THE BRAILLE MONITOR

APRIL, 1975

VOICE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

THE BRAILLE MONITOR

A Publication of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
KENNETH JERNIGAN, President

National Offices
218 RANDOLPH HOTEL BLDG.
FOURTH & COURT STREETS
DES MOINES, IOWA 50309

Washington Office
DUPONT CIRCLE BLDG., SUITE 212
1346 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND—IT IS THE BLIND SPEAKING FOR THEMSELVES.

THE BRAILLE MONITOR

PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN INKPRINT, BRAILLE, AND ON TALKING BOOK DISCS
DISTRIBUTED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

Editor                                                  Associate Editor
PERRY SUNDQUIST                       HAZEL tenBROEK
4651 MEAD AVENUE                       2652 SHASTA ROAD
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. 95822        BERKELEY, CALIF. 94708        


NEWS ITEMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE EDITOR

ADDRESS CHANGES SHOULD BE SENT TO 2652 SHASTA ROAD, BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA 94708

If you or a friend wishes to remember the National Federation of the Blind in your will, you can do so by employing the following language:

"I give, devise, and bequeath unto NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND, a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation, the sum of $_____ (or, "_____ percent of my net estate", or "the following stocks and bonds:_____ ") to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons."

If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney communicate with the Berkeley Office for other suggested forms.

THE BRAILLE MONITOR
APRIL 1975

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONVENTION TIME

ADAMS NAMES JERNIGAN CONSULTANT

NAC BOARD MEETS: MC DANIEL MADE MEMBER

NAC LOSES FEDERAL GRANT: NFB NAMED CONSULTANT
BY KENNETH JERNIGAN

RADIO READING FOR THE BLIND: OPEN CHANNEL BROADCASTING
BY FLORENCE GRANNIS

THE STRENGTH OF THE MOVEMENT: GOALS, PHILOSOPHY, AND EDGAR SAMMONS
BY KENNETH JERNIGAN

ACB EXCLUDES B. T. KIMBROUGH

HOWARD BROWN RICKARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND

MOTHER AND TEACHER SEEKS ACCEPTANCE FOR HANDICAPPED
BY KRIS HALLAM

TRANSPORTATION FOR THE HANDICAPPED

SHE OPENS SIGHTED EYES TO WORLD OF BLIND

DON STALEY STASHED

COMING STATE CONVENTIONS

MISSISSIPPI CONVENTION

OKLAHOMA CONVENTION
BY JOHN ALDRIDGE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH
BY LILLIAN WHITEHEAD

MONITOR MINIATURES

NFB AIDS AND APPLIANCES:

POLICY STATEMENT

CATALOG

CONVENTION TIME

It's time to start singing "Chicago"—for there is no doubt that is our kind of town. This will undoubtedly be our largest Convention ever in both numbers and program.

Committee and division meetings—including the Monday, June 30 Executive Committee meeting—are open to all. The only exception to open meetings is the Nominations Committee but every State affiliate has a member on that committee.

A number of Federal officials who run programs affecting the blind will give an accounting of their activities on our behalf and will listen to what we have to say. But, you can't have your say or see that your ideas are "input" unless you are there.

Iowa and Minnesota affiliates are sharing hosting duties this year. Joyce Scanlan, president of the Minnesota affiliate and member of the Executive Committee, is chairing the Prize Committee. As she said in a recent release: "We are asking affiliates, individuals, and businesses to contribute prizes with a value of at least $25 (cash prizes may be less)." Your prizes should be sent by June 25 to Joyce Scanlan, Chairman, Prize Committee, 2324 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55405.

The Banquet, always the highlight of our Conventions, will take place on Thursday evening. Wednesday afternoon will be free. For those who have seen all the exhibits and engaged in other activities such as the Elegant White Elephant sale arranged for our entertainment and enlightenment, there is much to do and see in Chicago.

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ADAMS NAMES JERNIGAN CONSULTANT

REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION,
January 31, 1975

DEAR KENNETH: This is a follow-up to our conversations concerning programs for the blind when you were here in Washington on January 23-25. It was particularly productive to discuss the programs under the Iowa Commission for the Blind and their national impact. The achievements you and the Commission have made for the blind citizens of Iowa are certainly significant, and I highly compliment you. The programs are a model example to the entire nation.

I fully appreciate your willingness to accept my offer as consultant to me for our services to the blind throughout the country. Your national reputation, expertise in the field of rehabilitation, and personal and professional accomplishments will definitely assist me and the Rehabilitation Services Administration in carrying out our responsibilities to the fullest.

Again, thank you for giving me the honor of your visit to Washington last week. It was wonderful to meet with a great leader of the blind in America.

Sincerely yours,

DR. ANDREW S. ADAMS,
Commissioner.

cc: Honorable Robert D. Ray,
Governor of Iowa.

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NAC BOARD MEETS: MCDANIEL MADE MEMBER

While one-hundred and twenty-five Federationists and friends picketed, NAC filled board positions with "consumers" already represented, adding ACB's Durward McDaniel, among others, to Reese Robrahn who was put on the board some months back. The 50,000 members of the NFB did not elect any of those people to represent them. Yet NAC will continue to play its game of saying consumers are represented while carefully excluding those who would change NAC from a harmful to a helpful agency. The temper of the NAC Board was not improved by having to make public announcement of the cut off of their Federal grant—some $35,000—by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. And Morgan Guaranty Trust "flung a fit" when Federationists picketed that large concern to protest the membership on the NAC Board of one of their assistant treasurers, John P. McWilliams, Jr.

Nor will that temper be improved by what went on in Washington during that week, as Federationists gathered from around the country to contact Administration officials and Members of Congress about NAC and our other problems and programs.

The most general comment was that the whole spirit and capacity of the group was excellent. Twenty-four Federationists from thirteen states began gathering in Washington, D.C. on Monday, February 24. The rest arrived by Tuesday and that evening was devoted to briefing and distribution of materials. The group was at work early the next morning. It was possible to gauge the success of the work by the large number of calls directed to our Washington Office by those who wanted more materials or who offered assistance.

Two issues were of primary concern: Revocation of the recognition of NAC as an accrediting agency; and our Disability Insurance for the Blind bill. Federationists visited members of their own congressional delegations on the Education and Labor Committee for the first; and the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees on the second. Members of Congress contacted all seemed pleased to learn that NAC's grant had been cut off. Expressions of thanks for the work of the Members on the problem were given and well received.

Large delegations met with both Senator Randolph and Representative Burke. Senator Randolph was commended for his work on the Randolph-Sheppard Act and his other activities on behalf of the blind. He has agreed to lend his aid on the disability insurance bill. Congressman Burke met with Federationists at the end of the day. He has, as you know, already introduced our disability insurance bill in this Congress—H.R. 281. About fifty calls had come within a few days after the bill was introduced from other congressmen asking for information and material about the bill. A "Dear Colleague" letter would go from his office asking other Members to introduce identical bills. Congressman Burke indicated that as chairman of the Sub-committee on Social Security of the House Ways and Means Committee, he was in a better position to conduct a campaign. In addition, the fact that he is chairman of a task force on legislation should be of assistance. The group, of course, expressed the appreciation of the National Federation of the Blind for the wonderful effort that Congressman Burke is mounting for the blind of the Nation.

Among the official visits during the week, contacts were made with the White House and the Library of Congress. But on Wednesday evening most of the group made for the airport to join other Federationists in New York for the NAC Board meeting.

More than one-hundred and twenty-five Federationists and friends joined the rush-hour traffic on the sidewalks of New York Thursday morning, February 27, to focus public attention again on the inadequacies and mulishness of NAC. Following spirited picketing around the Prince George Hotel (site of the day's NAC Board meeting) and the area between Fifth and Madison Avenues, one group of picketers went to the city's Wall Street area and demonstrated in front of the Morgan Guaranty Trust Company where John P. McWilliams, Jr., a NAC Board member, is employed. Because NAC attempts to garner favor from the respect and prestige of Morgan Guaranty Trust by having men such as Mr. McWilliams on its board and because Mr. McWilliams has demonstrated relatively little concern for the consumer's point of view, some forty picketers called public attention of a different circle of people to NAC's callous treatment of blind consumers.

Inside the Prince George Hotel, the NAC Board meeting convened at approximately ten o'clock with slightly more than half of its twenty-eight members in attendance. NAC finally has abandoned the notion that its board deliberations are confidential along with the practice of holding closed meetings. Space was provided for seating some fifty to sixty observers. The meeting opened with the transaction of some routine business but soon got around to the question of hearing its nominations committee report. By action of the board last November, the nominating committee had been advised to bring in a report of nominations to be considered for election to seven possible vacancies on the board. The chairman of that committee had contacted the BVA, the ACB, and the National Federation of the Blind. President Jernigan responded in a letter dated December 6, 1974, indicating that the Federation was interested in real and meaningful consumer consideration but not in mere tokenism. The letter was read at the NAC Board meeting. The nominations committee report contained the names of seven individuals: three from BVA, three from ACB, and one private agency director. Apparently the nominations committee determined it important to have an equal number of persons from BVA and ACB, although both were already represented on the NAC Board. The NAC Executive Committee, in a January 1975 meeting, had recommended that only three of the seven positions be filled. Mr. Harold Bleakley then moved that none of the positions be filled at this time in order to afford more opportunity for reaching a meaningful understanding with the NFB for consumer participation. This motion died for lack of a second. That action set NAC's tone for the day and characterized its continuing unwillingness to have consumer participation unless that participation comes from persons who might be said to represent company unions. In other words, NAC is pleased to have a few consumers on its board if it is assured that they will not rock the NAC boat. The merits of consumers' views are apparently less important than maintaining the NAC status quo. After some discussion about whether to elect three or four or seven members, the NAC Board agreed to elect the slate proposed by its nominating committee, and attempted to accomplish this by unanimous action which failed when one "no" vote was cast.

The newly elected members to NAC's Board of Directors will serve from one to three years with resolution of who will serve one or more years to be determined by lot. The following individuals were elected: Mrs. William G. Derouin, Salem, Oregon, nominated by ACB; Hilliard S. Kirby, Ashville, North Carolina, nominated by BVA; Roy Kumpe, Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind, nominated by the committee; Elizabeth M. Lennon, Kalamazoo, Michigan, nominated by ACB; Durward McDaniel, Washington, D.C., nominated by ACB; David L. Schnair, New York, New York, nominated by BVA; and George E. Stocking, Miami, Florida, nominated by BVA. Four of the seven were present at the time of their election and were immediately seated.

NAC next heard reports of two commissions. The Commission on Standards reported that it was proceeding to review the standards on accounting and reporting. Durward McDaniel, a member of this commission, protested mildly that this had been a staff rather than a commission decision. After some discussion, it was decided that the commission would proceed as planned with the review of this area. The Commission on Accreditation reported that it was attempting to develop criteria and a policy for dealing with complaints. Some members of the board asked if NAC had ever received any complaints against its accredited agencies. They were told that several complaints had been received and that two in particular had come from the NFB. Although the NEB complaints were officially submitted last July and officially discussed with the chairman of the Commission on Accreditation last September, NAC still has not acted on these complaints and apparently doesn't have a policy for dealing with them. From the discussion, it appeared that some members of the board felt strongly that there should be no investigation of complaints once accreditation has been granted.

The Commission on Accreditation reported reaccrediting eight agencies serving the blind in recent months, but, subsequently, it was unable to report accrediting a single new agency serving the blind since the board meeting last November. At the meeting last November, it was unable to report having accredited a new agency since the meeting in June. One member asked how many agencies had been accredited one year ago and two years ago. The answer he received was vague for one year ago, but for two years ago it was estimated at forty-six. This answer made it possible to show some growth in the accreditation of agencies and conceal the fact that the maximum number ever accredited by NAC was fifty-six, and the number of agencies accredited now is fifty-five. Of course, NAC had a more optimistic story about the number who were undergoing the self-study process.

During the afternoon session, NAC officers and directors heard a summary of their financial status from the treasurer and the chairman of the Program Support Committee. At this point it was reported that the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of HEW has cut off NAC's supply of Federal money. It was also reported that NAC is running a deficit this year and has reduced its planned expenditures to a bare-bones level. It has even renegotiated its office lease to save money.

The NAC Board members sought to justify termination of Federal funding by indicating that a similar thing was happening to other organizations on the one hand, and threatening to appeal the decision to terminate on the other. A NAC campaign is underway to write letters to key members of Congress in the hope of stirring up political support for continuation of Federal spending for NAC's purposes and NAC is now planning an administrative appeal with the hope of overriding the termination decision by Dr. Andrew Adams, Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration.

In its final major actions of the day, NAC voted to discontinue the practice of holding two board meetings per year to save money, and undoubtedly to avoid pickets; and to hold its next meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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NAC LOSES FEDERAL GRANT: NFB NAMED CONSULTANT

BY KENNETH JERNIGAN

The final act of the NAC tragedy is apparently now in progress. When NAC rejected the recommendations of its own ad hoc committee last November that it accept meaningful consumer participation, the results were clearly predictable. In fact, they were virtually inevitable.

A taste of what "was to come was evident in the letter of December 30, 1974, from Dr. Andrew Adams, Federal Commissioner of Rehabilitation, to Alexander Handel, who was at that time still Executive Director of NAC:

DEAR MR. HANDEL: Enclosed is a Notice of Grant Award which extends this project through the quarter ending March 31, 1975.

This is an award for 3 months pending a determination of the appropriateness of continuing to fund this project. We must point out that we have serious questions about continuing to fund this project based on the fact that it has passed the research stage, the competition for limited research and demonstration funds, the policy question of funding the direct administration of accreditation operations, and consumer concerns regarding your accreditation activities.

Within 60 days from the date of this award, we will notify you as to whether the grant will be extended beyond the March 31 date or discontinued as of that date.

Please note that the report of expenditures for the current budget period (January 1, 1974 through December 31, 1974) will be due March 31, 1975. Forms are enclosed for your use in preparing this report. Please send the completed report directly to the following office: Division of Project Grants Administration, Social and Rehabilitation Service, Mary E. Switzer Memorial Building, Room 1427, 330 "C" Street, S.W., Washington, D. C. 20201.

If you have any questions, please write the above office, or call Miss Barbara L. Dempsey at (202) 245-0651.

Sincerely yours,

DR. ANDREW S. ADAMS,
Commissioner,
Rehabilitation Services Administration.

As the noose tightened, NAC's struggles became desperate. The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind was contacted and asked to intervene with Dr. Adams. There was evidence that Congressmen and Senators were urged to help, and there was a flurry of bravado as if all were going well and everything business as usual. But it was all in vain.

Of course, NAC knew that the cutting off of the federal grant would mean more than just the loss of the money. It would mean shattered prestige, exposure of weak- ness, and the beginning of the end. It came, like the voice of doom and the sound of judgment-in a mild, unemotional, almost friendly letter dated February 18, 1975, from Dr. Adams to Richard Bleecker, NAC's new Executive Director. But the courtesy and the gentleness did nothing to remove the sting of the harsh reality. The grant was withdrawn, and accountability was now required:

DEAR DR. BLEECKER: In our letter to Dr. Handel of December 30, 1974, enclosing a Notice of Grant Awarded extending the NAC project through the quarter ending March 31, 1975, we advised that we would notify you within 60 days as to whether the grant would be extended beyond the March 31, 1975 date.

After a careful review of the matter, it has now been determined that the grant will not be further extended. The decision is primarily based on the fact that the project is no longer a research project.

To properly close this grant, we require that the documents listed below be completed and forwarded to the following office: Division of Project Grants Administration, Social and Rehabilitation Service, Mary E. Switzer Memorial Building, Room 1427, 330 "C" Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201.

Financial Status Report
Due: 90 days after termination
Equipment Accountability Form
Due: 30 days after termination
Grantee Release Form
Due: 30 days after termination
Final Invention Statement
Due: 30 days after termination
Final Progress Report*
Due: On or before termination

*Send to: Mr. George Engstrom, Room 3429, Switzer Building, Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

Your attention is directed to the record retention requirements and equipment accountability regulations for terminated Federal grants. These can be found in paragraphs 74.20 to 74.24 and 74.134 to 74.136 of the Federal Register Vol. 38, No. 181, dated September 19, 1973.

Please be assured that the Rehabilitation Services Administration will continue to cooperate with you in efforts to provide quality accreditation for agencies serving the blind and visually handicapped.

If you have any questions, please call Miss Barbara L. Dempsey at (202)245-0651.

Sincerely yours,

DR. ANDREW S. ADAMS,
Commissioner,
Rehabilitation Services Administration

Much about the NAC experience has been negative and detrimental to the blind. If there is a silver lining, it can be found in the increased awareness which now characterizes blind people throughout the country. NAC succeeded in doing the one thing it probably would have wished most to avoid: It strengthened the National Federation of the Blind—making tens of thousands of blind persons appreciate as never before the strength of concerted action and the responsibilities of self-organization.

The negatives of NAC contrast sharply with the optimism of the blind as they look to the future. That optimism, as well as the growing prestige of the National Federation of the Blind, is underscored by the following correspondence:

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND,
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,
January 28, 1975.

DEAR DR. ADAMS: Because of recent occurrences in the field of rehabilitation the blind of this country feel optimistic. Two developments during the past year have been particularly encouraging—your appointment as Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the passage by Congress of the new rehabilitation amendments. To deal with the new legislation first, it holds much promise—especially for the blind. However, that promise can only be realized if the legislation is imaginatively administered and vigorously implemented. From the point of view of the blind this means partnership—in other words, consumer participation in planning and carrying out the provisions of the law.

This brings me to the other development which I mentioned; namely, your appointment as Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. You have not only been willing but eager to have constructive advice and suggestions from the disabled—the people the legislation was meant to help. You have shown imaginative leadership in solving problems, guiding state programs into productive channels and encouraging partnership between consumers and administrators.

As you know, the National Federation of the Blind has more than fifty thousand members and is, by far, the largest organization of blind people in the United States. The Federation is the representative voice of the nation's blind.

I am writing this letter to tell you that the Federation is offering its services to you as a consultant in planning and implementing programs for the blind—particularly, as the new legislation comes into full effect. The Randolph-Sheppard amendments, the emphasis on service to the severely disabled, the nondiscrimination requirements, and other provisions of the Act offer exciting possibilities; and we would like to help make those possibilities come true. As regulations are written and decisions are made, we would like to give you the benefit of our experience and thinking.

Under your leadership we feel that rehabilitation will make breakthroughs and achieve new standards of excellence in the months and years ahead. We wish to work in partnership with you to create better lives for the nation's blind.

Very truly yours,

KENNETH JERNIGAN,
President, National Federation of the Blind.

REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION,
February 19, 1975.

DEAR DR. JERNIGAN: As you requested I am attaching a copy of the letter to the National Accreditation Council that terminates our funding of their project as of March 31, 1975.

I would like to fully thank you and all of the members of the National Federation of the Blind for your deep concern to insure that our programs provide the highest possible quality of services for blind and visually handicapped Americans. In particular, the cooperative manner by which you have worked with us is especially appreciated. There is no question in my mind that, working closely together, we can do the most for our handicapped citizens. Your inspiration as a national leader of the handicapped and the dedication of the members of the National Federation of the Blind is a wonderful example for all of us.

In response to your letter of January 28 where you offer NFB as a consulting organization to my office, I am honored to accept the offer of the largest organization of this country representing the blind and visually handicapped. As you know, in my administration, I am putting very high priority on consumer involvement. With your generous offer, I look forward to working closely with NFB as we go down the road together to improve the quality of services for the blind and the visually handicapped. Your offer to be a consulting organization is particularly welcomed at this time as we implement the Randolph-Sheppard Amendments. I am immediately informing Dr. Douglas MacFarland of my acceptance of your offer for NFB to be a consulting organization to us. We will follow-up with you very shortly. Meanwhile, please do not hesitate at any time to contact us in our close working relationship.

Again, many thanks to you and the members of the NFB for all the positive things you are doing for the handicapped in America.

Very sincerely,

DR. ANDREW S. ADAMS,
Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services.

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RADIO READING FOR THE BLIND: OPEN CHANNEL BROADCASTING

BY FLORENCE GRANNIS

Editor’s Note.—Mrs. Grannis is Assistant Director in charge of Library and Social Services, Iowa Commission for the Blind.

It is 7:00 a.m. Mr. Average Blind Guy is on his way to work at an average place of business. He is standing on a street corner waiting for his bus. Mr. Average Blind Guy shares this space with a number of Mr. Average Sighted Guys. Most of the Mr. Average Sighted Guys are reading the morning newspaper, so is Mr. Average Blind Guy. He has a small transistor am-fm radio connected to an ear plug inserted in his ear. Radio Reading for the Blind is being broadcast. Mr. Average Sighted Guy reads of the trouble between the Arabs and the Israelis—so does Mr. Average Blind Guy. Mr. Average Sighted Guy reads of interest rates dropping—so does Mr. Average Blind Guy. Mr. Average Sighted Guy reads of corruption in high places—so does Mr. Average Blind Guy. The bus comes. All these average people employed in average places of business get on and continue reading their papers. They all get to their desks or workbenches a little early and read a little longer. They are all engaged in an ordinary activity. The broadcast of the Radio Reading for the Blind on an open channel creates an "alternative technique" so Mr. Average Blind Guy can do what his sighted neighbors do—and do it as well.

While Mr. Average Blind Guy is ingesting Radio Reading for the Blind, many sighted people are too with this open channel set-up: the low income individuals (newspapers are no longer cheap—if your total monthly stipend is $200 or less, you are going to hesitate to spend much of it on the daily newspaper—as the fellow says, "Progressively, I have more and more month left at the end of my money,"); the people who didn't master the art of reading well enough to cope with those big pages of print—and all of us librarians and other educators know only too well these non-readers are by no means uncommon; the frantically rushed citizens—get the family off to their activities—get ready for work—get a snatch of housework done—sit down and read the newspaper?—not likely; but Radio Reading for the Blind can be invited in by a turn of the dial, and at least some of its information will be heard; these people and many others listen—listen to the news and listen to the spots which tell the world, "The blind person is just like you"; and little by little attitudes change; these people are no longer uncomfortable in having a blind couple live in their apartment building; they know the blind secretary can work beside them in terms of equality; they know that blind machine operators can function effectively.

So how might the open channel Radio Reading for the Blind operate? Variously in different communities, but here are two possibilities: A radio station operated by an educational institution might donate some time or sell it at nominal cost, or a regular station might give some "public service time." You get open channel broadcasting availability. Next clear with the local newspaper or newspapers so they may be read over the air. I've had people tell me that this just can't be done—the papers refuse to grant permission—they fear diminution of readership, competition, loss of sales. Okay, so you must be a good sales person as you approach the project. Now you have air time (hopefully this air time will be in the neighborhood of 6:00 - 8:00 a.m. and/or 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. all weekdays), and permission to read the newspaper. What's next?

Staffing. What should you look for? Someone who can read well, and who will relate favorably to volunteers. It is better not to have a dramatic actor type—in fact, no special training at all is needed—rather, competent reading, reliability, a personality the volunteers will want to see more of—and common sense. The readings should be "straight"—as much like a first class newscast as can be brought about—no "cutesy," "folksy," "chattsy" bits.

The volunteers who are recruited to read (and it is advisable to have one or two volunteer readers alternating with the paid person—both for the sake of variety of voice and because it is very tiring for one person to read one or two or more hours continuously) should be adequate in reading technique and pronounciation. If they are not, the paid person should help them see that their talents are best used elsewhere—without alienating them.

So, should all of the paper be read? If not-which parts? Omit the classified ads (they are tedious), omit the stock market quotations (they have their own time through regular commercial radio programming), omit the so called "hard news": "Alvin Johnson was killed on the corner of 42nd and Grand." The regular news programs—radio and t.v.—tell this until we are narcotized by it. Omit the comics—it takes too much time and talent to describe the pictures adequately. Read the editorials and the most favored columnists at key times. Read the non-dated most significant parts of the Sunday paper. Have special regular times for t.v. commentary; do the grocery ads at regular times.

The program should sparkle. There should be striking professional openings and closings (these can be taped). There probably should be brief musical interludes—avoid monotony but do not use much of your valuable air time for these interludes (not more than thirty seconds at a time). Appropriate spot announcements highlighting various aspects of services for the blind are good and will educate sighted and blind alike.

Should other materials besides the newspaper be broadcast? Yes, if time and audience interest allow—selected magazine articles (not otherwise likely to be available to blind people), perhaps some fine poetry, science fiction, material to appeal to children, pertinent interviews—especially with successful blind persons and leaders in work for the blind. (Incidentally, some of this material can be pretaped. If not, the paid radio reader may well have mighty long and hard days—besides delays and emergencies must be allowed for.)

Perhaps it can be assumed that Radio Reading for the Blind is a good thing to have. What agency or individuals should undertake to produce it? Of course, since I am in charge of a library, and also of Radio Reading for the Blind, I feel that is the way to go and certainly these two entities do have an affinity—they both involve reading, supplying information; but truly the institution or person best able to cope—to be able to accomplish the goal of presenting the newspapers to the blind in the community—over the air waves—should be the one to do it. If this agency or individual has some glorious angel such as Hamm's Beer to help carry the financial load—all the better—but, and perhaps this is the most important aspect of all, Radio Reading for the Blind should not wag all the services for the blind. Let us remember that our primary goal is not just to have a radio program, but to have fuller lives for all blind persons, and to rehabilitate the blind who are in the employable years, (a much larger group, incidentally, than most people—including professionals in the field—believe). The ability to have easy knowledge of what is in the daily papers helps blind people be in the mainstream of life. It is a good in itself, but our greater good is still training in competitive employment and the total range of well balanced services.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Channel Broadcasting

Advantages

We have been fighting the good fight to enable blind people not to be segregated-in other contexts it has been demonstrated that there is no such thing as "separate but equal."

Open channel broadcasting will almost certainly be less costly than sub-channel.

Open channel broadcasting can further public education about blindness and its problems.

Open channel makes it possible to use commonly available and inexpensive, ordinary radios rather than special devices.

Open channel makes the spoken newspaper as portable as the printed one.

Disadvantages

It may well be that open channel will not be aired over nearly as broad an area as sub-channel.

This is a disadvantage that may be overcome fairly easily—or, in other words, if you are served these lemons it's not hard to make them into lemonade—establish other radio reading programs for the blind in key areas until you have the community you want to serve covered. True, you are going to have to ride herd on all of these, but in the scheme of things, this is not a big lump (or a significant lemon seed).

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THE STRENGTH OF THE MOVEMENT: GOALS, PHILOSOPHY AND EDGAR SAMMONS

BY KENNETH JERNIGAN

Work with the blind, as we are so often and so painfully reminded by the agencies, is a "profession," It is characterized by counseling and conferences, planning and projects, standards and studies, guidance and goals. There are organizational charts and there is much talk about in service training, upward mobility, conceptual frameworks, and "staffing the case"—whatever that awesome term may mean.

Sometimes it almost seems as if the reason for it all (the individual, average, ordinary blind person) has been totally forgotten. Well, if not forgotten, then reduced to the role of specimen and statistic. There is hardly time for the blind person. He would interfere with the charts and casework and meetings and Federal requirements and long-range goals.

Among other things, this is why the National Federation of the Blind came into being, and why we continue to flourish as a movement. We are broadly based as a rank-and-file organization of blind people, and we must remain that way. We must never lose touch or break faith with the individual. Collective action; individual concern.

Our philosophy must, of course, be well thought out and clearly articulated; and it is. Our objectives must be sharply focused—and they are. We must march to our goals with a sense of history and a dream of tomorrow—and we do. But, with all of this long-range strategy and broad perspective, we must never forget what it's all about.

It either translates into better lives for blind people—or forget it. We deal with wages and working conditions in the sheltered shops—and not just with overall patterns but with money in the pockets of individual workers and dignity in their lives as human beings. How is the blind person treated by his family, by his neighbors, and by the stranger on the street? How does the blind person see himself, and what does he think of his future? How does he perceive the Federation, and what does it mean in his life?

These are questions each of us must answer for himself. For my own part, I think the Federation has done more than any other single entity to improve the lives of the blind of this generation. And not just others—it has helped me, too: by changing public attitudes, by improving the climate of acceptance, and by giving me new perspectives. It has also given me many close personal friendships.

And always there are letters—a continuing stream of them from all over the country, reminders of what we are and what we must do. Edgar Sammons lives in the mountains of east Tennessee. I have never met him personally, but I know him well—both as a brother and friend and as a colleague in the movement. He writes me in Braille in the Elizabethan language of his neighbors, and his words contain more wisdom than many of the polished phrases of the professionals:

RFD 1
Mountain City, Tennessee
September 18, 1974

DEAR KENNETH: Thought I would try to write you a few lines while I have time. I guess I have more time than you have at any time.

People around here is trying to get their tobacco cut. It has been raining so much they're having a hard time. We have our tobacco rented but I have been trying to help out a little in it. We had so much rain here this summer the tobacco didn't do very good, but every little helps.

I really enjoyed the Braille Monitor. I got to set at home and listen to the Convention.

When I was growing up, I run around doing other things when I should have been in school. I didn't come twenty-one until I was forty-three years old. In 1944 I went to Ashville, North Carolina, and got me a job, but I just got to work two months and it closed down. I had two sisters that lived there. I could have went to work there making mattresses, but they didn't pay much, and I didn't want to. My people wanted to take me to work and bring me back and keep me with them all the time. A lot of people is like that by the blind. I come back to Mountain City. My father and stepmother was living at that time.

In 1957 I went to Morristown (Tennessee) and went to work in the shop. There was where I met Mattie Ruth. If it hand't been for the shop in Morristown, I wouldn't have had anything. That was when I got out on my own. Since I got out on my own, that has been the best part of my life.

I got to work me out a little social security—something that I wouldn't have had.

The blind has come a long way in the last few years, but we still have a good way to go yet. If we can do away with people like NAC, we would get along much better. I wonder if NAC has anything to do with the shop at Morristown. There is some king of a bunch that runs it just about like NAC.

As I said, if it hand't been for the shop at Morristown, I don't guess I would ever had had a job. A lot of them walks over the blind in a shop like that. When I went to work in the shop in 1957, I was on training for a year. I knew as much in a month as I knew in a year. Every time they had some army beds to beat out, that was my job. It was hard for them to get anybody else to beat them. Not that I cared to beat beds—I was glad to do it. Another thing: I guess it was that or have no job, so I stayed with it for my own good. I blowed cotton beds and beat them out. It was a slow hard job. I guess I still have dust on my lungs yet from blowing and beating them cotton mattresses.

They passed a law a few months ago that a shop had to make a fair profit from beds. After that, they stopped making cotton mattresses. I laid around in the shop for about three months with nothing to do most of the time.

They had been raising us about five cents on the hour every year or two. About six months before I left, they give some of them ten cents more on the hour and said nothing to me about it, but I found it out. They had things there that I could have done as well as anybody—covering springs for one. They kept sighted people on a lot of work that the blind could have done. Mattie worked in the sewing room—when she worked. I am not saying this because she is my wife, but she sewed a lot better than a lot of the sighted people that they had in the sewing room. The sighted people got the top wages, and most of them laid around in the bathroom half of the time. I got tired of laying around in the shop and getting what little they was paying me for nothing. Mr. Newman tried to make Mattie and me get on the welfare. He come around where I was just about the time he give them the ten cent raise and said: "I don't see why Mattie Ruth don't get on the welfare." I told him she was trying to get her social security. I told him that they had passed a law and she could get it. He said, "They have?" And he walked off like he didn't believe me. She got her first check about a week after that.

If we had needed the welfare, we would have got on it. We would have had to tell them everything we had and everything about our business.

The main reason that we left there was that there was no bus anymore, and we had a hard time getting up here to Mountain City and back. With what they was paying me, I wasn't getting any more than I would on social security. I talked them into giving me a layoff slip, and I left. They said I would be back by the first of the year.

They kept my insurance paid up until the first of the year. They still have it in the shop yet, but I send them the money every month to pay it. I hope they keep it a few more months until Mattie Ruth gets on Medicare. I went on it this month, but I got more back pay than she did.

I am not trying to make something out of this, and I hope you don't take it that way. I was just trying to tell you some of how the blind is one in some of these shops. As I said, if it hadn't been for the shop, we wouldn't have had anything. I want to thank you and all of the Federation for all you have done for the blind. Something could happen that I would have to go back to the shop, but I will not do much more work, if any. I think it is time for the blind to stick together and do something.

Yours truly,

EDGAR P. SAMMONS

There is no need to answer this.

Des Moines, Iowa, December 30, 1974

DEAR EDGAR: I have read your letter of September 18, 1974 several times, and I think it would be of interest and help to blind people throughout the country. Therefore, if you are willing for me to do so, I would like to incorporate it into an article for the Braille Monitor.

I would use your name and indicate that we write letters to each other from time to time. I will not use the letter without your permission since it talks about your personal experiences and background. However, I think it would be helpful to other blind people. Let me know how you feel about it, and I will act accordingly.

I hope that you and Mattie Ruth have had a good Christmas and that 1975 will be good to you. I enjoy your letters and am pleased that you write to me. I think you have an understanding of blindness and blind people which goes beyond the understanding of many who have more formal education than you do. I take pleasure in your letters and feel honored to call you my friend.

Cordially,

KENNETH JERNIGAN,
President,
National Federation of the Blind

Mountain City, Tennessee
January 6, 1975

DEAR KENNETH: Received your letter today. I was glad to hear from you. I am down in my back today. Mattie Ruth is not feeling very good either.

The weather man said last night that it would rain by afternoon. Mattie got up this morning and got her washing started the first thing she done. She thought she would hang part of it out. She give me a sheet to hang out, and as soon as I got it out on the line, it started putting the snow down. I brought it back in. It didn't snow much. The sun is shining nice now, and the snow is all gone. We had a bad snow and ice storm here a little over a month ago, and it broke a lot of timber down.

Me and Mattie Ruth spent Christmas with her mother. We always do. She looks for us every Christmas. She is about ninety-two years old and lives by herself most of the time. She said she ought to have run me off the first time I come up there. She said I come up there and took all she had. We had a very nice Christmas.

Tobacco sold good this year. We got a good price for what little we had, but it rained so much last summer that the tobacco didn't do any good. We just had 642 pounds, and got half of it for our part. I rent it out every year. We got $1.20 a pound for it. We lacked a lot in having as many pounds as we was allowed. We can put out enough to make up for it this year.

I got my Braille Monitor today. Go ahead and put my letters in the Braille Monitor and use my name if you want to. I don't care.

I got a letter a while back from a friend of mine in Morristown. He said they had laid a lot of them off at the shop. He said they laid all off that worked in the pad room. That is where they make mattress pads. They just worked sighted people in there anyway. The boss put me in there one time to folding pads. I folded them and bagged and boxed them as fast as any of them. When I would get ahead, I would go out and do something else. It went on like that for about two weeks. One time I come back in and a sighted woman had took it. She said, "I am folding pads, Ed." I had plenty of cotton beds to make at that time, so I just walked out. She worked on just a little while and then put her sighted sister on it that had just been there a few days. That was what she was aiming for from the beginning. If they can't work the blind in that part of the shop, what do they want ii for? I think they tried to make a family workshop out of it.

They carried our hospital insurance at the shop until the first of this year. I paid it for a year. We are both on Medicare now. Our insurance at the shop went up this year to over $41 a month. I called the shop the other day and told them to drop it. Do you know of a hospital insurance that don't cost as much as that and that will pay what the Medicare don't pay? Some people thinks we should have kept the Blue Cross and Blue Shield at the shop, but it costs too much.

Yours truly,

EDGAR P. SAMMONS

Of such is the strength of the movement. In that strength the movement is secure.

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ACB EXCLUDES B. T. KIMBROUGH

(As reported in the Winter 1974 issue of Dialogue)

In a letter addressed to Dialogue editor and publisher. Don O. Nold, Floyd Quails indicates: "So long as I am president of the American Council of the Blind, Dialogue managing editor, B. T. Kimbrough, will not be permitted to attend another ACB Board meeting." The letter charges that Kimbrough attended a post-convention ACB Board meeting and reported its content in Dialogue without first requesting permission from the president and the board. The report in question concerned a memorandum of agreement proposed by ACB to the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped which seeks, among other things, formal arrangements whereby the ACB could recommend to the NAC nominating committee the names of ACB-approved candidates for filling vacancies on the NAC Board, the Commission on Standards, and the Commission on Accreditation. The ACB Board meeting, on which the report was based, was an open and public meeting according to official American Council of the Blind convention literature which invited public attendance at all meetings during the week of the 1974 convention except those held by the nominating committee. According to Don O. Nold, Dialogue will make no effort to report on meetings of the American Council of the Blind's Board of Directors so long as Kimbrough is excluded from board meetings which are otherwise open to the public.

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NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND HOWARD BROWN RICKARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND

NATURE OF SCHOLARSHIP

The Howard Brown Rickard Scholarship, administered by the National Federation of the Blind, is to be awarded each year to legally blind university students studying for a professional degree as specified below. Scholarships vary from year to year as to number and amount.

This scholarship was established by a bequest of Thomas E. Rickard in honor of his father, Howard Brown Rickard.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Any legally blind university student in the professions of LAW, MEDICINE, ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND THE NATURAL SCIENCES, including undergraduates in these fields, is eligible to apply.

While anyone may apply for the award, in order to be considered he must:

(a) be sponsored by the state NFB affiliate where he is going to school or in the state where he makes his home, and if there be no such affiliate he must secure sponsorship in a manner deemed appropriate by the chairman of the scholarship committee.

(b) attend the NFB Convention at which the scholarship is to be awarded.

HOW TO APPLY

Fill out completely the attached application and mail it to the Reverend Howard May, Chairman, Rickard Scholarship Committee, RFD 1, West Willington, Connecticut 06279, by June 1, 1975.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
HOWARD BROWN RICKARD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Applicant's Full Name___________________________ Age_____ Sex_____

Address___________________________________________________________
                      Street

_________________________________________________ Phone___________
City                           State and ZIP Code

Home Address (permanent)__________________________________________
                                                                   Street

_________________________________________________ Phone___________
City                           State and ZIP Code

High School Attended______________________________ City___________

College Now Attending_____________________________ City___________

Number of Units Completed by End of Present Term__________________

Colleges Previously Attended (Indicate the year you attended college and total number of units completed at each college):

__________________________________________From____ To____ Units____

__________________________________________From____ To____ Units____

Major Subject______________________________________________________

List name and amount of any scholarships you have received or are receiving:
___________________________________________________________________

Attach the following:

1. Transcripts from all colleges attended. (If you are entering college, attach high school transcript.
2. A statement of 250 words of your reason for applying for this scholarship and how it will assist you to achieve a professional goal including, if you wish, information about your financial situation. Please include information about your visual acuity indicating whether you are partially or totally blind.
3. Recommendation of sponsoring NFB affiliate.

______________________            _____________________________
Date                                                     Signature

Make sure all spaces are filled in and mail application by June 1, 1975, to:

THE REVEREND HOWARD MAY, Chairman
RICKARD SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
RFD # 1
WEST WILLINGTON, CONNECTICUT 06279

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MOTHER AND TEACHER SEEKS ACCEPTANCE FOR HANDICAPPED

BY KRIS HALLAM

(Reprinted by courtesy of The Ohio University On Campus)

Beth is eight years old. She is a year ahead of her age group in school, likes to read and enjoys her physical education class. She learned to talk when she was four months old and walked at thirteen months. Beth is a typical active child who likes to do things for herself. Beth is also blind.

Her independence and natural development are due to her parents' encouragement and understanding. Beth's mother, Mrs. Clara Schuster, a faculty member at Ohio State University, is working to promote greater acceptance and understanding of handicapped children at both the family and community levels.

Prior to assuming her teaching position in the University's School of Nursing, Mrs. Schuster spent six years as a pediatric nurse. "During that time I spent a year as a visiting nurse and gained an awareness of some of the problems parents have in dealing with their handicapped children," she said.

In 1963, Mrs. Schuster taught pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital and incorporated these experiences into her teaching curriculum. Three years later the Schusters' daughter was born with congenital cataracts resulting in blindness.

"Because of my work I had had the opportunity of being aware of parental reactions to that kind of situation that gave me a deeper understanding when I had to face it myself," she said.

She experienced her first negative reaction to her daughter's condition while still in the hospital. "I was a nurse, and as soon as I saw Beth I knew what was wrong, and yet the doctor denied it."

This lack of understanding and acceptance among professional people, family members and well-meaning friends is what she now hopes to correct through education.

Stresses and pressures facing parents immediately after the birth of their child often take the form of rejection or coldness from close friends and family members. "These well-meaning people can't deal with their own emotions, so they tend to avoid the parents," Mrs. Schuster said. "This exclusion reinforces negative feelings in an already difficult situation."

Aware of this potential reaction, the Schusters kept the news of their daughters' condition to themselves when they returned home. After a month Beth's parents discussed the situation with a close friend. "You could see it starting, and our friend left just minutes after we told her," Mrs. Schuster recalled. "The entire community knew about Beth the next day and suddenly the Schusters were different."

Because of this lack of acceptance, parents of handicapped children find themselves forced to cope with numerous outside influences as well as their personal feelings about their child. "I have found that the parents have to deal with themselves first before they can reestablish healthy relationships with their friends and family," she said.

In addition to the immediate reactions of fear and disappointment, parents also have to contend with several long-range problems. Rejection is commonly the first to occur. Parents tend to reject the diagnosis and often project this to the child through neglect and hatred.

The second manifestation is pity. "Parents accept the diagnosis, but not the child. They end up smothering the child instead of mothering."

Realistic acceptance of both the handicap and the child as an individual is the third reaction. "Parents have to learn to relate to their child as a child first and not as a 'handicapped' child. The child still has all the normal needs," the Ohio State faculty member said, "including the important one of normal discipline.

"Every parent has some kind of dream for the child even before it's born. They have to adjust their expectations to the child's capabilities, but only as much as is absolutely necessary," Mrs. Schuster believes. "We had expected Beth to be perfect, and after she was born we had to reassess our priorities.

"When Beth was six weeks old, I came to grips with myself and realized that inward perfection and not outward perfection was what was really important. That was when I was able to accept Beth as my daughter and not as my handicapped daughter."

The Schusters also faced the possibility of retardation because of the things Beth's blindness could prohibit her from doing and understanding. "At that time I had to ask myself, if she can't see, how am I going to help her learn about her environment?"

Mrs. Schuster began immediately by explaining and identifying all the sounds, touches, tastes, and smells that were part of the infant's environment. "Most babies hear a sound and then look at it to identify it. Beth couldn't do that so I had to do it for her. I had no idea if she understood until she started talking when she was only four months old," the mother recalled.

At the age of sixteen months, Beth first became aware of her blindness, Mrs. Schuster comments: "Beth was taking a bath while I cleaned the bathroom. All of a sudden she cried 'Look!' I turned and saw her standing up in the tub and when I cried out she realized that I could see her without touching her. She had been testing me and she realized that there was such a thing as vision which she did not have."

Two months later the child tried to use her handicap to manipulate her parents. "She wanted us to get the cat for her even though she could do it. This is normal. A lot of handicapped children will use this approach. You have to give them the challenges. You have to let them try to do things."

Beth also had her share of toddler adventures and climbed to the top of her jungle gym when she was three. "My heart was in my throat, but I didn't tell her to stop. You can't tell the child to stop discovering things. You have to let them try."

The child's major problem in accepting her blindness resulted when she attended a state school for the blind and the instructors restricted her from doing things she had done by herself at home. Beth now attends public school in Mansfield, where she studies with both blind and sighted children. She hopes to attend the public school in her home town next year. The Schusters plan to transfer their daughter as soon as she increases her proficiency in Braille.

Mrs. Schuster has written an article on parental acceptance for a professional magazine. She is also working on an article for lay people and hopes to write a book for parents of blind infants and toddlers. She lectures to both professional and nonprofessional groups on problems of handicapped children and their parents.

Beth now has limited vision as the result of surgery. While they remain hopeful for their daughter's future, the Schusters aren't relying on the possibility of a medical miracle.

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TRANSPORTATION FOR THE HANDICAPPED

Editor's Note.—The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, or certain of its various offices, have been worrying, along with the CAB and FAA, about transportation of the handicapped. In the February 15, 1975 issue of one of its many publications. Consumer News, a definition is attempted which will, hopefully, help transportation authorities move the disabled about the country. The blind again have been victimized by stereotypes. The blind, to their detriment, again have been tossed into a common definition with the otherwise disabled. In addition to all the problems involved in attempting to define who the "handicapped" are, the definers stumble into the guide dog puddle with some interesting results. Fortunately, James Gashel, Chief of our Washington Office, has been having some dialogue with the FAA people and we may come out of it without any restrictions. If there were no NFB to push our interests you can see how disastrous it could be. But here is a view of the current HEW thinking on travel for the handicapped.

Although it is difficult to determine exactly how many handicapped persons there are in the United States—and even to define what "handicapped" means—the National Center for Health Statistics(NCHS) estimates there are over thirteen million handicapped Americans who have trouble getting on and off planes, buses, trains, subways, and cars.

This figure includes persons with impaired vision and hearing as well as those who can get around only with special aids such as wheelchairs, seeing eye dogs (now called "leaders"), walkers and canes. The thirteen million figure also includes those who are so handicapped they probably are unable to use existing public or private transportation.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides for the creation of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (A&TBCB) which seeks to simplify travel problems for handicapped persons. One objective is to provide usable transportation for the handicapped within existing transportation systems—rather than developing separate accommodations.

Here is what some Federal agencies, state and local governments and transportation systems are doing to ease travel for the handicapped:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is in charge of safety aspects of air travel, held hearings during September, October, and November 1973, to clarify how regulations assuring air travel for the handicapped could be made consistent with principles of safety for everyone on board. The agency was particularly concerned with emergency situations where fast evacuations from planes might be hampered by the presence of handicapped passengers.

In July 1974, FAA proposed regulations designed to insure that the physically handicapped would be able to travel by air. The proposals were partly in response to charges by persons who said that certain airlines would not let them fly because they were handicapped. (At present, each airline has its own policy about transporting handicapped persons.) FAA is redrafting its proposed rules in light of comments received and expects to make a decision this year.

In August 1974, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) proposed that, when FAA regulations become final, all certified airlines submit rates for transporting handicapped travelers, to conform with FAA's safety requirements. CAB's proposed rules would include fares for litter cases as well as for attendants if airlines require attendants to accompany handicapped.

Many states have developed their own marker devices on cars to identify handicapped drivers—for example, putting the letters "DP" (disabled person) on the license plate. But at present there is no national uniform marker to identify a handicapped driver. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating various state markers and is working with private organizations to learn what type of marker would be quickly recognized by most drivers.

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is testing conventional and advance design train passenger equipment.

NHTSA is supporting research projects in the areas of driver improvement and licensing for handicapped.

National Mass Transportation Assistance Act of 1974 is requiring lower rates on projects funded by the Transportation Department for the elderly and handicapped during non-peak hours.

Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended, is requiring that special efforts be made in the planning and design of mass transportation facilities to insure their use by the elderly and handicapped.

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SHE OPENS SIGHTED EYES TO WORLD OF THE BLIND

(Reprinted by courtesy of The Kansas City Star)

An ignorant society and brow-beaten blind citizens stand in the way of equal living opportunities for the blind, says a blind former Kansas City, Kansas, resident.

Miss Patti Shreck, 26, of Portland, Oregon, a public relations officer for the Pacific Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, said she strives to instill confidence in the blind and understanding in the sighted by interviewing community leaders knowledgeable about laws and customs that affect the blind.

Miss Shreck is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shreck, formerly of Kansas City, Kansas, and now of Longview, Washington. Miss Shreck's grandmother, Mrs. Inez Shreck, lives in Merriam, Kansas.

In addition to her public relations job, Miss Shreck said in a telephone interview that she is hostess of a radio show to inform the blind of job opportunities, city laws, musical programs, and other events.

Miss Shreck has been blind since birth. "I had parents who constantly made me feel that there was very little I couldn't do," she said, "but there are still blind people who have been protected or intimidated into believing they are not qualified to work in more than menial jobs or who do not protest when discriminated against."

She is secretary of Portland's chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

"I went to a convention in Chicago," she said, "and I was excited to discover so many blind people established in professions whose attitudes were that blind people are just human beings that by chance are blind."

Miss Shreck said she has noticed more blind people entering scientific, communications, and educational fields.

"For so long the public has been frightened of blind people and penalized them for being so," Miss Shreck said, adding that her radio program covers some of the inequities blind persons suffer.

"Right now, we're working on a white cane law here," she said, "that would encompass equal employment opportunities, clarify a blind person's liability in public places, and eliminate some of the housing hassles blind people face."

Miss Shreck said blind persons in Oregon are fighting for the right to skate on ice or roller rinks. They face owners who won't sell them apartments above the first floor of a building, and ambiguous pedestrian laws, she said.

"If a blind person walking with a white cane illegally crosses a street and causes an accident," she said, "they should be made responsible for that action and not the driver."

Educational opportunities for blind youths could include more in-depth subjects, she said. Textbooks for the blind are needed and blind persons should be allowed to participate in any sport they choose, she added.

She said she transferred from a school for the blind to a public school because her courses were not challenging enough, and because school officials warned her there would be no one to read daily lessons to her in a public school.

"I went to the public school anyway," she said, "and took college pre-English and political science courses. I used their print books and had friends read my lessons to me. Too often schools for the blind rely too heavily on music and physical education in their curriculums and not enough on strong academic subjects."

One of Miss Shreck's recreational activities during her high school years was water skiing. She recently began snow skiing lessons with friends to teach her, she said, because professional instructors were skeptical of her ability to learn and worried that she would hurt herself.

"I have friends who are going to instruct me," she said, "and with their help, I intend to start a skiing program for blind people here who want to learn the sport."

Miss Shreck's experiences with legal and social problems of the blind and her candid interviewing have made her program, a radio station official said. "P.S., This Is Patti," is a favorite with Sunday listeners of radio station KBPS of Portland, Oregon, Frank Nelson, director of Sunday programming on the station said.

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DON STALEY STASHED

What do you know—Recording for the Blind and Don Staley are no longer "miking" it together, at least on the management level. White it is not known whether the NAC business had anything to do with it, we do know that Mr. Staley was invited to step down as executive director of the recording agency. When one considers what is happening to officials in the field of work with the blind, as reported in recent issues of the Monitor in Maryland, Mississippi, Virginia, and Florida, and when one adds rumors of others about to boil to the surface, do you suppose that it might lead other administrators to seek help and advice from those most able to give it, namely, the organized blind as represented by the National Federation of the Blind? ". . . . one bite at a time."

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COMING STATE CONVENTIONS

The NFB of Colorado will meet September 12-14, 1975 at the Quality Inn, corner of Murray Blvd and Highway 24 in Colorado Springs. There will be a hospitality night on Friday, September 12, beginning at seven o'clock in the evening. For further information contact State president Marg Gallien at 915 North Yuma, Apartment 101, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.

The United Blind of Minnesota, writes its president, Carl Kuhl, will hold its State convention on Saturday, June 7, 1975 at two o'clock in the afternoon at the Moose Lodge Hall, 624 Third Avenue, N.E., Minneaplis, Minnesota.

Leilia M. Proctor, secretary-treasurer of our Montana affiliate writes: "Our annual State convention has been scheduled for Bozeman beginning Friday evening, July 25, and ending Sunday noon, July 27. This will be our thirtieth. The Northwest Montana and Missoula chapters have combined their talents to co-host the affair."

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MISSISSIPPI CONVENTION

On January 25, 1975, the NFB of Mississippi returned to the Downtowner in Jackson where it was organized January 15, 1972, for its annual convention. What a convention!

There are those who say that you have to have a program to recognize the players. Well, Ralph Sanders was the only one who appeared at the announced spots on this program. At the morning hour he did a thorough job of bringing us up to date on all activities on the national level.

Mr. Sanders also was the featured speaker at the banquet and he sent the large crowd home inspired and with a much better concept of what our movement means. In a moving speech he offered solutions to current problems. The first and most important solution is the organized blind movement. NFB reaches some goals and grows nearer to others each year. The final solution will arrive when enough of us join the NFB and give of our sweat and money to insure final success. To sum up the address, I'll just quote the comment of one charter member: "Heck, I didn't know that kid from Little Rock had it in him."

After a welcome from the mayor's office. State Senator Theodore Smith of Corinth, reported on the Governor's Select Committee for the Blind and explained the bill that resulted. Senator Charles Pickering of Laurel and Senator Theodore Smith sponsored the bill in the Senate, and Representative John Neill of Laurel sponsored the bill in the House. This proposed legislation would have reorganized and coordinated all services for the blind under a commission. But, sad to say, like so much good legislation, the bill died in the committees.

The president's report included a review of the progress that has been made in Mississippi in spite of the fact that our aspirations and/or organization has been opposed by all but one agency. For a whole hour, Mr. Robert Clarkson and Mr. Thomas Dawkins gave the most complete explanation this writer has heard of Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability as they relate to the blind. All aspects of eligibility, how to apply, how to appeal, how eligibility is determined, and other associated areas were covered.

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OKLAHOMA CONVENTION

BY JOHN ALDRIDGE

The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma held its first state convention at the Fairmont Mayo Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma, November 2. In reality, the festivities commenced the evening before, as guests and delegates began converging on Tulsa. Informal gatherings were held in various homes of Federationists living throughout the city.

Among the out-of-state guests were Ralph Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. Edlund, and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Graber. Oklahoma Federationists are deeply grateful to these wonderful people who came to us and helped make the first convention such a huge success.

Miss Ethel Susong, president of NEBO, called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. The invocation was given by Arthur Murrin, member of the Tulsa chapter. After presenting a letter of greeting from Tulsa Mayor, Robert Lafortune, a taped message from Dr. Jernigan was played. That message inspired us all and set the tone for a most productive day.

The first guest speaker was Dean Lassman, of the rehab office in Tulsa. He covered such items as employment for the blind, job opportunity, skills, training and placement. A question and answer session followed.

Director of Visual Services for the State of Oklahoma, Travis Harris' primary topic dealt with a history of the regional library for the blind located in Oklahoma City, and the various types of equipment used in operating that facility. However, the most significant development of Mr. Harris' appearance at the convention was twofold: (1) He agreed to put forth a conscientious effort in placing our State president on the twelve-member committee which serves in an advisory capacity to the library thus giving NEBO its first representation; and (2) he stated publicly and openly that no services pertaining to his office would be withheld from any blind person simply on the basis of political affiliation. A question and answer session followed his talk.

Mrs. Pat Shaver, instructor of sight-saving classes at Marshall Elementary School in Tulsa, discussed methods of teaching, and then a delightful performance was given by some of her students.

The next item of business was a thorough and detailed explanation of SSI by Mrs. Boyles, of the Social Security Office.

We were served lunch, compliments of Dr. James Bissland. Enough cannot be said for this man, his family, and the entire Tulsa chapter, hosts of the convention. They have set an example which will be difficult for other chapters to meet in the future.

The afternoon session was opened with a rousing address by Ralph Sanders, who urged all Oklahoma Federationists to become deeply involved in the movement, to avoid mediocrity as an organization, to study all NFB literature diligently, and to strive for excellence as an organization. He also discussed many of the pertinent issues facing the NFB such as the continuing struggle with the NAC, the crisis with the Cleveland Society for the Blind, difficulties with Amtrak, FAA, the Disability Insurance Bill, and so on.

The business session included passage of three vital resolutions. The first dealt with the Disability Insurance Bill, and was directed to the appropriate Congressmen in charge of that legislation. The second resolution had to do with the Model White Cane Law, and was directed to members of the Oklahoma State Legislature. The final resolution involved the national treasury of NFB, and reflects in its language a firm commitment on the part of all Oklahoma Federationists to assist in every way possible.

Our business session was completed with the filling of two vacancies on the NFBO State Board. NFBO officers are: President, Ethel Susong, Oklahoma City; first vice-president, Cordelia Allen, Oklahoma City; second vice-president, Allie Robertson, Seminole; secretary, Cindy Vann, Tulsa; treasurer, Odell Mobley, Spencer. State Board members are: Gus Burge, Oklahoma City; Nanette Murrin, Tulsa; Dr. James Bissland, Tulsa; and John Aldridge, Musogee.

The banquet took place in the French Room of the Fairmont Mayo. Dr. James Bissland served as master of ceremonies and the banquet address was delivered by NFB Treasurer, Richard Edlund. His speech was a thoughtful exploration of the NFB philosophy, and he recounted some of his experiences which had formed and shaped his own philosophy. Both the addresses of Mr. Edlund and Mr. Sanders demonstrate the superior caliber of leadership in which the NFB abounds. Following Mr. Edlund's speech, brief remarks were made by the various chapter presidents and other dele- gates.

One conclusion can be drawn from the first NFBO convention—The National Federation of the Blind is back in Oklahoma—this time to stay.  

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

BY LILLIAN WHITEHEAD

Editor’s Note.—The Colonel’s lovely wife needs no introduction to Federationists who have known her as a staunch colleague for many years.

ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

1 stick butter
1/2 cup oil
2 cups sugar
5 egg yolks
2 cups all purpose flour
5 egg whites (stiffly beaten)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3-1/2 ounce can coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cream butter and oil. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Add egg yolks and beat. Sift flour, measure and sift again with baking soda. Add flour alternately with buttermilk to creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla, coconut and nuts. Fold in egg whites. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until done.

Bake in greased and floured 9 x 2 x 13 inch pan.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound box powdered sugar

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MONITOR MINIATURES

The Congress has decided to launch a top-to-bottom investigation of the Supplementary Security Income (SSI) program. Long delays in processing applications and snarled payments have prompted the investigation. Senator Bentsen of Texas called SSI an administrative disaster. The Senator charged that the Social Security Administration is taking six months and longer to process applications, stating that the national backlog may reach as high as 400,000.

The Social Organization of the Sightless of Liberty, New York, was founded in 1973. It was started to enable the Lions Clubs of the area to help visually handicapped persons in the Catskill Mountains. Six Lions Clubs sponsor the organization. Recently Miss Rita Chernow, first vice president of the New York affiliate of the NFB, went to one of the meetings and told them of the great work the NFB is doing for blind persons throughout the country, explaining how poverty, isolation, and dependence have been overcome by NFB members to the point that blind people can participate in every facet of life.

Sam Sitt of the NFB of Florida writes that the major legislative aim of the organization for 1975 is to ask the State Legislature to pass a "Little Randolph-Sheppard Act." They are also seeking legislation to eliminate discrimination against the blind in the purchase of many types of insurance policies.

Joie Stuart is the newly elected president of the NFB of DC. Other officers are: Arlene Gashel, first vice president; Reginald Greenwood, second vice president; Thomas Bickford, secretary; Jennie Fletcher, treasurer; Harold Krents, Dorothy Donnelly, Rod MacDonald, and Keith Howard were elected to the board. Many of you met Rod MacDonald at our Convention in Chicago last year and remember that he is deaf-blind. We think he is probably the first deaf-blind person to hold elective office in a State affiliate.

The Licking County Progressive Sightless Club in Ohio held elections on January 25, 1975 with the following results: Maybelle Crozier, president; Arthur Staggers, first vice president; Bill Davis, second vice president; Alice Cagney, secretary; Paul Toma, treasurer; and board members Don Bowers, Maybelle Crozier, Bill Davis, and Paul Toma.

Officers for the Mid-Hudson Chapter for 1975-76 are: Marjorie Fiorino, president; Gerald Carney, first vice president; Richard Carpenter, second vice president; Lucy Carpenter, secretary; Ron Werskey, treasurer; Arnold Toback, legislative chairman; and Bruce Bevan, public relations and membership chairman.

Rami Rabby, chairman of the NFB's Cultural Exchange and International Program Committee, would like to hear from any blind person who has ever applied for a position with the United States State Department and who believes that he or she was treated discriminatorily, simply on grounds of blindness. He would also be glad to hear of cases of successful employment with the State Department. In addition, Mr. Rabby is interested in receiving the names and addresses of any blind people living in Puerto Rico. Please send all information pertaining to the above to Rami Rabby, 535 N. Michigan Avenue, Apt. 304, Chicago, Illinois 60611, or telephone (312) 467-1620.

The Spokesman Review in Washington State, recently reportd that Leslie Hutchings has lost her job caring for sixteen elderly patients in a Bountiful, Utah, nursing home because she is blind. Although she had three college degrees, including a master's degree in counceling, the State ruled last week that she cannon adequately care for her patients. The owner of hte rest home wants to hire her back. The State says no. And the people continue to ask: "Why and NFB?"

Miss Sue Ammeter, president of the NFB of Washington, sent a special bulletin to all chapters in that State informing them of the death of Wesley Osborne, long-time legislative chairman and board member of the State affiliate. Wes had a long and distinguished career in securing the passage by the Legislature of improved vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, passage of the Model White Cane Law, and other significant pieces of legislation. Wes was also a member of the NFB's Committee on the Senior Blind. We join our colleagues in Washington in mourning the passing of Wes Osborne.

Dr. Richard Kinney has been named president of the Hadley Correspondence School for the Blind in Winnetka, Illinois, succeeding Donald Hathaway who becomes president emeritus. Dr. Kinney is believed to be the first deaf-blind educator to assume leadership responsibility of a major organi- zation engaged in service to the handicapped.

Due to increasing difficulty of raising funds to defray the costs of preparation and publication of the Braille Monitor, voluntary contributions from Monitor readers are particularly welcome at this time.

The National Braille Association is contemplating establishing a registry to bring Braille readers and transcribers together. In this way a reader would simply write NBA stating what he wanted transcribed and how soon he needed it. The NBA would like to know if the need for such a service really exists. If you would be interested, write the National Braille Association, Inc., 85 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, N.J. 07432.

Recently an opinion by the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court ruled unconstitutional a state welfare regulation that a legal services attorney said had been used to deny thousands of permanently disabled claimants financial assistance. The ruling struck down the "homemaker" regulation of the State Division of Public Welfare because it conflicted with the Federal Social Security Act.

The NFB of Massachusetts has produced an interesting booklet entitled "Tour of Blindness." Part I deals with social adjustment, Part II with occupational pursuits of blind persons, Part III with legislative accomplishments, and Part IV is a summary of the booklet and its attempt to educate the sighted public concerning blindness. Those interested in securing a copy should write to the Greater Boston Chapter, NFB of Massachusetts, 101 Tremont Street, Room 805, Boston, Mass.

More than twenty million persons are affected by "river-blindness," an eye disease rampant in the savanna and rain forests of Africa. The disease is transmitted by the bite of a black fly.

The Colorado affiliate has a new chapter—the NFB of Larmer County. Its officers are: Adelle Schell, president; Mrs. Helen Fagebush, vice president; John Durry, secretary; and Charlotte Kanode, treasurer.

The new officers of the Santa Clara County Club, affiliated with the NFB of California were installed by the NFB's Secretary, Lawrence Marcelino, in January. They are: Manuel Saenz, president; Lereita Ulleseit, vice president; Marjie Saenz, secretary; Harold Dean, treasurer; Ilda McCarthy, corresponding secretary; and Harold Dean will serve as delegate to the State convention and Bob McElvy will be alternate.

Dr. Edwin Lewinson, well known to NFB Convention attendants, is a political science professor at Seton Hall University. Dr. Lewinson recently completed a new book analyzing the rise of black political power in New York. The book is entitled "Black Politics in New York City." It traces the origins of the first eleven blacks in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam in 1626 until the present time when blacks are represented in every level of government in New York. The new book has an extensive introduction by Kenneth Gibson, serving his second term as the first black mayor of Newark.

Al Wesling, a sighted member of the Riverside Chapter of the NFB of California, died recently. Al was well known to many Federationists throughout the State and the country. He was one of those perceptive sighted colleagues who always helped but never tried to take over. In mourning the loss of this man, we pay tribute also to all those sighted and stalwart Federationists across this land, men and women, who have and are assisting so mightily in advancing the cause of the blind.

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NFB AIDS AND APPLIANCES:

POLICY STATEMENT

In the August, 1974 Monitor we announced that the Federation would begin to sell aids and appliances to the blind, and we gave a price list. The response was unbelievably great. Our supplies were almost immediately exhausted, and the system we had devised simply could not handle the volume.

Accordingly, in the November, 1974, issue of the Monitor we announced that it would be necessary for the Federation to suspend the sale of aids and appliances until we could revamp the system and replenish the stock to permit quick and efficient filling of orders. We are now ready to begin accepting orders again. For a number of reasons we will probably discontinue most of our sales of aids and appliances after the present supplies are exhausted. Even though this service is important, it cannot become the principal activity and focus of the Federation, and the response to last summer's Monitor article points to this as a real danger. The prime purpose of the Federation must continue to be what it has always been: to provide a means for concerted action by the blind in expressing their views and solving their problems. The Federation should work with agencies and strive to help them give better service, but it must not become an agency itself. This would deprive it of its unique nature and its representative character as the voice of the blind of the nation. As long as the sale of aids and appliances was a sideline, an incidental part of the larger operation, the result was constructive. However, events of the last few months make it clear that the sale of aids and appliances (if permitted to go unchecked) could become the principal focus of the national office of the Federation. This simply cannot be allowed to happen. The consequences to the blind would be disastrous.

Therefore, the following course of action will be followed. We have restocked and will sell out our present supplies. Judging by the demand of last fall, there should be enough of most items to last through 1975. Of course, some items may be sold out sooner, and some may last longer. In any case the prices listed in the accompanying catalogue will remain unchanged as long as present supplies last. After that the national office of the Federation will (with certain exceptions) probably not continue to sell aids and appliances.

We will continue to sell aids and appliances at the national convention, and we will continue to sell the new NFB cane (and replacement tips for it) on a year-round basis. Of course, we will also continue to sell items in stock as long as the supply lasts.

It should be clearly understood that we do not intend to curtail or discontinue the sale of NFB jewelry, convention recordings, coasters (as long as the supply lasts), candy, and such like. We are only dealing with aids and appliances.

Our experience in this area has been constructive and worthwhile. It will enable us to stimulate the agencies to give better service, and it will permit us to have more accurate yardsticks by which to measure that service. It will also underscore once again for all of us the purposes and objectives of our movement, helping us keep in perspective the central issues of the peripheral functions.

AIDS AND APPLIANCES: CATALOG

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

218 RANDOLPH HOTEL BUILDING, DES MOINES, IOWA 50309

Note: Send check or money order made payable to National Federation of the Blind, with your order. Items will be sent postpaid. The Federation cannot be responsible for repair of any items purchased from us. Therefore, be sure to keep any warranties and if repairs are needed, contact the manufacturer. Do not return items to us for repair since the national office cannot be responsible for this.

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