Officers
PRESIDENT - Joseph Ruffalo
VICE PRESIDENT - Ever Lee Dow
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - Tracy Hall
SECRETARY - Edwin Lewinson 
TREASURER - Gloria Lewis

BOARD MEMBERS
Michelle Foster, Kathleen Benjamin, Jerilyn Higgins,
and Rose Bethea

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
Garden State Chapter - Ever Lee Dow (609) 482-0865 
Northern (Essex) - Edwin Lewinson (201) 675-3377

CHAPTER COORDINATOR
Atlantic City - Michelle Foster (609) 653-0869

STUDENT DIVISION PRESIDENT
Cindy Simon - (201) 942-1764

EDITOR
Rachael Degenshein - (201) 736-578


President's Message

Dear Federationists,

	I sincerely hope you all had an enjoyable summer and 
welcome to the fall edition of The Sounding Board.  The past 
six months have been extremely rewarding and fulfilling for 
me because of many things.  It seemed something important 
happened every month.  Following are some important events:

*	Our NFB 18th Annual State Convention was held in Atlantic 
City from April 29 to May 1.

*	Our bus trip to the National Center for the Blind in 
Baltimore that was held on May 21 was made successful by 
all of the 65 people who were in attendance.

*	On June 18 the drawing for our raffle was held.

*	The National Convention was held in Detroit, Michigan from 
June 30 to July 7.  45 New Jersians attended this valuable 
experience.  For further details on the Convention, refer to 
Douglas Burroughs article which is later in this issue, or 
use for reference the next edition of the Braille Monitor.


	I would now like to personally thank all those who sent 
articles promptly to our editor.  Our spring Sounding Board 
articles should be sent in before January 15, 1995.  Please 
send articles to our editor at:	Rachael Degenshein
							14 Elmwood Ave.
							West Orange, NJ  07052

	I would also like to thank the people that made this 
newsletter possible.  Printed by Budget Print 332 Broad St. 
Bloomfield, NJ (201) 743-0073, narrated on tape by the voice 
of the NFBNJ, Joel Blake, reproduced on tape by Gee 
Records, John E. Brown (201) 374-4201.

	I am proud to announce that David Mostello has been 
unanimously approved by the Board as the Legislative 
Coordinator for the NFB of New Jersey.  One of the projects 
David is researching is passage of the Braille bill for New 
Jersey.  Congratulations David on an outstanding job so far!

	Congratulations to Robert Kanish who has agreed to 
coordinate our Braille Tutoring Service that you will learn 
more about later in this issue.

	As you can see, the past six months were filled with 
exciting activities, but more importantly the hope that the next 
six months will be equally fulfilling.
	The first event is a workshop that is scheduled for 
Saturday, September 17th at Kings Road School in Madison, 
New Jersey from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  The workshop is called 
"Working With Blind and Visually Impaired Students".  It will 
showcase successful strategies for teachers and include a 
special guest speaker, Dr. Ed Lewinson.

	For more information contact Carol Castellano at: 
(201) 377-0976.

	On Wednesday, October 19, Expo '94 is scheduled to be 
held at 125 Fairview Ave. in Cedar Grove.  Expo '94 is 
planned for people with disabilities, their families, and friends 
to access information and help them become more 
independent and productive.  Contact James Davis for 
information at: (201) 228-8230.

	On Saturday, October 22, a healthwalk to honor White 
Cane Week will be held at Brookdale Park.  This event is 
sponsored by Dr. Robert Ruffalo of A T.E.A.M. Approach.  All 
proceeds collected will be shared by the NFB and The Parents 
of Blind Children.



	As individuals it is hard to reach all our goals.  However, 
as a unified group, these goals can be achieved and exceeded  
For those already committed to our cause, I thank you, and I 
urge all of you who have yet to participate to volunteer.
				Yours in federationism,
							Joe Ruffalo



					White Cane Week
					T.E.A.M. Walk

	Dr. Robert Ruffalo's A T.E.A.M. Approach Chiropractic 
and Physical Therapy Center is sponsoring the Second Annual 
Health walk/Run-for-fun in Brookdale Park that will be held on 
October 22 from 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

	A T.E.A.M. Approach will primarily organize and promote 
the event.  Dr. Ruffalo will develop the walking program for 
the event and will be available for exercise and nutrition 
counseling.  Bloomfield merchants will provide coupons for 
discounts off their merchandise to attract participants.


	T.E.A.M. Walk is to benefit the National Federation of the 
Blind and the Parents of Blind Children.  Also, by making this 
an annual event, we validate A T.E.A.M. Approach's 
commitment to individual total health and well being.

	The event will be promoted through NFBNJ materials, 
press releases to papers, PSA's on local cable, Saturday 
"Today New York" - Bobby Rivers Segment, Mailings, Flyers, 
and Local Radio Stations.  For more information call Joseph 
Ruffalo at: (201) 450-3030.



				The History of Braille
(an excerpt from If Blindness Comes by Kenneth Jernigan)

	Braille was first developed in about 1820 by a young 
Frenchman named Louis Braille.  He created Braille by 
modifying a system of night writing which was intended for use 
on board ships.  He did this work as a very young man and 
had it complete by the time he was about 18.  He and his 
friends at the school for the blind he attended found that 
reading and writing dots was much faster than reading raised 
print letters that could not be written by hand at all.  


	The development of this system by young Louis Braille is 
now recognized as the most important single development in 
making it possible for the blind to get a good education.

	It took more than a century, however, before people 
would accept Braille as an excellent way for the blind to read 
and write.  Even today many people underestimate the 
effectiveness of Braille.  While tapes and records are 
enjoyable, Braille is essential for note taking and helpful for 
studying such things as math, spelling, and foreign 
languages.



	Kristen Witucki received an award for coming in third in 
the 1994 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest in her age 
group, grades 5-8.  Kristin, who currently resides in Pine Hill, 
New Jersey, is in sixth grade and read 9,202 Braille pages 
(more than the winners of each other age category)  Kristin 
wrote the following article.


	Although it was a necessity at the time I learned it, 
knowing it now is as important to me as breathing.

			It's More than Just a Bunch of Dots

	I learned Braille, a system of reading for the blind, when I 
was about five years old.  Before that, I had finger 
strengthening exercises so that I could handle a Braille writer 
and later a typewriter.

	As for stories, however, I was always interested in those.  
Before I could read I'd memorize stories out of touch and feel 
books.  By feeling the picture, I usually remembered what the 
page said.  I remember my proud feeling as I recited the little 
bit of words on each page.

	I suppose it was when I was seven or eight that I really 
enjoyed reading.  I remember a time, the first time, when I 
was seven, that I read stories to a pre-kindergarten class.  I 
was in first grade.  It was really the first time I'd ever shown 
my system of reading to another level.

	So, I went on reading, writing, and teaching kids about 
Braille.  It has always been a pleasure to me to tell people 
how I manage.
	Now, Braille has become one of the biggest things in my 
life.  Not only do I use it for survival in school and for 
reading, but I write stories.  I think I wrote my first story was 
when I was seven and a half.  It had no real plot, just a bunch 
of characters, but I enjoyed making that very short, very 
boring story.  Now, I'm working on a more interesting one and 
later I think I'll be an author.  And how did this all start?  With 
Braille.



				What Braille Means To Me
				By Ever Lee Hairston-Dow

	At the age of 47, I was blind and felt illiterate.  Although I 
had taught school and maintained several positions while 
sighted, it was devastating to realize and face my inability to 
read or write Braille.  Unfortunately, I had been led to believe 
that technology would replace Braille.

	However, learning Braille has raised my level of self 
esteem, increased my ability to work independently in my work 
setting, and assisted me in preparing meals and dinner 
parties.

	Now, at the age of 51, being able to Braille a note to 
myself is one of the most rewarding accomplishments in my 
life.



				Why Braille is Important To Me
					by  Edwin Lewinson

	I attended classes from elementary school through high 
school in Detroit.  Some subjects were taken with sighted 
children, while others were held in a special room.  Two 
elementary schools, one junior high school, and one senior 
high school had classes for blind children.  In the 1930s and 
1940s the classes for blind children were known as "Braille 
classes" and the room where the classes were held was known 
as the "Braille room".  Braille was one of the most important 
subjects of the curriculum.  Every teacher who taught blind 
children knew Braille.  Although all blind children did not 
learn Braille equally well, it was begun in kindergarten or the 
first grade.  I was fortunate enough to master it quickly and 
easily.


	Since my family was Jewish, I was Bar Mitzvahed.  The 
Jewish Braille Instructor did not have the necessary material 
in Braille in 1943, the rabbi dictated the weekly Bar Mitzvah 
section, and I put it in Braille.  He also dictated the notes 
which made up the melody of the chant.

	In college and graduate school I took Braille notes in 
class with a slate and stylus, and sometimes wrote long exam 
questions in Braille.  I wrote papers first by composing them 
on a Braille writer and then typing them on an ordinary 
typewriter.  I studied for my doctoral examinations and for the 
classes that I taught by having people read while I took notes 
in Braille.

	I conducted my classes with Braille notes.  Every student 
who has had me as a professor has seen me read Braille.  

	From the time I was in elementary school I have read 
Braille books and magazines from my regional library.

	I received my B.A. from the University of Michigan and my 
M.A. and Ph.D. from Colombia University.  



	For over thirty years I worked as a college professor.  
While I probably could have done these things without the 
knowledge of Braille, to say that it would have been more 
difficult is a major understatement.

	Braille is the means by which blind people are literate, by 
which we cannot only read and write, but spell.  One of the 
major reasons both for the decline in the use of Braille and 
for hesitation to learn it is that Braille symbolizes the 
admission of blindness with all its aura of fear and feelings of 
inferiority.  Yet the object of life should not be to pretend to 
be sighted, but to become part of the world as a blind person, 
not to shun Braille as part of the image of blindness, but to 
include learning it as part of the way of making blindness 
respectable and of increasing the contribution which blind 
people can make to the world.



Little known facts about Braille:

	According to the Literacy Hotline in Washington D.C., in 
1961 39% of blind people surveyed who were living in the U.S. 
read Braille.

	Thirty years later, in 1991, only 10% of the blind people 
surveyed read Braille.  (The rate dropped substantially due to 
adaptive equipment, speech synthesizers, talking computers, 
audio cassettes, etc.)

	Out of the 10% that read Braille, 82% of them are 
employed.



				New Braille Tutoring Service

	The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is 
proud to announce the birth of a new and exciting project.  
BRAILLE, the Braille Readers Alliance For Increasing the 
Literacy Level of Everyone, is a service that will put anyone 
who wants to learn Braille in contact with a competent Braille 
tutor in his or her part of the state.  

	This service is open to all people who want to learn 
Braille for any reason.  Anyone wishing to learn Braille, as 
well as those who want to offer their services as a tutor 
should contact Bob Kanish, coordinator of BRAILLE, at:
(908) 638-4715.



	Third grader Kimberly Cook created the "Kimepper," 
(pronounced Kimeeper) to fulfill the requirements of an 
academically talented science class.  It is a "beeper" carved 
from a block of wood with Braille inscribed on the top.

	Her invention for people who are blind gained statewide 
recognition when it finished first in the northern regional 
Student Inventions Through Education Contest.  This 
recognition has caused Kimberly and her parents to consider 
getting a patent for the "Kimepper".

	"I made it because I want to do something for the 
handicapped," said Kimberly.  

	With the help of her mother, Kimberly devised a beeper 
that displays Braille at the touch of button.  This could be 
another step forward for the blind community.
	A while back, some of us wrote letters to Congressman 
Owens regarding the amendment to the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act.  We wanted it to include mandatory 
use of Braille in classrooms with blind children.  Here is one 
of his responses.


Dear Mr. Ruffalo:

	Thank you for your letter in support of amending the 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to include 
Braille literacy rights.  We believe that making Braille a viable 
choice for blind and visually impaired students is a good 
recommendation.

	Please be assured that your comments will receive full 
consideration as we continue the reauthorization process.
						Sincerely yours,
							MAJOR R. OWENS
								Chairperson





					Commission Update

	September 26, 1994, will mark my fourth anniversary as 
the Director of the Commission for the Blind and Visually 
Impaired (CBVI).  These years have been very challenging 
because of the many changes within society as a whole and 
within state government in particular.  Since my first day on 
the job, I have had two primary goals.  One, to deliver quality 
services in a quick and efficient manner and, two, to insure 
that the individuals we serve are full partners in the 
rehabilitation process.  As I am sure you know, CBVI has not 
yet fully achieved these goals, but we continue to strive in 
that direction.

	One means of achieving this is through a process called 
World Class Service.  In essence, this means reviewing every 
aspect of the agency from the initial contact through case 
closure to insure that we are not only meeting consumer 
needs but "delighting" the consumer as well.  The best way I 
have of describing "delight" is to say that while a consumer is 
going through whatever processes are necessary to achieve 
his/her goal, each aspect should be pleasurable. Even in 
cases when CBVI cannot meet a particular need or provide a 
specific service, the consumer will understand why, be offered 
alternative choices, and fully participate in the end result.


	  Obviously, we cannot make everyone happy all the time.  
It has always been my experience that as long as I, as a 
consumer, am a full participant given all the facts, 
possibilities and limitations, I can accept the outcome of a 
given situation even if it is not totally in my favor.

	CBVI is currently in the process of redesigning its 
structure to eliminate red tape, excess paper work, and much 
of the hierarchy.  This will give our direct care workers more 
time to be in the field meeting consumers' needs, give the 
workers more direct authority, and  give them the ability to 
make decisions on the spot in order to respond more quickly 
to client need.  When this process is completed, it should look 
like an upside-down pyramid with the consumers on the top, 
followed by the direct care workers (who after all have the 
most contact with the consumers and have the best 
understanding of need), and with administrators and the 
director on the bottom.  It will be the administration's job to 
insure that workers have the support, ability, and opportunity 
to meet consumer need without much of the red tape, 
bureaucracy and other assorted headaches that direct care 
workers presently experience.



	It is important to realize that this is a process, which, by 
definition means that it will take time.  I say this as much to 
remind myself as I do to let you know that this will not happen 
overnight.  As an immediate gratification person, I often have 
difficulty with process, wanting to see the end results NOW.  
It is important for all of us to remember that CBVI has been in 
existence since 1910, with its myriad rules, regulations, 
policies, do's, don'ts, etc.  This idea of the consumer first, the 
consumer as partner, is fairly new and a little frightening.  
CBVI will get there, however, with your help.

	It is vitally important to this process that consumers 
"expect" to be treated as partners and to receive the quality 
services in a reasonable amount of time.  If a consumer feels 
that a particular service is being delivered in what they feel to 
be a patronizing manner, he/she needs to complain.

	I know that response time for receiving services has been 
and continues to be a problem.  We are working on this too.  
You, the consumer, need to let us know how we are doing!  
Complaints and feedback are very important to CBVI.  They 
help us to grow, improve, and change.  With consumer help, 
suggestions, guidance, and "complaints", this can be a banner 
service year for CBVI.  Please be our partners in reaching the 
goal of World Class Service.
			Jamie C. Hilton, Executive Director

				The Latest Provision of the ADA
					by Gloria Lewis

	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was 
signed by President Bush on July 26, 1990, clearly prohibits 
discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

	Specific provisions of the ADA apply to employment, 
activities conducted by units of state and local government, 
transportation services, public accommodations, and 
telecommunication services.

	With effect from June 26, 1994, employers with 15 to 24 
employees must comply with the ADA.  In compliance with this 
law, an employer is prohibited from using disability as the 
grounds for failing to hire or promote any individual.

	Another form of prohibited discrimination is excluding 
persons with disabilities from covered programs or services 
that are commonly available to others.

	Entities covered under the ADA are required to make 
reasonable modifications in the provision of their aids, 
benefits, or services so that people with disabilities would be 
afforded equal access.
	The Scholarship committee for the National Federation of  
the Blind of New Jersey is proud to announce that the two 
scholarship recipients for 1994 are Julia Houser and Winifred 
Tunison.  Both Julia and Winifred were presented with a check 
for the sum of one thousand dollars at the National Federation 
of the Blind of New Jersey's State Convention, which was held 
at the Trump Regency Family Resort Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ 
on April 30, 1994.

	Julia Houser's career goal is to become a teacher 
specializing in special education.  She is a junior at 
Monmouth College in Monmouth, NJ.

	Winifred Tunison has been working at the Helen Keller 
National Center.  However, she has been accepted and will be 
attending Gallidett University, Washington D.C. in the fall.  
She aspires to achieve a degree in special education enabling 
her to continue to teach Braille to deaf blind students.

	Both recipients seem highly motivated and shared their 
joy and gratitude in an acceptance speech.

	The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey will 
be awarding scholarships at the 1995 State convention.  For 
more information on scholarship procedure contact Ever Lee 
Dow at: (609)-482-0865 or Jerilyn Higgins at: (201)-743-1703.


	Welcome to our second annual "Stay-at Home Tea".
				by Rachael Degenshein
with special help from Edna Baker and the Scholarship 	
						Committee

	We're inviting you to take a rest,
	Prepare some tea at its best.
	It doesn't matter how you brew it,
	Just that you remember to do it.
	It doesn't matter which brand,
	As long as you brew on command.
	And while you're enjoying your relaxation,
	Please send us a small donation,
	To support the '95 scholarship winners.
	Then you can go and make your dinners.
	Because of your generous donation,
	You're shaping a child's future - with education.

Please make checks payable to: NFB of New Jersey
Please send checks by September 30 to: Joseph Ruffalo
									69 Prospect Place
									Belleville, NJ
									07109
					Independence Day
					by Jerilyn Higgins

	Independence Day is celebrated each year on July 4th.  
This year another kind of Independence Day was celebrated 
on July 3rd.  The National Federation of the Blind National 
Convention was held in Detroit, Michigan from July first to 
July eighth at the Westin Renaissance Center.  On July third, 
New Jersey's own Joe Cutter, an Early Childhood Orientation 
and Mobility Specialist from the New Jersey Commission for 
the Blind and Visually Impaired was presented with the 
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award.  This award 
is not just given to a teacher of students who are blind, but to 
a teacher who is an advocate for independence of blind 
children and adults, provides outstanding community service, 
and one who has uncommon commitment to the blind 
community.

	Joe Cutter has been an Orientation and Mobility 
Specialist for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and 
Visually Impaired since December, 1970.  Mr. Cutter has 
instructed thousands of commission clients in independent 
cane travel.  On April 30th, Mr. Cutter received the New 
Jersey Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award, at the 
NFBNJ State Convention in Atlantic City.  Joe Cutter is a 
noted consultant, professional speaker, and a great friend to 
the National Federation of the Blind.
	Joe Cutter has recently written a book which will fill the 
gap for parents and other educators of blind children.  The 
instruction provided in his book is invaluable for the training 
of safe and independent movement in the home and school 
environment.  Joe's writings are truly a force of change with 
his innovative concepts on early childhood cane travel.  He 
has a great respect for the students and the tools and skills 
they are learning and using.  He encourages positive attitudes 
towards blindness and has a great insight in the 
developmental growth process of blind children.  Currently, 
his book is being edited and will be packaged with a video.

	The National Federation of the Blind of NJ applauds Joe 
Cutter's efforts in assisting children who are blind in 
becoming independent and productive adults.



	Joe Cutter's response to the award can be found on the 
next page.


Dear Joe,
		I want to thank the National Federation of the Blind 
of New Jersey for the honor given to me in Atlantic City this 
weekend.  The inscription is beautifully written and will inspire 
me to continue to advocate for blind children.  The plaque is 
handsome and will be proudly displayed in my home.  The 
NFB has been a positive influence in my own professional 
development and a source of encouragement to change and 
grow.

	I have learned much from the children and their parents.  
I have been privileged to be part of the process of 
independence; children with open minds and hearts and 
parents with open homes, welcoming me.  My award has 
meaning in sharing it with parents like Carol and Billy and 
children like Serena and John.  We are interdependent and 
together we find solutions and yes, "share dreams".

	Each one of you of the NFB are teachers, the Natural 
Educators and for those willing to learn, your literature and 
your example lights the lamp of knowledge.  I am guided by 
your light.

	With many thanks and hopes to continue to live true to 
inscribed words, your friend --------
							Joe Cutter


			My First NFB State Convention
				by Mr. Robert Kanish

	It was a typical Saturday in 1993 when I attended the 
Library for the Blind's fall festival in Trenton, New Jersey.  I 
had graduated from college six months earlier and was having 
no success finding a job.  I attended the festival simply to 
learn about adaptive computer technology so I could 
eventually purchase a computer to make myself more 
employable.  I did look at computer systems, but something 
else happened to me while I was there.  I ran into an old 
friend of mine from Camp Marcella.  After catching up on the 
last ten years, he began telling me about his affiliation with 
the National Federation of the Blind.  He also suggested that I 
attend the NFB's state convention in Atlantic City.

	Though I did not admit it, I was skeptical about getting 
involved with the NFB.  Throughout my life I had heard 
virtually only negative things about the Federation.  I was told 
it was full of militant radicals who only wanted to stir up 
trouble.  Thus, I had no intention of attending the state 
convention at that time.



	However, as the next few months passed, and I 
occasionally spoke to my friend, I became curious about the 
Federation.  I liked the idea that it consisted of blind people 
speaking for themselves and each other.  I wanted to meet 
more blind people since I did not come in contact with any in 
my rural area of the state.  I was finally convinced by the 
state president to at least give NFB a chance.

	Thus, it was with guarded interest that I attended the 
1994 state convention.  Upon arriving at the first seminar, Job 
Opportunities for the Blind (JOB), I immediately observed that 
these people were quite comfortable with their blindness.  
They walked with confidence and were not embarrassed to go 
in the wrong direction or bump into anyone.  I found this to be 
encouraging since many of the blind people I knew were timid 
and not ready to venture out with self-confidence.

	The JOB seminar was inspiring.  It was the first time I 
was able to network with blind people who were employed in 
positions of importance, and offered solid advice about job 
hunting and interviewing, as well as ideas about how to 
increase my employment potential.  I spoke with people who 
were using talking computers in the work place who gave me 
ideas about how to build my own system.  I even met one 
person who gave me a lead on a job, and subsequently put in 
a good word for me which led to an interview.

	Another convention highlight for me was the speech given 
by Sharon Gold concerning Social Security benefits.  She was 
the first person I had ever heard who could explain SSI in 
clear-cut language.  After speaking to her individually, I 
learned that I was not receiving the amount of money that I 
was entitled to.  Thanks to her advice, I am now receiving an 
additional $130 per month.

	Looking back on my first state convention, I realize that I 
got much more out of it than simply a job interview, computer 
advice, and more SSI money.  I learned that the NFB is not 
full of militant radicals.  Its members simply want blind people 
to be on equal terms with the rest of society, and are willing 
to work hard to achieve this equality.  This convention has 
motivated me to become more active in the blind community.  
I have since become a member of the NFB and look forward to 
helping out in any way possible.  I have also made my 
reservations for the National Convention.  There, I hope to 
learn more about the Federation and how I can best work to 
improve the welfare of my fellow blind citizens.




	Among the many other Convention highlights was the 
Children's Panel.  Four of our New Jersey blind children 
spoke about their lives.  First Christopher Klunek and 
Courtney Osolinski answered questions from the audience. 
Then John and Serena Cucco each gave a prepared talk.  
Here is what John had to say:

	Hi! My name is John Cucco.  I am in first grade at Kings 
Road School in Madison.  My favorite subject is math.  I like 
to ride my bike and go roller-blading.

	As the brother of a blind child, I think it's FUN to have a 
sister who is blind!  We play lots of games together.  It's 
really pretty regular to have a blind sister.  Come on- she's 
only a kid!

	Because my sister is blind, I have gotten to know lots of 
friendly people--her Braille teacher and cane teachers and all 
the people in the NFB.

	I think the best people to teach others about blindness 
are blind people!  They know most about blindness because 
they're blind!
	I'm done!

	John's speech was followed by big sister Serena's:

	Good afternoon.  My name is Serena Cucco.  I am in third 
grade at Kings Road School in Madison.  I don't have a 
favorite subject because I like all subjects!

	I started learning Braille when I was three years old and I 
got my first cane when I was five.  I am learning to use a 
laptop computer with refreshable Braille.  It is fun!

	I like to do crafts, collect shells, read, and ride my 
tandem bike.  I also play T-ball.  My team is the Cubs.  My 
dad is one of the coaches.

	When I grow up I want to be a sportscaster.  I'll do the 
post game wrap-up.  My favorite team is the Mets and I also 
like the Yankees.

	One day when I got to school, there was a substitute 
teacher in my classroom.  When she saw me she said, "How in 
the world are you going to participate?"  She didn't know that I 
do my work just like everybody else, except in Braille.  She 
didn't even know that I could walk down the hallway!  She 
didn't know a gosh darn thing about blindness!

	Some people don't know that blind people are normal.  
They think blind people have to be led around.  I think blind 
people should be independent.
	Thank you.



The Resolution Committee presents:  94-01 & 94-02

Resolution 94-01
	Whereas for over a hundred years Braille has been the 
means by which blind people have become literate;
	and whereas in recent years Braille has been de-
emphasized in the training of blind children and adults;
	and whereas knowing Braille is frequently not a 
requirement for teachers who teach blind children;
	Now be it resolved by the National Federation of the Blind 
in convention assembled this 1st day of May, 1994 in the city 
of Atlantic City
	that Braille should be available through the IEP process 
to every child or parent who requests it;
	and be it further resolved that teachers who teach blind 
children should be legally required to know Braille.


Resolution 94-02
	Whereas the printing of utility and credit card bills in a 
form accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired 
will encourage independence among them;
	and whereas a start has already been made in this 
direction;
	now therefore be it resolved by the National Federation of 
the Blind of New Jersey in convention assembled this 1st day 
of May, 1994 in the city of Atlantic City
	that companies which issue bills to New Jersey residents 
be encouraged to offer their bills in forms which are 
accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired;
	and be it further resolved that these forms include 
Braille, cassette tapes, and large print.



					My First Convention
					by Douglas Burroughs

	This year, 1994 is the first year I got involved with the 
NFB.  A friend of mine called me up and said, "Let's go to the 
Detroit Convention together and we'll save money on a room."

	At first I was a bit reluctant, but later on I decided that a 
week in Detroit couldn't be that bad, even if I didn't get 
anything out of the convention.

	We started our journey by bus, and then we were going by 
plane.  After that we wished we were going by bus again.  
Going to Detroit for me though was kind of an adventure.  It 
was the first time I really traveled on my own and went to a 
destination where I didn't have someone there to meet me.

	Things worked out okay with the guides of Joe Ruffalo 
and David DeNotaris.  We made it.

	Through this trip, to Detroit, to the NFB Convention, I met 
many interesting people around the country, people that I 
knew from my own state, and people who I remembered from 
Camp Marcella, but had fallen out of touch with.  It was a 
wonderful experience.

	As for the convention itself, the meetings and such, I 
didn't get to as many as I had wanted to.  That was mainly due 
to the amount available, too many for one person to go to.  
Some of it was due to my socialization.  When you're only 
going out so many times, sometimes up 'till midnight, you still 
have to get up at six in the morning without suffering.

	I learned a few important things for myself, though.  The 
first is that I really do need to learn Braille.  I knew it in High 
School, but have since forgotten.  I have to go back and 
relearn it because it is important in my college career and my 
job success, or failure.  The other things that I really need to 
improve are my travel skills.  I am not only legally blind, I am 
also an amputee.  When I have my prosthesis leg on I walk 
with a short cane in one hand, a long cane in the other.  When 
I take off my leg, I have to use a wheelchair.  Being in Detroit, 
I found out how other people with multiple disabilities (one 
being that they are blind, the other being some handicap 
which required a wheelchair) used a cane.  I found this very 
informative, and it wasn't even a lecture.

	Also, when I was in Detroit, I ran into a mobility instructor 
from New Jersey by the name of Joe Cutter who said that if I 
needed it, he'd be willing to help me with this project.

	I'll tell you one thing about the convention though, even 
though I didn't make it to the lectures, just getting there and 
meeting people was a very wild experience for me.  Just 
knowing that 2,500 blind people were in one spot was 
overwhelming.  I'm already ready for next year's convention.  I 
know the things that I want to do a little differently, I know 
there are more things I want to get to, and I know, by next 
year, I want to be able to read Braille so I can get through the 
agenda by myself.

	If anyone wants to network and get in touch with me, I 
can be reached at (609) 737-2524.



					DREW UNIVERSITY
                       ART EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND

	Art Education for the Blind has successfully developed a 
comprehensive and cost-effective methodology for teaching 
blind people.  The resulting college-level art history program 
will meet for one week beginning on a Monday and ending on 
a Saturday during June of 1995.  The classes will meet at the 
Joseph Cohen Rehabilitation Center on Livingston Avenue in 
New Brunswick.  This course will give two credits and will be 
transferable.  Blind college educable students of all ages will 
be eligible.

	The objective of this course is to provide blind and 
visually impaired individuals with the perceptual information 
necessary to have full intellectual access to the history and 
culture of our world.


	The long term goals are two-fold: first, to offer this 
course for credit, so that the blind student can participate in 
the examination process; second, to invite professors from 
other universities to observe this pilot program and bring its 
methodology to institutions of higher learning nationwide.

	This program has its own supplement to standard art 
history textbooks currently in use.  It consists of one twenty-
three chapter "textbook".  Each of these chapters consists of 
4-6 narrative tapes.

	At the completion of textual study, the last class of the 
semester will be held at the Museum of Modern Art in New 
York.

	Drew University, an outstanding academic institution with 
an exemplary Art History program, will now be the first 
university worldwide to offer this ground-breaking program.

	AEB led a three-day national conference and workshop 
planned jointly with the Education Department of the Museum 
of Modern Art from May 31, 1994, to June 2, 1994, at the 
Museum of Modern Art.  Educators from institutions across the 
United States and Europe attended.  I am pleased to say that 
also in attendance were our very own, Gloria Lewis, Jerilyn 
Higgins, and Ed Lewinson.

	The culminating experience will be a forum at Drew, at 
which time a panel of speakers, both students and 
professionals, will summarize the entire program.  Upon its 
conclusion, documentation will be published in the appropriate 
publications.

For more information call Karen Spitzberg at: (201) 450-3056.



					TELEREADER NEWS

	EIES of New Jersey is proud to present a new reading 
service that enables people that are visually and/or physically 
handicapped or have a learning disability to read a daily 
newspaper with nearly the same flexibility enjoyed by the 
sighted.  All you need is a touch-tone telephone.

	First you select the publication such as the New York 
Times or the Star Ledger.  Then you choose from over twenty 
categories such as local, state, national, or world news, 
sports, business, and editorials.

	By pressing the right button on a touch-tone phone, the 
caller can immediately access information.  The caller is 
asked for their I.D. number and then their access number.  
The caller is then greeted with the day and date, and asked to 
choose a category.

	The requested newspaper text is under the caller's 
complete control, the caller can back-up, continue listening, 
listen at increased speed, skip to the next story, or choose 
another category.

		TO CALL THE TELEREADER, DIAL (201) 378-2233

	To subscribe, complete the application form, and select 
the best payment plan for you from the following:
		$9.00 monthly			$26.00 quarterly
		$51.00 semi-annually		$99.00 annually

	Send the completed application and  payment check to:
		TeleReader Service
		 EIES of New Jersey
		59 Scotland Road
		P.O. Box 411
		South Orange, NJ  07079
	After 3 weeks your payment will be applied.  If, after 
three weeks you're not satisfied, contact us to receive a full 
refund For more information, call (201) 762-0552



					Computer Folks

	Computer Folks is a magazine for blind computer users, 
by blind computer users.  We offer twelve monthly issues, 
each on a 60-minute cassette, for only $24.  Your host is 
Richard Ring.  He may offer basic DOS tips for the beginner, 
as well as a technical demonstration of new adaptive software 
for the more advanced listener.  We feature interviews with 
vendors of the latest equipment for the blind.  The main 
interest is not public relations for companies, but the ideas, 
questions, and concerns of our readers. We welcome major 
articles as well as letters and want ads from our subscribers.  
From the housewife to the college professor, we are all 
computer folks.

	Send $2 for a sample or $24 for a year's subscription to:
		Richard Ring
		269 Terhune Ave.
		Passaic, New Jersey, 07055-3326
	You may also call, evenings or weekends, 201-471-4211.

	Computer Folks is not a print magazine read onto a tape 
by someone with no knowledge of computers or no 
involvement in the blind community.  Usually serious, 
sometimes witty, Computer Folks are not just the folks at 269 
Terhune.  From Canada to California, we are all Computer 
Folks.



					The Gift of Sight

	There are over 4 million people throughout the world who 
have received the gift of sight.  For the past 62 years, New 
Eyes for the Needy Inc. has been distributing glasses from 
New York to India, from Alabama to Zaire and many places in 
between.

	Here's what you can send to help.

	Jewelry				Silver items	Hearing aids
	Watches		Crystal & China		Non-prescription 
sunglasses		Safety glasses

	All of these things can be recycled for the use of people 
worldwide.

	Send it to:
		New Eyes for the Needy Inc.
		549 Millburn Avenue
		P.O. Box 332
		Short Hills, NJ 07078



	If your vision loss has affected your relationship with your 
family & friends, caused you to feel frustrated, given you a 
need to meet and talk to others with similar concerns, or 
caused you to want to learn more about your condition, 
practical ways to help yourself, and available support 
services, then Adjustment to Vision Loss Project is for you!

	These self-help groups are run by people who share your 
situation.  You will meet and talk with others, get emotional 
support, exchange helpful information and practical solutions, 
and make the important realization that YOU ARE NOT 
ALONE!!

	If you wish to find any existing group near you, start a 
new group, receive a consultation on exciting groups, or get 
information about support groups and resources, call:
		1-800-367-6274 or
		(201) 625-9565



JOIN SKI FOR LIGHT'S 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 
					IN 1995!

	The gala 20th annual international Ski for Light week will 
be held from Sunday, February 12, 1995, at The Inn At Silver 
Creek, Granby, Colorado.

	We are especially interested in attracting blind, visually 
impaired, or mobility impaired adults who are new to the 
program.  You need not be an athlete, just someone who is 
interested in learning the joys of cross-country skiing as well 
as living a healthier lifestyle.

	The week-long program consists of individual instruction 
by experienced cross-country skiers.  Ski for Light's aim is to 
provide an opportunity for people to participate in a vigorous 
physical activity.

	The total cost is about $550, includes room (double 
occupancy), board, ground transportation to and from Denver 
International Airport, as well as a small registration fee.  We 
provide the use of cross-country skis, boots, and poles to 
first-time participants who do not have their own equipment.  
The cost of transportation between your home and Denver is 
your responsibility.

	Since participation is limited, interested skiers and 
guides should apply as soon as possible.  Printed or taped 
inquiries are preferred.  For additional information contact:

Larry Showalter
SFL Applications
206 Vista Drive
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 478-7898


	Next year's State Convention will be held in the 
Meadowlands Hilton from April 7 - April 9 of 1995. .  A few 
words about it now:


	The Meadowlands Hilton is located in the center of 
everything!  Four miles from New York City, twenty minutes 
from Newark Airport, convenient to Midtown Manhattan, 
adjacent to New Jersey's premier outlet shopping,and the 
Meadowlands Sports complex.

	All 295 guest rooms and suites are spacious and 
contemporary.  A wonderful place to spend a few days.

	Enjoy our outdoor pool, or reduce stress in the Fitness 
Center, complete with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.  
Enjoy The Garden Restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, 
and dinner.  Relax in Banners Atrium Bar.

	For New York style with New Jersey convenience, without 
New York price ($64 per room per night), the Meadowlands 
Hilton promises you a memorable meeting.



For Your Information 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND
David DeNotaris - (201) 942-1764

PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN
Carol Castellano - (201) 377-0976

LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR
David Mostello - (609) 799-8424

RECORDINGS FOR THE BLIND - PRINCETON
1-800-435-7555

NATIONAL LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND IN TRENTON
1-800-424-9100

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT CENTER, BLOOMFIELD LIBRARY
(201) 429-9292

E.I.E.S., SOUTH ORANGE
(201) 762-0552

					Editor's Corner


					I Am An Arrow

I am an arrow soaring through the sky.
I need a bow, self-motivation if I am ever to fly.
I need a pointed head, to tell me where to go,
But sometimes I go places not even I know.
I need a goal, a target, that's all my dreams in one,
And even when I reach it, my job will not be done.
And if I miss my mark I will not stand in strife,
I'll make the most of where I am, for that's the goal of life.


					Proverb of the season:

	Friendship is the greatest gift, for it can only be 
given, never taken.




					Childish Prejudices


	Hi!  My name is Rachael.  I am 12 years old.  I work for 
the Sounding Board.

	I have friends of many ages, five, twelve, sixteen, forty.  
When I tell them I got a job working at a newsletter, they say 
something like, "Oh, are you the gofer girl?"  The gofer girl is 
the one who goes for coffee, paper, pencils, or anything else 
the writers might need.  "No," I reply, "I'm the editor."

	When I tell people I'm the editor of the Sounding Board, 
they normally think it's a newsletter for children.  It's as if 
they're saying that just because I'm certain age, I'm not 
allowed to be an editor of a newsletter that goes to people of 
all ages!

	I realize that some children of my age would not be 
capable of doing my job, but I am.  If I was not qualified I 
would not have the job.

	Even worse is the fact that I am very short for my age at 
4 feet 7 and a half inches.  This deceives people into 
believing my age is 7, 8, or 9 years old.

	The thing that makes me maddest though, is when I tell 
people I'm the editor for the Sounding Board, a newsletter or 
the National Federation of the Blind they sometimes say 
things like, "Blind people?  You are spending your time writing 
for blind people?"  You know, that really burns me up!  It's as 
if they believe blind people are blind first and people second, 
not vice versa!

	Yes, I am sighted, but there are people who are sighted 
that can't see the world like those who can't see at all.  I have 
two blind uncles and a mother who is visually impaired at the 
hands of Retinitis Pigmentosa.  It's amazing that when I use 
the term "visually impaired" in English class, most of the kids 
think it's just another term for being blind.

	This is why I'm inviting you to write a fiction story about 
how in a future world, sighted people would learn how blind 
people "see" and know about the world.  A blindness 
simulator?  A robot with all the information?  A way to enter 
the body of a blind person?  It's up to you to decide!



	Please send your 1 to 2 page double spaced typed story 
by December 1 to  Rachael Degenshein
				14 Elmwood Ave.
				West Orange, NJ
				07052

	The best story or stories will be printed in the next issue 
of the Sounding Board so start writing and good luck!
 

 09/94			THE SOUNDING BOARD		    Page  48


