                           Fall 1994

                       BUCKEYE BULLETIN






                                          a publication of the 
                                National Federation of the Blind of Ohio


                                           Eric Duffy, Editor
                                             2405 Adams Ave.
                                        Columbus, OH  43202-3053
                                             1-800-396-NFBO

                                    Sylvia Cooley, Production Editor
                                        Barbara Pierce, President
                                             237 Oak Street
                                         Oberlin, OH  44074-1517
                                       Phone/Fax:  (216) 775-2216

       The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is a 501 (c) 3 consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people
committed to changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our
personal experience that with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance. We work to see that blind
people receive the services and training to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children receive the advice and support they
need to help their youngsters grow up to be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship means that people have both
rights and responsibilities, and we are determined to see that blind people become first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying
their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision than with
discrimination based on the publics ignorance and misinformation about blindness. Join us in educating Ohioans about the abilities and
aspirations of Ohios blind citizens.
       The NFB of Ohio has eleven local chapters around the state, a chapter for at-large members, and special divisions for students
and parents of blind children. This quarterly newsletter is produced in large print and on cassette. To receive more information about the
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, to make address changes for the newsletter, or to be added to the mailing list, call 800-396-6326.










FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
by Barbara Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

FROM THE BOOK SHELF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

FUTURE OF BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM...by Eric Duffy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

THE QUESTION BOX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND TEACHER TO BE TRIED ON SEX CHARGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE FOR BLIND CHILDREN UP AND RUNNINGby David Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1994 NFB OF OHIO STATE CONVENTIONby Pat Eschbach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

REACTIONS TO A FIRST CONVENTIONby Susan E. Gluntz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

A JOB IN YOUR FUTURE by David Robinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

BRAILLE IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF MY LIFE BECAUSE....by Jaime Zadzilka and Jennica Ferguson . . . . . . .13

WHO SHOULD LEARN BRAILLE: FOOD FOR THOUGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

NFB PHILOSOPHY MAKES A TOUGH CHOICE EASYby Tracy Duffy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

THE BUDDY PROGRAM IN MINNEAPOLISby Jan Ferguson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

CHAPTER NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
PERSONAL NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
ACTIVITIES CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
JOB SEMINAR
PARENT SEMINAR
REGISTRATION FORM
                                        From the Presidents Desk
                                            by Barbara Pierce

As I travel around the country, talking with Federationists, I have discovered that many
Federationists are not taking advantage of one of the most effective tools we now have
available to us in educating people about blindness. I refer to our Kernel series of
paperbacks and the handful of other similar books that the NFB has published in the
past several years. All but the first of these are published in large print so that people
losing their sight can read them and so that members of the general public can
understand what large print looks like. 
In the Kernel series we have been publishing two books a year for three years now. In
order of publication these are What Color Is the Sun, The Freedom Bell, As the Twig Is
Bent, Making Hay, The Journey, and Standing on One Foot. These books were all first
used in our nationwide mail campaign and then made available through the Materials Center at the National Center
for the Blind. In the last month The Blizzard Blows has been circulating in our mailings, and it too will be available
later this fall. For the most part the short articles in these books first appeared in the Braille Monitor. Others were
written especially for the Kernel series, but we have reprinted many of them in the pages of the Monitor, so you will
be familiar with much of what is here, even if you have never sat down to read these books.
In addition to the Kernel Books, there are several other publications that can be very useful. What You Should Know
about Blindness, Services for the Blind, and the Organized Blind Movement has been our general information book for
a couple of years. It is being replaced by If Blindness Comes, but it is still full of good and accurate information for
those who are adjusting to blindness or who wish to learn about it. Future Reflections is, as you might guess, a special
edition of the parent division magazine of that name. It is designed to provide an introduction to Federation
materials and philosophy for parents of blind children or others who are interested in the particular problems facing
blind youngsters and their parents and teachers. The Care and Feeding of the Long White Cane is a how-to book
written by longtime Federationist Tom Bickford. It will help anyone faced with trying to learn to use a cane without
specialized instruction. It is down-to-earth and positive. 
How can individuals and chapters use these books? I like to give a book to family members and friends whom I am
inviting to become members-at-large and Associates of the Federation. They find the books easy and fun to read, and
I am convinced that there is no better way to let people see what the Federation is about. There is nothing preachy
about these books. They talk briefly and entertainingly about what it is like to be blind and the ways in which the
Federation makes a difference in our lives. I get calls and letters from lots of people asking for information and
assistance. I find more and more that enclosing a book or two with my letter helps to make people feel my genuine
interest in them and their troubles. Our chapters and divisions have lots of opportunities to put books into the hands
of people who need them. Libraries, doctors' offices, even beauty shops are happy to have copies left for people to
read. 
In fact, I am more and more convinced that we are depriving people of information they would be happy to read by
not actively working to place these books around our communities. We can be proud of these publications. They tell
our story in a positive way that has never before been available to us. I hope that all of us will try to come up with
creative ways of getting these books into the hands of those who would benefit from reading them--and that is
everybody. 
All of the books can be ordered from the Materials Center, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21230. On cassette they cost $5 apiece, and in Braille they are $10. Individual copies of most of
the books cost $3. The exceptions are Future Reflections, which is free, and If Blindness Comes, which is also free to
individuals who want five or fewer copies. Boxes of forty-eight or fifty (depending on the book) cost $50 except for
Future Reflections (free) and If Blindness Comes ($12.50).
I think that every chapter should develop a library of these books for use locally. You will be surprised at how well
they are received and how interesting people find them. We get used to the excellence of our materials and forget
just how good they really are. This is your chance to provide an important service to your community inexpensively
while educating the public at the same time. Have fun getting to know our literature and using it effectively.



                                           From the Book Shelf

This is a new column in the Buckeye Bulletin. In each issue we will highlight a
National Federation of the Blind publication for your interest and information.
For this first column we have chosen If Blindness Comes, the NFB's new general
information book. Available in large print, this little paperback addresses most of
the commonly asked questions about blindness and the methods used by blind
people. At the same time it provides information about the Federation and the
ways in which members of the public can assist us in our work. 
Roughly the first third of the book is devoted to short questions and answers. It
is easy to glance through to find the information one is looking for. Following
this part are substantial sections on diseases and conditions of the eye, Braille,
issues of particular concern to older people losing their sight, and helpful hints
about marking items and learning alternative ways of doing things. The final
section is comprised of profiles of NFB leaders. 
The book is an easy read, lively and interesting. There are a number of pictures and good use of subtitles and bold
print to make the questions stand out.
Anyone can receive up to five copies free from the National Center for the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. A box of fifty costs $12.50. For information about recorded and Braille formats,
see the preceding article.


                        Future of Business Enterprise Program Manager in Jeopardy
                                              by Eric Duffy

For several months now, vendors employed by the state-run Business Enterprise (BE) Program have been uncertain
about its future. Due to a shortage in funds, vendors have feared that they might lose benefits or that money needed
to keep their facilities operating might not be available. The fact that program manager Ronald J. Miller was on paid
administrative leave from January 28 through August 1 of this year has certainly not put anyone's mind at ease. Why
was Mr. Miller on administrative leave? Why are vendors concerned about the possibility that Mr. Miller might once
again be at the helm of the Business Enterprise program? An article which appeared on Saturday, July 30, in the
Columbus Dispatch tells part of the story. Here it is exactly as it appeared: 

                                 State Failed to Get Bond, Official Says
                                by Robert Ruth, Dispatch Staff Reporter 

Owners of a Columbus company that is accused of shortchanging a state program for blind people by $253,900 did
not post a performance bond, even though their state contract called for such a guarantee.
Not requiring owners of Nationwide Equipment Enterprises to post a $5,000 bond "was a mistake," said William A.
Casto II, a bureau chief for the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.
Performance bonds often are required to ensure that the state can recoup money from private businesses that do not
fulfill their contracts.
Nationwide Equipment, 3386 Snouffer Rd., was awarded a six-month contract on March 1, 1993, to operate vending
machines at 13 highway rest stops in Ohio. The company was supposed to pay the state 37.5 percent of its gross
monthly receipts. The money was to be used to help blind people start their own vending machine businesses.
According to state records, Nationwide Equipment experienced problems almost from the outset by failing to stock
and repair the machines and to clean the area around them. In addition, Nationwide Equipment bounced several
checks to the state and made no fee payments for four months.
Despite continuing problems, Nationwide Equipment's vending machine contract was extended for an additional
three months and was not canceled until December 1, according to records.
Attorney General Lee Fisher's bill-collection section is trying to recover some of the money from the company. A
criminal investigation by the State Highway Patrol started six months ago is expected to identify additional money
owed by the company, Casto said.
The Dispatch also has learned that Marcia Majidzadeh, a principal in Nationwide Equipment, attempted to win
another vending machine contract from the Rehabilitation Services Commission at about the time the first contract
was being canceled.
Majidzadeh submitted the second bid in the name of another company--Consult-Systems Inc., 3919 Parkway Lane,
Hilliard. Also, Majidzadeh used another name--Marsha May--for herself in the second bid application, according to
state records.
Casto said suspicions arose about Consult-Systems when a representative of the Rehabilitation Services Commission
visited the company to inspect its facilities. The state representative saw Majidzadeh's husband, Ali Sharifrazi, leaving
the company headquarters, Casto said.
 Sharifrazi, also known as Ali Razi, and Majidzadeh are listed in state documents as principals of Nationwide
Equipment. Majidzadeh signed several of the bounced checks from Nationwide Equipment to the state, records also
show.
Majidzadeh's interest in Consult-Systems was confirmed when she represented the company in a coin-toss ceremony
at the Ohio Division of Purchasing in December, Casto said.
Consult-Systems' bid on the second contract was identical to another company's. The tie was broken with a coin toss
that Majidzadeh lost, Casto said.
Majidzadeh, 30; Sharifrazi, 34; and Ronald J. Miller, a Rehabilitation Services program manager who was in charge
of monitoring Nationwide Equipment's contract, are being investigated by the patrol.
Miller was placed on paid administrative leave on January 28 after officials became concerned about Nationwide
Equipment's failure to pay fees.
An investigation by the Rehabilitation Services Commission ended this month with a recommendation that Miller
return to work Monday and then be suspended without pay for two weeks.
However, because of new allegations against Miller, the agency has reopened its administrative probe, Casto said.
Part of the reopened probe will involve the failure to require Nationwide Equipment to post a bond, Casto said.
One of the allegations against Miller that surfaced in the original investigation was that he had too close a
relationship with Sharifrazi. This relationship included accepting a ticket from Sharifrazi to a political fund-raiser for
Governor George V. Voinovich, according to state records.
Donald J. McTigue, Miller's attorney, said Miller was not involved in any decisions about a performance bond. Also,
Miller has been cleared by the patrol of any criminal wrong-doing, McTigue said, and will appeal the
recommendation for a suspension. A patrol spokesman, however, said the probe is continuing.
Majidzadeh did not return phone calls from the Dispatch. Her attorney, James R. Leickly, said he did not have
permission to comment.

That is how the Dispatch reported the situation. One cannot help wondering why Miller let such disturbing things go
on as long as he did. What could have motivated him to extend the contract between Nationwide Business
Equipment and the commission?
At a July meeting of the Ohio Vendors Representative Committee (OVRC), Bureau of Services for the Visually
Impaired Director William A. Casto II reported that Miller would be returning to work to perform duties assigned to
him by the Director. When asked if Miller would once again return to managing the Business Enterprise program,
Casto said that he could not say for sure. When asked who would be in charge of the program once Mr. Miller
returned to work, Mr. Casto said that Mike Hanes was the Acting Manager. Mr. Casto was then asked how long Mr.
Hanes would retain that title and if he could foresee a time when Mr. Hanes would become the program manager.
Mr. Casto responded to both questions by saying that he could not say. He also said that he would be happy to have
recommendations on the matter from the OVRC.
Miller did indeed return to work. However, his troubles are not yet over. Once again we turn to the Columbus
Dispatch for the story. In an article titled "Official Faces More Allegations in Blind Case," which appeared on
Tuesday July 26, Dispatch reporter Robert Ruth reported (in part) as follows: 

       An administrative investigation was reopened yesterday into the activities of a state official in charge
       of monitoring a program for blind people.
       An earlier probe ended this month with a recommendation that the official, Ronald J. Miller, return
       to work this coming Monday and then be suspended without pay for two weeks.
       However, William A. Casto II, a bureau chief for the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and
       Miller's boss, said yesterday that he is reopening the probe based on new allegations against Miller.
       As part of his administrative leave, Miller was not allowed to contact any employees of the
       commission or contractors who do business with the agency, Casto said.
       The reopened investigation will focus on allegations that Miller violated restrictions of his leave,
       Casto said. If the accusations prove to be valid, Miller could face further discipline, Casto said.

So reported the Dispatch. Vendors from throughout the state are dismayed by the fact that Miller has returned to
work. The OVRC and the Ohio Blind Vendors Organization have circulated a letter asking Rehabilitation Services
Commission Administrator Robert L. Rabe to strip Miller of the title of Business Enterprise Program Manager and
all responsibilities associated with the position. Sources close to the situation say that a minimum of seventy-five
letters have been collected thus far. Whether or not Mr. Rabe will act upon the recommendation of the vendors
remains to be seen. But the message from the vendors is clear. They are saying that it is time for a change and that
they are willing to do whatever it takes to make positive changes in the way that the Business Enterprise program is
administered. 
Vendors are also beginning to see the value of collective action. The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio has
been asked by several vendors to lend assistance toward improving the Business Enterprise program. One by one
individual vendors are beginning to join and actively participate in local chapters of the Federation. Although we
have always said that we will do what we can to assist vendors when they are in trouble without regard to
membership in the Federation, it is beginning to be obvious to many vendors that we will accomplish much more if
we work together as one organization. 
What the future holds for Ron Miller is uncertain. One thing is quite clear, however; the National Federation of the
Blind of Ohio is abroad in the land, and we will do what we have to do to protect the rights of blind vendors in the
state. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: This column is
reprinted from NFB-T NEWS, a
publication of the National Federation
of the Blind of Texas. We like the idea
of the Question Box so much that we
have decided to make it a regular feature of this newsletter as well. If you have a question that you would like answered
in this portion of our newsletter, you should write to NFB-O News Question Box, 2405 Adams Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
43202-3053. The Question Box will be a regular feature of this publication, and your contributions will help to keep it
interesting. We probably won't be able to answer all the questions we receive for this column, but we will do our best to
answer letters personally if we can't address your question in this column.

:  I have some vision. So I have always been told that I don't
need to carry a cane. Is this true?
:  It is
probably not true. Consider the following questions. If
you answer yes to any of them, you should give serious
consideration to carrying a cane.
1. Do you walk more slowly than you really want to because you are concerned that you won't see a hole, a step, or
maybe even a large truck?
2. Do you fall or trip a lot?
3. Do you always walk behind people with whom you are traveling in order to observe whether or not they step up or
down, etc.?
4. Do you avoid going out at certain times of the day or night because you are worried that you can't see well enough
to travel safely at those times?
5. Have you been called "clumsy" or "accident prone"?
6. Do you run into glass doors or mirrored walls because you don't realize they are there?
7. Have you ever pretended not to be interested in attending a social gathering or other activity because you didn't
feel confident in your ability to travel independently to the location where the event was to take place?
8. Do you feel you must always travel with a sighted guide?

Most legally blind people should carry a cane, and they should use it. It doesn't do any good to have a cane if it is
always tucked away in a purse or a briefcase. With proper training in the use of a cane, blind people can travel
where they want to go with skill and confidence.
The members of the National Federation of the Blind believe that it is respectable to be blind, and we believe that
the decision to carry a cane amounts to a declaration of independence for anyone with a significant vision loss.
Carrying a cane is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign that you have taken charge of your blindness and have chosen
to be independent rather than dependent.


                         School for the Blind Teacher to Be Tried on Sex Charges

In early March we began to receive phone calls about an incident involving a teacher at the Ohio State School for
the Blind. Howard Butler, a science teacher at the school, was reported to have engaged in sexual acts with some of
the female students. Upon learning of the allegations, we took the position that this sort of incident has occurred in
other schools and that it deserves neither more nor less publicity or concern because the students allegedly attacked
are blind.
We believe that the administration has handled the situation appropriately. Apparently school officials reported the
problem to the State Highway Patrol as soon as they learned of it. Given the administration's willingness to deal with
the problem openly, parents should be no more concerned about sending their children to OSSB than they would be
if they were sending their children to a neighborhood school in which a teacher had been removed for sexual
misconduct.
In order to tell the story more completely, we are reprinting an article that appeared in the Columbus Dispatch on
March 25, 1994:

                        School for Blind Teacher Indicted on Fifteen Sex Charges

A science instructor at the Ohio School for the Blind was named in a 16-count indictment yesterday, alleging he
engaged in sexual acts with female students starting in 1991.
The Franklin County grand jury indictment accuses Howard Butler, 57, of 77 Meadowlark Lane of fifteen counts of
gross sexual imposition and one count of kidnapping.
An investigation by the State Highway Patrol accuses Butler of the alleged molestations at the school, 5220 N. High
St. School administrators encouraged the investigation March 1.
Butler was arrested March 16. He is in the Franklin County jail.

There you have it. Since early April Butler has been out of jail on bond. His trial is scheduled for September 19. We
will watch the trial and report its outcome in a future issue of the Buckeye Bulletin.


                         Technology Committee for Blind Children Up and Running
                                            by David Robinson

Editor's note: David Robinson chairs the Assistive Technology for Blind Children Committee for the state affiliate. This
is a new program, but one that will prove invaluable to blind children and their families. Here is what David Robinson
has to say about the program:

One of the growing needs of blind children today is access to useful technology: equipment that would help them to
compete with their sighted peers successfully. The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio has recognized this need
and initiated an assistance project that we hope will prove beneficial to many blind children. A committee to review
requests for financial assistance in purchasing assistive technology for blind children has been formed. In addition to
reviewing requests for financial assistance, the committee will offer advice and recommendations about the purchase
of technology.
If you live in Ohio and are the parent of a child who is legally blind and between the ages of six and sixteen, you are
eligible for the program. After receiving a request for assistance, the committee will review the request quickly and
work with you to be sure that the desired equipment really will be helpful to your child. Generally speaking, the
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is not in a position to fund the purchase of all the equipment a particular
youngster needs, but if necessary we can assist in locating other resources that will enable the applicant to secure the
needed equipment.
As it is for sighted children, technology is a tool that must be used as a part of the blind child's education. It is never
a replacement for basic skills such as math or reading and writing. Though the Braille 'n Speak or other portable
note-taking devices may be useful to blind children, we know how important it is that they first master the slate and
stylus and the Perkins Brailler. This is the sort of advice that a parent can expect to receive when contacting the
NFB of Ohio for assistance with purchasing technology.
The blind of Ohio stand ready to help you meet your child's need for assistive technology. For more information
about this program or other programs offered by the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, you may call 1-800-
396-NFBO.


                                                    1994 NFB of Ohio State Convention
                                                             by Pat Eschbach

Editor's note: Pat Eschbach is the Treasurer of the National Federation of the
Blind of Ohio and Chair of the Convention Arrangements Committee for the State
Affiliate.
Mark your calendars for the 1994 convention of the National Federation of the
Blind of Ohio on the weekend of November 10-13 of 1994! You will not want to
miss the largest gathering of the blind to take place in Ohio this year. In one
short weekend we celebrate our accomplishments, renew old acquaintances, and
plan for the future.
This year the convention meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on
Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 P.M. Friday activities will begin with a Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB)
seminar in the morning and a seminar for parents and educators of blind children in the afternoon. For more
information on these seminars, see the articles printed elsewhere in this issue.
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Dayton Airport Inn at the Dayton International Airport, and we are
looking forward to a big convention. The room rate is good again this year with a flat rate of $45 per room with up
to four persons. Reservations can be made anytime by calling the Dayton Airport Inn at (800) 543-7577 or by writing
the hotel at the Dayton International Airport, Vandalia, Ohio 45377. At this special rate you should get your
reservations in early. The hotel will release our block of rooms on Monday, October 24. If you make your
reservations after that date, there is no guarantee that a room will be available. 
After making your room reservations, send your convention registration and banquet reservations to Pat Eschbach,
Treasurer, 4890 Sharon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214-1841. Registration is still $5, and banquet tickets are $20 each.
We will be offering box lunches on Saturday for those wishing to attend meetings of the Parents Division or the
Students Division. You can also enjoy a box lunch if you would rather not face a packed dining room during the
lunch break. The cost of the lunch is $8.50. Checks should be made payable to National Federation of the Blind of
Ohio. Please send your completed registration form (found at the back of this newsletter) together with your check
by October 30.
Of course, when we think of convention, we also think of winning door prizes. That means we have to have a lot of
prizes to give away. Start now to collect some nice gifts. You can bring them with you or, better yet, bring them to
the Board meeting on Thursday. Be sure to mark what the prize is and who it is from in Braille and in print.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me evenings at 614-431-0495. I look forward to seeing everyone
at the convention.


                                     Reactions to a First Convention
                                           by Susan E. Gluntz

Editor's Note: I first met Susan Gluntz over the telephone in early June. The energy, enthusiasm, and self-confidence that
she displayed during our conversation left no doubt in my mind as to the viability of her candidacy for the State House.
The way in which she deals with her blindness is quite refreshing. She recognizes the value of the organized blind
movement. Whatever the outcome of her campaign may be, I believe Susan has a great deal to give to this movement in
the future. She attended her first National Convention in Detroit this summer. Just as it has happened to many of us, I
believe that her first convention has changed the way in which she thinks about blindness. What follows are Susan's
comments about her first convention, as well as some remarks about her political campaign. The fact that we have
invited her to talk about her candidacy for the State House in this newsletter should not be read as an organizational
indorsement of her candidacy. Individual members of the Federation support and work for candidates for elective office
all over the political map. However, for too long capable blind people have been kept out of the mainstream of life
(including political office) solely because of blindness. Ohioans who have enough interest in blindness to pick up this
newsletter deserve to know that there is a competent, qualified blind candidate running for the State House. Susan Gluntz
is that candidate. Here is what Susan has to say about the National Convention and her campaign:

There is an old saying that goes like this: When you're faced with a difficult task, act as though it is impossible to
fail. If you're going after Moby Dick, don't forget to take along the tartar sauce!
In life we are often faced with tasks that appear to be difficult, if not insurmountable. One of the best ways to
overcome life's little curve balls and come out victorious is by maintaining a positive attitude.
In July of 1994 I had the opportunity to attend my first National Federation of the Blind Convention. It was truly an
exciting and inspiring event. What was so thrilling to me was the fact that a positive attitude permeated the
convention. It was attended by people who have faced vision loss and come out strong. It is this strength that gets
passed on to anyone attending the convention for the first time.
When I first lost my sight three years ago, my Moby-Dick challenges were doing my hair, putting on make-up, finding
two black shoes, etc. There were times when I felt very much alone as I struggled to meet these challenges. It was
wonderful to learn that thousands of people from throughout the country have already met and conquered them and
that the National Federation of the Blind is working to build a better future for the next person in my situation. 
Now that I have new and different Moby Dicks as a candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives, it is wonderful
to be able to turn to the National Federation of the Blind for support. At the convention I was given the opportunity
to meet with and address the Blind Lawyers Division. It is great to know that the NFB and the members of this
division are working through the courts to eliminate discrimination against blind and visually impaired persons. It is
my hope that, by winning this election, I can set forth an example of a qualified person who happens to be blind.
In order to reach my goal, however, I need financial support. In fact, I need fifty thousand dollars to cover
advertising, mailers, etc. The only way to reach this goal is to receive one donation at a time. If you feel that you can
help, please send a contribution to The Committee to Elect Susan E. Gluntz, 6821 Paula Dr., Middleburg Hts., OH
44130. You may reach me by phone at (216) 676-6344.
Thank you for helping me go after my Moby Dick. Win or lose, I will see you at the state convention in November. I
also plan to be in Chicago in July.


                                          A Job in Your Future
                                            by David Robinson

Editor's note: David Robinson is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
and a volunteer coordinator for the Job Opportunities for the Blind program (JOB). The JOB program is operated jointly
by the National Federation of the Blind and the U.S. Department of Labor. As part of our state convention we conduct a
seminar for blind job seekers. Here is what David has to say about this year's seminar:

At one time or another everyone is in the job market, and blind people know that entry into competitive employment
can be very difficult. If such a move is in your future, this year's JOB seminar will be of great interest to you. If you
are in high school or college or if you are a homemaker hoping to go back to work, you need to begin looking at the
job market now. Planning for the future will make your path into the job market smoother. The JOB Seminar may
very well be the key that opens the door to your ideal job.
This year's annual JOB seminar will take place on Friday, November 11, 1994, at the Dayton Airport Inn, in
Vandalia Ohio. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the seminar will conclude at noon. A round table discussion on
job searching will be held over lunch, immediately after the seminar. All those attending are encouraged to stay for
the luncheon discussion.
What will the job market be like in one to five years? What are the professions or trades that will have openings?
What knowledge and skills should I gain now to be prepared for the job market of the future? What skills do I now
possess that will enhance my employability? If you are asking yourself these questions and others like them, you need
to attend this year's JOB Seminar. For more information or to make your reservations for the seminar or luncheon,
please call the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio at (800) 396-6326.


                           Braille Is an Essential Part of My Life Because...
                                 by Jaime Zadzilka and Jennica Ferguson

Editor's note: Following are two essays submitted in the secondary category of our Braille writing contest. The winning
essay for this category, written by Jason Perry, appeared in the Summer 94 issue of the Buckeye Bulletin. We are
publishing these essays because a number of people have asked to see what students have written about the value of
Braille in their lives. It is clear that Braille means a great deal to both Jaime Zadzilka and Jennica Ferguson. Here is
Jaime's essay:

Braille is an essential part of my life because without Braille I would be lost. Braille is the hero that guides me and
helps me through life. I am only a seventh-grade, twelve-year-old girl, and I already know the importance of Braille
in my life. Without Braille I would be illiterate because I would not be able to read or write. That is just the
beginning of what I would not be able to do if Braille had never been invented.
I have a question for all the people who do not understand the importance of Braille. How could you get through a
day without reading or writing? If you had to write down a phone message, you would not be able to. If you had to
go to the grocery store and buy groceries for your family, you would not be able to make a shopping list. You would
not be able to cook anything that required referring to a recipe. How could you read your mail without help from
someone? You would not be able to write letters to your friends. It would be almost impossible to get through even
one day without reading or writing. There are so many things you would not be able to do. You would always have to
be asking for help, and you would feel like you could not do anything by yourself. 
If there was no such thing as Braille, I would not have a life. I would not be able to get a good job because most
people would not hire someone who could not read or write. I would not be capable of doing my schoolwork without
someone always helping me or looking over my shoulder. That means, without Braille I would not be independent.
I am glad there is such a thing as Braille, because since there is, I am a normal, efficient, independent student at
Green Briar Junior High School. I would not want to stand out in a crowd because I could not read or write, but
that is exactly what would happen if there was no Braille. People would think I was weird or different if I could not
read or write. People would also feel sorry for me or pity me. 
I love to read and write for fun, but without Braille, none of this would be possible. One of my favorite pastimes is
reading. I prefer Braille reading over listening to a tape. Also I love and enjoy music very much. Music plays a major
part in my life. If there was no Braille, I would not be able to read music and I would have to memorize everything. I
would lead a very boring life. I would not be able to write my pen pals letters or write my friends notes. Braille also
enables me to play games like Scrabble, Scattergories, and Monopoly. I would not be able to be an author of fiction
books like I want to be when I am older without someone's help. I would probably end up having no occupation if it
was not for Braille. I would never accept that because I have high expectations and goals for myself. Without Braille
I would have no goals, expectations, or hopes for the future. 

Jennica Ferguson is the daughter of Ron and Jan Ferguson, members of our Parents Division and the Capital Chapter.
Part of her essay was read to members of the Senate Education Committee as we were working to pass our Braille
literacy bill. The members of the committee were certainly impressed by Jennica and equally impressed with what she had
to say about Braille. Here is her essay:

Braille is one of the most important parts of my life. To not have Braille would be like not having food or oxygen for
me. Braille is an essential part of my life. If it had not been for one important man who lived long ago, named Louis
Braille, I do not know where I would be right now or even in the future. I do not think that I could have made it this
far. I would never make it in this world without Braille. 
When I was an infant, my parents noticed something strange in my eye. Eye specialists discovered that I had
retinoblastoma, which is a form of cancer. My eye had to be removed when I was only six weeks old. I had radiation
and chemotherapy treatments, but my left eye had to be removed when I was only thirteen months old. 
At a very young age I learned to see the world by handling things. Sometimes my mother took me to stores and let
me handle some of the things on the shelves. I was in a zoo program. Once a week I went to the zoo and was
allowed to touch some of the animals.
When I was about four years old, I learned some pre-Braille skills. I would practice running my fingers over lines of
Braille letters. Then I learned to recognize different Braille letters. For example, I would look at a line of full cells.
When I found an "A," I would mark it. When I was in kindergarten, I learned the letters in the Braille alphabet as
well as a few simple contractions. I continued to learn Braille contractions until I was in the third grade. By that time
I had learned the complete Braille code.
All of my textbooks have been written in Braille. I have always done all of my schoolwork in Braille.
I like to read Braille books during my spare time. Reading the books in Braille is more enjoyable for me than
listening to them on cassette. A blind person should not be limited to listening to books on tape. If a person does not
read books, they will not learn as much about spelling, grammar, and writing structure.
I am learning to type on the computer keyboard. This skill will be useful for writing material for teachers, but I still
need to be able to read what I am writing.
From what I have written in this essay, you can see that Braille is very important to me. I believe that all blind
people should learn Braille so that they can get the most out of their education and life in general.Who Should Learn Braille: Food for Thought

Editor's note: The following article appeared in a document written by Maryland Federationists and staffers from the
Maryland Department of Education entitled "Selection of Reading and Writing Media for Students with Visual
impairments: Braille, Print, or Both?" We found it in the Spring, '94, issue of The Braille Spectator, the Newsletter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.

                                         Decision-Making Process
The decision to teach Braille, print, or both will take into consideration all of the information gathered during the
assessment. The assessment information will help the team select from among the following options. Students may be
taught to use:
1. Braille
2. Print
3. Braille, complemented with print
4. Print, complemented with Braille
The remainder of this section provides examples of the kinds of assessment data that will assist a team in choosing
one of the four options. Of course, assessment descriptions provided below are somewhat generic, i.e., not all parts
of the descriptions will apply to each student. Since students are individuals, not everyone will fit neatly into one of
the four categories. In reviewing these descriptions, team members should ask which factors best describe the
individual student. 
It is also important to remember that, when the selected option includes both Braille and print, the amount of use of
one or the other will vary with each student. Student input should be obtained so that the team decision is sensitive
to student preference and concerns. Additionally, as a student's vision or visual demands change over time, the use
of one medium over another may change.
However, even though a student may use one medium more than another at a given time, it is critical that the
student develop proficient use of both. For the preschool student this will mean that opportunities for visual and
tactual activities are provided equally. Later, the amount of time teaching or practicing with a certain medium will
depend on all assessment data and the current needs of the student. The team must continually focus on the ultimate
outcome so that the student will be able to choose and use the medium of preference or the medium most functional
for a given situation.

                                  Which Students Should Learn Braille?
Medical Factors: Student is totally blind, nearly so, or expected to experience rapid loss of vision.
Physical Factors: An additional disability does not interfere with the ability to learn Braille.
Environmental Factors: Adjustments in natural and artificial lighting do not enhance student ability to read print.
Print Reading Factors: If the student can read print at all, reading is extremely slow and laborious, even when all
print factors have been adjusted for maximum efficiency.
Handwriting Factors: Student cannot read own handwriting to carry out functional handwriting demands.
Low Vision Technological Factors: Student cannot read print at any comfort level, even using a CCTV or other non-
portable devices.

                                   Which Students Should Learn Print?
Medical Factors: Student has a stable eye condition or has a prognosis of continued improvement.
Physical Factors: Student experiences no fatigue or discomfort from reading. The nature of an additional disability
prohibits tactual reading. Student, when systematically assessed, exhibits inability to process tactual information with
any accuracy and facility.
Environmental Factors: Student does not require extensive modifications in natural or artificial lighting in order to
read comfortably for extended periods of time.
Print Reading Factors: Student reads regular print comfortably and efficiently in most settings and circumstances.
Reading rate accuracy is commensurate with student's expected grade level. Performance level is commensurate with
overall ability. Student can use print easily for all academic, nonacademic, and vocational needs.
Handwriting Factors: Student has legible handwriting and can easily read own and others' notes at a comfortable
distance, even after some time has elapsed.
Low Vision Technological Factors:
Student reads regular print without low vision devices and comfortably uses pocket-size magnification for reading fine
print, such as the telephone book, medicine labels, dictionary, and encyclopedia.

                                   Which Students Should Learn Braille
                                        Complemented with Print?
Medical Factors: Student has diagnosis or prognosis of severe visual impairment, has a degenerative eye condition, or
has severely restricted visual fields.
Physical Factors: Student holds book close to face, can read only large print, or regularly suffers from headaches,
fatigue, or visual discomfort after reading. Student exhibits strong preference for tactual exploration and learning.
Student can read using an electronic low vision aid, but only with effort; cannot read with hand-held magnifiers with
any reasonable speed or comprehension. Student is unable to complete assigned school work in a timely manner
consistently and independently.
Environmental factors: Glare and/or lighting variations make reading difficult or impossible in many settings.
Print Reading Factors: Student's print reading speed is far below that of other students of the same developmental
level. Student consistently demonstrates inaccuracy when reading. Student has difficulty in reading a variety of print
styles or print on colored background.
Handwriting Factors: Student can only read notes when written with a broad tip pen 1-2 inches high and may have
difficulty accurately reading what was written, or can only read notes using a CCTV or other non-portable device.

                                    Which Students Should Learn Print
                                       Complemented with Braille?
Medical Factors: Student has a currently stable eye condition but is at risk of eventual deterioration, has a slowly
progressive eye condition, has restricted visual field, or has fluctuating vision.
Physical Factors: Student's posture during reading results in back and neck strain or headaches. Student complains of
watering eyes, blurring, or other visual discomfort after extensive reading or writing tasks. Student cannot complete
assignments without relying on other individuals or technology for reading and/or note taking.
Environmental Factors: Glare and/or lighting variations make reading difficult or impossible in some settings.
Print Reading Factors: Student cannot read regular print easily and accurately for an appropriate length of time in
order to complete tasks throughout the day. Student may read material in both regular and large print formats.
Student reads primarily in large print format combined with optical or electronic low-vision devices. Student is
unable to maintain a reading rate commensurate with grade level work demands. Student depends on extraordinarily
large print for accessing practical information such as oral report notes, grocery lists, names and addresses, etc. In
preschool observations should include how a student approaches learning, i.e., a visual versus tactual approach. 
Handwriting Factors: Student has difficulty producing and reading own or others' handwriting.
Low Vision Technological Factors: Student may use CCTV or other non-portable devices for visual materials such as
maps and diagrams.             NFB Philosophy Makes a Tough Choice Easy
                                             by Tracy Duffy

Editor's note: Tracy Duffy is the President of the Capital Chapter. Her article is stimulating and is likely to cause a great
many of us to do some soul-searching. It certainly created some lively discussion during the most recent Chapter
Presidents' Seminar. Here it is:

Many years ago, when I was in junior high school, a friend who was
a few years older than I had an experience that was very disturbing
to both of us. The memory and the reaction to it have stayed with
me to this day. Personal experiences and the experiences of friends
have brought those memories to life and recently given me reason to
put my thoughts on paper.
During a health class at a school for the blind the teacher asked,
"Would you have children if you knew that they were likely to be
blind?" All but one girl in the class said that they would not. My
friend, on the other hand, said that she did not think blindness was
so terrible and that she would have a child. The teacher and the
rest of the class became angry with her and said that she was selfish
and cruel. This was a reaction that she certainly did not expect and
could not understand.
When she shared this experience with me, I was shocked at what I heard. I wondered if this meant that all of those
other students wished they had never been born. Was blindness truly so terrible that they believed that having a blind
child was selfish and cruel? I knew that I certainly didn't feel that being blind was the worst thing in the world. I also
felt that I'd be quite angry if I heard that someone chose to abort a child because the child would be blind. As I
went further with this kind of thinking, I wondered if perhaps the person who would not consider having a blind
child wasn't selfish. I became quite confused. After all, being blind might not be the worst thing in the world, but was
it the best?
I knew that many people hated being blind and felt that there were many things they could not do. I, on the other
hand, had a very different life from my siblings because I was blind. I had traveled many places and met many
people. I had even gone to summer camp, an opportunity which my siblings never had. In my own mind I often
pondered what my life would have been like if I had been able to see and often came to the conclusion that in many
ways I was glad that I was blind and had therefore experienced the things that I had. It seemed to me, though, that
most people did not look at things quite that way.
As I became an adult, I experienced more of the frustrations of being blind. I was afraid to go places alone,
especially if I had never been there before. I mourned the fact that I could not find someone to read my mail to me
on a regular basis. I felt useless because I could not even get a job working at McDonald's or some equivalent work
site. I met with frustration when a friend, who claimed to believe that I was perfectly capable of watching her
children, arranged for a neighbor to check on us every fifteen minutes. Maybe being blind was a terrible thing after
all.
Time moved on, and after several years I became actively involved in the National Federation of the Blind. I learned
that lots of people felt frustrated and sad but that we didn't have to leave it at that. I learned about paying people
for services, finding and using volunteers, developing good blindness skills so that one could do things for oneself,
networking with other blind people to learn about how they accomplished tasks, and expanding the possibilities of
what blind people can do. I began to grow and realize that I was not at such a disadvantage after all. I had
frustrations in my life, but so did sighted people. Once again, blindness was not the end of the world.
My personal growth has brought me to the place in life where I am married and ready to have children. I have been
told, and have observed through the experience of others, that it is possible that my children could inherit the type of
cancer that caused my blindness. Therefore, I am facing the question of whether or not to have children who have a
probability of becoming blind. Now this is not just a theoretical question in a health class, but a real possibility to be
met head on.
My husband and I have talked this over at great length and fortunately have the same views on the subject. While we
would certainly hope that any child of ours would not have cancer and require treatments or surgery, we feel that if
this were to happen, we would love the child and do the best we could to help him or her through such an
experience. We believe that, if our child were to be blind (for whatever reason), we would be able to teach him or
her to meet life with good blindness skills and a great deal of self-confidence.
For example, we would not hesitate to have a child learn to use a white cane at an early age. We have seen
preschool-age children walk and run confidently using a cane. Neither of us had such an experience when we were
small children. We would not hesitate to introduce a child to Braille, good listening skills, or efficient use of the
senses of touch and smell. If our child should have no vision problems or if he or she had some limited vision, we
would not discourage the use of the available sight, of course, but we would ensure that these skills and concepts
were still well known to the child so that he or she would not feel awkward or uncomfortable around blind people.
We also would work to make sure that our child realized that, any time he or she needed to use these skills, it would
be perfectly acceptable to do so. All of this may be a tall order, but our ultimate goal is to ensure that a blind child
would not feel that being blind is a curse, and a sighted child would not think of blindness as a curse either.
Will we have a child? Time will tell. We have dealt with two ectopic pregnancies in the space of six months.
However, I believe that, if we are meant to have a child, it will happen. If the child is meant to be blind or to have
another disability, then that is the way it will be. Despite the fact that we know that with the proper training and
opportunity blindness can be reduced to the level of a mere physical nuisance, given a choice in the matter, none of
us would choose to be blind. Likewise, no one would choose to have a blind child. Whether a child has normal
vision, is blind, or has another disability, we intend to see that it lives a full and normal life.


                                    The Buddy Program in Minneapolis
                                             by Jan Ferguson

Editor's note: Jan Ferguson is a member of our Parents Division and the Capital Chapter. What she has to say about the
Buddy Program is something that all parents should know:

When my husband Ron and I first heard about the Buddy Program at Blind, Inc., in Minneapolis, we thought it
would be good for our daughter Jennica to participate some time. We did have some reservations about it. Three
weeks away from home was a long time. Was Jennica old enough to benefit from the program? Would the children
be well supervised and participate in discussions and activities appropriate for young pre-teens and early teens?
Our daughter Jennica has been blind since about one year of age due to retinoblastoma. We have tried to raise her
with age-appropriate expectations--a process which has been helped by the fact that she has a twin brother who is
sighted. We feel Jennica, at twelve years of age, is maturing into a lovely young lady with generally good skills in
Braille, cane travel, and daily living skills.
But she is coming to a time in her life when she will be faced with more questions about her abilities and her
blindness. After three years of home schooling, our children will be entering seventh grade in a Christian school this
fall. Ron and I thought it would be good for Jennica to participate in the Buddy Program this summer before she
enters her new school.
Jennica had three good weeks in Minneapolis. She and one other blind student lived in an apartment with a blind
adult counselor. Each apartment group was responsible for its own meals, cleaning, and managing the apartment.
Altogether, eight children were in the Buddy Program for this session.
Every morning the children had classes in Braille, cane travel, home management, and computer. There were two
children in each class. Every afternoon they would start out with talk time: an opportunity to discuss issues of
blindness, such as whether to take advantage of special privileges given to blind people and the problem of sighted
people controlling what blind people can or cannot do.
After talk time the group would go on a field trip to enjoy various activities such as bowling, roller skating, tubing,
visiting a Braille library, and shopping at Mall of America.
At the end of the three weeks there was a general discussion with all the parents about what had gone on in the
program. Then specifics for each child were discussed in individual interviews. The evening meal was prepared in
advance by the children and was enjoyed by all. Finally, the children put on a play about the Buddy Program. It was
very well done.
Jennica enjoyed the program very much. She said she could have stayed longer, which is good. She enjoyed all the
classes, especially home management, when she got to cook. This surprises me because she's not that excited about
cooking at home. Jennica enjoyed the opportunity to be with other blind children and to talk about issues relating to
blindness. She developed a couple of good friendships and would like to return next year.
Ron and I appreciate the efforts of all the leaders and feel that Jennica had a very positive experience in the Buddy
Program at Blind, Inc., in Minneapolis.

                                              Chapter News

 Kathy Arthurs, President of the Parents Division, writes as follows:
On Saturday, August 20, members gathered in Columbus for a picnic and
planning session. While enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs, and other good food, we
discussed the upcoming parents' seminar to be held in conjunction with our state
convention.
I would like to thank Dave and Debbie Robinson for hosting the picnic. This is
the second year that the Robinsons have been gracious enough to host this
meeting, and I look forward to their doing it again next year.

 John Smith, President of the Southeast Chapter, writes:
Things have been quiet in Athens this summer. The students and University
faculty have been on summer break. I am looking forward to the fall, when
chapter activities will pick up. I participated in a local radio call-in show, which
generated a great deal of interest in the Federation. I intend to capitalize on this interest and bring new members
into the Southeast Chapter.

 Tracy Duffy, President of the Capital Chapter, writes to report on the chapter's work with a local television
station. Here is what she has to say:
We were contacted in early June by Monica Robins, an investigative reporter from WCMH television. She asked if
we could provide her with information about the Americans with Disabilities Act and about the requirements for
taxicab companies to transport people using guide dogs. She asked us to participate in an undercover investigation in
order to expose cab companies and restaurants that refused to allow people with guide dogs full and equal access to
their services. As one might expect, we worked with Monica to do the story. Eric Duffy, Shelbi Johnson, and I
appeared on the 11 p.m. news on Sunday, August 14. I believe that this story was well done, and it generated several
calls in following days.

 The Cincinnati Chapter held its annual summer picnic at the home of its President, Ken Velkovich, on Saturday,
July 30. A great time was had by all.

 Phil Copeland, President of the NFB of Lorain County, reports that the chapter's July meeting, which is
traditionally a party of some kind, took the form this year of a cruise on Lake Erie and dinner at a famous county
restaurant on the shore. We were required to organize an entire boat-load of passengers for the trip and dinner in
order to charter the boat, and frankly we were not at all sure we could find at least forty-five people to take the trip.
But on the night our number was almost sixty, and we all had a wonderful time on the Miss Majestic. The benefit that
we had not anticipated was that, by spreading ourselves out among the tables during dinner, we had an excellent
chance to demonstrate to the entire party that blind people are like everybody else.
By the time you read this newsletter, we will probably have completed our annual Hike-a-thon on September 24. We
are all working hard to recruit sponsors. We will let you know how successful our efforts have been.


                                             Personal Notes

Editor's Note: It would be wonderful to sit down to write this column and have only pleasant news to report. However,
life being what it is, it never seems to work out that way. Therefore, it seems that the best that we can do is to report the
news as it has happened. Rather than reporting these events in chronological order, We will begin with the bad news first
and save the best for last.

 On July 15, 1994, Eleanor Felice, mother of Diane Felice, died at Riverside Hospital due to medical complications.
Diane Felice is a member of the Capital Chapter and has attended several state and national conventions. For some
time she has been inactive in the chapter and in the affiliate; however, her friends in the Federation made
contributions to the NFB of Ohio Louis Braille Museum restoration fund in memory of her mother.

 In the last issue of the newsletter we told you about an unfortunate accident in which Jill Reidy, a blind
pedestrian, was struck and killed. The driver of the vehicle which struck Jill has been charged with vehicular
homicide. In a pre-trial motion in August Mr. John Frost entered a plea of no-contest to this charge. There will be a
sentencing hearing on September 22.

 Mark and Crystal McClain, members of the Parents Division, were in an accident while driving home from
convention. Though their vehicle was damaged, no one in the family was seriously injured.

 The home of Kathy and Chris Arthurs was struck by lightning in early August. Though there was a great deal of
structural damage to their home and to Kathy's car, no one was injured.

 Bobby Bowman, Director of Programming for We Care Homes, personally presented Bernie Dressell with a
plaque on June 23. For three months Bernie voluntarily taught a blind, mentally retarded woman to read and write
Braille. She did reasonably well in reading Braille, but writing it posed some problems. The plaque reads: "To
Bernadette Dressell, thank you for your love and support of our We Care Home Residents." We Care Homes are
group homes that specialize in working with the mentally retarded. Bernie met with staff and psychologists and
attempted to convince them that the major disability was mental retardation, not blindness. In addition to working
with Joylene, Bernie advised staff on how to motivate her to take interest in the world around her. Congratulations,
Bernie. Keep up the good work.

 John Smith, President of the Southeast Chapter, and Eric Duffy, Director of Field Services of the National
Federation of the Blind of Ohio, were appointed to serve two-year terms on the Consumer Advisory Council of the
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

 Kaylee Arthurs, the almost-five-year-old daugther of Kathy and Chris Arthurs, spent a couple of days recently in
the hospital undergoing unpleasant tests. The good news is that she is now home again and starting into her second
year of nursery school.

 Larry Lord and Kathy Rader, members of the Cincinnati Chapter, were married July 22 and went to Niagara Falls
on their honeymoon.

 Sarah Morgan, who is a member of the Capital Chapter, finally graduated from college with a B.A. in
photography. She graduated cum laude, which can be pronounced just about any way you want (she looked it up),
and which means in the top ten percent of her class, which she didn't know either until she looked it up.

 Here is some good news for the Ohio affiliate. Bill Hafer has moved to Ohio from Illinois. He has come to
Columbus to work as an Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration. Bill is a dedicated
Federationist. He served for a while as the Treasurer of the affiliate and then as a member of the NFB-I Board. He
also served as Vice President of his local chapter. He has already been to a meeting of the Capital Chapter and is
prepared to do his part to make the chapter grow. Bill is looking forward to the state convention this fall. Be sure to
take the time to meet Bill and make him feel part of the Federation family in Ohio.



The following flyer announcing the Parent Seminar to be held at our upcoming convention was recently sent to a
number of parents of blind children around the state of Ohio. If you know of anyone who could benefit from
attending this event, please be sure to extend an invitation and pass along the next page of this newsletter.