer of any nationally distributed Board of Publications project of the American Council of the Blind as an ex officio member of the Board. Large print, braille, and cassette copies of the revised constitution and by-laws are available upon request from the ACB National Office. ***** ** Awards Several prestigious awards which have become an important part of ACB tradition were presented at the annual banquet on Friday evening, July 8. Max Edelman of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, was the recipient of the 1988 Ned E. Freeman Article of the Year Award. Ned Freeman was the first President of ACB, and at the time of his death he was serving as Editor of The Braille Forum. The award was created in 1969 in his memory. Mr. Edelman’s article, “Liberation Day of a Blind Survivor,” appears elsewhere in this issue. Cloetta Mullen of Little Rock, Arkansas, was the recipient of the Robert S. Bray Award. This award is given in recognition of outstanding work in extending library service or access to printed materials, or improving communications devices or techniques. Ms. Mullen recently retired as Director of the Arkansas Library for the Blind after 23 years of service. Newly established when she came there in 1965, the library then had 1,000 patrons. Today there are 7,000. In addition, she was one of the founders of the Arkansas Radio Reading Service. The George Card Award is given in recognition of a blind person who has contributed significantly to the betterment of blind people in general. This year’s recipient was Geraldine H. Pye of Macon, Georgia. Mrs. Pye has taught for the past 31 years at the Georgia Academy for the Blind. This year, competing successfully with thousands of sighted teachers from throughout the state who offer instruction at the elementary and secondary schools levels, she was selected for induction into the Georgia Teacher Hall of Fame. The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award was presented this year to LeRoy Price of Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Orphaned at the age of 3, Mr. Price is a graduate of the Overbrook School for the Blind and served the Overbrook Alumni Association for 45 years, much of the time as Secretary-Treasurer and later as President. He was one of the founders of the American Blind Bowlers Association and has served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind Rehabilitation Center at Lycoming. ***** ** Arkansas 1988 – A Convention to Remember By Robert J. Acosta National Convention Coordinator The 27th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind, held July 2-9 in Little Rock, Arkansas, was truly a week-long event to remember. As you read this special convention report, you will come to realize the vast scope of what occurred at the over 20 seminars, workshops, and special events held during that busy convention week. Too often we tend to forget, however, that major events such as that which took place in Little Rock in July do not just happen by themselves. Volunteer services, tours, the information desk, the daily newspaper ... — these represent the work of wonderful people who want to give service to other wonderful people. I want to focus attention here upon those countless people who worked behind the scenes to make this convention dream come true. Certainly I am proud to recognize the dedicated work of the National Convention Committee, who gave of their time so generously over the past year to produce this 27th annual convention. As Vice Chair, John Horst of Pennsylvania assisted ACB’s special-interest affiliates and provided invaluable service through his work on the convention program. As plans progressed, we tried to imagine what we, as conventioners, would want with regard to the formatting of such a lengthy document as the convention program. John was always concerned with the needs of the low-vision members, while my bias was with those who read braille. I believe that this year's two-volume braille program has put us on the right track for future conventions. I wish also to recognize the fine work of my secretary, Barbara Parker, who personally typed the entire program. Margarine Beaman of Texas is henceforth to be known as “First Lady of Braille.” Her fine work was evident throughout the convention. More and more hotels today are using television sets with painted-on buttons which cannot be distinguished tactually. Ms. Beaman located a company which manufactured special braille overlays for the selection panels, which enabled conventioners easily to use the television sets in their rooms. Ms. Beaman, along with Hallie Simmins of the Little Rock Visitors and Convention Bureau, recruited over 2,000 volunteers, who worked throughout the week to make our stay in Arkansas a pleasant one. Little Rock will always be remembered for its wonderful volunteers! Thanks to the efforts of Carla Franklin, Ron and Sue Staley, and a hard-working corps of volunteers, the convention's daily newspaper, The Quapaw News, was produced in both braille and large-print. A daily convention newspaper is now a tradition with ACB. When I learned that Jim Olsen, Chairman of the Registration Committee, had been hospitalized in early June for bypass surgery, I lost many nights’ sleep. My first concern was, of course, for Jim. But not far behind was my concern about the successful operation of the convention registration desk. My hat goes off to Roberta Douglas and Stephanie Cooper of the ACB National Office for stepping in and doing an outstanding job. I want also to make special mention of the work of Sarah Olsen. I don’t know whether Sarah plans to follow in her father's footsteps and become an accountant, but she certainly did an outstanding job in this capacity at the convention. Among the countless other people deserving special thanks are Denise Weddle of California, who supervised the always-exciting exhibit area; Jo Ann Slayton of the Iowa Council of the United Blind, who very ably supervised the tours held throughout Convention Week; Elizabeth Lennon of Michigan and Adeline Holden of Arkansas, who coordinated convention advertising and procured numerous ads which appeared in the convention program; Dick Seifert of Arkansas and Socorro Queen of California, who directed the hospitality and entertainment committee; and none of us will ever forget the humor of Arkansas’ Chester Holden as he handed out door prizes at every general session. Space does not permit me to name all of those wonderful people who contributed to the success of this 27th annual convention. I must, however, make special mention of the dedication and tireless efforts of Amy Pais, the outstanding President of the Arkansas Council of the Blind. She and her affiliate carried out any and all assignments and contributed immeasurably to the success of the 1988 convention. Finally, I want to thank my dear family and friends who came with me to the convention from such places as Iowa and California, and most especially my wife Ruth Ann, who works beside me as a true partner. Without their unselfish assistance, I could not carry out the awesome responsibilities as ACB’s National Convention Coordinator. And the commitment which was so evident in Little Rock will certainly be carried forward to the 28th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind, to be held in Richmond, Virginia, July 1-8. Watch The Braille Forum for news of that convention as plans develop. ***** ** Assistive Technology Bill Becomes Law By Kathleen Megivern We Washington types frequently talk about legislation being on a “fast track.” But seldom do we see an example quite as amazing as the recent passage of the “Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988.” This bill was introduced into the Senate and the House on June 23, 1988. By the end of the first week in August, it had been passed by both houses of Congress, and it was signed into law by President Reagan on August 19 — less than two months after its introduction. The chronology cited above may be a bit misleading, because much of the work on this bill happened before it was ever introduced. Numerous versions of the bill were circulated around Washington, drafted, fine­tuned, re-drafted, and still further tuned, until a version was produced which was acceptable to all sides involved in the process. The need for some form of Congressional action had been repeatedly documented through hearings both before and after the bills were introduced. Lack of information about available technology, lack of training in the use of technology, and lack of sources for financing devices were all cited. The House Report 100-819 which accompanies H.R. 4904 says it best: “The implication for the individual with disabilities is clear. There is no one agency, no one individual, or no one system that will ensure appropriate assistive technology devices and services for such an individual throughout his or her life.” The new law is divided into two titles. Title I sets up grants to states to assist in the development of a statewide comprehensive program which will identify the needs, coordinate existing resources, disseminate information, provide necessary training and technical assistance, and establish procedures for the active involvement of persons with disabilities in developing and implementing the program. Not more than ten state grants will be awarded on a competitive basis in the first year of the program. In the second year, up to twenty grants may be made, and in the third year there may be “any number of awards” — depending, of course, upon appropriation levels. Title II of the law is entitled “Programs of National Significance.” Part A of this title requires the National Council on the Handicapped to conduct a study and make recommendations to Congress and the President concerning Federal laws or regulations which either help or impede the states in the development of their statewide systems; Federal laws or regulations which help or impede the acquisition and/or financing of assistive technology devices and services; policies, practices, and procedures of private entities which may facilitate or impede the acquisition and/or financing of assistive technology; and alternative strategies for acquiring and financing assistive technology devices and services. To assist in accomplishing this report, the Council is to appoint a broad-based advisory committee. The final version of their report is due not later than eighteen months after the date of enactment of the bill. Part B of Title II calls for establishment of a national information and program referral network, if the Secretary of Education determines that such a network is appropriate, based upon the findings of a detailed feasibility study. The feasibility study is to be conducted by the Secretary, but may be accomplished through a contract or cooperative agreement. Part C of Title II establishes training and public awareness projects. This section orders the Secretary of Education to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with appropriate non-profit or for-profit entities for the purposes of conducting training sessions and developing curricula materials and methods for such training of persons with disabilities in the use of assistive technology. Another section of this part allows the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to prepare personnel for “careers relating to the provision of technology-related assistance to individuals with disabilities.” Additionally, Part C allows the Secretary to enter into contracts or make grants with appropriate non­profit or for-profit entities to mount public-awareness projects “that recognize and build awareness of the importance and efficacy of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for individuals of all ages with disabilities, functioning in various settings of daily life.” Part D of Title II provides for demonstration and innovation projects, and Part E contains the authorization of appropriations to make it all happen. Obviously, this law sets some pretty ambitious goals, and it could be of enormous benefit to blind and visually impaired persons. Although the Act authorizes appropriations for all of these activities, the Congress still will have to approve funding levels. As we go to press, the F.Y. 1989 appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education contains $5.213 million for Title I of this Act. There is some hope that dollars might be re­allocated in a continuing resolution so that Title II will have at least some startup money. But there are only very limited dollars to work with. Nonetheless, everyone involved in this effort agrees that the Technology-Related Assistance Act for Persons with Disabilities is an important development in the effort to improve the quality of life and opportunities for people with disabilities. ***** ** How Much “Modernizing” Does Braille Need? By John di Francesco At last the long-awaited International Conference on English Literary Braille is taking place in London, September 18-25, culminating some three years or more of controversial, and sometimes contentious, discussion of the status of English Literary Braille. What does this code, which has evolved over a period of a century and a half, now need? Some think it needs minor modifications or adjustments. Others think it needs to be completely overhauled. And there are plenty of in-betweens. There is very strong evidence, however, that the great majority of users of English Braille want minimal change, if any. Among the more elaborate systems being proposed right up to the present time is the so-called “Braille User-Oriented Code” (BUOC), conceived by Rebecca Maxwell of Australia. Ms. Maxwell's almost missionary zeal and ardor have won over a number of disciples, including Ms. Dana Walker, whose supportive article appeared in the May-June issue of The Braille Forum. But neither the American Council of the Blind nor the Braille Revival League has ever given endorsement to BUOC, as is clearly borne out in Resolution 88-01, which was decisively passed by the recent convention in Little Rock. The pertinent language of this resolution is as follows: “... Grade 2 braille shall not be replaced by any other comprehensive code or any major extension of the existing code (emphasis added). ... A limited number of whole-word contractions should be added to the grade 2 code. Such con­ tractions as are added should already exist in other more advanced codes and should not significantly alter the viability of currently available grade 2 materials.” The only ACB affiliate ever to have endorsed the BUOC system is the National Association of Blind Teachers, which did so in 1987 at the Los Angeles meeting during a sparsely attended business meeting. It is true that both ACB and BRL have kept a respectful open mind, and at the last three conventions Ms. Maxwell has been able to make ample presentation of her system. Yet in her 1987 Manual, she has taken the liberty of including the American Council of the Blind and the Braille Revival League in her list of those to be thanked “for help, support, (and) confirmation.” In my opinion, BUOC could never win wide acceptance. For one thing, it is a code which contains almost double the contractions of grade 2, with the current code comprising about half of it. The great majority of English Braille users will never accept or endorse such a cumbersome and overblown code. More alarming is BUOC’s wholesale disregard for accuracy in spelling. Suffixes such as “ed,” “er,” and “ing” are arbitrarily added to the contractions for verbs ending in e, resulting in misspelled words. Also ignored is the difference between American and British spelling of con­ tractions for such words as behavior (or behaviour), practice (or practise), organize (or organise), traveled (or travelled), etc. Then there are the dozen or so whole-word contractions which do not use the initial letters of the words they represent, such as dots 4-5-f for satisfy, dot 4-y for play, dots 4-5-y for only, dots 4-5-6-y for ordinary, and others. There are countless inconsistencies and awkwardnesses. But I don’t need to go on. There is much in the BUOC system that might well be of practical use in one’s private or personal braille. However, adoption of such a system as a whole is, I believe, out of the question for very obvious reasons. ***** ** Report of the ACB Board of Publications By Christopher Gray, Chairman The promoting of writing excellence, definition and creation of ACB position papers on topics of vital importance to blind people, and keeping The Braille Forum growing and strong despite shrinking budgets is one list of activities that describes the accomplishments of the American Council of the Blind’s Board of Publications over the past year. Many readers are already aware that the Board of Publications oversees the nominations to and final selection of the Ned E. Freeman Award. Each year, we discuss — and sometimes modify — the criteria on which the award is granted. Every attempt is made to present the award in a manner that promotes excellence in writing for both The Braille Forum and ACB affiliate publications. Let me extend warmest congratulations to this year’s recipient, Max Edelman, for the article, “Liberation Day of a Blind Survivor.” Mr. Edelman chronicles in a most moving and humanistic manner his experiences as a blind prisoner-of-war. in a German concentration camp at the end of World War II. This award-winning article is included elsewhere in this issue of The Braille Forum. Beginning with the 1989 ACB convention in Richmond, the Board of Publications will also present the Vernon Henley Media Award. This award will be geared toward the general media and may include printed articles, radio or television pieces, and other presentations by and about blind people. The criteria for the award and additional description for submissions will appear in the next issue of The Braille Forum, so that nominations can begin coming to the BOP. This award is being presented in honor of Vernon Henley, who was my immediate predecessor as Chairman of the Board of Publications and the founder of ACB Reports, ACB’s monthly news magazine heard on 96 radio reading services around the nation. Additionally, the Board of Publications has begun serious work on the factual and stylistic bases for a series of position statements on matters in which the American Council of the Blind has taken a stand through its resolutions and subsequent national, state, and local activities. The BOP is coordinating these efforts in conjunction with the ACB Board of Directors. I want to particularly thank and acknowledge contributions made thus far by Durward McDaniel and Paul Edwards, not to mention Otis Stephens’ continuing interest, support, involvement, and promotion to others and to us of this vital project. At the next ACB convention, ACB will have comprehensive and coherent descriptions of key stands we have made historically that can be used by the membership to further strengthen our movement and increase our successes. Keeping The Braille Forum strong and responsive to the needs of ACB members and other readers is a responsibility that is almost too obvious to include. I mention it here in order to highlight this particular issue of The Braille Forum. We have worked for a long time to have a post-convention issue. In the past couple of years, such an issue has been financially unrealistic. But after much discussion, the ACB Board was able to find the funding to combine September-October and convention coverage into the expanded issue you have in your hands today. This allows us to give you convention information in a timely manner. If you like this approach, please let us know by contacting the Editor, Mary Ballard. We are excited about this issue and hope that this approach will be useful. Finally, the recently elected members of the Board of Publications have asked me to express their thanks to the general membership. They are: Billie Jean Hill, Arlington, Virginia; Carol McCarl, Salem, Oregon; and Phyllis Stern, Oak Park, Illinois. Phyllis Stern wishes to express special thanks — not to mention about 1500 hellos, hugs and handshakes — to conventioners and friends whom she could not see personally this year, due to a sudden and serious short-term illness. Instead of lounging around the convention in Little Rock, getting a good, restful, uninterrupted sleep each night and attending as many meetings as possible during the course of each day, Phyllis had to have surgery and has spent the rest of the summer undergoing intensive physical therapy in order to re-learn how to walk. She sends a special thanks for the support and the faith shown in her by the membership upon her re-election to the Board of Publications despite her unexpected personal absence in Little Rock. ***** ** Liberation Day of a Blind Survivor By Max Edelman Ned E. Freeman Article of the Year Ned E. Freeman Article of the Year (First published in the Jewish Braille Review May-June 1987) The morning was clear and sunny, promising a warm spring day that Monday, April 23, 1945, when the SS officer gave the order to continue marching. Little did we realize that this would turn out to be the last day of the most tormented, barbaric, and bestial period in our lives. For me, it had started on a colder night in November 1939 when I was caught by the SS Sonder Commando (Special Unit) in a roundup of young Jews to be sent to a slave labor camp. I was in several camps, from the concentration camp Budzyn, a satellite of the death camp Maidanek, to the concentration camp Flossenburg, up in the hills of Bavaria, some 70 miles southeast of Nuremberg. Millions of words have been written about life and death in the Nazi concentration and death camps. From my experience, the mere chance to survive hinged upon staying relatively well and going to work every day, if possible. This, under prevailing conditions, was a very tall order, indeed — too tall for many millions of Jews and non-Jews. The most devastating day for me was Saturday, April 8, 1944, when I was roughed up rather severely. Back on my bunk, I looked like a bloody mess. My brother ran to fetch Dr. Forster, a fellow inmate and a good friend. The Herr Doctor, as he was known to most of us, was a practicing physician in Austria until the Anschluss. A superb human being, he was always ready to help anyone at any time. Some of my friends gathered around my bunk, expressing sorrow and offering words of hope and encouragement. Dr. Forster cleaned me up and put a cold compress on me. Then I heard him tell my brother: “He is young, and he will mend. I am worried about the eyes. The left one looks very bad, and the right one could be injured. It’s hard to tell. With my bare hands, there isn’t much I can do for him. God only knows how much he will be able to see.” My friends, who had all listened to Dr. Forster’s assessment as to the extent of my injuries, started slowly to walk away. I mended. However, whatever eyesight I still had got steadily worse, so that by February 1945 I could no longer recognize objects. To continue going to work became too risky, not only for me, but, more important, for my brother and my friends who stood by and covered for me as much as possible. The inmates in Flossenburg were from almost every European country the Nazis occupied. Erich, my block eltster (leader), was a German national. He was a political prisoner, intelligent and very experienced in the art of survival in a concentration camp. Either Erich liked me or felt sorry for me. The fact was that he lied and alibied for me at every morning’s head count in order to keep me out of the sight of the SS officers. In late March Erich’s ability to protect me came to an abrupt end. The block leaders were ordered to have all those who were unable to go to work transferred to the infirmary — one step away from the crematorium. My brother and my friends came to see me every day after work. A couple of days after the transfer, Erich came to visit me. He immediately sized up my situation there. On the way out, he stopped to talk with the block leader of the infirmary, who was also a German national. From that moment on, no one in the block dared to steal my food, such as it was, or to do me harm in any other way. On Sunday, April 15, my brother and a friend came to visit me and relayed the latest news they had heard at work at the Messerschmidt aircraft plant that day; namely, that President Roosevelt had died. After my company left, I walked over to the bunk of my new friend, Father Pierre, a French Catholic priest, and told him the news. While we were engaged in conversation, an SS officer came in and ordered all Jews to report to the camp square within fifteen minutes. Father Pierre suggested that I should not go; that I pretend I was not Jewish. However, Vasily, a Ukrainian, called out to me from his bunk across the aisle, “Ay, Jew, you’ve got fifteen minutes to get the hell out of here!” “I must go, because if I do not, he will give me away,” I said. “Yes, you are right, and I am sorry,” Father Pierre said. We shook hands. “And God be with you,” he added. “Thanks. And with you, too,” I replied. I walked back to my bunk, put on whatever clothes I had, and made my way to the door. I heard someone passing close to me and grabbed his arm and tagged along to the square. My brother was already looking for me. We were counted and recounted. Finally in the morning we were marched out of the camp to the railroad station and loaded into cattle cars. Several passenger cars were attached at the end of the train, and those were full of the families of the SS officers. On a stretch of open road a few miles out of Flossenburg, two Allied planes attacked the train, knocking out the engine. Thus ended the train ride. The following morning we started the journey on foot. The going was very slow, and on and off rainshowers didn’t help matters. The sound of a single shot from a handgun became more frequent as the day went on. On Friday, I, too, was ready to give up. It was not that I was any hungrier or more exhausted than anyone else, but my feet were very sore from the ill-fitting shoes I wore, and I just could not walk any more. My brother offered me his shoes. Of course, I refused. My brother then inched his way to where an SS guard was standing and asked him if he could take the shoes off a dead man who was lying at the side of the road a few yards away. Surprisingly, he got permission. A few minutes later he returned with a pair of shoes for me. The next day a continuous rain added to our misery. Fortunately, we stopped at a small farm community just past the town of Schwartzenfeld. The farmers opened their barns and we were ordered in. At least we had a dry floor to rest on. Early Monday morning the barn doors opened and we were ordered out — and quick! The sunshine and fresh air felt comforting. Many did not move, however: they were beyond feeling and caring. Just then a plane flew over the area and dropped leaflets. We were not allowed to pick up any, but the guards did. About a half mile down the highway, we turned off on to a dirt road leading into a forest. As we got close, the most impossible thing happened: the SS guards left us and fled into the woods. We experienced an incredible feeling — a combination of fear and hope. Was it for real, or was it a cruel trick? We broke up into small groups and started to walk back the way we had come. However, we were very fearful that the guards might still come after us. The closer we got to the highway, the more we could hear the sound of heavy vehicles. Just then, someone shouted, “It’s the Americans! We are free!” Until that moment, we did not believe it to be true. Some were laughing, others were crying, and others were too numb to express any emotion at all. The Americans threw food they had in their vehicles, including their rations, over to the side of the road. Just as the situation was becoming a little too emotional, a group of American officers arrived and started to take charge. I was not feeling well. My brother walked me over to a bench near a farmhouse and went to seek help from an American officer. In perfect German, the American told the lady of the farmhouse to let me and several others in and to make us comfortable. He provided tea and crackers and ordered her to serve us. The officer came in frequently to check up on us and to assure us of his concern and care. Late in the afternoon he apologized for not being able to take us to a hospital before the next morning. My brother, too, was in and out frequently, just to check up on me and to tell me the latest news. “It seems,” he said, “that the American officers are finally getting under control the unbelievable emotional situation outside.” My hunger temporarily satisfied, I was situated on a comfortable chair by an open window, listening to the sounds of man and machine that early evening of the first day of freedom. The moaning of one of my fellow disabled survivors in the room made me keenly aware of my own situation. I became overwhelmed with a feeling of self-pity: “I am liberated, all right, but I am blind. Except for my brother, my whole family has perished, and I am practically alone.” And I became very scared-more scared of life than I was in the concentration camp afraid of death. The door opened and I heard my brother say, “Oh, you have company.” And immediately I was embraced in a bear hug. It was Erich. “We made it! We survived! We are free!” he shouted joyously. Then, “Ay, you are crying. Are you in pain?” he inquired. “No, not that kind,” I managed to say between sobs. “Yes, I have survived. If it were not for the two of you, I would have gone up in smoke long ago. I am liberated, all right, but I cannot see the proud liberators and the rejoicing liberated, including you. I am afraid,” I admitted. “The two of you have done everything possible to keep me away from the oven, and you have succeeded. Right now, I just don’t know whether I should thank you or despise you for it.” A moment later I heard them, too, sobbing. For many years I have hesitated to talk about this period in my life, let alone write about it. Often I willed myself not even to think about it because of the tormenting nightmares. Thank goodness they are no longer as frequent as in years gone by. But to add insult to injury, so to speak, although I am blind and have been blind all these years, in the nightmares, everything appears in living color. (Max Edelman, who is totally blind, was trained as a physical therapist following World War II. When he was unable to find satisfactory employment in Europe at that time, he came to the United States in 1951. For the past 35 years he has worked as an X-ray technician at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.) ***** ** Fair Housing Act Passed by Senate (Reprinted from AER REPORT, Published by Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, August 1988) A compromise version of the Fair Housing Act Amendments has been passed by the United States Senate, and although it differs slightly from the House-passed version, House leaders have indicated that they will accept the Senate version and send it to the White House for the President’s signature in the very near future. This bill, which has been an issue since it was first killed by a filibuster in the 1979-80 Congressional session, adds some important enforcement procedures to the existing Fair Housing law. In addition, it adds protection for two new groups: handicapped persons and families with children. After ten years of controversy, a compromise version of the bill was finally agreed to by all of the major players, including the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Homebuilders. Some of the very people who led the fight to kill the bill in its previous versions were in the forefront of its passage this time around. Indeed, the compromise version bears the names not only of Senators Kennedy (D., MA) and Specter (D., PA), but also of Senator Orrin Hatch (R. UT). Likewise, Senator Strom Thurmond (R., NC) was a vocal supporter of the “born again” Fair Housing Bill. In fact, much of the “debate” sounded like the minutes of a mutual admiration society. But despite the 94 to 3 vote on passage, the three nays were vocal. The opposition was led by Senator Gordon Humphrey (R., NH), and, in fact, the provision to which he objected most were the ones providing that new construction should contain certain limited accommodations for people with disabilities. Senator Humphrey tried two different versions of an amendment to either delete or otherwise limit these provisions. His last effort would have required that 20 percent of any project would have to include modifications for disabled people. A similar amendment had been soundly defeated in the House, and despite Senator Humphrey’s ardent efforts, it met the same fate in the Senate. The only person who joined Senator Humphrey in the debate was Senator Steve Symms (R., ID). In what has become a classic tactic to defeat any proposal which benefits handicapped people, Senator Symms tried the right wing’s favorite scare tactic: that passage of this bill would require landlords to rent to people with AIDS. Luckily, as with the efforts on the Civil Rights Restoration Act, this fear-mongering had no effect on the vote. Ralph Neas, Executive Director of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (to which the American Council of the Blind belongs), echoed the words of Senator Kennedy when he characterized this legislation as the most important extension of civil rights in twenty years. The White House has indicated that President Reagan will sign the bill. (NOTE: As we go to press, the President has not yet signed the Fair Housing Act Amendments. However, he has indicated that he will approve the bill, and no problem is anticipated. Meanwhile, a fascinating “human-interest” angle has emerged with the news that the person who convinced Senator Orrin Hatch to support the bill was Muhammed Ali. Senator Kennedy’s office has reported that they were aware of the former world heavy-weight champ's personal friendship with Senator Hatch, who also was a boxer in earlier times. Supporters of the bill contacted Ali, and once he was convinced of the bill's importance, he managed to “bring around” his friend, Senator Hatch. Ah, yes! Politics does make for some strange bedfellows sometimes.) ***** ** AFB Names Scott Marshall Director of Governmental Relations The American Foundation for the Blind has named Scott Marshall as Director of its Governmental Relations Department, succeeding Irvin P. Schloss, who retired July 29 after 30 years with the organization. Marshall’s responsibilities will include supervision of the Foundation’s advocacy efforts on behalf of sound public policies regarding the education, rehabilitation, and economic and civil rights of blind and visually impaired people. Before joining AFB as a Governmental Relations Specialist earlier this year, Marshall was president of his own consulting firm, providing legislative expertise to non-profit organizations. He has also served as Senior Legislative Coordinator at the American Association of Retired Persons and as Director of Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind. A native of Buffalo, New York, Marshall holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Rochester, New York, and a doctorate in law from Harvard Law School (1976). He is a member of the American Blind Lawyers Association, the American League of Lobbyists, the American Society of Association Executives, and the American Bar Association. He has served on AFB’s National Advisory Committee on the Working Years and on the Commission on Accreditation of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped. Marshall is frequently asked to lecture on the legislative process. He serves as a volunteer with the bipartisan Closeup Foundation, which offers high-school students the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., to learn more about government. ***** ** Blind People Invited to Ski for Light 1989 in Montana The 14th International Ski for Light program of cross-country ski instruction will take place February 12-19, 1989, in Bozeman, Montana. If becoming skilled in an exciting, vigorous winter sport, learning about fitness, sharing Norwegian culture, dancing, and interacting with over 100 interesting and talented blind adults from throughout the United States and Europe appeals to you, you are indeed a candidate for Ski for Light. The program is commonly described by past participants as “the experience of a lifetime.” No previous experience in skiing of any sort is necessary. In fact, Ski for Light is looking for blind and visually impaired people who have never tried anything like this before to come learn from experienced sighted skiers how to lead a more physically active life style. Each participant is paired with a sighted instructor/ guide who provides instruction and information about the terrain. Cross-country skiing can be done at your own pace, so it's ideal for people of all ages. Blind people from 18 to 72 years of age have enjoyed past Ski for Light programs. Cross-country or Nordic skiing differs from Alpine or downhill skiing in that it is vigorous exercise. A cross­country skier provides his own propulsion and creates his own body heat. That’s why lighter, more comfortable equipment and clothing is worn. Blind skiers are able to excel in this winter sport by skiing in pre-set tracks and having the verbal assistance of a trained sighted partner. In fact, some Ski for Light participants have sufficiently advanced their skills to compete in international skiing events. The cost of the unique Ski for Light Week is $350.00, which includes double occupancy lodging, interesting meals, use of ski equipment for first-timers, training, and many other social/cultural activities. Priority is given to beginner skiers, and these first-time participants can apply for scholarships to help with transportation costs. Interested persons are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Information and applications are available from Alan Schlank, Selection Coordinator, 4019 North River Street, Arlington, VA 22207; (703) 538-4713. (Calls before 10:00 p.m. Eastern time, or communication in braille or type, please.) ***** ** Follow the “Fast Track” to Cross-Country Ski Racing By Laura Oftedahl, National Champion 1988 Disabled Cross-Country Championships Many blind and visually impaired Americans enjoy the fun and fitness of cross-country skiing, thanks in large part to the successful one-on-one instruction offered over the past 14 years by Ski for Light, Inc. No special adaptations are required; just a sighted friend to describe trails and share tales. If you have mastered ski skills from herringbone to step turns, but want more challenge and excitement than that provided by ski touring local forests and golf courses, your chance for enhanced endurance and technique training is just down the track. In fact, an ambitious series of training camps and racing clinics for blind and disabled cross-country skiers, sponsored by the U.S. Disabled Ski Team (USDST), is planned for this winter. Skill, commitment, and a desire for excitement and accomplishment could lead dedicated athletes to the “fast track” of ski racing on the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. Cross­country (Nordic) ski racing, in fact, is the first sport in the United States in which disabled athletes have been integrated into an able-bodied national championship as full status competitors. Through the forward thinking of the U.S. Ski Association (USSA), blind, physically disabled, and deaf racers have excelled as athletes first, disabled second, at the· past three USSA National Cross-Country Championships. The USDST trains year-around for regional, national, and international competition and emerged this past winter with 14 top­ten finishes and a sixth place world ranking at the fourth World Winter Games (Paralympics) for the Disabled in Innsbruck, Austria. The USDST is actively recruiting athletes for its development team who show potential to progress to the national team. All interested cross-country skiers who have race experience or who desire to ski competitively are invited to attend one or more of the events listed below. Participants will have the chance to ski alongside U.S. Disabled Ski Team members and to learn from USDST national team coaches. These coaches and athletes will lead technical sessions on classical and skating technique, present nutrition workshops, and outline how to create a year­around training plan. All athletes must arrange for their own sighted race guides. Guiding instruction will be provided, and all technical sessions will be geared to benefit guides as well as disabled skiers. Sighted skiers who would like to guide blind racers but do not know an interested athlete will be paired with a racer. So all persons, whether blind or sighted, should make contact and plan now to be a part of this exciting winter of ski training and racing along with the U.S. Disabled Cross-Country Ski Team. For further information, call or write Ted Fay, Nordic Director, P.O. Box 186, Hanover, NH 03755; (802) 295-3625. * USDST Cross-Country Training Camps and Racing Clinics Nov. 20-26 — National Invitational Training Camp, West Yellowstone, Montana Dec. 26-31 — Eastern Development Camp, Hanover, New Hampshire Jan. 10-13, 1989 — Central Development Camp, Minneapolis, Minnesota Jan. 13-22 — USSA Cross-Country Ski Championships, Giants Ridge, Minnesota (Must qualify) Jan. 15-22 — Disabled Ski Challenge '89, Breckenridge, Colorado Feb. 3-5 (tentative) — Western Development Camp, Tahoe City, California ***** ** Constitution Week: Why We Celebrate Note: The Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution is devoting significant attention to publicizing its objectives and services to disabled people throughout the nation. Although plans are not yet finalized, it is hoped that an inspiring presentation or activity relating to the United States Constitution will be a significant part of the 1989 ACB national convention in Richmond, Virginia, the home of so many of the draftsmen and signers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The signing of the constitution on September 17, 1787, was only the beginning. The proposed new Constitution still had to be approved by the people. States were called upon to determine whether “We the People” really wanted to establish the institutions of government set forth in the Constitution. Approval was far from automatic: While several states ratified the Constitution unanimously, others were deeply divided and the votes were very close in several key states. But with the New Hampshire vote on June 21, 1788, the ninth state convention ratified the Constitution, making it the law of the land. Two hundred years later the Constitution is still the law of the land and “We the People” are still active participants. In 1952 Congress authorized the President to issue an annual proclamation designating September 17 of every year as Citizenship Day, in commemoration of the signing of the Constitution. On this day we recognize all citizens — especially those who have come of age (new voters) and those who have been naturalized during the year (new citizens). That commemoration recognizes not only that “We the People” are the supreme authority, but that citizenship plays a primary role in our system of government. In 1955 the Daughters of the American Revolution proposed devoting an entire week to the Constitution by extending the period of observance beyond September 17. This week would be devoted to study and consideration of the events that led to the framing of the Constitution and of the means for preserving it. A second Congressional Resolution, approved August 2, 1955, authorized the designation of the week beginning September 17 of each year as Constitution Week. Now the President issues a single proclamation each year designating September 17 as Citizenship Day and the period beginning September 17 and ending September 23 as Constitution Week. As the American people celebrate the bicentennial of the Constitution — the creation and adoption of our Constitution, the formation of our first government, and the ratification of the Bill of Rights — Citizenship Day and Constitution Week take on special significance. The attention and energy devoted to these bicentennial commemorations can provide the impetus for a continuing annual Constitution Week program, reminding generations to come of the importance of constitutional government. ***** ** Jim Chandler: Fond Remembrances; Final Respects By Jim Doherty and Janiece Petersen America’s blind and visually impaired citizens lost a highly valued friend September 5 when Jim Chandler died. He had been rushed to the hospital August 11 after suffering a heart attack and never regained consciousness. In the May-June issue of The Braille Forum, Pat Price told of Jim’s most recent achievement: receiving the Francis Joseph Campbell Citation and Medal, given by the American Library Association for his unique and immeasurable contribution to library service for the blind. This contribution is voice indexing, a dream Jim nurtured for years, a dream which, through his dedication and persistence, became a tangible and, as he said, “audible” reality. At the Campbell award ceremonies, Jim told about the shock he experienced upon discovering that valuable reference materials were not fully available to print-handicapped readers. That realization inspired this quiet man of decisive action to devote the final sixteen years of his life to developing and perfecting the voice­indexing process. In pursuit of this goal, he did not work in a vacuum. Jim immersed himself in work with organizations of and for the blind, such as the American Council of Blind Lions, Washington Volunteer Readers for the Blind, Friends in Art of ACB, and the District of Columbia Association of Workers for the Blind, in order to absorb the ideas and suggestions of those who would benefit from his invention. Thanks to him, blind and visually impaired persons now have “equal intellectual access” (Jim’s phrase) to a variety of important reference works, and future generations of students, professionals, cooks, mechanics, and the merely curious will have their information needs met by a growing number of resources made possible through Jim Chandler’s efforts. Unfortunately, however, those future generations will never experience Jim Chandler, the warm, immensely caring human being. Hundreds of us have been luckier. We have known Jim as the instantly available reader, observant guide, or willing driver. We have learned from his stimulating conversation, admired his patience (as he counted convention votes — even the halves and thirds), and generally came away better for any contact with his intelligence and friendly spirit. Jim is survived by his wife Barbara (the keystone of Friends in Art), three daughters, three sons, two brothers, one sister, and five grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be sent to Voice Indexing for the Blind, 9116 St. Andrews Place, College Park, MD 20740. ***** ** High Tech Swap Shop * For Sale: Visualtek Voyager XL, Model XLS. Includes 19-inch monitor with stand, user’s manual, cables, covers, original packing — Complete. Perfect condition. Original cost, $2,925. Asking $1,900. Turner Varcoe, 1322 Simwood Place, Jackson, MS 39211; (601) 362-6265. * For Sale: VersaBraille Model P2C, in good condition. Included are the AC power unit/battery charger, braille and print manuals, overlay tapes, and back issues of VersaNews as well as various computer manuals and books on VersaBraille tape. Service agreement good through April 1989. Cost, $1,500 or best offer. Contact David Andrews, 1012 Hilltop Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044; (913) 864-4600 days, or (913) 843-0351 evenings and weekends. * For Sale: MagniColor I closed­circuit television enlarger, Model 30-MC-I. In perfect working condition. Very reasonable. If interested, contact Ed McCarthy, 451 Oceanside St., Islip Terrace, NY 11752; (516) 277-0073. * For Sale: VersaBraille, Model P2C. Asking $3,760, including insurance and postage. Contact Julie Addington, 103 W. 7th Avenue, Easley, SC 29640. ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon From The LCB Slate (Louisiana Council of the Blind): Because of the pleasure Helen Keller derived from touching some of her own beloved possessions, a niece, Katy Ewin, now carries memorabilia of her aunt around to exhibits where they can be appreciated tactually by others. “Touch was her only sense,” says Ms. Ewin, “and she enjoyed it.” Among Ms. Ewin’s possessions are autographed photographs, a worn silver spoon bearing the delicate italic signature of the Keller family, a worn apron, and other keepsakes. Ms. Ewin, a volunteer at the Baton Rouge Lighthouse for the Blind, says that her memories of her aunt come from a childhood filled with shared visits and with talks she overheard between her father and his sister Helen. Science Magazine has reported that a synthetic corneal transplant has restored sight. The synthetic cornea, designed by Delmar Caldwell and Jean Jacob-LaBarre at Tulane University, New Orleans, is made of two kinds of plastic. Caldwell stated that the new design “could very easily replace corneal transplants altogether.” President Ronald Reagan signed Executive Order 12640 on May 10, renaming the 41-year-old President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped as The President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. It was announced, also, that the Committee will produce all public information materials in formats useable by blind people. The Committee’s Office of Public Affairs produces books, fact sheets, pamphlets, and other materials regarding persons with disabilities and employment. These resources will now be available on cassette, in braille, and in large print (14 point), upon request. At meetings sponsored or co-sponsored by the President’s Committee, all slides or videotapes shown will be open or closed-captioned. All visuals will be narrated for persons with sight impairment. This spring VTEK announced a most exciting new feature for video visual aids: Auto Focus. What is it? Exactly what it sounds like: an automatic method of focusing a VTEK Voyager or Voyager XL. Just press a button on the front panel. Computer­controlled circuitry inside the unit measures the distance to the reading material, regardless of the thickness or the size of its letters. A motor whirs softly, and within three seconds the image appears in sharp, clear focus. For more information, contact VTEK, 1625 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Creative Recreation for Blind and Visually Impaired Adults is a large-print publication intended for blind persons and their families. It features adaptations that enable blind and visually impaired people to participate in recreation and leisure activities, and it examines activities ranging from sports to travel and the performing arts. The book may be purchased for $7.00, plus $2.50 for shipping and handling, from Publications and Information Services, American Foundation for the Blind, 15 W. 16th Street, New York, NY 10011. From Perspective (Library of Michigan Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped): The 1988 edition of Campbell Soup Company’s Easy Way to Delicious Meals is now available in braille and large print. It is free while quantities last. Address requests to: Associated Services for the Blind, ATT.: Delores Ferrara-Gonzieba, 919 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. AT&T has developed a device which, with the touch of a button, will dial programmed numbers and report an emergency and give the resident’s address and telephone number. For further information, call AT&T at 1-800-233-1222. Electronic Literature’s new catalog offers over 10,000 selections on cassette tape for rent to blind and physically handicapped readers. Cassette tapes include both fiction and non-fiction titles, radio stories, and music. Cost of the catalog is $5.00, and the fee is generally deductible from the first rental order. For further information or for a catalog, contact Connie Hindman, Rural Media Network, P.O. Box 837, Bethel, ME 04217. Dining out is becoming easier for blind people as more fast-food chains join individual restaurants in offering braille menus, according to USA Weekend. “Chains are just now becoming aware of the problem. We hope more will provide menus,” says Anne Papa of the National Restaurant Association. About half of all McDonald’s supply braille menus upon request. Carls Jr. added braille menus to all units four months ago. “I’ve got two regulars who come daily since we got braille,” says the manager at Carls Jr. in Los Angeles. Other spots offering menus for the one in 100 visually impaired Americans include Bob’s Big Boy Family Restaurants in Michigan, Red Lobster in the northeast, Stouffer hotels, and Denny’s in Austin, Texas. From Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness: The National Eye Institute has sponsored a trial at 25 medical centers nationwide to test the technique of cryotherapy (freezing part of the eyeball) in premature infants to prevent vision loss and blindness. The technique was successful in arresting the development of scar tissue in the majority of premature babies in the study. Retinopathy of prematurity is the excessive growth of blood vessels that fan out on the retina, causing retinal detachment, low vision, or blindness. “We do not fully understand why destroying part of the undeveloped retina helps the eye complete its development more normally,” says Dr. Earl A. Palmer, Director of the study, “and we may not know all the long-term effects of this treatment.” From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine: Coffee mugs will be personalized with names in braille by McBride Ceramics, P.O. Box 510, Keysville, VA 23947. The braille dots are fired with the mug and become an integral part of it. Also available are decals depicting a dog, cat, flower, unicorn, or old-time auto. Mugs cost $10.50 each, delivered UPS in the contiguous United States. For the year ended September 30, 1987, National Industries for the Blind represented 81 agencies for the blind that operate 104 workshops. Of these, 64 are private, non-profit workshops, and 17 are state-sup­ ported. Other facts brought out in NIB’s Annual Report are: 6,361 blind people were employed in NIB workshops; 2,721 of these persons had severe handicaps in addition to blindness; blind workers were paid $44 million in wages and fringe benefits; 665 blind employees were promoted, with 29 moved into management positions; and 1,618 blind persons were placed competitively. From AFB News: Teacher, author and anthropologist John Gwaltney, 51, who has been blind since birth, is a man of many talents. When the Syracuse University anthropology professor is not teaching, conducting research or writing books, he is creating ritual carving-described by him as the sculptural renderings of the basic philosophy, conventions, and reasoning of black theology and culture. And carving has been a consuming interest for most of his life. Gwaltney learned the art of ritual carving from friends and relatives, most notably his great-uncle, who was a famous carver in Virginia. Gwaltney’s work has won many awards and has been displayed at art shows and museums nationwide, most recently at the Harlem School for the Performing Arts. He annotates his exhibits in braille and large-print and encourages people to touch his carvings. At TWA in New York City, four determined blind and low-vision people have become full-time airline reservationists, accessing TWA’s reservations system with VISTA, VERT, and VersaBraille II +. In a Travel Weekly cover story, training supervisor John McQueeney says that in competitive performance reviews, Carlos Gomez, Gloria Morrelli, Elba Santiago, and Mark Suntinian “all drew outstanding marks for bookings made and revenues produced.” From The Link (Kalamazoo, Ml, Center for Independent Living): Jim and Maryann McManus, licensed outfitters and guides in northern Idaho, offer hunts and trips for people with special needs. They will guide hunts for elk, deer, bear, and cougar. Moose hunts are also available, but harvest is limited to Idaho residents. Trips can be tailored to the needs of participants, with the use of horses, four-wheelers, etc. Activities and participation are determined on an individual basis, according to abilities and interests. Other recreational opportunities include fishing, camping, and trail riding. For further information, contact Jim and Maryann McManus, Box 442, Pierce, ID 83546. Isaac Obie, 55 Waverly Avenue, Apt. 210, Watertown, MA 02172, is taking a survey, hopefully to be completed by the end of the year, to discover how many users would like a braille display for the Braille ‘N Speak. Projected per-unit cost (which is in addition to the cost of the Braille ‘N Speak itself) is $3,000. The display, a replica of that used in the VersaBraille, will be designed to interface with Braille ‘N Speak through the inactive port on current devices. If interested, please contact Mr. Obie as soon as possible. Please include your name, address, and telephone number. One of Santa’s most dedicated helpers, Ms. Effie Roebuck, retired from service July 25. That day, Ms. Roebuck, who is visually impaired, held her last “Christmas in July” party for visually impaired senior citizens at the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, Washington, D.C. She began the parties 14 years ago because she thought many senior citizens might not “make it to another Christmas,” and because she wanted to do more for seniors, particularly blind seniors. “Effie is a remarkable lady who has brought a lot of joy to people. Her Christmas in July is a very special day for many of our clients, and we’ll miss her terribly,” stated Charles Fegan, Executive Director of the Lighthouse. ***** ** 1988 ACB Membership Resolutions The full text of resolutions adopted by the 27th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind, held July 4-9 in Little Rock, Arkansas, is given below. Mr. Allen Jenkins (California Council of the Blind), served this year as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee. Further information concerning specific resolutions may be obtained by contacting the ACB National Office. 88-01. BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Council of the Blind, in convention assembled at Little Rock, Arkansas, this 9th day of July, 1988, that this organization proposes the fallowing guidelines for braille reform to be followed by the American Council of the Blind’s representative and delegate from the Braille Authority of North America who will be attending the upcoming conference for braille reform to be held in London, England: 1. Grade 2 braille should not be replaced by any other comprehensive code or any major extension of the existing code. 2. The capital sign should not be eliminated, because this organization believes that it is important to conform closely to the format in ink-print. 3. For this reason, also, it is proposed that measures of temperature, length, time, quantity, and percentage should be indicated as nearly as is possible to conform with ink-print standards. 4. It is recognized that computer braille translation programs make syllabication and natural pauses difficult to handle. It is urged that computer translation programs be required to demonstrate that routines are included to cope with these problems. 5. A limited number of whole­word contractions should be added to the grade 2 code. Such contractions as are added should already exist in other more advanced codes and should not significantly alter the viability of current available grade 2 materials. Examples of such contractions include dots 4-5 and h for has; dots 4-5 and d for the word does; dots 4-5 and g for the word goes; and dots 4-5-6 and d for did. 88-02. WHEREAS, over the past several years interest in and development of standards for architectural access that apply to visually impaired persons have seemed to decline; and WHEREAS, many outstanding issues remain unresolved in terms of architectural barriers that apply to blind and visually impaired persons, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this organization urges the American National Standards Institute and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to develop more comprehensive and viable standards that would apply to blind and visually impaired groups; and BE ITFURTHER RESOLVED, that the officers and staff of this organization are directed to work with interested members to provide the American Council of the Blind and its Board with specific recommendations which would relate directly to the development and adoption of more comprehensive standards. 88-03. WHEREAS, the Disability Advisory Council appointed by the Department of Health and Human Services to consider the disability provisions of the Social Security Act, with particular emphasis on incentives and disincentives to work, has made its report, in which it recommends in its proposed definition of “substantial gainful activity” a reduction in the amount of earnings allowed to blind beneficiaries from $700.00 to $500.00 monthly, without providing for indexing for inflation; and WHEREAS, this report also recommends in its proposed definition of “substantial gainful activity” an increase in the amount of earnings allowed to other disabled beneficiaries to $500.00 monthly, also without providing for indexing for inflation; and WHEREAS, bills are now pending in Congress (H.R. 4680 and S. 2517) which contain these major regressive recommendations of the Disability Advisory Council, but with some differences and ambiguities, and with new provisions for phasing out beneficiaries with earnings in excess of the SGA limits; and WHEREAS, we are advised that, although some provisions of these bills are not clear in their present wording, it is clear enough that if they become law they would cause blind beneficiaries to choose between earning more than $6,000.00 annually and protecting their eligibility for disability benefits and Medicare, which is an incentive not to work and earn more; and WHEREAS, although we favor improvements in SGA limits on earnings for other disabled beneficiaries, we contend that this class of beneficiaries will not be helped by reducing the limits for the blind; which is to say that we favor equalizing up, not down, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that the officers, directors and staff of ACB immediately communicate our concerns and our opposition to all such regressive recommendations and/or legislation to the House Committee on Ways and Means, the Senate Committee on Finance, and the Department of Health and Human Services. 88-04. WHEREAS, the American Printing House for the Blind receives an annual appropriation from Congress to pay for books, some equipment, and educational materials to be used by blind and visually impaired elementary and secondary students throughout the nation; and WHEREAS, the fiscal year 1988 appropriation to APHB was $5,266,000 for such purposes, that amount being only slightly more than was appropriated in 1980, thus not allowing for either approximately 50 percent inflation during that period or for a one-third increase in the number of students certified by the states as being eligible for such services, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that our President and staff make appropriate representations to Congress and the Executive Branch in an effort to correct this serious funding deficiency; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ACB cooperate actively with other organizations of and for the blind, and particularly with organizations of educators of blind and visually impaired persons, in their activities toward achieving this objective. 88-05. WHEREAS, there have been many reports from a number of locations from around the nation to the effect that a high percentage of tape cassette machines supplied by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped are defective in a variety of ways; and WHEREAS, many of these reports have come from competent users as well as a number of machine-distributing agencies; and WHEREAS, Mr. F. Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, in his appearance at the American Council of the Blind convention on Monday, July 4, 1988, denied that the National Library Service had supplied a significant number of defective machines, contending that (1) specifications for the machines meet the highest of standards; (2) quality control measures were thoroughly and strictly enforced; (3) distributing agencies did an inadequate job in preparing cassette players for distribution to users; and (4) that many users failed to plug their machines into power outlets, or (5) that the batteries had run down and inadequate time was allowed for recharging, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this council expresses doubt in respect to the accuracy of Mr. Cylke’s report and requests that Mr. Cylke meet with representatives of the American Council of the Blind periodically between now and next July in order to ascertain what the facts really are in respect to claimed deficiencies in cassette players; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a full report in respect to this matter be given at the next convention of the American Council of the Blind; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Librarian of Congress and such other officials and organizations as our officers and staff may determine. 88-06. This resolution concerned selection of a travel agency to meet the needs of the American Council of the Blind and was tabled. 88-07. This was a re-introduction of Membership Resolution 87-07, tabled for one year by the 1987 convention. It concerned Social Security and subsidized employment relief and was defeated. 88-08. WHEREAS, a significant percentage of the voting population of the United States is print-handicapped; and WHEREAS, an informed electorate is essential to the successful workings of a democracy; and WHEREAS, voter information is rarely put in suitable form for persons who are print handicapped, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this Council respectfully petitions the Library of Congress to provide braille and taped copies of the national platforms of all political parties participating in national elections; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that state libraries or the appropriate state officials be urged to provide appropriate ballot information in suitable form at the state level. 88-09. WHEREAS, blind and visually impaired recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income are usually unable to learn the contents of printed information sent to them about their benefits in a confidential manner because of the inability to read standard print; and WHEREAS, the majority of benefits-related information sent to claimants by Social Security is computer­generated from regional and national centers; and WHEREAS, technology is available which would make it possible for Social Security to generate in braille, large-print, and/or recorded synthesized speech a large percentage of the information it sends claimants, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind ... urges the Social Security Administration to comply with the spirit of Section 504 of Public Law 93-112 by utilizing equipment to produce nationally and regionally computer-generated Social Security notices in braille, large­print, and speech-synthesized recordings; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urges the Social Security Administration, once the capabilities described herein are achieved, to effect such information­ gathering procedures as may be necessary to determine the media needs of individual recipients so that those needs may be accommodated; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution shall be sent to Dorcas Hardy, Commissioner, Social Security Administration, and such other officials as deemed appropriate by the American Council of the Blind National Office staff. 88-10. WHEREAS, access to information is essential for the education, empowerment, and optimization of social integration and quality of life for all persons; and WHEREAS, persons who are blind, severely visually impaired, or otherwise handicapped should have facilities for readily accessing information available to others in print, television, or other electronic media, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that the American Council of the Blind join other organizations in calling for a White House Conference on Library and Information Services to be held in 1991. 88-11. WHEREAS, a significant amount of evidence has been forwarded to the American Council of the Blind to the effect that certain centers for independent living throughout the United States are discriminating against blind and visually impaired consumers with reference to provision of services, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind directs its staff to work with the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Education, and other appropriate officials, to investigate the manner in which blind and visually impaired persons are served by Title VII(b), Centers for Independent Living, and to provide the 1989 American Council of the Blind national convention at Richmond, Virginia, with recommendations concerning actions which might be taken to end discrimination against provision of services to blind and visually impaired consumers by certain centers for independent living. 88-12. WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind believes that all persons ought to have as much access to appropriate transportation opportunities in the community in which they live as is possible; and WHEREAS, the local option provisions of Federal legislation and regulations, as they are interpreted at this time, seem to encourage communities to choose between retrofitting fixed-route bus systems with wheelchair lifts and an option concentrating on providing transportation access by operation of a paratransit service, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this organization urge communities, the Urban Mass Transit Administration, and other segments of the Department of Transportation to consider a bimodal approach that would not require that a choice be made between paratransit service and accessible fixed-route service; and ... BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization categorically opposes the introduction and/or extension of transit services in communities if such transit services would limit access to transportation for any disabled group of people who are blind, who have epilepsy, or are developmentally disabled ... 88-13. WHEREAS, the organized blind have long struggled to overcome widespread and systematic acts of discrimination against them in education, employment opportunity, social participation, and in virtually all other areas of life; and WHEREAS, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, represents a significant step forward in the reduction or elimination of discriminatory practices in the employment of the blind and other disability groups where Federal funding is involved, but does not reach discriminatory practices engaged in where there is no Federal funding; and WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1988-S. 2345 by Lowell Weicker (R., CT) and H.R. 4498 by Tony Coelho (D., CA) — if adopted, would represent an additional giant stride in overcoming discrimination against the disabled, including the blind, by covering all employers engaged in commerce who have 15 or more employees, housing providers covered by Federal fair housing laws, public accommodations, transportation companies, those engaged in broadcasting or communications, and state and local governments; and WHEREAS, our wholehearted support of this proposal would serve in no way to diminish our support of H.R. 1158, the Fair Housing Amendments, now pending in the 100th Congress, which has passed the House of Representatives with only 23 negative votes, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this Council whole-heartedly supports the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1988 and instructs its officers and staff to undertake all lawful actions in support of this bill; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Council urges each affiliate fully to support the Americans with Disabilities Act by, among other things, communicating with each state’s Congressional delegation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council express its deepest appreciation to Senator Weicker and Congressman Coelho for their introduction of this bill and their support of the disabled. 88-14. WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (S. 2345 and H.R. 4498) is currently being considered by the United States Congress; and WHEREAS, this legislation is the most ambitious and comprehensive ever proposed intended to eliminate discrimination against handicapped people in the areas of housing, employment, accessibility, public accommodations, travel, communication, and state and local government; and WHEREAS, Congressman Major R. Owens (D., NY) has appointed a Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities, for the purpose of gathering broad-based information concerning existence of broad-based discrimination against handicapped individuals; and WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind participates on this Task Force; and WHEREAS, the chairperson of this Task Force, Justin Dart, Jr., is traveling throughout America, visiting all fifty states, to gather evidence concerning discrimination against the handicapped; and WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind has long supported efforts to end discrimination and has long supported coalitioning efforts, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind ... commends its national staff for its support of and work on the Americans with Disabilities Act; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization urges its affiliates and members to forward to the American Council of the Blind National Office examples of discrimination experienced, to be passed on to the aforementioned Task Force; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind urges its affiliates and members to participate in the Justin Dart seminars taking place around the country, and to express support of the Americans with Disabilities Act to their United States Congresspersons. 88-15. BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind ... accepts Council of Citizens with Low Vision Resolution 88-01 as an expression of the gratitude and sentiments of the American Council of the Blind convention as a whole. CCLV Resolution 88-01: WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind adopted a resolution proposed last year by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision which called for a re-designed format of pre­registration materials for annual conventions; and WHEREAS, this year’s convention materials and program are much easier to read and understand, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision, in convention assembled this 7th day of July, 1988, in Little Rock, Arkansas, that the ACB Convention Coordinator and committee members who responded to this request be commended for the excellent quality, large bold-print, and well-formatted materials received by members of this ACB convention, and we trust this standard will be maintained. 88-16. WHEREAS, the Federal Government has appropriated, and continues to appropriate, millions of dollars to the National Captioning Institute for the Deaf to provide access to television for viewers who are hearing impaired; and WHEREAS, descriptive video services have developed to provide access to televised pictures for persons who are visually impaired; and WHEREAS, WGBH TV of Boston and about ten other public broadcasting stations now are providing such descriptive video service, but need additional and continuing funding so that better access to television broadcasts can be provided throughout the country; and WHEREAS, students, employees, and other disabled Americans would gain expanded rights to access to communications under the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act (S. 2345 and H.R. 4498), NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind ... calls for inclusion in this proposed Act specific requirements that the Federal Communications Commission include descriptive video services when promulgating regulations for implementation of Section 3(g), which would require progressively increasing the proportion of programs, advertisements, and announcements that are captioned. 88-17. WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind encouraged the development of low­interest loans to enable visually impaired persons to purchase expensive high-technology equipment; and WHEREAS, the American Foundation for the Blind has recently introduced a loan program to enable visually impaired persons to purchase a particular new product developed by the Kurzweil Corporation, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this organization believes that it is inappropriate for a non-profit, independent organization of national standing, such as the American Foundation for the Blind, to sponsor a loan program that is available only for a single product manufactured by a specific company; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind urges the American Foundation for the Blind to broaden its current program so that it will apply to high-technical equipment per se rather than to one specific product .... 88-18. WHEREAS, June 25, 1988, was the 50th anniversary of the enactment of what is now cited as the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, which authorizes Federal procurement of commodities and services from non­profit workshops which employ blind persons to perform no less than 75 percent of the direct production labor on such commodities and services; and WHEREAS, this anniversary was celebrated in Washington, D.C., in national meetings and ceremonies sponsored by National Industries for the Blind and the General Council of Workshops, in which many Government, private industry, and workshop personnel participated; and WHEREAS, we wish to give special recognition to the 53 blind industrial workers of the year who were chosen by their peers to participate in this celebration which was the occasion for reviewing the history and progress of this special employment program; and WHEREAS, it is timely to recite some relevant statistics illustrating this progress, to wit: in the last fiscal year, blind employees engaged in direct and indirect labor were paid wages amounting to $32,896,705, and their fringe benefits amounted to $11,285,651, the average hourly wage paid by workshops for the blind to blind direct production workers was $4.06; during the last three fiscal years, 3,573 blind people were placed competitively by workshops for the blind without ever having worked in a workshop; another 544 blind persons were placed competitively from workshop employment by workshops associated with National Industries for the Blind; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that our President express our interest in the continued improvement in wages and fringe benefits for blind employees in direct and indirect labor jobs in workshops for the blind; that he extend best wishes and commendations to the 53 blind industrial workers of the year who participated in the 50th anniversary celebration; and that he extend a special invitation to them and their co-workers who are not already members of the American Council of the Blind to join and to participate in the activities of ACB at all levels. 88-19. This resolution concerned development of a program to train workshop employees for supervisory positions and blind persons for professional or executive positions within National Industries for the Blind. Upon recommendation of the Resolutions Committee, it was referred to ACB’s ad hoc committee working with the General Council of Workshops for the Blind. 88-20. WHEREAS, college students, professionals, and other blind individuals need access to college textbooks, technical reports, and other specialized materials not available from other sources; and WHEREAS, such materials are produced upon request by units of Recording for the Blind throughout the country; and WHEREAS, the original grant of $500,000 by the U.S. Department of Education represented about 30 percent of Recording for the Blind’s annual budget, and this amount has remained unchanged in the past eleven years and now represents approximately less than half that percentage, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this organization supports Recording for the Blind’s request for increased funding from the U.S. Department of Education and directs its National Representative to send a copy of this resolution to any and all appropriate authorities. 88-21. WHEREAS, assistive technology which enables blind individuals to work and live more independently is unequally distributed in today’s environment; and WHEREAS, methods of delivery have not been devised for equal distribution of said technologies; and WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced in both Houses of the United States Congress addressing this limited availability of distribution, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that this organization supports the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (S. 2561 and H.R. 4904). 88-22. WHEREAS, the American Council of the Blind is a membership organization consisting primarily of blind and visually impaired persons; and WHEREAS, many of our members have little or no access to sighted reading assistance; and WHEREAS, subscribers to The Braille Forum have a choice of media in which to read this publication, thus implying that the American Council of the Blind supports media of choice, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED ... that the 1989 American Council of the Blind National Convention Committee be charged to explore and, if feasible, implement the providing of the 1989 pre-registration materials in the medium of the blind member’s choice and allowing the member to submit his/her pre­registration in the medium of choice. 88-23. WHEREAS, AIDS is a devastating national problem; and WHEREAS, all persons, including blind persons, may be at risk of contracting AIDS, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Council of the Blind commends United States Surgeon General C. Everett Koop and the National Braille Press for providing and distributing in braille the same AIDS information which was nationally distributed in print ... In addition, courtesy resolutions were adopted expressing thanks and appreciation to all individuals, organizations, committees, and hotel personnel who contributed to the success of this outstanding 27th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind. ***** ** ACB National Special-Interest Affiliates American Blind Lawyers Association — Steve Speicher, President, 500 Centerstone, 100 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 ACB Federal Employees — Charles Hodge, President, 1131 S. Forest Drive, Arlington, VA 22204 American Council of Blind Lions — Clarence James, President, 1614 Exchange, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 ACB Parents — Julian Siewierski, President, 1235 Chestnut Street, Adelphia House, No. 5 Mezzanine, Philadelphia, PA 19107 ACB Radio Amateurs, 1010 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005 Braille Revival League — John di Francesco, President, 1030 Trestle Glen Road, Oakland, CA 94610 Council of Citizens with Low Vision —Ira Bossert, President, Box 15441, Phoenix, AZ 85060 Council of Rehabilitation Specialists — Tom Stout, President, 1300 S. Lavonne Way, Tucson, AZ 85713 Friends in Art in ACB — Camille Vogel, President, 7400 N. Francisco, Chicago, IL 60645 Guide Dog Users, Inc. — Kim Charlson, President, 12 Riverside Street, Apt. 1-2, Watertown, MA 02172 Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers — Parley Van Sickle, President, 9304 Chanute Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814 International Friendly Circle of the Blind — Maria Lopez, President, 3925 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023 Library Users of America — James Gibson, President, 6209 Lycoming Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 National Alliance of Blind Students — Sylvia Nemmers, President, 511 N. 14th Street, Apt. 6, Manhattan, KS 66502 National Association of Blind Teachers — Dana Walker, President, 341 Eagerton Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America — Gene Heisler, President, Route 4, Box 46C, Grandview, TX 76050 Visually Impaired Data Processors International — Christopher Gray, President, 914 Boranda Avenue, Apt 4, Mountain View, CA 94040 Visually Impaired Piano Tuners International — Stanley Oliver, President, 1965 East Outer Drive, Detroit, Ml 48234 Visually Impaired Secretarial/Transcribers Association — Milly Stokes, President, 818 Woodlawn Avenue, Apt. H4, Wilmington, DE 19805 Visually Impaired Veterans of America — Floyd Britting, President, 701 W. Central, El Dorado, KS 67042 ***** ** ACB Officers and Directors President: Otis H. Stephens, 2021 Kemper Lane, S.W., Knoxville, TN 37920 First Vice President: Paul Edwards, 170 N.E. 123 Street, North Miami, FL 33161 Second Vice President: Charles Hodge, 1131 S. Forest Drive, Arlington, VA 22204 Secretary: Elizabeth Lennon,1400 N. Drake Road, Apt. 218, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Treasurer: LeRoy Saunders, P.O. Box 24020, Oklahoma City, OK 73124 Immediate Past President: Grant Mack, 139 E. South Temple, Suite 5000, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Robert Acosta, 20734-C Devonshire, Chatsworth, CA 91311 Patricia Beattie, 1900 S. Eads Street, No. 716, Arlington, VA 22202 Michael Byington, 706 Buchanan, Topeka, KS 66606 Brian Charlson, 12 Riverside Street, Apt. 1-2, Watertown, MA 02172 Carla Franklin, 148 North Vernon Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206 Jean Mann, 422 Sand Creek Road, Apt. 230, Albany, NY 12205 Durward K. McDaniel, 9468 Singing Quail Drive, Austin, TX 78758 Patricia Price, Tower 2, Apt. 2102, 600 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 M.J. Schmitt, 528 Des Plaines Avenue, Apt. 2B, Forest Park, IL 60130 Dick Seifert, 1023 Scott Street, Apt. F, Little Rock, AR 72202 ** ACB Board of Publications Christopher Gray (Chairman), 914 Boranda Avenue, Apt. 4, Mountain View, CA 94040 Billie Jean Hill, 737 N. Buchanan Street, Arlington, VA 22203 Deborah Kendrick, 2819 Victoria Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208 Carol McCarl, 735 21st Place, N.W., Salem, OR 97304 Phyllis Stern, 922 North Boulevard, Apt. 502, Oak Park, IL 60301 Braille Forum Contributing Editors Elizabeth Lennon, 1400 N. Drake Road, Apt. 218, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Kathleen Megivern, 7113 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22307 ###