                       THE BRAILLE MONITOR

                     October-November, 1987

                    Kenneth Jernigan, Editor


     Published in inkprint, Braille, on talking-book disc, 
                        and cassette by 


              THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 
                     MARC MAURER, PRESIDENT 
 


                         National Office
                       1800 Johnson Street
                   Baltimore, Maryland 21230 

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made payable to National Federation of the Blind and sent to: 
 

                National Federation of the Blind
                       1800 Johnson Street
                   Baltimore, Maryland 21230 

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

ISSN 0006-8829

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 1987

CONVENTION 1988

MAKE NO LITTLE PLANS by Steve Benson

1987 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 1988

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND CONVENTION 1987 by Barbara
Pierce

PRESIDENTIAL REPORT by Marc Maurer

THE FIRST TIME by Konnie and Kim Hoffman

BROKEN DOORBELL by Kenneth Jernigan

BACK TO NOTRE DAME by Marc Maurer

ON THE MYSTERIES OF REHABILITATION, AGENCY COMPLAINTS, AND
FEDERAL FUNDING

NAC'S STANDARD BEHAVIOR:
IF YOU CAN'T CONTROL, MISREPRESENT by Marc Maurer

NO NAC FOR MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND

KEITH DENTON DIES by Kenneth Jernigan

NONE TOO PARTIAL by Arie Gamliel

WHAT DO BLIND CONSUMERS WANT FROM A SPEECH SYNTHESIZER

NFB BRAILLE TRANSLATOR GOES TO MOSCOW

FLORENCE BLUME NAMED WOMAN OF THE YEAR

TAKE TIME FOR SUCCESS by Tom Stevens

THE 1987 CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
  by Homer and Marci Page

AWARDS FOR EDUCATORS

PROCLAMATION

RECIPES

MONITOR MINIATURES

RESOLUTIONS 1987

CONSTITUTION OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
AS AMENDED 1986


     Copyright, National Federation of the Blind, Inc., 1987
CONVENTION 1988


  The time has come to plan for the 1988 convention of the
National Federation of the Blind.  Phoenix in 1987 was one of the
most successful meetings we have ever had, and 1988 will be even
better.
  We are going to Chicago.  We have not been to the Windy City
since 1975 when we met at the Palmer House, one of the finest
hotels in the nation.  Everyone who attended that 1975 convention
was delighted with the setting and the arrangements.
  Chicago in 1988 promises to be even more enjoyable than it was
in 1975.  The convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency
Chicago on Michigan Avenue, close to the Lake and in the midst of
one of the best shopping districts in the country.  For that
matter, the hotel is connected to the Illinois Center, which has
an extensive underground shopping complex, complete with
restaurants and stores of every kind, ranging from McDonald's to
a superb bakery.  Our hotel rates continue to be the envy of all
who know us--singles, $24; doubles and twins, $28; triples, $30;
and quads, $34.  Taxes (currently 10.1 percent) are additional. 
There will be no charge for children in the same room with their
parents.
  The NFB of Illinois is planning an exciting array of tours and
hospitality, and the program agenda will be vintage Federation. 
Make your reservations early.  Also, remember that we need door
prizes from state affiliates, local chapters, and individuals. 
Please remember that prizes should be relatively small in bulk
and large in value.  Cash, of course, is always acceptable.  In
any case we try to have no prize of less than $25 value. 
Drawings will occur constantly throughout the meetings, and the
prizes will aggregate many thousands of dollars.  In Phoenix in
1987 the grand prize, which was drawn at the banquet, was $1,500
in cash.  We are not certain what Illinois will give for the
grand prize in 1988, but you can be certain that it will be
worthy of the occasion.  If you have door prizes, bring them with
you to the convention, or send them to:  Mr. Tony Burda,
Convention Prize Chairman, 720 South Euclid, Oak Park, Illinois
60302.
  The displays of new technology, the meetings of special
interest groups and divisions, the hospitality and renewal of
friendships, the solid program items, and the general excitement
of being where the action is and where the decisions are being
made all join together to call the blind of the nation to Chicago
in the summer of 1988.  Come and be part of it.
  For the past few years we have been handling convention
reservations through the National Office, but for the 1988
convention (since there are enough rooms in the headquarters
hotel to handle all of the delegates) you will make reservations
directly with the hotel.  There is a toll-free number.  For all
states except Nebraska, Hawaii, and Alaska the number is (800)
228-9000.  For Nebraska the number is (800) 228-9001.  For Alaska
and Hawaii the number is (800) 228-9005.  The phone number for
the hotel (not toll-free) is (312) 565-1234.  If you wish to make
reservations by telex, the number is 484-582.  If you wish to
write for reservations, address correspondence to: NFB Convention
Reservations, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Illinois Center, 151 East
Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
  There is every indication that we will break all attendance
figures at the 1988 convention.  Therefore, even though we have a
block of 1,125 rooms, you should not delay making reservations. 
Our block of rooms will be held until Tuesday, June 7, 1988. 
After that time reservations will be accepted on a
space-available basis.  Room deposits are not required unless you
wish to guarantee that your room will be held for arrival after
six o'clock in the evening, in which case one night's room
deposit plus tax must be sent, or a credit card number must be
given.  If reservations are canceled prior to six o'clock p.m.
of the arrival date, any deposit which has been made will be
returned, but you should be sure to get a cancellation number
from the hotel for future reference.  Checks for deposit to
guarantee rooms should be made payable to: Hyatt Regency Chicago.
  A few rooms (on a first come first serve basis) have
refrigerators.  These are parlor rooms with fold-away beds.  If
you want one, request it, but keep in mind that you will probably
not get it unless you are one of the very first to ask.  There is
always an inducement to make reservations early.
  When making reservations be sure to include the following
information: a) that you are attending the National Federation of
the Blind convention; b) name, address, and telephone number; c)
arrival date; d) departure date; e) type of room requested:
single (one person in a room), double (two people, one bed in the
room), twin (two people, two beds in room), triple (three
persons, two beds in room), or quad (four persons, two beds in
room); f) names of roommates and arrival and departure dates for
each.
  Even though the 1988 convention is still several months in the
future, the enthusiasm and excitement are building.  Come and be
part of the largest, most dynamic meeting of blind people ever to
be held anywhere at any time.  See you in Chicago in 1988.

MAKE NO LITTLE PLANS

by Steve Benson


  (As Federationists know, Steve Benson is President of the
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois.)

  "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood."

The words of Daniel Burnham, planner of Chicago's magnificent
lake front, aptly describe what the Illinois affiliate has in
store as host of the 1988 national convention.  Chicago
(crossroads of the world, convention host to millions, home of
three of the five tallest buildings of the world, city of three
and a half million souls from every corner of the globe) will
stage a performance unmatched in our convention history.
  The Chicago Hyatt Regency hotel stands almost equidistant from
the city's Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue), site of the
world's most exclusive retailers, and State Street, anchored by
Marshall Field's stately block square nine-story shopping
extravaganza, the Palmer House (aristocrat of hotels), and C. D.
Peacock, an exquisite retailer of the finest gems, precious
metals, crystal, pewter, and other extraordinary items.  Peacock
is the oldest continuous business in Chicago, celebrating its
150th anniversary.
  Chicago, though only 154 years old, has a rich and flamboyant
history in commerce, politics, the fine arts, the performing
arts, education, architecture, broadcasting, transportation,
manufacturing, and world trade.  Chicago has long been described
as a city of ethnic neighborhoods and, indeed, it is.  In those
neighborhoods is an amazing variety of fine restaurants,
reasonably priced.  As any city, Chicago is a living, growing,
changing entity.  It is an exciting place to live, to work, and
to visit.  It is where you will want to be.  It is where you
ought to be from July 2 through July 9, 1988.  You will
undoubtedly want to come early and stay late, though.
  The Illinois affiliate has made no "little plans" in
preparation for next summer.  There will be a variety of
affordable tours to satisfy almost any interest or curiosity in
and about Chicago.  One of the tours will be to the Museum of
Broadcast Communication.  Many programs in radio and television's
"golden age" originated in Chicago.  This unique museum makes
classic programs accessible to the visitor.  It truly is a
fascinating place.  That is only one tour.  Many others are
planned, details of which will appear in future Monitors.
  On Sunday, July 3, the Chicago Symphony, perhaps the finest
orchestra in the world, will give a free concert in celebration
of Independence Day and in conjunction with "Taste of Chicago,"
where one can enjoy samples of the city's finest restaurant
presentations.  This annual event is just five blocks from the
Chicago Hyatt Regency.  While the food is not free, the Sunday
night concert is.
  Evening hospitality will begin Saturday, July 2, with a "50's
Sock Hop," featuring a very special disc jockey.  Other special
entertainments are planned that will make your stay in the Windy
City memorable.  Tours, hospitality, and special events will, of
course, be kept in perspective.  After all, the primary reason
for being at the  Chicago Hyatt Regency will be the 48th annual
convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
  The Chicago Hyatt is a worthy host.  For the first time since
1975 our national convention will be held under one roof.  The
Chicago Hyatt (with its more than 2,200 rooms and suites, five
restaurants, two huge ballrooms, and dozens of spacious smaller
meeting rooms) is truly an impressive setting.  The exhibit hall
in this hotel has the capacity to house exhibits of up to 70,000
square feet.  It has two towers, joined by a concourse one level
below the street, and a skyway, one level above the street. 
Stetson Drive, which separates the towers, is almost a private
road.
  The Chicago Hyatt has more than impressive physical statistics.

It has unexcelled warmth and hospitality.  The NFB of Illinois's
19th annual convention was held at the Hyatt on Labor Day
weekend.  Not one of us ever passed a hotel staff person without
hearing a genuinely friendly greeting.  More important, the hotel
staff didn't try to be too helpful.  They kept their distance
unless asked for help.
  One more note about the hotel.  Our annual banquet was simply
the best this writer has ever tasted.  The food was perfectly
prepared, flawlessly served, and just so good it was fun.  We in
Illinois are so pleased with the hotel's dress rehearsal that we
can't find enough words of praise.
  We are looking forward to hosting three thousand registered
Federationists.   All roads and airways lead to Chicago.  Get
your hotel reservations in early.  Come to Chicago in 1988. 
There's lots of room.  Bring several friends.  We are looking
forward to meeting you.

1987 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS


  On July 2, 1987, at the annual banquet of the convention of the
National Federation of the Blind in Phoenix, Arizona, twenty-six
scholarships were awarded.  The Master of Ceremonies for the
banquet was Donald Capps, President of the National Federation of
the Blind of South Carolina and one of the long- time leaders of
the national movement.  He said:  "The National Federation of the
Blind makes a very serious commitment toward the education of the
blind of this nation.  Peggy Pinder, our Second Vice President,
is the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee.  At this time it
is my pleasure to present to you Peggy Pinder."
  Miss Pinder then came to the microphone and said:  "Would all
scholarship winners please come forward.  The National Federation
of the Blind is, above all, an organization of commitment.  We
are committed to understanding the status of blind people today;
committed to ending discriminatory treatment against blind
people; committed to creating opportunity for all blind people;
committed, as the airlines will one day learn, to ending their
mistreatment of the blind; and committed to one another.  Tonight
we in the National Federation of the Blind symbolize our
commitment to our fellow blind men and women by awarding twenty-
six scholarships.
  "This year the Federation received over 400 applications from
blind men and women throughout the country, who are attending or
planning to attend institutions of higher learning, and tonight
we will give to twenty-six (the twenty-six finest blind scholars
in the United States in 1987) scholarships amounting to $68,000. 
In addition, each of these twenty-six outstanding scholars will
be given a National Federation of the Blind Convention
Scholarship.  This means that each of the winners has come to the
convention at the expense of the Federation.  From all of this,
you can see the tangible form of the commitment our organization
is prepared to make to the advancement of educational
opportunities for the blind--almost $100,000 in this year alone.
  "It is now my pleasure to introduce to you the twenty-six
winners.  We have a number of scholarship categories, and I will
read each category by name, and then in each category tell you
who are the winners.
  "The first category is the National Federation of the Blind
Merit Scholarship.  Eight of these scholarships (each in the
amount of $1,800) will be given.
  "Cherie Heppe, Connecticut.  Cherie
will be entering the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in the
fall, where she intends to study for a degree in Chiropractic
medicine, and then to practice her chosen profession.
  "Jonathan Jakenta, California.  Jonathan will be a junior in
the fall at San Diego City College in California, where is he is
working towards a bachelor's degree in psychology.  He intends to
continue his studies to earn a medical degree and one day be a
psychiatrist.
  "Mark J. Kalashian, Massachusetts.
Mark will be a freshman in the fall at the University of
Massachusetts at Amherst, where he will be studying a variety of
languages.  He plans ultimately to have a career in journalism or
in the teaching of languages.
  "Ruperto J. Moreno, Florida.  Ruperto
is a student at Florida State University at Tallahassee, where he
is studying a number of foreign languages.  Incidentally, he
speaks quite a few of them.  Ruperto intends to have a career in
the teaching of languages.
  "David H. Plankinton, Oregon.  David will be a sophomore in the
fall at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Oregon, where
he is studying for a degree in electrical engineering.  He
intends to have a career in that field.
  "Linda F. Ripley, West Virginia.  Linda is going back to school
to earn a master's degree in history at the University of
Maryland.  She intends to emphasize women's studies and
ultimately to find a career in university teaching.
  "Arleen Sethi, New Jersey.  Arleen will be a freshman this fall
at the Wharton School of Business, where she intends to study
business.  She is planning a career in international trading.
  "Calvin J. Lee, Jr., Alabama.  Calvin will be a junior in the
fall at Auburn University, where he is studying computer science.

He plans a career in computer engineering.
  "We have one final $1,800 National Federation of the Blind
Merit Scholarship.  This special NFB Merit Scholarship was
endowed by warm family friends of Stephen and Peg Benson, a
family by the name of Nudd.  This scholarship is being awarded to
Beth Anne Hatch of Maine.  Beth will be a junior in the fall at
St. Michael's College in Vermont, where she is studying
journalism.  She intends to have a career in journalism and has a
particular interest in broadcasting.
  "The next scholarship has special significance.  It has been
endowed in memory of a person who has meant a very great deal to
someone in this organization.  It is the Francis Urbanek Memorial
Scholarship in the amount of $1,800.  It is being given to
Michael P.  Dante of Maryland.  Michael will be a freshman at
Johns Hopkins University in the fall, where he will study towards
a bachelor's degree in mathematics.  He intends to have a career
in corporate finance or in law.
  "Next we have the Melva T. Owen Scholarship in the amount of
$1,800.  This scholarship, at the request of the donor, is
restricted to an undergraduate.  It is being given to Christine
Marie Faltz of New York.  Christine will be a freshman at
Princeton University in the fall, where she intends to study
English.  She plans a career in journalism.
  "The next scholarship is for $2,000.  It is being given in
memory of the father of Catherine Horn Randall--who, as you know,
is one of the leaders of the National Federation of the Blind of
Illinois and is in the room tonight.  This is the Frank Walton
Horn Memorial Scholarship.  It is being given to Zachary Shore of
Pennsylvania.  Zach will be a sophomore in the fall at the
University of Pennsylvania, where he is majoring in Slavic
studies.  He plans a career in government service.
  "Next, in the amount of $2,500, we have the Howard Brown
Rickard Scholarship, the most longstanding scholarship which we
give.  It was endowed by a man who wanted to encourage
achievement by the blind in the hard sciences.  It goes this year
to Eric Lee DeWald of Hawaii.  Eric will be a freshman in the
fall at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, where he will study
for a degree in electrical engineering.  He intends to make his
career in that field.
  "The next two scholarships (in the amount of $2,500) each are
Hermione Grant Calhoun Scholarships.  These scholarships were
endowed by Dr.  Isabelle Grant, a long-time member of this
organization, who wished to encourage high achievement by blind
women.  Consequently, only women are considered for these
scholarships.
  "The first winner is Suzanne Ament of Indiana.  Suzanne is a
Ph.D. candidate at Indiana University at Bloomington, where she
is studying Russian history.  She intends to become a university
professor and a consultant in her chosen field.
  "The second winner is Kathy Nimmer of Indiana.  Kathy will be a
freshman in the fall at Trinity College in Illinois, where she
will study English.  She plans a career in special education.
  Next (in the amount of $2,500 each) we have seven National
Federation of the Blind Merit Scholarships.  The winners are:
  "Phillip Eric Duffy, Ohio.  Eric will be senior in the fall at
Otterbein College in Columbus, Ohio, where he is studying for a
degree in political science and sociology.  Eric intends to have
a career in politics and government service.
  "John Carl Fritz, Wisconsin.  John will be a senior in the fall
at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, where he is
studying toward a bachelor's degree in animal science with an
emphasis on computers.  John intends to have a career in dairy
management with an emphasis on the computerizing of production.
  "Marla Jean Herron, Oklahoma.  Marla
will be a senior in the fall at Oklahoma State University at
Stillwater, where she is studying toward a joint degree in French
and English.  She intends to become a university professor.
  "Lynn D. Mattioli, Pennsylvania.  Lynn will be a freshman in
the fall at Albright College in Pennsylvania, where she will
study toward a bachelor's degree in home economics.  She intends
to work in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
  "Joel Shin, New Jersey.  Joel will be a freshman at Princeton
University in the fall, where he intends to study for a degree in
physics.  His aspiration is to find a career in research science,
and he will tell you if you ask him that he is going to win a
Nobel Prize some day.
  "Brian C. Smith, Georgia.  Brian will be a sophomore in the
fall at Georgia State University, where he is studying toward a
degree in business administration.  He intends to earn a graduate
degree and find for himself a career in personnel management.
  "Jay F. Yi, California.  Jay will be a Ph.D. candidate in the
fall at Stanford University, where he will study towards a degree
in applied mathematics.  He will make for himself a career (you
can count on it) in biostatistics.
  "Next (in the amount of $3,000 each) we have three National
Federation of the Blind Merit Scholarships.  The winners are:
  "Thomas Arnold Ley, Louisiana.  Tom will be a senior in the
fall at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, where he is studying toward a
degree in mathematics and physics.  He is planning a career in
science and intends to teach to others the subjects he himself
loves.
  "Susan Emily Qashu, Arizona.  Susan will be a junior this fall
at Smith College in Massachusetts, where she is working toward a
joint degree in mathematics and Latin American studies.  Susan
intends to become a researcher in the area of education and
mathematics.
  "Laurence L. Smith, Idaho.  Laurence will be a senior in the
fall at Boise State University, where he is studying for a degree
in social work.  He plans a career in counseling, possibly in
alcohol or drug dependency counseling.
  "You have now met twenty-five of the twenty-six winners.  The
final scholarship (the American Brotherhood for the Blind, Ezra
Davis Scholarship) is in the amount of $10,000.  I will tell you
the name of the winner, then I will tell you something about her.

She has not only won the most valuable scholarship we have to
give this year but also the opportunity to speak briefly to the
entire convention.  The winner is Maria Ernestina Morais of
California.  This is her fifth straight National Federation of
the Blind convention.  This year Ernie will be a junior at
California State University at Fresno, where she is studying
towards a degree in social work.  Ernie intends to become a
genetic counselor.  Now, for a few words, here is our $10,000
scholarship winner, Ernie Morais."
  Miss Morais came to the microphone and said:  "This is such an
honor that I don't know how to describe how I feel right now, but
I would like to thank Peggy Pinder and the entire Scholarship
Committee, and especially the fabulous mentors I've had this
week.  The only regret that I have tonight is that Muzzy
Marcelino couldn't be here with us.  I don't know what else to
say except thank you--and I'll do my best to promote the
philosophy of the Federation.  I would also like to thank Dr.
Jernigan and President Maurer for everything they have done for
me and for all blind people in this country.  I thank all of you
very much."
  Miss Pinder returned to the microphone and said:  "I would like
to close by addressing just a few words to you scholarship
winners.  You have shown commitment by the record you have
compiled thus far.  Each of you has shown a commitment to hard
work, a commitment to achievement, and a commitment to living
full lives.  This week we have demonstrated to you our
commitment, by giving to you the greatest gift we in the
Federation have to give--the National Federation of the Blind. 
During this week we have met with you, laughed with you, listened
to  you, partied with you, and worked hard beside you.  Most
important of all, we have given you our encouragement, our
support, and our love.  Yes, we have given you scholarships, and
with them we hope that you will continue the achievement you 
have already demonstrated.  But we have also given you the
Federation.  Through the Federation you can help us change the
world.  We ask you to receive this gift and use it as we have-
-with hard work and with the intention of achieving our goals. 
Together you and we can translate our commitment into a better
life for the blind.  Congratulations, winners!"
  This segment of the banquet program was concluded by Mr. Capps,
who said:  "Thank you, Peggy Pinder, and congratulations to all
of the scholarship winners.  They represent some of the nation's
finest, and they are tomorrow's leaders of the NFB."

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 1988


  In recent years the National Federation of the Blind has
devoted substantial effort and resources to its scholarship
program.  This has been done in the belief that if the blind are
to achieve first-class status in society, they must have the
opportunity to compete with others on terms of equality.  This is
another way of saying that the blind must be able to attend
institutions of higher learning.  To that end we continue to
strengthen our scholarship program.
  In 1988 twenty-five outstanding blind students will receive
scholarships from the Federation, totaling $67,000 in cash plus
payment of their expenses to the National Federation of the Blind
convention in Chicago during early July.  Ten blind scholars will
receive awards of $1,800; one will receive an award of $2,000;
ten will receive awards of $2,500; three will receive awards of
$4,000; and one blind student (the one judged to be the most
outstanding blind scholar in the nation) will receive a $10,000
scholarship award.
  The Federation's commitment to excellence and achievement is
longstanding.  We have made this commitment real through our many
Federation programs and projects.  No Federation activity
spotlights excellence and achievement more than our scholarship
program, through which we honor and encourage America's
distinguished blind students.
  The Scholarship Committee for 1988
(their terms expire December 31, 1988) consists of the following
thirty people:  Peggy Pinder, Iowa, Chairman; Adrienne Asch, New
York; Jan Bailey, Minnesota; Michael Baillif, California; Steve
Benson, Illinois; Jacquilyn Billey, Connecticut; Suzanne Bridges,
Louisiana; Charles Brown, Virginia; Tami Dodd, Michigan; Joanne
Fernandes, Louisiana; Priscilla Ferris, Massachusetts; Norman
Gardner, Idaho; Sharon Gold, California; Charles Hallenbeck,
Kansas; Allen Harris, Michigan; David Hyde, Oregon; Christopher
Kuczynski, Pennsylvania; Melody Lindsey, Florida; Homer Page,
Colorado; Barbara Pierce, Ohio; Mary Ellen Reihing, Maryland;
Eileen Rivera, Pennsylvania; David Robinson, Nebraska; Fred
Schroeder, New Mexico; Karl Smith, Utah; Larry Streeter,
Virginia; David Ticchi, Massachusetts; Ramona Walhof, Idaho; and
Gary Wunder, Missouri.
  Our Scholarship Application Form (copy reproduced at the end of
this article) consists of a single legal-sized page with printing
on both sides.  We are making an initial printing of 40,000 of
these forms.  They will be sent to every college and university
in the country, every agency doing work with the blind, every
congressional office, every NFB state president, and every member
of the Scholarship Committee.  They will also be sent to anyone
requesting them.  These are worthwhile scholarships, which will
be of real assistance to blind students.  The news about our
scholarship program should be disseminated as widely as possible.

To receive forms or to obtain further information, contact Peggy
Pinder, Chairman, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship
Committee, 814 - 4th Avenue, Suite 200, Grinnell, Iowa 50112;
phone (515) 236-3366.  Forms can also be had by writing to: 
Scholarships, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.  Here is the Scholarship Form:

--------------------

(SIDE ONE)

National Federation of the Blind 1988 Scholarship Program

  Each year at its national convention in July the National
Federation of the Blind gives to legally blind persons pursuing
or planning to pursue a full- time post-secondary course of study
a broad array of scholarships. The following scholarships will be
given at the national convention in 1988:
  1. Ezra Davis Memorial Scholarship; $10,000; endowed by Ezra
Davis and given by the American Brotherhood for the Blind, a
nonprofit organization which works to assist blind persons. 
Applicants must be studying (or planning to study) at the
post-secondary level.  No restriction as to gender, graduate or
undergraduate level, or field of study.
  2. National Federation of the Blind Merit Scholarships;
eighteen to be given; three for $4,000; seven for $2,500; and
eight for $1,800.  Applicants must be studying (or planning to
study) at the post-secondary level.  No restriction as to gender,
graduate or undergraduate level, or field of study.
  3. Howard Brown Rickard Scholarships; two to be given, each for
$2,500.  Applicants must be studying (or planning to study) law,
medicine, engineering, architecture, or the natural sciences.  No
restriction as to gender or graduate or undergraduate level.
  4. Hermione Grant Calhoun Scholarship; $2,500.  Dr. Isabelle
Grant endowed this scholarship in memory of her daughter. 
Limited to female students.  May be studying (or planning to
study) at either graduate or undergraduate level.
  5. Frank Walton Horn Memorial Scholarship; $2,000; given by Mr.
and Mrs.  Charles E. Barnum, the mother and stepfather of
Catherine Horn Randall.  No restriction as to gender, graduate or
undergraduate level, or field of study, but preference will be
given to those studying architecture or engineering.
  6. Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship; $1,800; given in memory
of Melva T.  Owen, who was widely known and loved among the
blind.  She and her husband Charles Owen became acquainted with
increasing numbers of blind people through their work in the
"Voicepondence" Club.  Charles Owen says:  "There shall be no
limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed
towards attaining financial independence and shall exclude
religion and those seeking only to further general or cultural
education."
  7. The Francis Urbanek Memorial Scholarship; $1,800; given by
Joe Urbanek in memory of his brother Francis, who died in
January, 1986, at age eighteen; limited to blind high school
graduates entering their freshman year of college.
  Criteria: All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic
excellence, service to the community, and financial need.
  Membership: The National Federation of the Blind is an
organization dedicated to creating opportunity for all blind
persons.  Recipients of Federation scholarships need not be
members of the National Federation of the Blind.
  Deadline: Applications for National Federation of the Blind
scholarships must be received by March 31 of the year in which
the scholarship is to be awarded.
  Making Application: To apply for National Federation of the
Blind scholarships, complete and return the application on the
reverse side of this sheet.  Multiple applications are
unnecessary.  Each applicant will be considered for all
scholarships for which he or she qualifies.  Please provide all
the applicable information requested and attach to the
application all the additional documents requested on the
application.  Send the application to: Miss Peggy Pinder,
Chairman, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee,
814 - 4th Avenue, Suite 200, Grinnell, Iowa 50112; (515)
236-3366.
  Reapplication: We have often awarded scholarships to persons
applying for the second or third time.  Even if previously
submitted, current applications must be submitted to be
considered for current scholarships.  Those who have previously
applied are encouraged to apply again.
  Winners: The Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and
selects the scholarship winners.  These winners, the same number
as there are scholarships to award, will be notified of their
selection by June 1 and will be brought to the National
Federation of the Blind convention in July at Federation expense.

This is in addition to the scholarship grant.  The winners are
America's finest blind students.
  The National Federation of the Blind convention is the largest
gathering of blind persons (more than 2,000) to occur anywhere in
the nation each year.  You will be able to meet other blind
students and exchange information and ideas.  You will also be
able to meet and talk with blind people who are successfully
functioning in your chosen profession or occupation.  Federal
officials, members of Congress, and the makers and distributors
of new technology attend Federation conventions.  Above all, a
broad cross section of the most active segment of the blind
population of the United States will be present to discuss common
problems and plan for concerted action.  It is an interesting and
exciting week.
  Awards: The day before the convention banquet the Scholarship
Committee will meet to determine which winners will receive which
scholarships.  The scholarship awards will be made during the
banquet.

--------------------

(SIDE TWO)

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Application Form

  Read reverse side of form for instructions and explanation. 
Form may be photocopied but only if reverse side is also
included.
  To apply for a scholarship, complete this application form, and
mail completed application and attachments to:  Miss Peggy
Pinder, Chairman, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship
Committee, 814 - 4th Avenue, Suite 200, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. 
Form must be received by March 31, 1988.

Name (please include any maiden or other names by which you have
been known):

Date of birth:

School address:

School phone number:

Home address:

Home phone number:

Institution being attended in spring semester, 1988, with class
standing (freshman, senior, etc.):

Cumulative grade point at this institution:

Institution to be attended in fall of 1988, with class standing.
Send by separate letter if admitted to school after submitting
completed application:

List all post-secondary institutions attended with highest class
standing attained and cumulative grade point average:

High school attended and cumulative grade point:

Vocational goal:

State your major:

Awards and honors (attach list if necessary):

Community service (attach list if necessary):

Attach following documents to completed application:

1. Send us a letter: What schools have you attended?  What school
do you plan to attend during coming year?  What honors have you
achieved?  What have you done to deal with situations involving
your blindness?  What are you like as a person?  What are your
goals and aspirations?  How will the scholarship help you?

2. Send two letters of recommendation.

3. Provide current transcript from institution now attending. 
Transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions attended. 
If you have not yet attended such institution or have not
completed one year of study, send high school transcript.

4. Send a letter from a state officer of the National Federation
of the Blind evidencing the fact that you have discussed your
scholarship application with that officer.  Preferable but not
mandatory that you discuss application with state Federation
President.  President's address provided upon request.

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND CONVENTION 1987

by Barbara Pierce


  Nearly two thousand members of the National Federation of the
Blind gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, for the forty-seventh annual
convention held June 27 through July 4.  The superlatives that
run through every convention summary come to mind when recalling
this year's gathering.  Those who attended will remember the
beauty and comfort of the Hyatt Regency, headquarters hotel, and
the Heritage and San Carlos, overflow hotels; the spacious
efficiency of the Civic Plaza, site of the convention sessions
and the cavernous exhibition hall; the warmth of the welcome
given us by Ruth Swenson, President of the NFB of Arizona, as
well as the Cactus Kid and the whole Arizona delegation;
beautiful sunshine; excellent restaurants; and, most of all, the
love and fellowship of the Federation, friendships made and
strengthened and inspiration given and received.  The items of
the convention agenda were particularly timely and interesting
this year.  A U.S. Senator, two members of the House of
Representatives, the Governor of Ario
the blind came to speak and listen to us, the blind of the
nation.
  Yet, this convention was more than the sum of these things.  It
was a watershed of sorts.  Last year in Kansas City, Marc Maurer
was elected President of the National Federation of the Blind. 
This convention marked the first time many of us had seen him
conducting our business and serving as our President.  He chaired
the convention sessions with vigor and fairness.  Elsewhere in
this issue you will read both the Presidential Report and the
Banquet address that he delivered.  Electricity and joy surged
through the convention hall at the close of each of these two
addresses as the delegates recognized that once more the
organization had elected a President who can lead decisively and
articulate its deepest hopes and dreams.
  Saturday, June 27, saw the beginning of the preconvention
activities.  Many people took advantage of a day-long seminar on
cane travel.  Many more attended the annual seminar for parents
and educators of blind children.  This year's program focused on
both blind children and blind parents, and the presenters were
insightful and inspiring.  Simultaneous with the parents' seminar
was a seminar for blind and sighted children.  Judging from the
enthusiasm with which the youngsters sang about their day when
they were invited to perform from  the convention dais later in
the week, they had a wonderful time learning that they are not
alone in their experience of blindness.
  By Sunday, with two days to go until the first convention
session, the hotels were packed, elevators were jammed, and
hundreds of people an hour were pouring through our streamlined
registration tables.  By noon more than a thousand had registered
and gone on into an exhibit hall crammed with displays and
demonstrations.  Throughout the afternoon and evening thirteen
committees and divisions conducted business as many delegates
raced from meeting to meeting in an attempt to sample as much as
possible.  The Resolutions Committee, according to tradition, met
for several hours Sunday afternoon with more than a hundred
people in the audience.  The committee considered twenty-two
resolutions, one of which was subsequently withdrawn.  The texts
of the resolutions adopted by the convention are printed
elsewhere in this issue.
  The Board of Directors conducted its annual preconvention
meeting Monday morning, and hundreds of Federationists took
advantage of the air-conditioned shuttle buses to observe the
meeting.  Many more braved the blazing sun and walked the three
blocks to the Civic Plaza.  During the meeting this year's
twenty-six scholarship winners were introduced to the membership.

Each student was awarded an expense-paid trip to the convention
in addition to an academic scholarship.  These ranged in value
from $1800 to $10,000.  The recruiters who signed up fifty or
more people as NFB Associates were presented with their red,
white, and blue Associate ribbons.  The winners in the Associates
contest were Terry Dingus, from Arizona; Tom Stevens, from
Missouri; Sandy Sanderson, from Alaska; Frank Lee, from Alabama;
Bill Isaacs, from Illinois; Oral Jackson, from Pennsylvania; and
Russell Anderson, from Indiana.  Each of these people won $100
except that Bill Isaacs's name was drawn twice, and since every
recruiter name was placed in the hat once for each Associate
recruited, Bill, of course, won $200.  Doug Boone, of Oregon,
who, by the way, had recruited only one Associate, won $400, and
Verla Kirsh of Iowa won the grand prize of $600.  The Board voted
to conduct an identical contest next year to encourage Associates
recruitment.
  Monday afternoon and evening were crammed with more committee
and division meetings and seminars, nineteen in all.  The evening
ended with hospitality and the annual Celebrity Auction to raise
funds for the Merchants' Division.
  Tuesday's convention session opened with the roll call of
states, in which all fifty states and the District of Columbia
were present.  In the afternoon Mr. Maurer gave the Presidential
Report.  Five Federationists then spoke about their jobs,
reminding everyone that the blind really are competing in diverse
and interesting fields.  The panelists were Judy Rasmussen,
Investigator, Office of Landlord Tenant Affairs, Maryland; Homer
Page, Deputy Mayor of Boulder, Colorado, Director of the Office
of Services to Disabled Students, Director of the Problem-Based
Education Program, and Professor at the University of Colorado at
Boulder; John Halverson, Deputy Regional Division Director,
Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, Department of Health and
Human Services, Kansas City, Missouri; Catherine Horn Randall,
President, Jacksonville Theater Guild and Alderman, Jacksonville,
Illinois; and Barbara Pierce, Assistant Executive Director,
Alumni Association, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.
  Duane Gerstenberger, Director, Job
Opportunities for the Blind, and Paul Mayrand, Director, Office
of Special Targeted Programs, Employment and Training
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C
discussed the Job Opportunities for the Blind program and the
impact it has had on employers and blind job-seekers.
  Terry Drinkwater, a producer and correspondent with CBS Network
News, spoke about the broadcast media's unconscious
discrimination against the blind.  He urged delegates to complain
to television officials when problems occur or when programs
contribute to the public's misconceptions about blindness.
  Elections took place on Wednesday morning.  Sid Allen of West
Virginia and Terry Herron of New Hampshire had announced that
they would not stand again for election to the Board.  Priscilla
Ferris, President of the National Federation of the Blind of
Massachusetts, and Joanne Fernandes, President of the National
Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, were elected to replace
them.  The Board of Directors is now composed of Marc Maurer,
Maryland, President; Diane McGeorge, Colorado, First Vice
President; Peggy Pinder, Iowa, Second Vice President; Allen
Harris, Michigan, Secretary; and Dick Edlund, Kansas, Treasurer. 
The other members of the Board are:  Steve Benson of Illinois,
Charles Brown of Virginia, Don Capps of South Carolina, Glenn
Crosby of Texas, Bob Eschbach of Ohio, Joanne Fernandes of
Louisiana, Priscilla Ferris of Massachusetts, Frank Lee of
Alabama, Betty Niceley of Kentucky, Joyce Scanlan of Minnesota,
Fred Schroeder of New Mexico, and Gary Wunder of Missouri.
  Following the election, Justin W. Dart Jr., Commissioner,
Rehabilitation Services Administration, Department of Education,
spoke.  His title was "Rehabilitation and Employment for the
Blind: New Legislation, Current Programs, and the Future."  His
remarks were truly enlightening--though doubtless not in the way
he meant.  Certainly they were discouraging to those who still
hope for assistance from the Rehabilitation Services
Administration.
  The next item was a panel presentation and discussion on
"Technology for the Blind: Now and Tomorrow."  Participants were:
Curtis Chong, President, National Federation of the Blind in
Computer Science and Systems Programming Specialist, IDS
Financial Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dr. James Bliss,
President, Telesensory Systems, Inc., Mountain View, California;
Larry Israel, Chairman of the Board, VTEK, Santa Monica,
California; Curtis Willoughby, President, Willoughby Enterprises,
Inc.  and Circuit Design Engineer, Northwestern Bell Telephone
Company, Des Moines, Iowa; Lee Brown, President, Enabling
Technologies, Stuart, Florida; Deane Blazie, President, Blazie
Engineering, Churchville, Maryland; and James Willows, Chairman,
National Federation of the Blind Committee for the Evaluation of
Technology and Electronics Engineer, Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory, Livermore, California.  The presentations were
thoughtful and the discussion lively.  It is clear that the
organized blind movement is speaking with an increasingly
influential voice in the field of technology.
  Wednesday afternoon and evening were filled with tours and
entertainment to suit every taste.  Several hard-working
committees also took the opportunity of a few free hours to meet
one more time.
  The Thursday agenda was so crowded that the session convened a
half hour early, with the opening item being a talk by Dan
Crawford of Tennessee entitled "I Am Blind and a Genuine Horse
Trader."  United States Senator Dennis DeConcini from Arizona
spoke on the subject "The Right of the Blind to Work and Compete:
A Senator's View on Freedom Through Employment."  We have come to
look forward to the presence of Frank Kurt Cylke, Director of the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped, at the annual convention.  His topic this year was
"New Technological Developments for the Blind at the Library of
Congress." "Budget Priorities and Library Services for the Blind"
was the title of the remarks made by Congressman Vic Fazio,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Appropriations,
Committee on Appropriations, United States House of
Representatives.
  "Sheltered Workshop Reform: Wages, Jobs, and the Right to
Organize" was the subject of a presentation by James Gashel, NFB
Director of Governmental Affairs.  He reviewed the current
legislative picture and described NFB efforts to expand the
opportunities for blind workers in the sheltered workshop system.
  Congressman Jim Kolbe, Member of the House of Representatives
from Arizona, spoke on the subject, "Education, Training, and
Employment: Keys to Independence and Freedom for the Blind." In
the afternoon David A. Rust, Associate Commissioner for
Disability, Social Security Administration, addressed the
convention.  His topic was "Changing Approaches to Rehabilitation
and Employment: Comments on Programs and Plans of the Social
Security Administration."
  The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to a discussion,
"The Federal Policy of Nondiscrimination Concerning Air Travel." 
Dr. Kenneth Jernigan delivered a major address, and Eileen B. 
Hoffman, District Director, Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Service, reviewed the process of regulation negotiation now
taking place among the parties interested in establishing what
constitutes discrimination against disabled air passengers. 
Unfortunately, after having agreed to send a representative to
take part on the panel, the Airline Pilots Association withdrew
from the program without explanation.  Following these
presentations, members of the audience gave moving descriptions
of their experiences at the hands of airline personnel.
  The banquet was, as always, the highpoint of the convention. 
The twenty-six scholarships were awarded, and Maria (Ernie)
Morais from California, winner of the $10,000 award, spoke
movingly of the Federation's impact on her life.  President
Maurer's banquet address, entitled "Back to Notre Dame," captured
the mood, set the tone, and placed in focus the activities of the
entire week and, indeed, the spirit of the Federation in planning
for and moving toward the coming century.  As Master of
Ceremonies, Donald Capps, long-time national Board Member and
President of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina, conducted the activities of the evening with a skill
and sensitivity that blended the past and future into a dynamic
present, an atmosphere which strengthened the pride of
Federationists in their heritage and reinforced their optimism
concerning the future.
  The Friday program consisted for the most part of a general
business session.  Amid the reports and resolutions, one panel of
dedicated Federationists inspired the audience to a standing
ovation.  Fred Schroeder, an educator and now Director of the New
Mexico Commission for the Blind; Barbara Walker, President of the
NFB of Nebraska and a blind parent of sighted children; and
Debbie Hamm, sighted parent of a blind child and President of the
Northwest Chapter of the Parents Division of the National
Federation of the Blind, addressed the subject, "Blind Children: 
Problems, Opportunities, and Tomorrow." Some of those present,
exhausted by a week of hard work and equally hard play, left late
Friday or early Saturday morning.  Others stayed for the annual
Job Opportunities for the Blind Seminar.  Everyone vowed to make
plans early to attend the convention next year in Chicago.  The
Windy City is waiting.

PRESIDENTIAL REPORT

by Marc Maurer, President NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
JUNE 30, 1987


  I was elected to the presidency of the National Federation of
the Blind one year ago. During the past twelve months I have come
to have a greater understanding of the spirit of our movement
than ever before. It has been a year of real unity and tremendous
growth. I have worked closely with Dr. Jernigan, who (shortly
after last year's convention) agreed to serve as Executive
Director of the Federation; and, of course, I have worked with
you the members concerning state and local problems throughout
the nation.  Although I have been a member of this organization
for almost twenty years, and although I have served in a number
of capacities, I have come during the past twelve months to
appreciate in a different way the scope of our activities, the
complexity of the work we do, and the depth and breadth of
leadership we have.  If anyone doubts the level of our commitment
or the unity of our purpose, let that person come here today and
see the blind in our thousands at this convention.
  This year has been one of the busiest we have ever had.  Our
position as a leader in affairs of the blind has become ever more
widely recognized.  The Xerox Corporation held a training session
last November for its district personnel managers.  The meeting
took place in the secluded Xerox Corporation Training Center at
Leesburg, Virginia.  Only one organization involved with the
blind (and, for that matter, only one dealing with the
handicapped) was invited to come and speak. The invitation was
extended to the National Federation of the Blind.  Our message
was clear and strong--blind people want work, and we are good
employees.  I am confident that our November meeting with Xerox
and the contacts since then will result in more and better jobs
for blind workers.
  Another company that sought our assistance is Creative
Marketing and Design.  This company works with eye doctors to
promote eye examinations.  But examining the eye is not always
enough.  The most upbeat, positive organization dealing with
blindness is the National Federation of the Blind.  Creative
Marketing and Design recognized this and asked for our help, so
we gave it.  Every mailing they do this year (and there will be
more than a million letters) will contain our literature and
spread our message of hope and opportunity.
  We have participated in meetings of the World Blind Union
Executive Committee and the North America Region.  Dr. Jernigan
has served as our representative on the Executive Committee of
the World Blind Union.  The focus of our participation has been
to improve opportunities for the blind of this country, as well
as the blind of the world.  Although there had not been an
election scheduled for the spring meeting of the North America
Region, Dr. Jernigan (in recognition of his outstanding
contributions to help the blind become first- class citizens) was
chosen president of the World Blind Union North America Region.
His election to the presidency of the North America Region makes
him an honorary officer of the world organization.
  Last summer at the convention Dr.  Jernigan reported that the
airline battles were widespread and intense but that progress was
being made.  That is still where we are today.  The problem is
typified by what happened to Sharon Gold and other Californians
who were returning home from last year's convention.  They were
arrested for sitting in exit row seats to which they had been
assigned by the airline, and then United personnel became so
hostile because Sharon and the others would not move that they
were not only personally abusive but almost incited mob violence.
  This is not an isolated instance.  Unfortunately it is coming
to be the rule instead of the exception.  We will have a full
discussion of the airline problem later in the week, but there
are a few things I should mention to you now.
  Last July, immediately after our convention, officials of the
Air Transport Association and the Regional Airline Association
came to the National Center for the Blind for discussions.  A
week later the next step was taken. I (along with a
representative of the Air Transport Association) appeared on a
news program, which was carried on the Cable News Network.  The
debate was, to say the least, spirited.  ATA attempted to justify
its discriminatory seating policies by saying that small children
could not be seated in the exit row.  But of course, we are not
children, and we will not be treated like children.  The message
was delivered to ATA, and it was also broadcast to the nation on
television.
  Last August, in response to our "persuasion," the federal
Department of Transportation requested public comments on air
travel discrimination issues concerning the blind.  The
Department received 732 comments responding to its notice. Two
hundred forty-nine (or 34 percent) of these comments came from
people who did not identify themselves as blind but supported the
views of the Federation.  Four hundred fifty-six (or 62 percent)
came from blind people or organizations representing the blind. 
Over 96 percent of the comments favored nondiscrimination and
supported the position of the National Federation of the Blind.
  Last September Congress passed (with
our urging, and the urging of others) a bill to prohibit acts of
discrimination against the handicapped by the airlines, and
President Reagan signed it as Public Law 99-435.  You will be
hearing about the process for adopting regulations to implement
the law later in the convention.  The first step is called a
regulatory negotiation--or, in federal jargon, a "reg neg."  This
means that we (along with others who are affected, including the
airlines) have been sitting down in the presence of federal
mediators to try to work out a rule that will prohibit
discrimination in air travel.  The process started in June.  The
mediator leading these negotiations will be speaking at this
convention later in the week.  With all that has happened over
the past year--the pattern of abuse, the arrests, the questions
for the Department of Transportation, the interest by a
substantial and growing number of members of Congress, the
passage of a new federal law, and negotiations over the
nondiscrimination rules--it is clear that we are marching toward
freedom on the airlines.  And we intend to continue that march
until we get there.
  We are also active in matters concerning vendors.  Over a year
ago we helped eight Maryland vendors file grievances.  The
problem was that the Maryland Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation had illegally required the vendors to pay for
repairs of state-owned equipment and then had failed to make
promised reimbursements.  The vendors came to the Federation for
help.  The state agency had no intention of paying, but we know
the law and how to use it.  Last September the vendors received
reimbursement for equipment repairs totaling $45,000.  The
payments came as a direct result of the actions we took.
  Dennis Groshel is a blind vendor at the Veterans Administration
Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  The Veterans Administration
has been taking the position that its facilities are exempt from
the Randolph-Sheppard Act.  Therefore, the VA Hospital in St.
Cloud was planning not to renew a contract with the Minnesota
state agency.  If the plan to terminate the facility had been
permitted to go forward, Dennis (a Federation member) would have
been out on the street by mid-July.
  The position of the Veterans Administration is a direct
violation of the law.  At our urging the Minnesota state agency
requested an arbitration, and Jim Gashel has been named as one of
the arbitrators.  We are going forward with this case, and we
expect to win.
  In Michigan the Commission for the Blind requested our help
when a tank construction facility operated by the Department of
Defense decided not to honor the Randolph-Sheppard Act by
awarding a contract for a large cafeteria and vending operation. 
A request for arbitration was made and the panel was appointed. 
All of a sudden the Department of Defense decided to negotiate. 
Being good military strategists, the Defense Department had a
fallback position.  If there was to be a vending facility, they
said that the vendor must pay a percentage of the income of the
operation to the employees at the plant to improve their morale. 
It was a bad day for the Tank Corps.  The vendor will not pay a
percentage, but he or she will take over the tank plant cafeteria
and vending operation in November.
  In Kansas we are involved in an arbitration to assist Jerry
Griggs.  Jerry has been a staunch Federationist for many years. 
Ironically, the dispute in Kansas is with the Federal Aviation
Administration, but the problem does not involve the airlines. 
Jerry Griggs is facing a situation of illegal competition from a
commercial enterprise. At first the state agency in Kansas was
unwilling to fight to protect Jerry's rights, so we had to bring
pressure.  It has worked.  The state agency has now asked for our
help in the arbitration, and Jim Gashel will serve on the
arbitration panel.
  Lessie Hall is a blind vendor and a long-time Federationist
from Memphis, Tennessee.  We are helping him in a dispute
involving a promotion.  Lessie has sixteen years' seniority in
the program, and he was qualified to operate the vending facility
he sought; but he was passed over.  The Tennessee Commissioner of
Human Services has already determined that the State's promotion
decision was illegal, but the stand was not awarded to Lessie. He
should have been promoted, and we intend to prove it.
  The South Carolina Commission for the Blind told Melvin
Barrineau (a blind vendor) that he must sell Pepsi products from
his vending machines and that he could not sell Coca-Cola.  We
agree with Melvin that decisions of this sort are properly the
choice of the vendor, not the state.  It is the vendor, not the
state, who must make a living from the business.  If the vendor
decides to stock products that no one will buy, he or she (not
the state) will pay the price.  Conversely, if the vendor has
what people want, he or she will make a profit--so we are going
to have an arbitration in South Carolina.
  Don Hudson and Richard Jack are blind vendors in Colorado. 
Last year Dr.  Jernigan reported that we had initiated a lawsuit
on their behalf because the agency for the blind had decided that
a vending operation in a mail handling- center in Colorado would
be too profitable to give to one blind vendor. The agency wanted
to split the operation and divide the profits between two
vendors.  In short these officials seemed to feel that the
substantial income was too much for a blind person and that
modest (perhaps meager) earnings would be enough. When we
suggested that perhaps the same principle should apply to the
salaries of the agency officials--that is, split the income and
put two into the position when the earnings get too high, they
did not seem to think the situations were the same. The case is
now before an arbitration panel.
  In another arbitration involving the Tennessee agency, we have
won a favorable decision on behalf of Betty Moffit.  The award
involves a payment of damages totaling $9,174.13.  Betty has said
that when she is paid, the entire amount (including the thirteen
cents) will come to the Federation.  More than the money, we were
able to use this arbitration to protect the vending facility
operated by Betty from illegal competition. This is another solid
victory for blind vendors and the Federation.
  During the first weekend in April we held a vending conference
in Detroit.  It was one of the best attended, most enthusiastic
meetings of blind vendors we have ever had.  Opportunities for
collective buying were discussed, and plans for more extensive
self- organization and involvement by blind vendors were laid. 
The conference illustrates (and the cases I have outlined
underscore) the fact of what it means to be a vendor in the
National Federation of the Blind.
  During the last few months Little Randolph-Sheppard Acts
(prepared from model legislation which we drafted for the
purpose) have been adopted by the legislatures of Pennsylvania
and West Virginia.  Rounding out the picture of vending matters, 
we are now in the final stages of negotiations for new vending
regulations in Maryland.  Similar regulations are now in draft
form for the state of Indiana. One battle, one state, and one
issue at a time, we are changing what it means to be blind--not
only for blind vendors but also for the entire blind population. 
This is why we have the National Federation of the Blind.
  It has been another successful year in our dealings with the
National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and
Visually Handicapped (NAC).  In North Carolina the Governor
Morehead School for the Blind gave NAC the boot last fall.  The
same decision was made in Rhode Island and announced at the
convention of our affiliate.  Rhode Island Services for the Blind
dropped NAC accreditation at the end of 1986.  The trend has
continued in 1987.  Earlier this year the Center for the Visually
Impaired in Elyria, Ohio, dropped its NAC accreditation.  There
are also growing signs that the American Foundation for the Blind
(NAC's founder, principal funding source, and long-time sponsor)
is having second thoughts.  Only a month ago the American Council
of the Blind tried to persuade the Mississippi Welfare Board to
force Mississippi Industries for the Blind to accept NAC
accreditation.  From NAC's point of view the discussion was not
held at a low level.  Dennis Hartenstein, Executive Director of
NAC, and Otis Stevens, former President of NAC and the First Vice
President of the American Council of the Blind, came to argue for
NAC.  But we were also represented at the meeting.  When the
votes were cast, the decision was unanimous-- no NAC for
Mississippi Industries for the Blind.
  Blind workers in sheltered workshops are among those who suffer
most under the stigma of second-class status.  Their wages and
working conditions are unbelievably bad.  More than that, they
are constantly threatened and subjected to abuse--especially, if
they try to organize (a right which the rest of American labor
secured almost fifty years ago.) So we continue to work to assist
our blind brothers and sisters in the shops--and this has been a
year of progress.
  The Raleigh Lions Clinic case in North Carolina started four
years ago at the time of our 1983 convention in Kansas City. 
Several of the shop workers wanted to join a union.  Shop
management said no.  Union cards were signed, and a hearing was
held in 1983.  The regional director of the National Labor
Relations Board found in our favor.  He ordered the Raleigh Lions
Clinic to permit an election for the union.  But the workshop
appealed to the entire National Labor Relations Board in
Washington.  We filed a brief on behalf of the blind workers.
  In September of last year there was a further hearing before
another hearing officer.  We submitted another brief.  The
decision came down on March 11, 1987.  The National Labor
Relations Board ordered that the results of the 1983 election
must be tallied and announced.  Unfortunately, because of the
vulnerability of the workers and the pressure exerted by
management, we did not win the election.  That is not unusual for
the first time in these cases.  But this decision means that the
Raleigh workshop is subject to the National Labor Relations Act. 
The negative election results cannot erase or diminish the
victory we have achieved once again before the National Labor
Relations Board.  The blind have the right to organize.  That is
the encouraging and indisputable victory in Raleigh, and we will
go from there.
  Last year at this time the management interests of the
workshops were seeking federal legislation to allow them to
receive contracts reserved by law for small businesses.  We said
that this would be fine if the workshops would behave like
businesses and stop claiming to be places of therapy.  In fact,
shops claim to be work places when that suits their interests,
and therapy places when that suits their interests. We told them
they could start by paying decent wages and recognizing our right
to organize.  But the workshops were not buying it.  They wanted
the small business contracts, but they were not prepared to treat
the blind like other workers in small business in order to get
them.
  Congress agreed with us.  Parren Mitchell, then Chairman of the
House Committee on Small Business, bluntly told the workshop
management representatives that no bill would clear his committee
without first providing at least the minimum wage to blind
workers.  I wish I could say that the workshops agreed, but as
you might expect, they did not.  As you might also expect (in
view of our stature and influence) their legislation did not pass
the Congress.  The lesson for the workshops is clear.  We the
blind are now on the scene, organized and determined. 
Legislation about sheltered shops which does not receive our
endorsement is unlikely to pass. That, too, is why we have the
National Federation of the Blind.
  An example of what I am saying also occurred in amendments to
the Fair Labor Standards Act.  This is the law requiring the
minimum wage for most workers in America and permitting
subminimum wages to be paid to the blind.  We have long sought an
end to the practice of paying the blind less than the minimum
wage-- and here, too, we have made progress.
  Because of legislation which we supported that was passed last
fall, any blind worker who receives a subminimum wage now has a
right to require the workshop to prove in a hearing that the
subminimum wage is justified.  I mean this literally.  Any worker
has the right to a hearing, and if the workshop does not show up
to prove that the subminimum wage is justified, the presumption
of the law goes with the blind worker.  Even if the workshop does
come to the hearing, the presumption will be that the minimum
wage must be paid unless the workshop can prove that the
subminimum wage is reasonable.  We will use this provision to the
fullest.  With vigorous action we can cut the widespread practice
by the sheltered shops of paying blind people subminimum wages. 
This, too, is why we have organized.
  One thing more concerning the sheltered shops:  We continue to
work to change the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.  This is the federal
law that gives contracts to workshops if 75% of their direct
labor is performed by the blind.  But the workshops are run by
the sighted, and the sighted get better jobs and more pay than
the blind--and they are less likely to be laid off than the
blind. We intend to change that.  On May 21st of this year we had
a hearing before the House Subcommittee on Employment and
Housing.  I testified in that hearing, along with Don Morris of
Maryland (formerly a manager in a shop program) and Willie
Armstrong (a shopworker from Alabama).  The Javits- Wagner-O'Day
Program is symbolic and symptomatic of the problems faced by the
blind, and we are determined to make changes.  We are determined
to have first-class citizenship, with all that the term implies. 
If the questioning of witnesses in the hearing means anything
(and I have data to indicate that it does), we are on the verge
of major breakthroughs. The days of business as usual in the
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program are coming to an end.
  We continue to lead the way in representing the interests of
the blind before the Social Security Administration, and our
relationship with top officials of that agency continues to be
good.  David Rust, the new Associate Commissioner for Disability
at the Social Security Administration, will be attending this
convention.  His presence symbolizes the close ties we have with
Social Security.
  Here is only one example:  the notice that was sent to about 36
million Social Security beneficiaries last January carried new
information to explain that blind and disabled beneficiaries can
work and have earnings.  Similar notices, sent in prior years,
gave the misleading impression that earnings by blind people were
not permitted.  This year's notice more accurately and clearly
explained the facts.  The rewrite occurred because of our
convention resolution last year.  In fact, we were consulted on
the precise language of the notice that was sent out.
  Of course, we also help with Social Security cases involving
disputes concerning benefits and eligibility.   A prime example
is the appeal filed by Bill Saker of Colorado. Bill sought our
help when the Social Security Administration claimed that he was
no longer eligible for disability benefits.  Bill is blind, and
he was not working.  The dispute with Social Security involved
about $7,000 which we thought Bill was entitled to receive.  The
issue was whether the income he received during an internship
made him ineligible to receive benefits.  We thought that it did
not, and we were right.  Bill has now received the full amount of
the benefits to which he was entitled.
  Althea Pittman of Maryland also had a problem with Social
Security.  Quite some time ago she received a notice stating that
an overpayment of $21,000 in disability benefits had been made to
her.  She first sought the advice of someone not involved in the
National Federation of the Blind.  Not surprisingly, Althea was
advised that she would have to pay back the money, all $21,000 of
it.  But she did not have the money to pay.  Even so, Althea
signed a statement saying that she did not want a waiver, and she
did not disagree with the overpayment.  She only wanted to work
out a schedule for paying back what she thought she owed.  That
is when we got involved.  And (again, not surprisingly) it now
appears that Althea was entitled to every penny of the disability
benefits she received.
  In the case of Sandy Sanderson, of Alaska, the Social Security
Administration sought to recover $37,184.  This is the amount
they said he had received as an overpayment.  In November we had
a hearing in Anchorage, and the decision came down in December. 
Need I tell you the result?  It is important to the blind that
the National Federation of the Blind exists--in this case,
$37,184 important.
  Then, there is the Peter Wilson case.  If you study the Monitor
(and all of you should) you know about this case.  The Social
Security Administration said that Peter Wilson was not eligible
for Supplemental Security Income benefits.  He had resources
(money put aside) in excess of $33,000.  In the normal case he
would not have been eligible to receive SSI benefits.
  The Social Security Administration said that no one with
$33,000 could remain eligible for SSI checks.  Besides, the
officials did not approve of Peter's plan to go to Harvard.  In a
hearing (which Sharon Gold handled) we said that Peter was
entitled to exclude the $33,000 because it was needed to finance
his education at the university.  We pointed out that the law
permits him to receive SSI benefits while he is in school.  The
decision has been made.  Peter is attending Harvard and using the
$33,000--and the SSI checks are still coming.
  Last September Kevan and Debbie Worley and their two children
went to the Trailways Bus Station in downtown St.  Louis.  They
were planning an outing for the day.  Little did they know that
their proposed trip would become an incident focusing national
attention on the need to protect the rights of blind people to
travel without unreasonable interference.
  Kevan wanted to buy bus tickets for his family to travel to
Festus, Missouri, about 40 miles south of St.  Louis.  The agent
at the bus station refused to sell the tickets.  She said that
Kevan and Debbie would need to present a letter from a doctor. 
They explained that they only wanted to buy bus tickets to Festus
and that they wanted to pay the regular fare.  They did not want
a handicapped ticket or a reduced fare, so no doctor's statement
would be needed.  But the agent persisted in refusing to sell
them tickets.
  You know the rest of the story.  The police came and arrested
Kevan.  He was the victim of physical violence and verbal abuse. 
Even so, he (not the police officer) was charged with disturbance
of the peace.  Kevan did not violate the law, however.  We
demonstrated that in the courts.  There was no disturbance of the
peace caused by Kevan.  Within hours of the incident the blind of
the nation were rallying for a public protest.  We made signs,
and we picketed the bus station at the very spot where Kevan had
been thrown to the pavement by the police.  The press came in
force.  Even the police came, and grew increasingly friendly--as
well they should.  The Kevan Worley case is behind us, but we
must not forget its lessons.  That, too, is why we have the
National Federation of the Blind.
  Connie Leblond, one of our leaders in Maine, filed a complaint
against Head Start when she was told that her blind son could
attend classes only when the regular teacher was present.  When
the regular teacher was sick or absent, Connie's son Seth must
stay home.  Our complaint against this kind of unreasonable
treatment was filed, and the decision was made last fall.  The
Office for Civil Rights ruled that this behavior of the Head
Start Program is discrimination and that it must be stopped.
  This spring we got a decision in the Carol Coulter case. Carol
is a Federationist from Missouri, who wanted to operate a day
care center to keep small children.  She was denied an
unrestricted license solely on grounds of blindness.  The
Missouri Division of Family Services tried to require her to have
a sighted person present with the children at all times, but
Carol Coulter (with our help) fought back.  The ruling on her
civil rights complaint has been made, and the unrestricted
license will be granted.
  Then, there is Debra Duncan.  She was denied a day care license
in California because of blindness despite the fact that she
cares for two children of her own.  Her case will go to a hearing
before the California State Department of Social Services later
this month.  Debra will not be alone.  We will be with her, and
we expect to get the license.
  When Sheila Killian and a sighted friend tried to patronize a
Raspberries Ice Cream Parlor in California, they were not served
because of the presence of Sheila's dog guide.  After a lawsuit,
which we backed, the Raspberries Ice Cream Parlor had to pay
Sheila $3,900.  That was an expensive lesson.  It is one that
should be learned by anyone in the country who tries to deny the
rights of the blind.  Expensive or not, we will continue to
teach--and when we do, we will expect service with a smile.
  Geerat Vermeij is a blind marine biologist at the University of
Maryland.  He was scheduled to participate in a research cruise
to the Aleutian Islands; but a professor at the University of
Alaska (the institution which operates the ship) raised
objections to his going.  The reason--need I tell you?-- was
concerned with safety.  Dr. Vermeij is prominent in his field and
has traveled throughout the world doing research.  Nine years
ago, in fact, he went on a research cruise on the very ship in
question.  In the resolution of this case you can see the
Federation at work.  Jim Omvig (from his headquarters in Alaska)
and I (working from the National Center in Maryland)
collaborated. The matter has been resolved.  Geerat Vermeij will
participate in all activities of the research project (from ship
to shore and otherwise), and there will be no discrimination--but
there probably would have been if it had not been for the
National Federation of the Blind.
  In the banquet speech at last year's national convention Dr.
Jernigan described the details of the Terry McManus case. A bus
driver told Terry that he would have to sit in a seat for the
handicapped when there was only standing room on the bus.  Terry
said he preferred to stand, and he did.  Rather than driving the
bus, the operator asked all of the other passengers to leave. 
Terry stayed, and he stood.  The rest of the story you know.  The
bus was driven on its route with Terry still standing-- and all
alone.  This spring the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
ruled that the Port Authority of Pittsburgh had violated the law.

Our determination no longer to be second- class citizens was
vindicated once again.
  Last year Mary Freeman of Maryland
sought a job with the Internal Revenue Service of the United
States.  She applied in the usual manner.  She took a competitive
civil service test, and she passed it with an excellent grade.
But the Baltimore District Office of the IRS still refused to
hire her.  Had she been sighted, Mary Freeman would have had a
job at IRS without difficulty.  But Mary Freeman is blind.
  When Mary applied for the job, she was told that she would need
to be trained by Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind.  Sighted
people are trained by IRS. They are paid during their training. 
But IRS told Mary Freeman that she would be responsible for
obtaining her own training from Arkansas Enterprises for the
Blind, and that she would not be paid while she was doing it. No
job would be guaranteed even if she successfully passed all of
the required tests.
  This was discrimination. As part of our assistance to Mary we
contacted the appropriate IRS official in Washington. 
Significantly, he had attended last year's convention in Kansas
City.  Sometimes I am asked what good it does to have government
officials here to speak to us.  The next time I get such a
question I think I may simply say, "Mary Freeman."  The matter
was settled quickly.  On March 9th of this year, Mary started her
training at the IRS District Office in Baltimore. She was not
required to go to the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind, and she
was paid from the day her training began.  She is now working
every day as a taxpayer service representative and is being
considered for promotion. This is another example of what we can
achieve through collective action and organized effort--in other
words, the National Federation of the Blind.
  Ben Rushton is a blind father living with his children in South
Carolina.  Several years ago, when he was blinded in an
automobile accident, his former wife brought legal action to
remove the children from his custody on the grounds that a blind
father could not exercise proper parental supervision.  Don Capps
and other Federationists assisted with this case, and the
decision has now been reached.  This spring the court agreed with
us and said that blindness is not grounds for withdrawing child
custody.  This is one more case in which the rights of blind
parents have been protected by the know-how and determination of
the organized blind.
  Again this year there are more and better scholarships than
ever before.  You will meet the students who are receiving them
at this convention.  Past results demonstrate that the
Scholarship Program has been an unqualified success.  Our
Scholarship Program has been widely publicized--being mentioned
in Seventeen Magazine, newsletters from Congressional offices,
and student aid publications.  As a result of our effort, blind
students have better opportunity than ever before, and we are
also reaching people we have never reached.
  The current round of remodeling and renovation at the National
Center for the Blind is almost finished.  The Records Management
Center, recording studios, new offices, dining facilities, and
other renovations at the National Center for the Blind are nearly
ready for use.  Beyond a doubt our National Center is the most
productive and the finest facility of its kind in the nation. 
With this resource goes responsibility.  We must ship specialized
aids, appliances, and materials to state and local affiliates
throughout the nation and to others who need them, and the
figures show that we are doing it.  During the past year we have
duplicated and distributed 7,000 Presidential Releases, and we
have sent out more than a million pieces of literature.  The
volume of material we are handling has increased more than twenty
percent over what we were doing a year ago; and this does not
include circulation of the Monitor, which is also up
substantially and accelerating.  As you know, we began making the
Monitor available on cassette a few months ago, and this means
still wider circulation to come.  Two years ago, when we were
producing 18,000 issues of the Monitor each month, I thought we
were close to the saturation point; but the rate of increase
during the intervening time has been faster than ever before in
our history.  Today we are producing almost 26,000 copies per
month--and still growing.
  Our aids, appliances, and materials have been moved to new
quarters, occupying more than 14,000 feet of shelf space, and
this does not include the more than 28,000 boxes of material
stored at the ground floor level in the Barney Street Wing.  We
have now computerized the operation, and this should increase
efficiency and result in even better service.
  We now distribute the American Bar Association Journal on tape,
and we are publishing Future Reflections (the magazine for
parents of blind children) and also The Voice of the Diabetic
(the newsletter of our Diabetic Division).  The circulation of
these publications is increasing at a rapid rate, and there are
others--the "Blind Educator, the newsletter of the National
Association to Promote the Use of Braille, Slate and Style (the
magazine of the Writers Division), The Brief (which as you would
imagine is published by the National Association of Blind
Lawyers), the newsletter of the Merchants Division, and the
magazines and newsletters of other divisions and local
affiliates.
  The Job Opportunities for the Blind
(JOB) Program is still one of the most successful efforts we have
ever undertaken.  This year alone we have distributed 14,000 JOB
Bulletins to blind applicants, and we have provided information
to 6,000 employers.  More than 2,000 blind job seekers have been
assisted by the program since our last report, and the number of
blind people who have been employed (which is, after all, the
figure that counts) has topped the 700 mark since the beginning
of the program.
  During the past year guests from a number of foreign countries
and many agencies doing work with the blind have visited the
National Center for the Blind.  Last fall the chairman of the
Royal National Institute for the Blind came from England to
examine our programs and learn about our success.  This spring an
industrialist who manufactures products for the blind in India
came to the Center and talked with us about the future of
technology.  Shortly after last year's convention a
representative from one of the organizations for the blind in
Israel toured the Center and sought advice about methods for
promoting self-organization for the blind in that country, and
there have been more---many more.
  All of the things I have been discussing with you can be
summarized in a very few words:  hope, opportunity, information,
and the belief that it is respectable to be blind. Recently a
letter came to me which illustrates what we are, how we are
perceived, where we are going, and what we must do. The letter
came not from some other country or California or Tennessee or
New Mexico but from Baltimore.  This is what it said:

  I am a young mother at the age of nineteen. My son is eleven
months old and his name is David. David is blind.
  I received a packet of information through the mail from your
organization.  I can't send money, but I would greatly appreciate
your help.
  I was scared from the start about being a mother, but now
raising a blind child terrifies me. I want to be the best mother
for David that I can, and I want him to lead a normal childhood.
  I have heard relatives refer to David as poor blind David and I
don't want that. I want them to think of David first, not his
blindness.
  I am so happy to have found your organization. If it would not
be any trouble, could you send me information about your
organization.

                              Sincerely,

  How can we respond to that letter?  This blind boy and his
mother urgently need our help, and of course they will get it. 
The circumstances surrounding their situation (our educational
mail campaigns; the confusion of the parents of blind children
and their need for help; our accumulated resources of literature
and know-how; our members who have achieved success and who still
recognize the importance of participating in the movement and
continue to draw strength and knowledge from it while serving as
role models; our capacity to care; and our strength to make the
caring count)--all of these bring together in a single composite
what we are and what we must remain.
  During the past twelve months we have grown mightily, but we
have not diluted our commitment or our personal intimacy of
relationship to each other or the people who seek our help.  We
are stronger today and better organized than we have ever been,
but with all of our accomplishments much still remains to be
done.  As I look back through the year just ended, I am proud of
what we have achieved together--you as members and I as
President--and I am extremely grateful to each of you for the
support and trust which you have given to me, your new President.

I have tried to merit that support and trust, and I shall
continue to try to merit it.  Regardless of the accomplishments I
make in the years ahead (and hopefully there will be some) or the
mistakes (and certainly there will be many), I will need to count
on your continued understanding and backing.  In this, the first
year of my presidency, I find that I do not know as much as I
would like to know, but there is one thing of which I am
absolutely certain.  The letter from the young mother with the
eleven-month-old son named David strikes home to me.  I myself
have a son named David.  He is three years old, and so far as I
know, he has normal sight.  When my son David and that other
David (the blind eleven- month-old child of the nineteen-year-old
mother) come to manhood, they must find a better world for the
blind than we have today.  That is my job.  That is your job. 
That is our job as members of the National Federation of the
Blind-- and we must not fail to accomplish it.  We do it for the
leaders who laid the foundation of this movement and pioneered
its development--leaders like Muzzy Marcelino, who died last
fall; we do it for ourselves and the blind of today; and we do it
for the blind of tomorrow, the children who are now too young to
do it for themselves--the blind children and also the sighted
children, who will live fuller lives if the blind are not
degraded as subhumans and written off as second-class citizens. 
In the tradition of Dr. tenBroek, who brought our Federation into
being in 1940, and of Dr. Jernigan, who is here today as the
living symbol of our achievements and our battle for freedom, we
must continue to build and look to the future.  We in the
National Federation of the Blind are dreamers and planners and
builders.  The past year (with all of its problems) has been
good, because we have worked to make it good.  The coming year
(again, with all of its problems) can be even better; and I
believe it will be, because we will work to make it better. This
is my commitment; this is my pledge; and this is my report to
you.

THE FIRST TIME

by Konnie & Kim Hoffman


  Konnie and Kim Hoffman are twin sisters from Lemmon, South
Dakota.  Karen Mayry, President of the National Federation of the
Blind of South Dakota, says they attended the South Dakota School
for the Visually Handicapped through the ninth grade.  At the
time of the 1987 convention in Phoenix they had just graduated
from high school.
  Obviously both Konnie and Kim (like most of the rest of us)
were deeply moved by their first NFB convention.  Here is what
they had to say about it:

What the National Convention of the National Federation of the
Blind Meant to Me

by Konnie Hoffman

  I am eighteen years old, and until this past year I have not
been very active in this wonderful organization.  From the things
some anti-Federationist people have told me, I gathered that this
group was just a lot of talk and little action.  I'm sure most of
you have heard the same things at one time or another.  I had not
at that time received the Braille Monitor, so I could not really
learn for myself and form my own opinions as to what the National
Federation of the Blind was all about.  Although my parents had
received the magazine for several years, they didn't find time in
their busy schedules to share the articles with me and my twin
sister, Kim, who is also blind.  I must be honest with you so you
will see how very much the Federation has changed my mind so
drastically.  Frankly, though, I wondered, as a lot of others do,
what being a member could really do for me.
  Although I hate to admit this, the truth is I had selfish
motives in joining the Federation at first.  They were giving
away scholarships, and since both Kim and I are planning to
attend college in the fall, every dollar really helps.  So we
applied and thought maybe we should become members.  But now I
can sincerely assure all of you that whether I ever win a
scholarship from the Federation of the Blind or not, I shall
always be a loyal member and do anything I can to help the cause
of this group.
  How did this change in me occur?  Well, thanks to our wonderful
South Dakota state president, Karen Mayry, Kim and I, for the
first time, attended the national convention this year in
Phoenix.  At first we were hesitant about making the trip, but
Karen is a very determined and convincing person, and it wasn't
long before Kim and I were really looking forward to going.  I
knew as soon as I got there that I would never be sorry I came. 
Everybody made us feel at home right away.  In fact, I made so
many wonderful friends while there that I really hated to leave. 
I can hardly wait until next year (for, of course, I am planning
to go to Chicago in 1988 for another great convention) when not
only will I become reunited with all those I left behind in
Phoenix, but I'll again be able to sit in on the very
inspirational meetings where I learned so much that I shall never
forget.
  The self-confidence I obtained during my week at the convention
is almost unbelievable.  I thought it would probably wear off
after I left, but if anything, it's become even stronger.  I'm
not afraid to do anything now since I realize that the policy of
the National Federation of the Blind (that we who are blind are
as good and as capable as anyone else) is really true.  It was
proven time and time again through the marvelous speakers I heard
in Phoenix.  Although I know that (because sighted people are not
educated to the fact that blind people can lead "normal" lives)
it will be a challenge every step of the way, I am no longer the
least bit afraid to reach for my goals and not to give up until
they are accomplished.  And the best thing about the whole
experience is that I know that if I ever have any difficulty that
I can't handle alone, the National Federation of the Blind will
be behind me all the way and do anything they can to help.
  It's almost impossible for me to say which part of the
convention I liked best.  It all helped me in various areas of my
life, and I could relate in some way to everyone who spoke.  We
have an excellent President in Marc Maurer, and I'm so glad I was
able to be present at his first convention as President.  I just
can't say enough good things about him, Dr. Jernigan, and
everyone else on the national board.  I feel I have known all of
them a lifetime, though as yet I've never been personally
introduced to them.  I count it a privilege that I was able to
attend this convention and am only sorry I missed out on so much
in previous years.  Perhaps the banquet was the highlight of my
week, but again I loved every bit of the convention so much that
it's really hard to say.  I wish I could elaborate further on
what each particular segment did for me, but it would probably
take a book to express all the thoughts and insights I gained
simply from seven days at the convention of the National
Federation of the Blind.  I would strongly urge anyone who is
wondering whether or not it would be worthwhile to attend one of
these conventions to do so and find out for him or herself just
what this organization really is.  I will always be grateful to
the National Federation of the Blind for all they've done for me,
and I'm proud to say that now, together, we can work together to
make the world a better place for blind people.

Why I am Now a Loyal Fan of the NFB

by Kim Hoffman

  This year, thanks to the persistent prodding of our South
Dakota State President, Karen Mayry, I was finally persuaded to
attend the national convention of the Federation of the Blind,
and am I ever glad I went!  Unless you have ever attended one of
these conventions in the past, there is no way you could
understand what I mean when I say that I will never be the same
again after having attended this past one in Phoenix.  It has
given me so much confidence and determination to stick to my
rights as a U. S. citizen.  I have felt so encouraged just
knowing I'm not alone in my efforts to overcome the
misconceptions and prejudices of our sighted neighbors.
  I've been to a lot of conventions, but I have never before
encountered as friendly a group of people as I did at the NFB
convention.  I think it is quite remarkable when a person can say
that she attended a convention with more than 2,000 other people
and didn't find one person whom she didn't like.  I can honestly
say that is the case with me.  I made so many new friends and met
so many neat people that, although it is impossible to remember
all of their names, I will be eagerly looking forward to meeting
them at the 1988 convention in Chicago.
  I am going to be starting my freshman year in college this fall
to major in elementary education, so one part of the convention
which I found especially helpful was the seminar for blind
educators.  All the talks in that seminar were very enlightening,
but I enjoyed the talk by Mary Willows most of all.  She is blind
and told about her interview before she got her teaching job. 
Her success story was both encouraging and inspirational.
  Dr. Jernigan and President Maurer are great!  I have been
reading Dr.  Jernigan's articles in the Monitor for a while, but
that just can't compare with actually hearing him speak.  Both he
and Mr. Maurer are so dynamic, and their leadership ability is so
outstanding that one cannot keep from being impressed.
  I just can't say enough about the convention and how much the
NFB now means to me, but I hope by now you have got the message
that I loved the convention, and I would encourage anyone who has
never attended one to do so.  I hope to see everyone who reads
this next year in Chicago!

BROKEN DOORBELL

by Kenneth Jernigan


  The language is replete with such expressions as: "out to
lunch," "one brick short of a full load," "a missing wheel," et
cetera.  And it is not just the average citizen who is sometimes
tagged with these epithets.  Very often (and very appropriately)
it is a member of the media.
  Surely there is not some peculiar characteristic about the
newspaper or television business which attracts the wierdo, the
would-be "smarty" who is not really smart, or the particularly
obtuse.  Alternatively surely there is not some esoteric urge by
these groups which drives them to seek employment with the media.

Yet, the evidence accumulates.
  Take, for instance, the recent convention of the National
Federation of the Blind in Phoenix.  Thee were issues aplenty
being discussed--newsworthy issues, issues of real significance. 
To give only one example, a nationwide action concerning the
airlines was announced, and the media were given prior notice. 
If the same announcement had been made by an organization of
comparable size (an organization of women, blacks, Jews,
Catholics, fundamentalists, Arabs, or anybody else you can think
of), the media would have been there in droves.  There would have
been nationwide headlines and network television coverage, but
there was not a peep.  We had to go (checkbook in hand) to the
Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and USA Today to get
the message printed--and then there was interest (lots of
interest throughout the entire country, and action from the
general public as well) thus proving that the story had news
value in the first place.
  In this context consider the behavior of the Arizona Republic. 
It holds itself out as a first-class newspaper, cock of the walk
in Phoenix; but its coverage of our recent convention was, to say
the least, spotty and unperceptive--maybe even unprofessional. 
Did its reporters trumpet the issues being discussed by the
nation's largest gathering of the blind?  Did its front page tell
the world about the airline problem?  No.  What, then, did the
Arizona Republic find that was worth reporting about our
convention?
  Here is a sample.  Note that the reporter was so enterprising
that she could not even get our name right.  Also note that she
says that the blind were "carefully tapping across the street."
Were they really more careful than their sighted counterparts? 
Was this fact or stereotype?  Fortunately, there are
countertrends and other currents in the media, or one would
wonder if the entire tribe of journalists had taken leave of
their senses.
  As I have already said, surely the members of the press are not
more prone than others to have broken doorbells, be one brick
short of a full load, have a missing wheel, or be out to lunch. 
Yet, sometimes one is forced to wonder:

ARIZONA REPUBLIC
July 5, 1987

  Eyes Right--A delegation of Japanese
labor leaders visited Phoenix last week, talking to local labor
authorities and touring the city.  On the last day of the visit,
one of the Japanese asked if there were something in Phoenix
harmful to people's eyes.
  The local labor leader, puzzled over the question for several
seconds before remembering that 2,000 members of the National
Federation for the Blind were having their convention in town. 
For several days, almost every downtown street corner was
occupied with a blind citizen with a white cane, carefully
tapping across the street.

BACK TO NOTRE DAME

An Address Delivered by MARC MAURER
President, National Federation of the Blind At the Banquet of the
Annual Convention Phoenix, Arizona, July 2, 1987


  Once in a great while there comes a dramatic change--an event
so striking in its effect that forever after a new direction is
inevitable. But more often, change does not have the appearance
of drama. Instead, there is a slight shift in emphasis--an
alteration of mood.  Often the change that tips the scale is so
slight that (at the time it occurs) it is completely
unrecognized. Only later, with the long view of history, can it
be seen that this was the particular moment, the watershed, the
critical juncture.
  Today, the world (whether Christian or non-Christian) counts
time from the birth of Christ; but twenty centuries ago, at the
time the event occurred, the vast majority of Roman citizens were
totally unaware of it. Even if they had known, it would have
seemed of no significance.
  Fire is generally regarded as the essence of drama. Flames
shoot dozens (even hundreds) of feet into the air, but fire is
merely oxidation at a rapid rate. Although it is momentarily
spectacular, its consequences are far less significant than those
of other forms of oxidation. In the total range of rust, rot,
leaf mold, and metabolism fire is (so to speak) only a flash in
the pan, a momentary aberration. Of vastly more importance to the
people of the world are the slow, unspectacular chemical changes
which take place every day--the oxidation of millions of tons of
matter, occurring so slowly as to pass without comment.
  This does not mean that drama is unimportant, that fire can be
dismissed with a shrug and a yawn. Nor does it mean that the
actions of everyday life have no effect or drama. The events
which cause hope and despair, joy and depression, are of
tremendous significance even when they pass unnoticed and without
remark. The process of quiet but dramatic change is an integral
part of being human. It is also the very essence of the National
Federation of the Blind.  The cumulative effect of the drama
without fanfare which is reflected in the growth of our movement
and the lives of its members is perhaps more spectacular than any
other single event which the decades have brought, regardless of
how pivotal and far-reaching that event may have seemed at the
moment.
  In 1940 Dr. Jacobus tenBroek and a handful of others formed the
National Federation of the Blind. Only later was it fully
recognized that these pioneers had done something so dramatic
that the lives of the blind throughout the world would never
again be the same. The spirit which came into being at our
founding in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, took root quietly. There
was no roll of drums, no clap of thunder, no blazing fire to
celebrate the event--only Dr.  tenBroek and the small group who
gathered with him to dream and plan for the future and take the
first steps toward making it happen. They did not-- indeed, could
not--know what the final outcome would be. They were people of
discernment and tremendous insight, but they could not have
imagined that from that humble beginning would spring the
organized blind movement of today--the powerful fifty thousand-
member National Federation of the Blind which we have become and
now are. Still, they believed--that a future could be created,
that the years would not slip away with only emptiness for the
blind, that it was possible for the blind to build and grow and
come together in one great family. That dream, that faith, has
partly been realized---but the road stretches far ahead, and the
rest is for us to do. And we will do it. We will do it by
education and unspectacular change if we can. We will do it by
more dramatic means if we must--but we will do it. As Dr.
Jernigan has so often said: We are simply no longer willing to be
second-class citizens.
  For forty-seven years we have been working quietly (and
sometimes not so quietly) to win our way to first-class status in
society. There have, of course, been public demonstrations,
dramatic confrontations, and historic documents; but these have
not been the primary vehicles of change and accomplishment.
Instead, the individual hopes and dreams of blind people--the
cumulative effect of their unspectacular daily decisions and
actions--have come together to create the positive and powerful
force which is represented here tonight. No one who is in this
room or who is in any way connected with affairs of the blind
needs to be told what that force is. It is the National
Federation of the Blind.
  When I joined the Federation in 1969, there had already been
twenty-nine years of hard, dedicated work; and the results were
plain. The Federation had built a solid record of accomplishment.
There was a body of literature about blindness which undergirded
and gave direction to our efforts. The ideas and basic
assumptions contained in the writings of Dr. tenBroek and Dr.
Jernigan had been put to the test. There was no doubt that blind
people could compete successfully in business or the professions.
The programs of the Federation had demonstrated that this was not
speculation but fact. The theories worked. Blind people got jobs.
The question was not if or whether but how and when. The problem
of 1969 was to expand the scope of our activities. We needed more
than a demonstration. We needed opportunity, and not just for a
few.
  In 1969, as I came to be part of the movement, I did not know
that these things were true. Only in retrospect did I know it. In
one sense I did not (when I joined this movement) understand the
organization at all, but even in my ignorance, the Federation
spoke to me with quiet force. For the first time in my life what
I thought made a difference. It was absolutely astonishing to me
that this was so--that anyone would do something because I, a
blind person, wanted it done. I did not understand the reason for
such unusual behavior, or appreciate its significance; and
although I was fascinated with the Federation, I must confess
that I did not think it would change my life--at least, not very
much.
  As I was growing up, I (like all others, blind and sighted
alike) was conditioned by my culture and society. I hoped that
there would be something interesting or important for me to do,
but I was afraid that blindness might keep me from it. When I
came to the Federation, I found blind people working and making
substantive contributions. I was told that blindness need not be
a terrible limitation. I hoped that the Federation was right, but
I had doubts.  Nevertheless, I said that I believed, and I tried
to act as though I did. It was only later that I realized (with
something of a shock) that the belief had come to be a reality in
my life--and a good while before I recognized it.
  Dr. Jernigan taught me about blindness and the organized blind
movement--and there were others. I talked with blind people who
were lawyers, teachers, factory workers, and farmers. At
Federation meetings blind leaders spoke of the power of
collective action. Soon I began to repeat what those around me
were saying: that blindness could be reduced to the level of a
physical nuisance, that with proper training and opportunity the
average blind person could do the average job in the average
place of business--in short that it was respectable to be blind.
  Then, I went to college at Notre Dame --and it was a sudden
plunge into ice water. On a campus with six thousand other
students, I found myself completely isolated and alone. I could
not find a single other person who understood what I thought I
understood or believed what I said I believed, the simple truth
that blind people had capacity and could compete. I met no one
else who thought it was respectable to be blind. The coach in the
athletic department told me that I should not take any gym
classes because I might get hurt. When signing up for an
accounting course, I was praised by the professor for my great
courage. Then (without even changing gears) the professor
promised me a good grade. I got the idea that I did not have to
earn it, that just being there and being courageous would be
enough. I worked hard to deserve that grade, and I worked hard
for the other grades I got, too. It was an unforgettable
experience; and although I have physically returned to that
campus only once since graduation, I have (sociologically
speaking) been back to Notre Dame many times through the years.
  That first semester I learned with real force (I might say with
dramatic force) that blindness could not stop me, but I also
learned that prejudice and misunderstanding might. Something had
to be done. The situation was intolerable.  All of those
professors and students had to be told. I needed help. I needed
the National Federation of the Blind. As the years at the
university passed, I became increasingly active in our movement.
My priorities crystallized and became clear.
  After college I did graduate work, and in 1977 I finished law
school. In 1978, with the help of Federation members, I got a job
in the office of the General Counsel at the Civil Aeronautics
Board.  With my philosophy and idealism in hand, I went to that
job willing and anxious to work. I wanted to give of my time, my
effort, and my energy. I wanted to advance myself and the cause
of the blind. The Civil Aeronautics Board made United States
civil aviation policy.  Here, I thought, is an opportunity for me
to do something really useful. However, I soon discovered that a
pattern existed--a pattern which reminded me of the professor who
told me that I was courageous, and promised me a good grade. I
felt right at home. It was just like being back at Notre Dame.
  My assignments were almost always routine. If there was a trip
to London for an international negotiation, somebody else was
asked to go. If a hearing officer needed to take testimony in a
small town to determine the feasibility of air service, I was
never sent. These assignments (calculated to vary the routine)
were highly prized and much sought after. Others went while I
stayed home--and was courageous. Sometimes there was not enough
routine work to fill my day. So I was left to occupy my time as I
chose. My superiors would have been content if I had spent my
time listening to the radio or reading. They would have been
content--but I would not have been content. I did not want the
rest of my life to be a sham and a deception, a guaranteed
succession of endless raises and lack of meaningful work.
Discrimination is not necessarily confined to the job interview
or the entry level. It can also happen after employment is
permanent and safe.
  My job with the federal government was absolutely secure. It
would have lasted until retirement through a long and restful
life. There was something else:  we all tend to be conditioned by
our environment. I knew that if I stayed long enough and my
salary became high enough, I might begin to succumb to temptation
and rationalize. I might become accustomed to the lack of useful
activity and gradually lose my initiative, my sense of values, my
perspective, my willingness to leave, and my soul.
  Not only had the Federation taught me about blindness but also
about self- examination, objectivity, and perspective. In 1981 I
left the Civil Aeronautics Board to start my own law practice. I
knew that I might starve, but I also knew that if I starved, it
would be a starvation of the body and not of the soul. I knew
that I would be free, and not a token or a cipher.  Slavery does
not have to be a matter of chains and whips. It can also be a
captivity of the mind and a shackling of the spirit. Every person
in this room can give testimony to that. We in the Federation
have cut our teeth on it, and we never stop learning it. On a
daily basis we continue to teach it to ourselves and each other,
and we give it in strong doses to new recruits. This is why some,
who do not understand our philosophy, call us militant.
  In the practice of law my dream that I might do something
worthwhile and useful came true. Again, Federation members and
leaders helped and encouraged me. As part of my practice I
frequently found myself representing blind persons. The textbooks
tell us that American law is based on fairness and justice
regardless of who is involved or what the circumstances may be.
My job was to help make this principle applicable to the blind as
well as the sighted.
  When I represented blind people, my opponents were often major
employers, airlines, departments of government, or agencies doing
work with the blind.  Although the approaches of these different
entities might vary, their opinions about blindness usually did
not. Whether it was an airline, an employer, a department of
government, or a service agency for the blind, what they said
about blindness was always just about the same. I felt right at
home. It was exactly like being back at Notre Dame. The blind are
courageous; they will get a good grade; no need to work; and
plenty of meaningless assignments. Of course, when I insisted on
equal treatment for my clients, attitudes hardened. Those across
the table now thought the blind (and that included me) were
ungrateful, unreasonable, and unrealistic--not courageous at all
but just plain radical and militant.
  If (after my experiences at Notre Dame and the Civil
Aeronautics Board) anything else was needed to confirm me in my
opinion that the National Federation of the Blind was not only
needed but necessary, I found it in the practice of law. It is
not that people mean to be unreasonable or that they are
deliberately cruel. Rather, it is that they have the ancient fear
of the dark and that they equate blindness with darkness, and
darkness with evil and lack of ability to perform. Despite the
progress we have made (and we have made a great deal of it),
regressive attitudes about blindness are unfortunately still the
norm.
  The director of sales for Elsafe Hawaii, Incorporated (a
company that markets safes), writes to say that he is selling a
special safe for the blind. He says:

  I would like to take this opportunity to acquaint you with this
product, as it seems to be particularly well suited to the needs
of the blind. This safe is operated by means of a combination
that is entered via a keypad identical to a standard telephone
keypad. There are no keys required for normal operation--and,
therefore, nothing to lose. I would like to make the members of
your organization aware of this product.

  The conclusion is inevitable.  This man believes that the
blind, incompetent as we are, cannot keep track of the simplest
objects--including keys. To help the unfortunate blind he wants
to sell us special safes, but one wonders if he understands the
implications of his own letter. If blind people cannot manage
keys, how can we collect anything of sufficient value to put into
his safe?
  A radio commercial from the Corning Glass company for Corlon
lenses opens with a man speaking to a coat rack. He does not
possess Corlon lenses, so he mistakes the coat rack for an
assistant in the eye doctor's office. As the commercial proceeds,
the man causes a stir by almost sitting (inadvertently) on the
lap of a lady in the waiting room. Without the lenses he cannot
see her. Finally, this poor unfortunate (blinded by the absence
of Corlon lenses) attempts to leave the office through a closet
and becomes completely befuddled. Sight, according to this
advertisement, is required to prevent a person from mistaking a
coat rack for a human, from becoming lost in a closet, and from
social blunders such as sitting in other people's laps. The
inescapable conclusion is that blindness means almost total
helplessness with a dash of buffoonery thrown in for good
measure. I cannot recall having spoken recently to a coat rack,
and I doubt that you can; nor do I think the reason why blind
people sit in laps is usually that they do not know what they are
doing. We are frequently exploited by companies which take
advantage of the stereotypes about us to sell products,
regardless of the truth of their claims or the harm they do.
  The Konica Medical Corporation of
Wayne, New Jersey, provides darkroom equipment to hospitals. Not
long ago, Konica became aware of two blind people working as
darkroom technicians in a Florida medical center. As a gesture of
good will, Konica issued a press release about the valuable work
of these two blind employees. The release said in part, "Visually
Impaired Technicians Find Rewarding Careers at Medical Center."
The article went on to say, "Imagine, if you can, what it would
be like to live without the ability to see the world around you.
Simple tasks like walking, eating, and reading would take on a
whole new complexity."
  As I studied this press release, I felt conflicting emotions.
The headline tells us that blind people are at work in rewarding
careers at a hospital; and even though I think blind people are
often pushed toward the darkroom in the mistaken belief that the
absence of ordinary light makes this job especially suitable for
them, I recognize that darkroom work is a useful activity in a
competitive occupation. But the body of the release ruins the
headline and takes it all away. It declares that the blind have
trouble with the most mundane tasks. Is it really so hard for us
to walk? And how about eating? We don't seem to have had much
trouble at this banquet. Of course, reading requires the use of
alternative techniques such as Braille, recordings, sighted
readers, and the like; but even here the situation is more a
matter of coping than crying.
  The message of the companies in private industry is based on a
common theme. They say that blind people are different and less
able than others.  Even when these companies attempt to be
positive and offer commendation, they say that we cannot do
anything as well as the sighted and that we are very limited,
very special, very deprived, very brave, and very subnormal.
People with this kind of attitude refer to the blind and other
groups as "handicapable" and "physically challenged," and they
use other such cutesy euphemisms--euphemisms which are uncalled
for, unhealthy, unhelpful, unconvincing, and unbecoming.
  But if private industry is uninformed, having relatively little
exposure to the blind and facts about blindness, surely the
agencies doing work with the blind are more enlightened. One
would think so, but as we have learned to our cost, the exact
opposite is often the case.  Consider, for instance, the South
Carolina Commission for the Blind. That agency was brought into
being in the mid-1960's through the efforts of Don Capps and the
other leaders of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina. There was also assistance from beyond the borders of
the state. Dr. Jernigan went to South Carolina to testify before
the committee which the legislature had established to study the
matter, and a leading South Carolina legislator came to Iowa to
examine the programs which Dr. Jernigan was operating at the
state Commission for the Blind. Justifiably the blind of South
Carolina regard the Commission for the Blind as theirs.
  Imagine, then, how they feel (and how responsible staff members
at the South Carolina Commission feel) when an official
publication of the Commission embodies the worst of the harmful
stereotypes about blindness and is massively circulated
throughout the state. They are understandably outraged.  But let
the brochure speak for itself.  It consists of fifty-eight
so-called "helpful suggestions for families and friends of blind
persons," grouped under six headings as follows: "General," "With
People," "In the House," "Traveling," "Guiding," and "At the
Table." You may have thought that the proposition in the Konica
news release (that eating for a blind person takes on special
complexity) was simply to be dismissed as the chatter of a well-
intentioned kook.
  Listen, then, to the experts. Here is what the South Carolina
brochure says about eating. Twelve "helpful suggestions" are
listed under the heading "At the Table."   I can do no better
than give them to you as they come, word for word from the
brochure.  Here they are:

  1. Maintain usual standards. 2. Tell him what is in the dish or
on the plate which is being passed.  3. Don't pass things across
in front of the blind person.  Expect him to share in the passing
of food.  4. Address the blind person directly so that he will
know that he is being asked to pass something.  5. Mention what
is on his plate so that he will know how to handle the food.  6.
At first, if he wishes it, cut meat, and butter the bread.  7.
Get in the habit of placing the meat to the front of his plate. 
It is easier to cut there.  8. Use good-sized napkins.  9.  Don't
make unnecessary comments when food is spilled.   10. If food is
spilled on clothing, mention it casually so that it can be
removed at once.  11.  Ask the individual if he wants sugar or
cream as these are difficult for him to serve himself unless the
sugar is in lump form and the cream in individual pitchers.  12.
When serving food, mention where it has been placed so the
individual will not accidentally knock over a glass, paper cup,
sherbet (sic), cup and saucer, etc.

  Although these "helpful suggestions for family and friends"
cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be called subtle, the
pamphlet does not say precisely what it means.  Let me offer the
writers at the South Carolina Commission for the Blind some
"helpful suggestions" of my own. Let me say in clear statements
what their pamphlet necessarily implies, and what (though they
might deny it) I think they really mean. Keep in mind that they
are talking about you and me.  Here, then, is the truthful
rewrite:
  "Maintain usual standards."  You do not need to be sloppy just
because a blind person (who will undoubtedly be sloppy) is at the
table.
  "Don't pass things across in front of the blind person.  Expect
him to share in the passing of food."  The blind person, just
like a three-year-old, will be flattered if you let him help.  If
he isn't motivated by the flattery, you may have to prod him a
little.
  "Mention what is on his plate so that he will know how to
handle the food." The blind person is probably not accustomed to
eating in polite society and will likely not be able to identify
food without your help.  In any case, it is your responsibility,
not the blind person's.
  "Use good-sized napkins."  Of course, the blind person will be
messy and spill things, and you must look out for him or her. 
After all, it is your responsibility.  Certainly the blind person
is not in charge.  You are.
  "Ask the individual if he wants sugar or cream as these are
difficult for him to serve himself unless the sugar is in lump
form and the cream in individual pitchers."  After all, the blind
person can't ask for what he wants.  You must take the initiative
and take care of him.
  When I first came across this brochure, I felt that I had gone
back to Notre Dame, for it deals with something much more
far-reaching than table talk.  It embodies a whole way of life,
an entire philosophy, and a complete cultural tradition.  Through
every line is the implicit assumption that somebody else is in
charge and that even if the home and the table belong to the
blind person, he or she is no longer in control, no longer the
host, no longer an equal among equals.  If you are still not
convinced after all you have heard, consider these other samples
from the pamphlet.  Here they are exactly as they appear:

  Talk and act naturally when with a blind person.  Be frank.  If
he needs to shine his shoes, tell him so.  Do not needlessly
hurry a blind person.  He will appreciate a calm approach to the
matter in hand.  Let him do everything possible for himself.  In
helping a blind person, do not make him conspicuous by the way
you do things.  Read his mail promptly and refrain from
commenting on the content of the letter unless requested to do
so.  A second reading is often appreciated.  Refrain from
uncouthness in the presence of a blind person; he can hear you
picking your teeth.  Be alert but restrained; do not startle a
blind person needlessly.  Don't let a blind person's hand dangle
in the air.  If obviously it is his purpose to shake hands, grasp
his hand and greet him.  Don't limit your knowledge and interest
in the blind generally to the blind mendicant who is sometimes a
social parasite from choice.  Do not patronize blind persons;
they're 'just regular people' more than you realize.  In
conversation, address the blind person by name if he is the one
expected to reply.  Otherwise, he may not know the remark is
being directed to him.  Leave the possessions of a blind person
where they have placed them unless you indicate specifically
where they may find them.  When traveling, describe interesting
and beautiful scenes.  Comment casually on sensations which blind
persons can enjoy such as pleasant odors, a cooling breeze, the
tinkle of a brook, etc.  When taking an individual into a
restroom indicate position of toilet, paper, washbowl, soap, and
towels.  When walking with a blind person, mention familiar
landmarks so that he can get his bearings.  Don't push a blind
person ahead of you.  Walk straight across the street.  To do so
diagonally may cause the blind person to trip when reaching the
curb.

  There you have in summation the philosophy of the South
Carolina Commission for the Blind, and I believe that I have
never in all of my life seen such a concentrated dose of
distortion and false notions.  Is it any wonder that the blind of
the state are at war with the agency?  How could it be otherwise?

I have no doubt that Don Capps and the other Federationists in
South Carolina will teach the Commission a new way of looking at
blindness.  Our role may not be as limited or our temperament as
passive as the South Carolina custodians think.
  And, of course, it is not just South Carolina.  There are other
agencies in other states.  Consider, for instance, the Mary
Bryant Home for Blind Men and Women, located in Springfield,
Illinois.  Keep in mind, as I describe this facility to you, that
it is not a place exclusively designed for the elderly.  It is
meant for the young as well.  I feel it necessary to make this
point since otherwise you might have difficulty believing what
you are about to hear.
  Therefore, I offer in evidence a letter dated March 23rd, 1987,
to directors of rehabilitation agencies in a number of Midwestern
states.  The letter is signed by the Administrator of the Mary
Bryant Home, who has the rather intriguing name of Frances Trees.

The letter says:

Dear Director:
  As you are aware, there comes a time in the lives of many
visually impaired persons when they are unable to live
independently.  Some younger persons return to their homes
following their education from a school for the visually
impaired.  In many cases, these young men and women are returning
to homes where both parents are employed outside the home, and
find themselves staying alone all day with nothing to do.
  Some older persons no longer have a support system to aid and
assist them to live independently.  Many are sent inappropriately
to nursing homes, where they are often endangered by not being
able to protect themselves.
  The Mary Bryant Home is a resource I
wish you would consider when it comes to assisting individuals or
families to deal with the issue of placement....  Currently our
residents range in age from 24 to 96 years of age....

                              Sincerely, Frances J. Trees
                           Administrator

  As we examine what the Mary Bryant Home says about itself,
remember that some of the residents are as young as twenty-four
and that they are at the Mary Bryant facility because, as
Administrator Trees says, "these young men and women are
returning to homes where both parents are employed outside the
home, and find themselves staying alone all day with nothing to
do."  Here are direct quotes from the packet of literature sent
by Administrator Trees to the rehabilitation directors:

  The building is rectangular in shape, which allows the
residents to walk in a circular pattern for exercise-- especially
during inclement weather....  The home is arranged for
convenience, on one level--no stairs....  Hand rails are
installed throughout the home....  Our full and part-time staff
provide round- the-clock service to the residents seeing to their
health, safety, nutritional, recreational and emotional needs....

Leave of absence may be taken by residents for a short period of
time providing the person taking the resident out sign a release
of responsibility for injuries, accidents, or illnesses which
might occur during the time they are away from the Mary Bryant
Home....  Personal property, other than clothing, may be brought
to the home only with the prior approval of the Administrator....

Food is prohibited in the resident rooms.  BEER, WINE, AND OTHER
INTOXICATING LIQUORS: Only when approved by the resident's
physician please, and all items of this nature are to be kept at
the Medicine Room, not in resident's room....  Incoming calls for
residents may be received on the house phones, but it would cause
less confusion and less interruption if these calls were to be
made between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m....  Visiting
hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Visits will be restricted
when adversely indicated in the opinion of the resident's
physician and so documented in the resident's clinical record....

Smoking in resident rooms is prohibited for both residents and
visitors.  Residents who are capable of handling smoking supplies
with safety may smoke in the activity room, and we request
visitors to smoke only in these areas also....

  There is more, much more--but I think I have given you enough
to make the point.  Any self-respecting blind person faced with
such an outrageous conglomeration of insulting rules, directives,
requirements, and restrictions would walk out the door three
minutes after arriving.  Of course, most blind people that I know
would resist going to such a facility in the first place.  With
all of the work we have done to change public attitudes, many
people still feel that the blind should live in segregated homes,
or sometimes nursing homes.  In this connection I recently
received the following letter:

Dear Sir:
  My mother has been legally blind for about twenty years. 
During all that time she has been in a nursing home in Rochester,
Indiana, and she is only forty-three years old.  She has not in
all that time had any training that the blind need, such as how
to read Braille.  The nursing home has been her only world
because of her inability to get around.  I feel my mother
desperately needs help.  She needs to be taught the things the
blind need to function in society.  She is much too young to be
in a nursing home.
  I wonder if the National Federation of the Blind can help in
this matter.  I don't have money or the know-how to assist her,
and I was told maybe you could help.  She's wanting to get out of
the nursing home.

                        Sincerely yours,

  Twenty years of a person's life is a long time--and for this
woman (and many others like her) those twenty years are a bleak
memory of twisted hell--of desolation, pain, and lack of
opportunity.  We in the National Federation of the Blind are
organized to make it absolutely certain that brochures like the
one issued by the South Carolina Commission for the Blind stop
being written, that facilities like the Mary Bryant Home either
change their philosophy or go out of business, and that blind men
and women have something better to do with their lives than go
into nursing homes in their twenties.  We are committed to
changing public attitudes so that manufacturers will not believe
that we cannot keep track of our keys, so that companies can no
longer get away with picturing us as helpless and pathetic unless
we have eyeglasses, and so that the public will no longer
tolerate advertisements which exploit the concept that we are
especially suited to work in the dark.  We are determined to
educate not merely the public at large but also our fellow blind
and ourselves--and, of course, we are doing it.
  On Saturday, May 23rd, of this year I did not physically leave
Baltimore--but on that day (as I have so often done) I went back
to Notre Dame.  I was in a clothing store, trying on the very
suit I am wearing tonight.  At a critical juncture in the
fitting, the salesman said to the sighted person who was with me:
"Can you take off his shoes?"  I suppose I don't need to tell you
that I did not walk barefooted to Notre Dame.  I removed my own
shoes.
  The changes we are making in public attitudes often seem slow
and long in coming, but (like oxidation) they remove more trash
and debris than the flames of spectacular conflagration.  Since
our founding in 1940 we have removed a tremendous amount of
garbage--some by conflagration, and a great deal more by steady
oxidation.  We also (even those of us who have never been to
Indiana) continue to return to Notre Dame--but (thankfully) the
visits are becoming fewer and farther between.
  For those of us who are blind, the world holds more promise
today than ever before in history. It is not that incidents of
the kind I have described are more numerous now than they
formerly were. Rather, it is that we are more aware of them and
more prepared to take appropriate action. Once they were
universal. Now, they are only usual. But since 1940 there has
been a new element, a new force which has changed the balances.
You know what it is as well as I do. It is the National
Federation of the Blind. As everyone in this room knows, we are
thoroughly organized, fully aware of where we have been and where
we are going, and absolutely unstoppable.
  No power on earth can now send us back or keep us from going
the rest of the way to freedom and first-class citizenship. We
know it; our opponents know it; and the public at large is
beginning to learn it. As we approach the end of the twentieth
century, our mood is optimistic, and our hearts are joyous. My
brothers and my sisters, let us march to the future together!

ON THE MYSTERIES OF REHABILITATION,

AGENCY COMPLAINTS, AND FEDERAL FUNDING


                          Sandusky, Ohio August 8, 1987

To The Braille Monitor

Dear Sir:
  I have been listening to the discussions about federal
rehabilitation funding for a while now, but there are some things
that I, and probably others, do not understand or are having
difficulty understanding.  Maybe some clarification can be given
on these points.  These points are as follows:
  1. How is the funding each state receives determined?  a)
Matching funds?
b) An outright grant?  b-1) If a grant, what criteria are used to
determine the size of the grant to each state?  b-2) Is it the
number of still active client files?  b-3) Or is it the number of
case files that are closed out each year?
  2. If federal funding is, as you say, increasing, then why are
the states (among them, Ohio) always crying that they are having
a funding shortage?
  3. If federal funding is increasing, why are the states blaming
the federal government for funding problems?
  In closing, it would be interesting to get some answers to
these questions.  Maybe the readers have more questions on this
matter.  And also it would be interesting to see how each state
ranks concerning the two following areas: 1) education of blind
and visually impaired people; and 2) rehabilitation efforts for
blind and visually impaired people.

                 Respectfully Submitted
                                    ---

--------------------

                    Baltimore, Maryland September 2, 1987

Dear Mr. ---:
  I have your letter of August 8, 1987, concerning federal
funding for rehabilitation, and I think the questions you raise
are good ones.  At present I will not try to give you detailed
answers but an overview.  Believing that you have raised points
which many Monitor readers would like to have discussed, I shall
try to find time in the reasonably near future to write an
article about the matter.  I will, that is, if too many things
don't get in the way and crowd it out.
  Question: "How is the funding each state receives determined? 
a) Matching funds? b) An outright grant? b-1) If a grant, what
criteria are used to determine the size of the grant to each
state?  b-2) Is it the number of still active client files?  b-3)
Or is it the number of case files that are closed out each year?"

Answer:  There is a section of the federal Rehabilitation Act
under which funds are allocated to the states, and annual
appropriations for that section have been steadily increasing--
well beyond the inflation rate.  The yearly appropriation is now
considerably over $1,200,000,000, and it will likely go to
$1,300,000,000 for fiscal 1988.  By federal law each state gets a
portion of this appropriation, based on a complex formula
determined by the state's population and average per capita
income in relation to the population and per capita income for
the country as a whole.  The state must appropriate matching
funds of about one dollar for every four federal dollars it is to
receive.  This is a general statement, and it must be emphasized
that there are exceptions, refinements, and complexities in the
law.  The amount of federal money which each state receives (and
has received for preceding years), as well as the state money
used for matching purposes, is a matter of public record.  Upon
request the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration should
provide the relevant information to anybody who asks for it.  If
there is any problem, a congressman or senator (or, for that
matter, the National Office of the Federation) can see that the
data are provided.
  Contrary to the situation in the earlier days of the federal
Rehabilitation Act, neither the number of cases (whether active
or otherwise) nor the number of closures (whether real or
imagined) has anything to do with the matter.  The state gets its
money on the basis of population and per capita income.  This is
true of the main funding section of the Act, but it is not true
of cases that are to be financed from the Social Security trust
fund.  With respect to those cases, the state can be reimbursed
one hundred percent for the money it has spent on clients it has
successfully rehabilitated.  In addition, the state can receive
money to cover administrative costs for doing Social Security
rehabilitations.  Until the 1980's the state was limited in the
amount of money it could receive as reimbursement for Social
Security rehabilitations.  For all practical purposes that
limitation has now been completely removed.
  Question: "If federal funding is, as you say, increasing, then
why are the states (among them, Ohio) always crying that they are
having a funding shortage?"  Answer:  Once the poet Robert
Browning was asked what he had meant by something he had written
ten years earlier, and he is said to have replied:  "Ten years
ago only God and Robert Browning knew what it meant.  Now, only
God knows."  The facts are as we have repeatedly given them in
the Monitor; yet, the rehabilitation agencies evermore loudly
complain that they are being bankrupted and sent to the poor
house by the present Administration in Washington.  Maybe they
feel that this is an easy way to avoid responsibility for poor
results.  Maybe they feel it is a way to get more money from the
state legislatures or private donors.  Maybe they feel it is a
way to silence consumer complaints and be left alone to do
whatever it is they do.  Or maybe it is a combination of all of
these things with a modicum of mystery and self-pity thrown in
for good measure.  In any case I am relatively certain of at
least one thing.  Robert Browning is dead and does not know why
they do it.
  Question: "If federal funding is increasing, why are the states
blaming the federal government for funding problems?"  Answer: 
It seems to me that the answer to the last question will serve
for this one as well, thus furthering the cause of verbal economy
and keeping within the spirit of the times.
  As to the question of how each state rates with respect to
education of blind people and rehabilitation of blind people, we
can easily obtain the published data--especially, regarding
rehabilitation; but it will be a great deal more difficult to
factor in the exaggerated claims, the esoteric definitions of the
word "rehabilitated," and the downright falsehoods.  As I have
already said, the issues you have raised merit a full-length
article, which either I or (if I can get them to do it) somebody
else should write.

                              Sincerely,
                Kenneth Jernigan, Editor BRAILLE MONITOR

NAC'S STANDARD BEHAVIOR:
IF YOU CAN'T CONTROL, MISREPRESENT

by Marc Maurer


   The National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the
Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC) prints a magazine which it
pretentiously calls "The Standard-Bearer."  The Spring 1987 issue
of "The Standard-Bearer" reports ". . . Three organizations had
their accreditation status withdrawn:  Kansas Division of
Services for the Blind, Topeka, Kansas; Michigan School for the
Bind, Lansing, Michigan; Rhode Island State Services for the
Blind and Visually Impaired, Providence, Rhode Island. . . ."
  Of course, it comes as no surprise that NAC is willing
deliberately to misrepresent the truth.  This has been a custom
of certain NAC personnel for many, many years.  However, this
item in "The Standard-Bearer" is a perfect example of NAC's
dedication to excellence and truth.  Contrary to the assertion in
"The Standard-Bearer," these three agencies for the blind--Kansas
Division of Services for the Blind, Michigan School for the
Blind, and Rhode Island State Services for the Blind and Visually
Impaired--did not (as NAC has said) have their accreditations
"withdrawn."  The truth is that NAC was unceremoniously informed
that its presence in these agencies would no longer be tolerated.

NAC was kicked out.  For NAC to assert that the agencies for the
blind in question were unable to maintain NAC accreditation and
that NAC therefore withdrew their accreditation goes beyond a
simple distortion of the truth.  But, then, when did NAC ever
foster fairness or accuracy or evenhandedness?

NO NAC FOR MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND


  NAC (the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving
the Blind and Visually Handicapped) is desperately struggling to
stay alive amid signs of its inevitable demise.  In order to
succeed in the business of accreditation, the agency doing the
accrediting must be generally respected among professionals in
its field, and it must have a good public reputation.  NAC has
neither of these essentials.
  NAC's continuing slide toward ruin came squarely into focus
recently in Mississippi.  The occasion was a meeting of the
Mississippi Board of Public Welfare, which took place on June 8,
1987, in a conference room at the headquarters plant of
Mississippi Industries for the Blind.  MIB is governed by the
state welfare board and is not NAC- accredited.
  The members of the American Council of the Blind in Mississippi
have been trying for years to get MIB into the NAC camp of
so-called "accredited agencies." They made an all-out effort in
September of 1984.  At that time the Mississippi Welfare Board
invited representatives from NAC and the National Federation of
the Blind to present opposing points of view on NAC accreditation
for MIB, but NAC declined to appear.  Its Executive Director,
Dennis Hartenstine, said he did not want to engage in public
debate over the merits of NAC accreditation.  Presumably he
thought NAC's merits would speak for themselves, and apparently
they did since Mississippi Industries for the Blind did not apply
for accreditation.
  Writing in the November, 1982, issue of the Braille Forum (the
publication of the American Council of the Blind) Grant Mack, who
was then ACB President, announced that his organization was
launching a campaign to get agencies to accredit with NAC.  His
words on behalf of NAC were stern, but his tone was desperate and
defensive.  He said in part:  ". . . ACB will use all its power
to encourage every agency to seek accreditation.  Those agencies
which have turned their back on accreditation in the past will no
longer do so with impunity."  Perhaps Grant Mack's words were
more revealing than he knew, for if the ACB did indeed use "all
of its power," the thing that was demonstrated was probably not
what NAC or the ACB wanted to show.  In short, NAC's attempts to
"encourage" (what a twisted use of the word) agencies to accredit
have utterly failed.
  The June, 1987, meeting of MIB's board was a vintage
confrontation.  Sam Gleese, President of the NFB of Mississippi,
was present to speak as a former MIB employee and current NFB
state president.  Melba Barlow, immediate past president of the
NFB of Mississippi, attended as a current MIB employee.  James
Gashel represented the NFB National Office.  E. U. Parker, known
well as a strong Federation leader in Mississippi and nationally,
addressed the meeting as a former member of the Mississippi Board
of Public Welfare.  As might be expected, this group opposed NAC
accreditation for Mississippi Industries for the Blind.
  The proponents of NAC accreditation were represented by Dr.
Otis
Stephens, current President  of the American Council of the
Blind, and Dennis Hartenstine, NAC's Executive Director.  Mr.
Hartenstine had apparently abandoned his no-debate rule.  The
current President of ACB's Mississippi affiliate was also
present.  Anybody who wanted to speak could first have eight
minutes and (at a later time) two additional minutes for
rebuttal.  Following the speech- making the board considered the
matter in public session, and board members could ask questions
of anyone who had made a statement, either for NAC or against it.

Mr. Hartenstine was asked if NAC had withdrawn accreditation from
any agency within the past twelve months.  After attempting to
evade the question, he admitted that NAC had not revoked the
accreditation of any agency during the past year.  Then, he
tossed the ball to Dr. Stephens to give an answer to past
accreditation withdrawals.  Mr. Hartenstine seemed uncertain
about the facts, or uncomfortable about revealing them.
  Having considered the matter in full and open session, MIB's
governing board voted unanimously not to seek accreditation. 
This decision was made despite a demand from Mississippi
Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind that accreditation be
sought.  The Mississippi rehabilitation agency, which controls
the distribution of many federal and state grants to facilities
such as MIB, was insisting that the Board of Public Welfare agree
to use some form of accreditation as a prerequisite for receiving
state and federal funds.  Demands like these are a form of
blackmail used by a few state agencies which want to support NAC.

But the Mississippi Board of Public Welfare would not be bullied
into sacrificing its principles.
  The board seemed pleased with MIB's reputation and national
standing, and as the discussion proceeded, it was apparent that
they felt that affiliation with NAC would not be a positive
factor.  In the end a decision had to be made, and the vote
conclusively demonstrated that the NAC proponents had completely
failed to make their case.  They could not show the board a
single convincing reason why MIB should affiliate with NAC.  Even
though NAC was represented by its brightest stars (Dennis
Hartenstine, its Executive Director; and Dr. Otis Stephens, the
national leader of the ACB) not a single vote could be mustered
for accreditation--truly an indicator of NAC's lack of standing
and prestige.
  At the conclusion of the meeting Otis Stephens tried as best he
could to put a positive face on the decision.  He said that it
was "kind of a standoff." Nobody won, according to Dr. Stephens,
since the board voted not to peruse any form of accreditation at
all.  He indicated that he felt good to think that the vote was
not really a rejection of NAC--just a rejection of accreditation.

He said it would really have been a loss if the board had voted
to go with another accrediting group--such as CARF (the
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), for
instance.  This would have been a direct vote against NAC,
Stephens said.  His unstated conclusion seemed to be that no
accreditation for MIB would be better than CARF.  So Stephens
decided that the outcome before MIB's board was a draw.
  Agencies and organizations throughout the country will read the
Mississippi results and understand.  The National Braille
Association has recently bowed out as a NAC sponsor, and other
long- time NAC supporters are beginning to ask questions.  Cash
grants from the American Foundation for the Blind, once given so
lavishly, are now in jeopardy, and other distress signals are
going up.  In the confrontation in Mississippi NAC's leaders
could not save the day.  In fact, it is becoming increasingly
apparent that for NAC--nothing can save the day.

KEITH DENTON DIES

by Kenneth Jernigan


  As I was traveling in an automobile on Wednesday, September 2,
1987, from Baltimore to Chicago, reading "The Observer," which is
the newsletter of our Montana affiliate, I learned of the death
of Keith Denton.  Many Federationists of the present generation
have probably never heard of Keith Denton, but he was a stalwart
and a pioneer of the forties and fifties.  The news of his death
called up many memories.
  He was the principal founder of our Montana affiliate, which
was to join the Federation a decade later.  Here in part is what
the Montana Observer said about him:

--------------------

  In Memoriam--Keith E. Denton, 1899- 1987.  The man who, in the
beginning, did more than anyone else to form an organization of
the blind in Montana, is dead.  Keith Denton's heart just stopped
beating on the evening of July 18, 1987.  Funeral services were
held on July 31 in Kalispell, where he and Eva (his helpmate for
sixty-three years) had made their home the past fifteen months. 
He was an imposing figure, and he spoke with a voice that
commanded attention....
  Keith was a highway construction supervisor in 1941 when he
lost his sight in a welding accident.  He came as a reluctant
student to the first summer school in 1945, which was then a camp
school sponsored by the Lions Club.  Before the close of that
session a committee had been formed, with Keith as chairman, to
draft a constitution and by-laws that would be adopted when a
convention was held in 1946.  He was elected first vice president
at that convention and, within six months, became president.  He
served in that capacity until 1955, longer than anyone else to
date....
  Keith had other interests also.  He was chairman of the
Lakeside Schoolboard for a number of years and, maintaining his
interest in highway matters, he was Secretary of the Highway 93
Association for many years.
  And so another stalwart has departed from us.  The best tribute
we can pay him is to renew and continue our efforts toward
improving life for our fellow blind.

--------------------

  This is what "The Observer" had to say, and I thought back to
my first contacts with Keith.  Montana (along with eight other
states) joined the Federation in that year of explosive growth
between the 1955 and 1956 conventions.  San Francisco was the
climax of that year with forty-five states represented and more
people at the convention than we had ever had.  It was the crest
of the wave of the first great expansion of our movement, and the
delegates were full of the joy of feeling what it meant to be a
Federationist.
  In those days I was traveling almost constantly throughout the
country-- organizing, recruiting, and helping lay the foundations
for what was to come.  The civil war of the late fifties was
still in the future, and the mood was ebullient and upbeat.
  It was in that atmosphere that I went to Montana shortly after
the state had joined the movement and met and talked with Keith. 
He was obviously the leader of the affiliate and was full of
plans for the future and pride for what had already been
accomplished.   I was in my late twenties, and he was in his late
fifties; but our rapport and mutual understanding were almost
immediate.
  The Montana affiliate was (as it still is) operating a summer
school for the adult blind at the University of Montana at
Bozeman, and I went there to observe and also to attend the state
convention.  I have been back periodically through the years, and
each time I have talked with Keith and found the conversations
satisfying and rewarding.
  He was never as active at the national level of our movement as
I would have liked, and through the years I chided him gently for
it, but this in no way jarred our relationship.  And make no
mistake--he was a Federationist.  Whatever else, he was a
Federationist.  Like so many others of that earlier generation,
he is now gone, but his memory must not fade from the national
conscience of the movement.  He had integrity and spirit and
guts, and he fought as hard as he could with the tools that he
had and the resources available to him to make life better for
blind people.  He had less opportunity than many, but he seemed
to understand almost instinctively that the road to improvement
required collective action by the blind.  Of such as these has
the Federation been built.

NONE TOO PARTIAL

by Arie Gamliel


  (When Arie Gamliel was a teenager, he moved from this country
to Israel, where he finished high school and earned a bachelor's
degree at Hebrew College in Jerusalem.  In 1976 he returned to
the United States and finished a master's degree at Boston
College.  He attended his first NFB convention in 1971 at Houston
and has been an ardent Federationist ever since.  In the early
1980's he lived in New York City and was President of the New
York City Chapter.  In 1983 he went back to Israel and has lived
there ever since.  He is now Coordinator of Rehabilitation
Counseling for Blind Children at the Center for Child Development
in Jerusalem.)

  Hanni is a vivacious, carefree sixteen-year-old young lady. 
I've known her for over two years.  She is into all of the
typical activities engaged in by her peers.  She has the same
concerns and problems as other teenagers.
  Yet, in two respects, one positive and one negative, Hanni is
perhaps a- typical.  At the age of eleven, for one thing, a
series of operations culminated in a partial loss of vision.  The
response of the professionals and others who worked with her was
an attempt to encourage or require (depending on how you look at
it) her to use her remaining vision at all costs.  She used an
assortment of visual aids when it suited her, and at times she
tried to use nothing.  It goes without saying that she was not
required or even encouraged to learn Braille or the use of a
cane.
  On the other hand Hanni had a burning ambition.  She loved
babies and little children.  From the first moment I met her she
stated, repeatedly and emphatically, that she intended to become
a nursery school assistant or "nanny."  As far as I was concerned
I promised her that I would do whatever I could to help her
achieve her goal, and I gave her my blessing.
  Hanni took my blessing graciously, but she didn't need it.  She
convinced her school counselor to procure her a place in a
Jerusalem school specializing in preparing kindergarten teachers
and nannies.  This was straightway done.  The school knew she had
a vision problem and didn't seem to make a fuss about it.  All
seemed well and good.
  But then a complication occurred.  Before entering high school
blind Israeli children must undergo a five-day evaluation at the
country's main rehabilitation facility located just outside the
port of Haifa.  The purpose of the evaluation is a) to determine
what, if any, academic aptitudes exist, and b) to determine the
level of adjustment to blindness, be it physical or psychosocial
of the youngster.  As far as Hanni was concerned we already knew
what her vocational inclination was, and we even knew where and
how she intended to pursue it.  So, to that extent an evaluation
was not required.  I did hope that an evaluation of her
knowledge, or lack thereof, of alternative techniques would
result in a recommendation for her to learn Braille and cane
travel.  In that vein did I advise Hanni and the staff of the
facility (which incidentally calls itself a Lighthouse).
  Hanni was evaluated and seemed to take it in stride.  About
three weeks later I was invited to a conference to review the
findings regarding her and a couple of other students within my
jurisdiction.  I was cordially greeted by the head of the
"Lighthouse," the head of the evaluation unit, and the staff
psychologist; and we got down to business.  In due time Hanni
came up for review.  The evaluation was more or less objective
cataloging perceived strengths and weaknesses, and her vocational
objective was noted.  Then suddenly the bombshell fell.  The
recommendation suggested was that Hanni attend the Jerusalem
School for the Blind in order to further a positive adjustment to
blindness.  I couldn't believe it, and I said as much in no
uncertain terms.  What about the vocational objective duly noted.

What about the school to which she had already been accepted. 
Herein, I was told, was precisely the problem.  "You see," said
the chief evaluator, "Hanni would be frustrated.  It is our
responsibility to encourage her to be realistic in the choice of
her profession."  I was incredulous, although perhaps I shouldn't
have been.  I responded first of all by saying that we had no
business protecting Hanni or anyone from frustration, assuming of
course that such would be her lot, which as far as I was
concerned was not a foregone conclusion.  Besides, said I, what
on earth is unrealistic about Hanni's vocational objective? 
"Come on now," said the chief.  "Do you really think a person
with a visual impairment can work with small children?  Even if
she could, do you think people would hire her and entrust their
children to her?"  I responded that, in my innocence, I thought
that the very reason for our existence as professionals was to
help blind people in precisely such situations.  We should, I
said, help them develop techniques if any were needed.  And we
should be advocates for the abilities of the people we serve, not
reinforcers of negative stereotypes.
  "That's all very nice," was the response.  "But we have to deal
with the world as it is.  We can't change the way things are. 
And as things are now, people with a visual impairment will never
find employment as nannies even if they could function as such,
so that's that."
  It seemed rather obvious that whatever eloquence and logic I
could muster would not cut the mustard with these people.  At any
event a fundamental philosophical problem existed which would not
be solved at one stroke.  So I took a more subtle and yet more
direct approach.  I quashed the report.  I hid it so deep in a
file that even I lost it.
  Now surely the point here is not what I did, for I did what any
Federationist would have done.  Rather, a two-fold concern is
apparent.  First, one cannot help but speculate as to how many
partially and totally blind people, of whatever age, are
prevented from achieving a lifelong dream because someone who
supposedly knows all thinks the dream is merely a fantasy.  We
all know that there are far too many.  Second, with all of our
affirmative action and our emphasis on human rights,
professionals still exist who can exercise their brand of
enlightened despotism on people who merely seek
self-actualization.  Any blind person with any amount of
awareness has seen this so-called "enlightenment" for what it
really is and knows what it does.  For this very reason we have
organized, and for this very reason we have much work before us.
  Hanni was lucky.  What might have been a serious obstacle
turned out to be of no consequence, and she started her new
school year in the fall alongside her classmates.  Apart from
regular adjustment problems to her new school, Hanni seemed to be
doing fine.  Yet, even if she didn't know it, her stigma as a
visually impaired girl shadowed her.
  The Jerusalem Center for the Prevention of Blindness, which I
serve as a consultant, was dissatisfied with the results of their
referrals to the aforementioned Lighthouse.  They organized a
special staff meeting to discuss the matter and invited me.  We
discussed a number of problematical cases, and I brought up the
matter of Hanni.  After I'd finished, the clinic's eye doctor
said:  "Well, I must say that in that respect they have a point."
  "Which is what?" I said incredulously.  "That it is a huge
responsibility to
permit a person with a vision problem to undertake such a course
of study."  She further elaborated that the "burden" of the
professional was a double agony.  For one thing, she said, she as
a doctor was constantly being asked by schools, parents, and just
about anybody else for that matter, whether a blind child could
function in a given situation, for example whether the particular
vision problem of a child would permit or prevent participation
in a given outdoor activity.  I couldn't help interjecting at
this point.
  "Tell me, Israela," I said, addressing her by her first name,
as is customary.  "You are an eminent eye doctor.  As an
ophthalmologist, what do you know about the alternative
techniques of blindness."  She asked me to clarify the term,
which was obviously new to her.  So I said: "Do you know of, or
have you had any experience with, the techniques used by blind
people in order to function without sight?"
  "I know nothing at all of such things," she replied.
  "In that case, I said, "how can you in good conscience permit
yourself to be regarded as an authority on a subject about which
by your own admission you know nothing?"  She conceded to the
point but felt that it was overridden by her public
responsibility for the well being and safety of her charges. 
Again I interposed, wondering whether we were mandated to be
responsible for our consumers, or whether it was rather our duty
to foster and encourage the responsibility of our consumers.
  She replied: "The bottom line is the other agony I wish to
mention.  How many parents would permit their little ones to be
placed in the charge of a visually impaired nanny?  I know I
wouldn't."
  I was truly dismayed.  This young ophthalmologist had been
particularly gracious and helpful to me throughout our working
relationship.  On previous occasions, both official and
otherwise, she had expressed sympathetic responses to my comments
on blindness.  She seemed truly to understand until we got to the
bottom line.  Wisely has it been observed that when you dig
beneath the surface and get to where we really live, down at the
gut level, beneath the veneer and polish, a hard core of
prejudice and fear abides; and ophthalmologists are, to say the
least, not immune.  I didn't let the matter rest.  I spoke my
views as politely and as forcefully as possible.  I also resolved
to keep a close watch on Hanni.  I resolved that as far as I had
anything to do with it, she would not encounter negative
reinforcements.
  But one thing I did not count on were self-induced obstacles. 
During a routine consultation which I had with her school
advisor, the subject of alternative techniques came up.  The
advisor asked whether I thought it wise that Hanni learn Braille
and typing.  I replied that not only was it wise, but that it was
essential.  The advisor expressed surprise at this.  She related
that Hanni had stated that professionals with which she was
involved had stressed the need for her to rely on her residual
vision rather than use devices for the blind.  I related that I
had several times expressed my fundamental objection to this
approach to those professionals and to Hanni.  The advisor seemed
quite delighted.  She stated that Hanni quite obviously
encountered difficulties with print, and she was sure that her
overall academic performance would improve if she had
alternative techniques at her disposal.  We were, needless to
say, pleased with each other's approach.  She asked me if I would
state my views to Hanni.  I said I wouldn't mind in the slightest
and asked if she would back me up.  She was quite amenable, and
we sent for Hanni.  We told her that she was doing very well and
that all her teachers were impressed with her abilities in
working with children.  We then emphasized the need for her to
foster and develop academic skills, specifically by learning to
type and to read and write Braille.  Hanni listened in silence,
and then asked:  "Why do I need to learn Braille.  I can see
some."
  I said, "For one thing, everyone who has any kind of vision
problem ought to know Braille as a matter of principle."
  "But shouldn't I use print also?" she asked.
  I said: "You should use anything you can use.  You should have
as wide a range of possibilities as you can develop.  How well do
you use print now?"
  "Not too well," she said.  "Therefore," I said, "be prudent and
learn Braille to help you now and to cover all eventualities." 
We both stressed that her vision was not a thing to rely on
exclusively.
  "Hanni," said the advisor, "you look overwhelmed."
  "I'm all right," she said, "but I need to think this through."
  After Hanni had left the room, her advisor wondered if we had
been wise to bring up the issue of Braille.
  "Well," I said, "she chose a profession knowing full well the
difficulties and risks involved.  If she thinks she's able to
take such a responsibility upon herself, she's got to know the
whole score."
  "I hope she can stand it," said the advisor.
  "She's tough stuff," I said. "Besides, she hasn't much of a
choice."
  Later that week I got a call from Hanni.  "Am I going to go
totally blind?" she asked.
  "Probably not," I said.
  "But if I have to learn Braille, doesn't that mean I'm going to
go blind?"  I again explained that one thing didn't necessarily
have anything to do with the other.  "And do you think it's
important?"
  "I do," I said.
  "After we talked at school I was depressed for a while," she
said.  "But I think I'm getting over it."
  I again reiterated that I had every confidence in her, which
seemed to cheer her up quite well.
  Again, one is driven to speculate as to what might have
happened if Hanni had been encouraged to learn Braille as a
child.  Is it not possible that if she had been brought up to
regard herself as a blind person with some sight, rather than a
sighted person with a visual impairment, she might be even more
capable than she is now?  And Hanni is a particularly resilient
person.  How many partially sighted people don't have the
strength and stamina to withstand the pressure of traditional
norms and values.
  A day or so later I was accosted by Hanni's psychologist--yes,
she has a psychologist.  "You spoke to Hanni about learning
Braille," she accused.
  "Guilty," I said.  "So what."
  "She's depressed," she cried, "and she doesn't want to see me
anymore."
  I should say parenthetically that, knowing the psychologist, I
could well imagine Hanni's not wanting to see her anymore, but
the Braille was surely not the culprit.  Being tactful, I said: 
"How do you know that the Braille is to blame?"
  "I can feel what the poor girl is going through," she said.  "I
wonder how I'd feel if someone told me I needed to learn Braille.

I should have been consulted before such a traumatic subject was
raised."
  Good luck, Hanni.  You're going to need every bit of it.

WHAT DO BLIND CONSUMERS WANT FROM A SPEECH SYNTHESIZER


  (The following address by Curtis Chong, President of the
National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science, was
delivered at a conference called Speech Tech '87.  It is
reprinted from the Summer, 1987, Computer Science Update, the
publication of the National Federation of the Blind in Computer
Science.

  When the blind discuss speech technology, we are not thinking
about methodologies which will convert the spoken word into
something that a computer will understand.  Our problem is not
that we cannot enter data into the system.  Rather, when it comes
to computers and methods of using them without sight, we often
turn to speech synthesis as a possible method for giving us
information about the contents of a computer's video display.  In
other words, our concern is getting the information out in the
most efficient and effective manner, not putting it in.
  The device used most often by blind people to extract
information from a computer is the speech synthesizer.  The
synthesizer can be either an external device attached to the
computer via a parallel or serial connector, or it can be an
internal board.  Whether it is an external unit or an internal
board, the synthesizer's primary function is to convert a string
of ASCII text into a series of discrete sounds called phonemes. 
When these phonemes are combined together, the sound that emerges
strongly resembles human speech.
  Most of the synthesizers on the market today do not sound quite
human.  The voice that is generated often exhibits a robotic
quality.  Nevertheless, speech synthesizers have played a major
role in providing blind people with independent access to
computers.  Today, you can find thousands of blind people who use
speech synthesizers of one kind or another in conjunction with a
computer.
  Of course, when blind people use a computer, they need more
than a speech synthesizer.  Something in the computer needs to
control the flow of data to the synthesizer so that the blind
person will receive a sufficient amount of information about the
contents of the video display.  This is typically referred to as
a screen review program.  Screen review programs can do much to
overcome the shortcomings of various speech synthesizers. 
However, it is not my intention to discuss these programs here. 
Rather, I am interested in pointing out those characteristics
that we as blind consumers would find helpful in any speech
synthesizer that is being marketed.
  For the most part, speech synthesizer manufacturers have not
designed their products specifically for use by the blind.  As a
result, no one speech synthesizer on the market today can be
classified as the "ideal synthesizer" for the blind.  
Nevertheless, thousands of blind people throughout this country
use a wide variety of speech synthesis systems, imperfect though
they may be.  Based on our accumulated experience with these
systems, we have formulated some ideas about improvements that we
think need to be made to the various speech synthesizers on the
market today.
  Our primary concern with respect to speech synthesizers is in
the area of employment.  Our aim as consumers is to maximize the
amount of information that a blind person is able to extract from
the synthesizer.  Moreover, we strive to make it possible for the
blind person to initiate various synthesizer functions in the
least possible amount of time.  In other words, the name of the
game as far as we are concerned is productivity.
  Perhaps the most obvious factor for productivity improvement
with respect to a speech synthesizer is speed.  Some synthesizer
developers seem to adopt the approach with respect to speed that:
"If I can't understand it, it's talking too fast."
  In fact, as far as blind computer users are concerned, the
faster the synthesizer talks the better.  It is not reasonable
for an engineer (who does not use the synthesizer as the primary
tool for obtaining information) to listen to a unit and determine
that it is talking too fast.  The odds are that an experienced
blind computer user will be able to comprehend audio output from
a synthesizer at a rate far beyond that which is comfortable to
the synthesizer developer.  The design philosophy should be to
get the synthesizer talking at a rate that none of the engineers
can understand and then to make it talk even faster.  Of course,
the synthesizer should be equipped with a speed control so that
those users who prefer to listen to slower speech will be able to
do so.  In other words, the synthesizer should be able to cater
to a wide variety of listeners: from the slower beginner to the
high-speed expert.
  Of course, it goes without saying that a synthesizer should be
made to sound as human-like as possible.  This is not to say,
however, that speed should be sacrificed in favor of a human-like
voice.  Many blind users of speech synthesizers have opted for a
more robotic sound from a lower-priced synthesizer simply to get
more speed and responsiveness from the unit.  However, sighted
employers and/or co-workers often wrongly determine the value of
a speech synthesizer solely on the basis of how human the speech
sounds.  They do not realize that the synthesizer manufacturer
may have sacrificed speed (a more important factor as far as the
blind person's productivity is concerned) in favor of human-like
sound.
  In addition to being able to talk at a fast rate, a speech
synthesizer must be responsive.  It must be able to execute
commands instantaneously without requiring a person to wait for
the speaking of words or phrases to be completed.  One of the
most frustrating things that a synthesizer can do is to keep on
talking after the operator has extracted all of the meaningful
information.  For example, suppose I instruct a synthesizer to
read line 5 of the video display.  Suppose that the first word I
hear convinces me that I'm not interested in line 5.  Suppose,
further, that I decide that I really want to read line 12 because
the first word I heard on line 5 has given me enough information
to know that line 12 is the line I am really interested in.  I
should be able to cause the synthesizer to read line 12.  The
reading of line 5 should be stopped, and the reading of line 12
should start immediately.
  Most of the synthesizers in today's market are not as
responsive as we would like.  The most glaring example of this
deficiency is the DECTalk synthesizer which, undoubtedly, has the
most human- like voice on the market.  However, it is really a
drag for the quick and experienced blind computer user.  When the
user requests the DECTalk to stop speaking, the unit typically
speaks one or two words before speech is terminated.  In other
words, the DECTalk can hardly be considered to be free of the
inertia which plagues most speech synthesizers.  (To do the
DECTalk justice, it is one of those speech synthesizers that can
be listened to for hours at a time without fatigue.)
  One inertia-free system that we know about is the SynPhonix
hardware/software system for the IBM PC and compatible marketed
by Artic Technologies of Troy, Michigan.  Essentially, this
system consists of a SynPhonix internal speech board packaged
with the necessary software to drive the synthesizer.  This
system combines the virtues of speed and inertia-free operation
to produce an environment which really permits a blind person to
build up speed using a computer.  Although the SynPhonix speech
board does produce a sound that is somewhat mechanical in nature,
this shortcoming is more than offset by the productivity gains
that the speed and responsiveness of the system provide.  We have
been able to use the SynPhonix speech board with screen review
systems that support it, and we have found that very little drag
is experienced with the unit.  Another responsive synthesizer is
the Echo, marketed by Street Electronics.  Although the Echo only
has two speaking rates (slow and fast), it has been used by a
large number of blind persons interested in operating talking
computer systems.
  What are other important characteristics in a well-designed
synthesizer?
  Certainly, the synthesizer should have a very large buffer. 
This would enable it to handle almost anything that the computer
could throw at it without having an overflow situation occur.
  If, for some reason, the synthesizer's buffer should become
full, there should be some mechanism (preferably hardware) which
the synthesizer can use to tell the computer to stop sending
data.  In the vernacular of the industry, the synthesizer should
be able to "hardware handshake" with the computer.  It should
also be able to "software handshake" with the computer using a
variety of software handshaking protocols:  XON/XOFF, ENQ/ACK,
etc. at the user's discretion.  (In those situations where
handshaking is not available, the need for a large buffer becomes
even more critical.)
  If the synthesizer is an external unit, it should be able to
interface with the computer through one of two communications
ports: serial or parallel.  The interface should be as standard
as possible to minimize the necessity for the creation of
specially- wired cables.  This is a particularly significant
problem in the case of RS232 serial communication which, as
everybody knows, is not really as "standard" as it could be.
  If the synthesizer is an internal speech board, our conception
of an ideal unit would be that all text-to-speech functions would
be performed on the board itself.  There should be no software on
the computer to perform speech synthesizer functions, as is
currently the case with the SynPhonix speech board.  As far as
the system is concerned, when it communicates with the
synthesizer, it should be sending data through one of the
standard communication interfaces.  In other words, the speech
board should appear to the system as a serial or parallel
communications interface.
  The synthesizer should be designed so that the speech rate,
volume, filtering, pitch and tone quality of the speech can all
be varied separately, both through hardware controls and through
software (codes sent to the synthesizer from the computer).  (Of
course, hardware controls for these factors are not as desirable
on an internal speech board.) It should be possible to abort the
speech, either by pushing a button on the synthesizer itself or
by sending the synthesizer a "silence" command.  The silencing
function should be performed immediately, regardless of any other
work that the synthesizer is performing.
  The synthesizer should not be delayed by a repetitive string of
carriage returns, as is the case with the Votrax Personal Speech
System (PSS).  As a matter of fact, the synthesizer should not
pause at all when receiving a carriage return but should,
instead, regard the carriage return as the signal to begin
speaking.  (This seems to have been adopted as a standard by a
few synthesizer manufacturers.)
  It should be possible to "download" a dictionary of exceptional
words to the synthesizer.  This would enable the user to correct
the pronunciation of certain words that the synthesizer may not
be handling correctly.
  If the synthesizer is external to the computer, it would be
nice if it could be operated on standard batteries so that it can
be connected to a lap-top computer.  These computers are enjoying
increasing popularity, both among the sighted and among the
blind.  However, as far as the blind are concerned, no one has
yet designed a truly usable battery-powered external speech
synthesizer.  At this stage, the most promising work, in terms of
access to PC-compatible lap-tops, has been done by the Artic
Technologies people.  An internal speech board is currently
available for the Toshiba lap-top computer.  I particularly enjoy
using the Toshiba lap-top with the Artic speech board because I
don't have to lug an extra piece of equipment around with me to
make my computer talk.
  It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that the speech
generated by a synthesizer should be clear and
understandable--even at the highest rate of speech.  It is true
that speech that is clear and understandable to one person may be
totally unintelligible to another.  The determination of whether
or not a synthesizer is producing clear and understandable speech
is still a rather subjective judgment.  However, before a
synthesizer manufacturer releases a synthesizer to the
marketplace, every effort should be made to ensure that the
speech is acceptable to a wide cross section of the population. 
It would be helpful if experienced blind synthesizer users could
be involved in the evaluation of speech synthesizers before they
go to market.
  Although the blind population does not represent a majority of
the speech synthesizer market, it certainly will represent a
significant portion of that market.  Therefore, it is helpful for
synthesizer manufacturers to give some thought and attention to
factors that will help the blind when developing speech
synthesizers.  Blind people have grown accustomed to the
increased access to computers which today's speech synthesizers
have afforded; and we will not sit idly by, hoping that
synthesizer manufacturers will, somehow, understand our needs. 
We will, instead, use all available options to make the
developers aware of our requirements.

NFB BRAILLE TRANSLATOR GOES TO MOSCOW


  Information USA, the first official American cultural exchange
exhibition to tour the Soviet Union since 1979, welcomed 212,813
visitors in Moscow this summer from June 4 to July 8.  The
exhibition was displayed in a central pavilion on the grounds of
the Park of Economic Achievements of the USSR.
  Attendance averaged 7,600 people per day, with most visitors
waiting in line two to four hours.  Once inside, the Soviet
visitors gathered around each of the twenty-four Russian-speaking
American guides, tried out touchscreen video programs,
experimented with computer software, and listened with headphones
to recordings--all designed to show how Americans use
communication technology in their daily lives.
  So what does all of this have to do with us, and why write
about it in the Braille Monitor?  There was a Braille display,
and the print was converted into Braille by NFBTRANS (the
National Federation of the Blind's Braille translator).  This was
the only Braille translator used in the exhibit, and it excited a
considerable amount of favorable comment.
  The President of the National Federation of the Blind of the
District of Columbia--Harold Snider--trained U.S.  Information
Agency personnel in the use of NFBTRANS and the Braille printer. 
He received letters of appreciation from those in charge of the
exhibit.

FLORENCE BLUME NAMED WOMAN OF THE YEAR


  (This article appeared in the July 1, 1987, Union, New Jersey,
Citizen.  It emphasizes once again the fact that leaders and
members of the National Federation of the Blind participate
broadly in community affairs.)
  UNION--Florence Blume of this township recently received the
GFWC Junior Woman's Club of Connecticut Farms twelfth annual
Woman of the Year Award at its installation dinner.
  "This award is presented each year to an outstanding resident
of Union.  It not only recognizes achievement but also that
spirit of volunteerism and sharing with others in an effort to
make a change for the better," relates a club spokesperson.
  Mrs. Blume has lived in Union for eight years with her husband
Tom and their children, Tommy and Melissa.  She has been a member
of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey since 1970
and has served as that organization's President for the last
year.
  Flo served on the State Advisory Board of the New Jersey
Commission for the Blind from 1980-83; and from 1980-82 she
served on the Board of the Library for the Blind and Handicapped
in Trenton.
  Currently she is serving a three-year term as appointed
volunteer member of the Union County Advisory Board for the
Handicapped.  In this capacity she has worked on a job expo
concerning job training possibilities, and helps evaluate new
county plans to assure accessible entrances and barrier free
facilities.  In May of this year Mrs.  Blume received her
master's degree in social work from Rutgers University.
  The GFWC Junior Woman's Club of
Connecticut Farms Woman of the Year Award was presented to
Florence Blume "in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote
and protect the right of all individuals to achieve their fullest
potential."


TAKE TIME FOR SUCCESS

by Tom Stevens


  As a leader in the National Federation of the Blind for more
than a decade, one of the questions I have wrestled with is that
of how to best utilize time.  It passes, whether I want or not. 
Thus, the only way I can get the grasp on it is to hop on the
conveyor belt.
  If I can regard time as a conveyor belt, traveling at a
constant speed for a finite distance, I can get a grasp on how I
can take advantage of its passing.  Of course, I might walk
beside it, using my own energy.  Or I can stand still and let it
pass by, with no possibility of my using it to reach a
destination.
  Some people say to me that they do not have time to recruit
Associates.  I am often tempted to ask if they missed the last
meal?  Or when they last missed a meal.  The point is that the
business of eating is given priority, very high priority, in our
lives.  We make certain that the day contains stops for meals, at
least three.
  I happen to think that the search for members-at-large
(Associates) can have a high priority at least one time in our
lives each year.  Eating has priority at least a thousand times
annually.  No, I am not suggesting that you miss a meal to plan
to recruit Associates.  But you could do so very effectively, if
you would like.
  When I boarded the plane to fly from Kansas City to Phoenix, I
had committed a specific block of time for that flight--for
arrival at the airport and for travel from airport to hotel.  In
fact, I had begun planning well in advance by sending in my
convention reservation, by calling airlines for the most
economical fares, etc.
  When I attend a chapter meeting, I plan time for traveling to
and from, as well as estimating a block of time for the meeting
and inevitable chatting afterwards.  I also expect to participate
in the meeting and to accept responsibility for certain tasks or
to participate in certain events.  It is time I set aside from
the finite amount of time granted to me for each day, for a week,
and for my life.
  As a leader, I also know that there are three major priorities:
public relations, membership, and funding.  Almost everything we
do can be placed in one of those categories, and they are often
so interwoven that they may be indistinguishable.
  For me, Associate recruiting is a part of every one of those. 
It does several things.  First, it announces the existence of the
National Federation of the Blind to the potential Associate. 
Since the information has an address that is both local and
national, two points of reference are provided.
  Do you find that friends are interested in what you do?  I do. 
Many of them have never been more than a hundred miles from home.

Even at that, the fact that I travel here and there is regarded
with interest.  Additionally, they are interested in the Coulter
day care case or in the Whittenberg child custody case or in the
advocacy for an identification card for persons who are not
licensed to drive.  Frankly, they may find us doing a task they
wished they had done.
  As for funding, there are three levels at which it is needed. 
These are:  local, state, and national.  When I order brochures
and speeches from our National Office, I am actually seeing the
result of Associate dollars at work.  The benefit is local,
though the dollars are sent to Baltimore.  Our dollars work in
scholarships, and that money is spent right in our state.  Thus,
by promoting a program at our national level, I actually
economize the costs and make it possible to assist someone in our
state in many other ways.  The Associates I take time to recruit
benefit people everywhere, including people in my state and
community.
  Take time once a year to establish an Associate recruiting
plan.  That may take a couple of hours in your year of 8,760
hours.  After your plan is developed, a few minutes periodically
will help you reach the goal of a red or a blue or a
red-white-blue ribbon.  After all, you will have deserved to wear
it.  Here are some ideas:
  1. Write down the names of people you know and their addresses
and phone numbers.  Use your Christmas card list and lists of
relatives, teachers, fellow travelers, and even service clubs.
  2. Write them a letter explaining a project in which you have
interest and how Associates might assist.  One page in length is
usually enough.  Then, write a second letter on a slightly
different subject, but with the same goal.  If you need or want
help in writing the letters, just ask.  Have them typed, leaving
off the salutation, date, and signature.  Then, have them copied.

Type in the salutation unless you use "Dear Folks," which is okay
if family or close friends.  Add the date and signature, insert
into a business envelope (including a brochure, Associate form,
and a self-addressed envelope), and mail.  Wait for the postman
to bring news.  But while waiting, you can also call the person
and ask if they received it and if they can help you.  That will
raise your response rate to fifty or so percent.
  3. In about three weeks mail the second letter to those who did
not respond to the first.  Again, calling helps responses.
  4. Always, always send a "thank you" letter.  Again, give them
some feedback on how they may have helped.
  5. Mail the Associates to our National Office.  Do not wait
more than a week.  To hold them increases chance of loss and
deprives the Federation of the use of the money.
  6. You may have spent two or three hours preparing for an
annual effort.  That would be an incredibly small part of your
available annual hours.  Maybe every week you spend a few
minutes, or maybe you do it all in a surge.  Be alert to
potential Associates.  Be ready to inform them about us.
  There is no big secret to the success you can have as an
Associate recruiter.  To gain moderate success (to wear a red or
blue ribbon), plan for it.  Earn it.  You deserve it--or will.

"THINK"

If you think you are beaten, you are:  If you think you dare not,
you don't; If you like to win but think you can't, It's almost a
cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost; For out in the world we
find, Success begins with a fellow's will; It's all in the state
of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are; You've got to think high
to rise; You've got to be sure of yourself; Before you can ever
win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man; But
soon or late the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can.

THE 1987 CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

by Homer and Marci Page


  Sometimes it is said that there is no real difference between
the National Federation of the Blind and the American Council of
the Blind--that they both, after all, just want to do what is
best for the blind and that the differences are only personality
conflicts.  It is suggested that the two organizations should
"get together" and "stop confusing legislators and the public". 
One need only attend an NFB convention and an ACB convention to
learn what the real differences are.
  We attended the 1987 annual convention of the American Council
of the Blind from July 10 through 18.  We registered for the
convention, attended the board of directors meeting, sat in on
many of the special interest groups, and were present at all of
the general sessions.  We partook of the organized hospitality,
went on a tour to the Santa Monica Center for the Partially
Sighted, and attended the banquet.  We sat in on the legislative
and membership workshops and attended a briefing for the
first-time attendees.  We visited with other convention
attendees; we counted the number of persons who participated in
each event; and we made a tape recording of each meeting,
workshop, or session that we attended.  We studied the program,
the press kit, and a daily convention information sheet which was
published by the convention organizers.  We kept a daily diary
and continually checked and rechecked our observations.  The
report which follows attempts to organize all of the information
into a single, understandable statement.  However, there is no
substitute for actually attending an American Council of the
Blind convention.  We recommend that everybody do it--once.

The Atmosphere

  After checking in at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton hotel on
Friday evening, July 10, and taking our bags to our room, we came
downstairs to the lobby to find what information we could about
registration and the convention.  We inquired of a desk clerk
whether he knew where there might be an information desk for the
American Council of the Blind convention.  He replied that he did
not know but that the assistant manager might.  The assistant
manager said that, yes, she did know, but that it was on the
second floor and that we should use the elevator.  She then said,
"Let me take you.  We can use the elevator.  I am afraid for you
to use the escalator."
  Of course, we have grown accustomed to this type of response on
the part of hotel personnel and others who are not familiar with
the capabilities of the blind.  We would not have thought anymore
about it but for a paragraph that we came across in the press
materials distributed by the ACB organizers.  It read: 
"PREPARATION FOR A CONVENTION OF 3,000 BLIND PEOPLE--Hotel
accommodation and consideration, Brailling room numbers,
elevators, menus, soda machines, etc.; designation guide dog
'relief areas,' hotel staff sensitivity training, coordination of
hundreds of community volunteers to serve as sighted guides,
planning tours, and much more."
  We could not help but wonder what had been said to the hotel
staff during their sensitivity training sessions that would have
made them fearful for the safety of the blind persons who were
coming to the hotel.
  We were further alerted to a pattern of custodialism by a
passage which was printed prominently in the convention program. 
It read:  "Note: Due to heavy traffic turning at intersections,
and construction that may be in progress during the convention,
it is recommended that blind persons not walk to restaurants
without some sighted assistance." (Page 9, 1987 ACB convention
program.)
  We went out to check the streets surrounding the hotel.  There
was, indeed, some construction being done on the front of the
hotel, and there was a busy urban street running in front of the
hotel.  However, it was, by no stretch of the imagination,
especially dangerous or difficult.
  There was a briefing for first-time attendees.  We learned that
sighted guides were available to help in many ways.  One could,
if he desired, call a guide who would come to his room and take
him wherever he might wish to go.  One could have a sighted guide
to accompany him on a tour.  However, this would require that the
blind person desiring such a service purchase a ticket for his
sighted guide.  It might be possible to avoid this expense,
however, since there would be provided free of charge one sighted
guide for every three persons going on the Disneyland tour.
  This arrangement created some tense moments.  Several days
later a volunteer told us that Bob Acosta, the President of the
ACB of California, was really angry because the van carrying the
sighted guides had gotten lost, and a bus load of blind persons
had shown up at Disneyland without their sighted guides.  The
Disneyland people had called Mr. Acosta.  "They were really mad,"
she said.  She went on to say that she had to go out to the
swimming pool and grab anyone that she could who could see and
rush them over to Disneyland.
  Late in the week we were waiting for an elevator to take us to
the lobby late in the week.  A woman was waiting with us for the
elevator to come.  She asked if we knew if the guides were still
available.  She said that she had tried to call for one, but no
one had answered the phone.  She said that she had not had
anything to eat that day.  It was early afternoon when we saw
her.  She needed to find someone who could take her to a
restaurant.
  The pattern continued throughout the week.  We were served our
salads at the banquet but found that there was no salad dressing
on the table.  We soon learned why.  The waiter came around and
put dressing on everyone's salad.  It was not an additional
surprise that when the entree arrived, it was beef tips,
requiring no cutting.
  The custodialism followed us to the airport.  During the
Saturday morning general session someone asked if arrangements
had been made to have helpers at the airport.  Bob Acosta got to
the microphone and assured everyone that airport personnel had
been alerted to the needs of the ACB travelers.  When we got off
the shuttle at the airport, we were greeted by a group of persons
who identified themselves as representatives of Travelers' Aid. 
We were able, after some conversation, to convince them that we
preferred to handle our luggage alone and find our flight without
their assistance.
  The pre-registration application
requested that the applicant indicate his level of vision.  At
the "partial vision" level he was asked if he would need
assistance from a sighted guide.  There was no such question for
the totally blind.  The implication was clear.  It was that each
totally blind person would obviously need a sighted person to be
with him or her at the convention and that it was the
responsibility of the convention organizers to provide that
sighted guide.
  Surely nothing more needs to be said.  Certainly there is
nothing wrong with using the assistance of a sighted person when
it is needed, but that is not what we are dealing with here.  The
pattern or condescension and custodialism is unmistakable, and it
pervades every aspect of the organization.

The Blind and the Visually Impaired

  Nothing is more obvious at an American Council of the Blind
convention than the unrealistic and harmful distinction that is
made between the blind and the visually impaired.  One of the
larger special interest groups of the ACB is the Council of
Citizens with Low Vision, which is reported to have over 1,300
members.  The touchiness and the overemphasis on the imagined
difference between those who have a little sight and those who
have none are truly amazing and, yes, somewhat pathetic. 
Moreover, this painful hairsplitting is not only false but also
insulting and demeaning, both to the totally blind and to the
partially sighted.  The harmful effect of this artificial
distinction between the blind who are total and the blind who are
partial is a constant negative in the functioning of the
organization and its individual members.
  Our first real indication of just how far-reaching and crucial
this distinction is for the ACB came at the annual Board meeting,
which was held on the first Saturday of the convention.  Carla
Franklin (a board member, president of the Kentucky affiliate,
and chairperson of the convention arrangements committee) made a
report to the Board concerning the committee's evaluation of
locations for the 1989 convention.  She and others had visited a
location in Houston.  The hotel had, as part of its interior
design, a large number of mirrors.  Ms. Franklin reported that
the hotel had agreed to cover all of these mirrors.  Another
member of the board, not understanding why this would be a
desirable thing to do, asked what the purpose of this action
would be.  She told him that this would prevent persons with low
vision from walking into walls.  Some additional discussion took
place around the theme of how hotel sites should be accessible to
low vision people, as well as to the blind.
  We learned more about the false and limiting philosophy
underlying the distinction between the blind and the visually
impaired at a seminar conducted by the Council of Citizens with
Low Vision.  A woman raised a question from the audience.  She
directed her question to a panel of experts.  She said that she
had a good deal of vision.  However, when she went out walking
with her friends, there was always confusion.  One friend was
"really great," she said.  This friend took her arm, placed it
under hers, and they just "took off." But it was different with
another friend, who was not so assertive.  Consequently, the
woman from the audience said that she often tripped over curbs
when they were out walking together.  She wanted to know how she
could better manage these situations.
  The panel of experts was very sympathetic to her plight.  They
had numerous suggestions about how she could more easily
communicate with her friend concerning her need for help.  The
shocking aspect of this exchange was that not one of this panel
of so-called "experts," even in passing, suggested that she might
get and use a cane when she went out on these walks.
  Whether tripping over curbs or walking into mirrored walls in
hotels, the result of the philosophy which characterizes the ACB
seems to be to render less competent the low vision people that
the organization is trying to help.  The distinction between the
blind and the visually impaired came up over and over again
throughout the convention.  Whenever a speaker would slip and say
only "the blind," he would immediately correct himself by adding
"the visually impaired."  It was an unfortunate spectacle, which
promoted neither organizational harmony or a constructive public
image.
  It is common knowledge that only about twenty percent of the
blind of this nation are totally blind.  It is also common
knowledge that the problems of blindness are primarily
attitudinal, not physical.  One of the methods which society uses
to keep its stereotypes about blindness intact is the technique
of attributing every accomplishment which the blind person makes
to whatever residual vision he or she may have.  Since almost
nobody who is blind has more than ten percent of the visual
acuity possessed by a person with normal eyesight and since
inherent in the philosophy of the ACB is the notion that ability
diminishes as eyesight diminishes, the inevitable conclusion is
that all blind people (whether total or partial) are inferior to
the sighted--at least ninety percent inferior, which leaves
little room for meaningful distinction between the degrees of
blindness in the relative scale of social values.

The Numbers Game

  In the passage which we have already quoted from the press
materials provided by the American Council of the Blind, the
claim was made that 3,000 persons would participate in their 1987
annual convention.  Bob Acosta frequently announced throughout
the convention that it was the largest meeting of blind persons
in the history of the world.  ACB members were often heard to
complain how difficult it was to maneuver through the thousands
of people who were at the convention.  They were led to believe
that there were, in fact, several thousand people at the
convention.  However, as we shall demonstrate, this was simply an
outright deception.
  What impressed us was how small the ACB convention really was. 
There were 600 to 650 actual participants in the convention. 
There were 100 to 150 sighted volunteers who were additionally
involved in the convention.  These numbers are based on thorough
counts which we took each day of the convention.  We checked and
doublechecked them and confirmed them in a variety of ways.
  The ACB numbers game begins with pre- registration.  Attendees
of the convention are asked to pre-register.  However, one does
not just register for the ACB convention.  One also registers for
the various special interest groups that also meet in conjunction
with the ACB convention.  Therefore, one person may be counted a
number of times; and, in fact, for voting and certainly in
membership figures for the organization, this procedure of
counting is followed extensively.  We were told when we
registered that there were over 1,000 pre-registrations.  Later
we were told by a sighted volunteer that there had been over
1,500 pre-registrations.  We believe that there were quite a
number of people who pre-registered who did not attend the ACB
convention.  One of our primary indications of this was the way
in which the drawing for door prizes proceeded during the
convention.
  Bob Acosta was the door prize chairman.  He drew names out of a
cardboard box to determine who the winners might be.  During the
first two days of the convention he would draw as many as ten
names before someone would be found who was in the room.  There
were 525 persons in attendance on the first day of the convention
and 458 on the second.  The third day no door prizes at all were
drawn.  On the fourth day twenty names were drawn before the
first winner was found.  Later in the day (and one must determine
for oneself why) a real change took place in the pattern of the
drawing of door prizes.  Winners were in the room, and only the
occasional name drawn would be absent.  People in the audience
would say that the person was in his or her room or on a tour or
had gone home, but it was clear that some cleaning up of the act
had been done.  Prior to this time there had been utter silence
when a name had been drawn and the person was not present.  It
was obvious that there were names of many persons in the door
prize box who had not attended the convention at all.  It is
perhaps the case that these persons had sent in a
pre-registration form, or perhaps there is some more subtle
explanation.
  The meeting of the board of directors was held on Saturday,
July 11.  There were forty persons present in addition to the
board members.  Compare this with the numbers which are present
at NFB convention board meetings.  On Sunday many of the special
interest groups met.  The Council of Citizens with Low Vision
held a seminar.  There were sixty persons present.  The
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America met.  Sixty persons
attended.  The Visually Impaired Data Processors International
group held a seminar with 126 people in attendance.  The American
Blind Lawyers Association had seventeen persons at its meeting. 
The exhibit hall had approximately seventy-five persons viewing
exhibits at any one time.  Again, compare this with the crowds
that come to the NFB exhibit hall.  Slightly under one hundred
persons were involved in tours during Sunday.  Perhaps fifty
persons could be counted at pool side.  As one walked through the
hotel corridors, visited the restaurants, and rode the elevators,
it became quite obvious that there were only about 600 persons at
the convention.
  A concert was presented featuring Les Brown and his Band of
Renown.  There were approximately 250 persons at this concert. 
One of the major parties of the week was sponsored by ACB's
Virginia affiliate.  It drew approximately 300 persons.  The
largest single gathering of the convention was the banquet on
Friday night.  The hotel chef told us that he served 765 meals. 
There were over one hundred sighted guides who had come to the
banquet to assist ACB members.  All of these figures confirmed
our initial belief that there were between 600 and 650 persons
present at the convention, if the sighted volunteers are
excluded.
  The numbers game is a very peculiar game indeed at an ACB
convention.  Press materials said that there would be 3,000
persons in attendance.  Bob Acosta said over and over throughout
the convention that it was the largest gathering of blind persons
in the history of the world.  On the opening day of the
convention the auditorium was set up with 1,000 chairs.  There
were 525 persons in attendance.  During the roll call each state
affiliate and special interest group was asked to report how many
seats they would need for the convention.  Over 1,300 seats were
requested.  The next morning the room had been rearranged, and
quite a number of chairs had been removed.  There were 458
persons in the auditorium.
  Bob Acosta, when reporting the need for seats for the
California delegation, told the audience that California needed
from 350 to 400 seats and that they were climbing.  The largest
number of persons in the California delegation throughout the
entire convention was ninety.
  The ACB leaders claimed over and over throughout the convention
that they represented the largest and fastest growing
organization of blind persons in the nation.  We have some
information which can shed light on just how many members the ACB
really has.
  The ACB has a peculiar voting procedure.  Each state affiliate
and special interest group receives one vote for every
twenty-five dues-paying members that it has.  It is, therefore,
possible to calculate how many dues- paying members there are in
the organization.  Since there is a great deal of duplication in
the ACB membership count, it is more accurate to count only the
votes held by state affiliates.  One would presume that an
individual would be a member of a state affiliate as well as any
special interest group in which he or she might hold membership. 
Therefore, duplication can be avoided by only counting the
membership in the state affiliates.  There is a limitation to
this procedure, however.  Any one state can only have twenty-five
votes.  There are five states that are capped at twenty-five
votes.  They are California, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, and
Pennsylvania.  We know then that these states have (or certainly
claim they have) at least 625 members, but we don't know how many
more they may have.  Bob Acosta says that California has 3,000
members.  This figure is suspect, to say the least--especially if
his wildly exaggerated figures about attendance at the ACB
convention are taken into account.  The states had 438 delegates
at the 1987 convention.  If this number is multiplied by
twenty-five, we get a total of 10,950.  If a few thousand more
were added, taking into account members- at-large and members in
those states that have more than 625 persons on their rolls, we
would arrive at a figure of perhaps thirteen to fifteen thousand.

However, a word of caution must be said.  In view of the
exaggerated claims about national convention attendance, the
state membership figures may also be inflated.  In other words
the actual figure may not be 13,000 at all but six or seven or
eight, or even less.
  The deception which is perpetrated by the ACB leadership with
regard to numbers of persons attending their national convention
and total membership within the organization raises serious
questions about the credibility of that leadership.  Many of the
rank and file members of the ACB may themselves question that
credibility.  Certainly the election of officers at the 1987
convention reflected a deep alienation which exists between the
previous administration and the membership of the organization.

Dissension and Disorganization

  It was clear at the board meeting on the first Saturday of the
convention that there was going to be a great deal of dissension
at the 1987 ACB convention.  The first issue of controversy
focused around the choice of the 1989 convention site.  A
committee headed by Carla Franklin of Kentucky had visited four
locations.  These locations were in Richmond, Houston, Dallas,
and Louisville.  The committee recommended the Louisville site. 
The board voted eight to five to support the committee's
recommendation.
  The final decision on the selection of a convention site was
made by a vote of the convention during a general session.  Quite
a lot of campaigning for the 1989 convention took place during
the course of the convention.  On Thursday night the Virginia
affiliate held a party.  Representatives from the Richmond city
government, Tourist Bureau, and Marriott Hotel were in
attendance.  Free drinks, food, and door prizes were provided. 
The next morning the Richmond delegation made a presentation to
the convention, and the issue was widely debated.  Several years
ago the ACB convention was held at the Galt House in Louisville. 
As it turns out, ACB members did structural damage to the hotel,
and every person who attended had a surcharge put onto his or her
bill in order to pay for the damage.  Many people were still
angry about this arrangement.  Even though the rates appeared to
be higher in Virginia (ranging from $46 in the headquarters hotel
to $34 in a satellite hotel), when compared to the Galt House
(which offered rooms at $39), the convention voted to select the
Richmond location and consequently to overturn the recommendation
of the convention committee and the board of directors.  This was
not simply a friendly vote.  It was an angry vote.
  The dissension continued throughout the convention.  On Monday
morning National Industries for the Blind held a breakfast and
workshop.  Julie Lynch, a blind woman who serves on the board of
directors for the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, directed a
question to NIB spokesmen who had been conducting the meeting. 
She said that she was the only blind person on the board of the
Seattle Lighthouse and that blind people were kept in subservient
jobs, while sighted people had all of the good administrative
jobs.  There were scattered words of support from the tables, but
the speakers met her remarks with utter silence.  Soon a speaker
from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind began to talk in
opposition.  She was hostile and argued that the Lighthouse
employed blind persons in administrative positions.  Mrs. Lynch
answered that, if that were the case, then Chicago was indeed
fortunate, because this was not the pattern in Seattle, and she
did not believe that it was the pattern in very many other places
either.
  There was a rather consistent complaint throughout the
convention that the price of registration was far too high.  In
addition to an initial registration fee, one had to pay for every
activity.  This included the special interest groups, the special
breakfast and lunches, and all of the receptions and concerts. 
The cost of the banquet was $30.  The two of us paid $133 each to
register.  We passed up a few of the activities.
  One of the activities was a Mexican Night.  This event was
sponsored by the National Association of Blind Students and the
International Friendly Circle of the Blind.  The cost for this
event was $17.  We heard numerous people comment that not only
was the price too high but the food had run out and they did not
even get their dinner.
  Typical of the complaints about the convention organization was
the one that came from a small boy, who must have been about ten
years of age.  He said that he had left early from a movie that
had been shown for the children.  It was a "Bugs Bunny" cartoon,
and he said that it was boring.
  A more serious split within the convention began to appear at
the Tuesday morning general session.  Both Grant Mack and Otis
Stepens were absent from the session.  Durward McDaniel, the
Second Vice President, was left to chair the meeting.  He and
members of the audience became involved in a rather bitter
quarrel over the way in which he was chairing.  At one point
during the meeting, the chair of the resolutions committee was
introduced to present resolutions.  Mr. McDaniel made a comment
concerning one of the resolutions.  A person from the floor said,
"Who is chairing this meeting?  We shouldn't have two chairs." 
Mr.  McDaniel tried to clarify his position.  He defended Mr.
Edwards, the chair of the resolutions committee.  The speaker
from the floor informed him that it wasn't Mr. Edwards that he
thought was out of line.
  The split really surfaced at the nominating committee, which
was supposed to recommend Otis Stephens of Tennessee for
president, Durward McDaniel of Texas for first vice president,
Allen Jenkins of California for second vice president, Elizabeth
Lennon of Michigan for secretary, and Leroy Saunders of Oklahoma
for treasurer.  We overheard a conversation prior to the meeting
of the Randolph- Sheppard Vendors of America board meeting on
Saturday that the administration was planning to put up Allen
Jenkins for second vice president and that there was a lot of
opposition to someone from California getting put into that
position, after only being a member of the organization for such
a short time.  This opposition took shape in the nominating
committee meeting.  Charles Hodge of Virginia defeated Allen
Jenkins by a vote of thirty-three to twenty-nine to win the
endorsement of the nominating committee.
  The split was even deeper than the battle in the nominating
committee would suggest.  When elections took place on the last
day of the convention, Otis Stephens was elected president
without opposition according to script.  However, the position of
first vice president was hotly contested.  In addition to Durward
McDaniel, three other names were placed in nomination.  They were
Paul Edwards from Florida, Karen Perzentka from Wisconsin, and
Delbert Amman from South Dakota.  The seconding speeches for the
four nominations told a great deal about the division within the
ACB.  McDaniel was portrayed as the candidate of tradition.  He
was a founding father of the organization.  Edwards was said to
be the candidate of knowledge and technical skill.  He was the
young candidate for the future.  Perzentka was the feminist
candidate.  No woman has ever held a position in the ACB higher
than secretary.  Amman was the fiscally conservative candidate of
responsibility.  Mr. Amman's seconder said that Amman had not run
for a board position the year before because he was disillusioned
with the organization.  Amman had suggested many times, the
seconder said, that the organization should establish a cash
reserve, but his warnings had been ignored.  It was asserted that
if he had been listened to in the past, the financial disaster
now facing the ACB could have been avoided.
  The election was closely contested during the first round. 
Edwards, McDaniel, and Perzentka were very close, but Edwards and
McDaniel finished first and second.  They therefore moved to a
runoff election.  Edwards led substantially in the runoff and was
declared the winner.
  The election then moved to the second vice presidential
position.  Hodge and Jenkins were nominated, and after the
lengthy election procedure was conducted, Hodge emerged as the
winner.  He said in his acceptance speech that he had been told
that an independent candidate, coming into California and facing
the large California standing vote could not possibly win, but he
had; and this was a testimony to the democracy that existed in
the ACB.  It is, however, much more a testimony to the inability
of the California Council of the Blind and its president, Bob
Acosta, to produce a substantial number of Californians who would
attend the convention and participate in the standing vote.  They
simply didn't deliver the numbers that they had bragged about. 
It was also a testimony to the disaffection of the rank and file
of the ACB from the immediate past administration.
  The convention followed the recommendations of the nominating
committee regarding the positions of secretary and treasurer. 
Charles Hodge, who had just been elected second vice president,
had been a board member.  The convention gave a sop to the
administration by electing Durward McDaniel to fill the board
position vacated by Hodge.
  The degree of disaffection shown by the ACB membership was
further demonstrated at the board meeting which followed the
convention.  The ACB operates thrift shops.  The organization has
a board which governs this enterprise.  This board is elected by
the ACB board of directors.  Grant Mack, the immediate past
president of ACB, was nominated to serve on the thrift shop
board.  He was opposed and (although he was elected) the vote was
only ten to five.  One would think that simple courtesy to a past
president would have secured his unanimous election to the thrift
shop board, but it didn't.  The reason may well lie in the
disastrous financial situation into which the Mack administration
has led the ACB.

The ACB Financial Crisis

  Throughout the convention there were indications of the extent
of the financial crisis in which the ACB now finds itself.  Chris
Gray, chair of the board of publications, spoke to the convention
about the cuts which had to be made in publications.  The Braille
Forum was being cut back.  Other informational pieces could not
be produced.  The Board was considering low- cost ways to get
their message out.
  Much was made of the staff cutbacks which have occurred during
the past year.  Everyone was reassured that while staff cuts had
been made, there were not cuts in services.  The remaining staff,
it was said, had shifted its responsibilities and worked hard to
fill the gaps.  Volunteers had been enlisted, and the work had
gone on in spite of the deep and painful cuts.
  The treasurer's report was postponed two times but was finally
given during the last session.  The report was silent on the
issue of revenue.  Yes, this is not a misprint.  The report
literally did not say how much money was received.  It only
presented the "budget" in the most general of terms.  Yet, the
reality of ACB's financial disaster was clear to see.  The budget
for this year is $403,000.  $198,000 had been spent to date.  ACB
plans to set $50,000 aside to begin to retire its debts.  No
mention was made of just how large these debts are.  Through the
end of May the thrift shops were reported to have returned
$143,000 to the ACB.  During the course of the convention three
states made contributions to the ACB national treasury.  The
contributions totalled $1,500.  We were told that the thrift
shops were doing badly in all of their locations; so closing down
the ones that were losing money would not solve the problem.  It
was suggested that the members would have to give more, but no
plan to promote this (or even a request from the leadership) was
forthcoming.  The only conclusion which can be drawn is that the
$403,000 budget for 1987 may be more a dream than a reality.

Concluding Remarks

  Perhaps one of the low points in the history of blind people in
the nation came on the last day of the convention.  During one of
the elections when the standing vote was being counted and
everyone was truly bored, Grant Mack, the President of the
American Council of the Blind, called Al Gill of California to
the microphone.  He said, "Al, we will all be leaving soon, and
not everyone will be flying.  Some will be taking the bus.  Now,
they tell me that you can tell us about the Greyhound bus."
  Al Gill said, "Had I known that was why I was being called to
the microphone, I wouldn't have come."
  People from the audience and Grant Mack encouraged Gill to go
forward.  As it turned out, Al Gill does sound effects, and one
of his best is that of a Greyhound bus leaving the depot.  Mr. 
Gill performed, but his colleagues wanted more.  It seems that he
also does the sound of the toilet on the bus being flushed. 
Everyone wanted him to include that sound effect as well, but he
refused.  Instead, he performed the sound of a college marching
band.
  The undignified level to which the ACB convention sank when it
resorted to filling empty minutes during its convention with
sound effects is but the final insult given to the blind of the
nation by the 1987 ACB convention.  The custodialism and the lack
of pride which this organization teaches to its members and the
public are worthy of disgust and contempt.  The deception
practiced by the leadership is an offense to its own members and
to the general public.  The dissension, disorganization, and
disastrous financial situation in which the ACB now finds itself
give testimony to the inability of the organization to speak
effectively or bring its programs into being.  The 1987
convention of the ACB leaves the outside observer startled by the
shocking lack of organizational integrity, strength, and
vitality.  It is an aging organization with few young members.
  The future of the blind of America must be shaped by a vision
which has more dignity, more pride, more confidence, and more
competence than the ACB has to offer.  One need only attend an
ACB convention to understand what the alternatives are and why
there is only one truly representative organization of the blind
in the United States today.  For the vision of the future of
blind persons which the NFB holds out is one that has promise. 
The future which the National Federation of the Blind is making
is one which is full of hope for young and old alike.  The
alternative is despair and negativism.  The choice is not hard to
make.

AWARDS FOR EDUCATORS


  At the 1988 convention the National Federation of the Blind
will be making two awards to educators.  Are you a candidate for
one of them?  Do you know someone who is?
  In 1987 the National Association of Blind Educators, a Division
of the NFB, established the Outstanding Blind Educator Award. 
This year the National Association of Blind Educators would again
like to recognize the achievements of blind professionals who
have demonstrated superior ability in their work as educators. 
The Outstanding Blind Educator Award will be presented during the
meeting of the National Association of Blind Educators, which
will take place Monday afternoon, July 3.  The winner will also
be invited to make a presentation of his or her approaches in
education at that time.  Additional recognition will be given at
the NFB banquet Thursday evening, July 7.  The honoree will be
presented with a plaque appropriately inscribed to reflect the
significance of the recognition being bestowed.  The honoree will
also receive a cash award of $500 plus an expense- paid trip to
the 1988 NFB convention.
  Selection of the Outstanding Blind Educator will be by a
three-member committee comprised of three Outstanding Blind
Educators, each of whom is also a member of the National
Association of Blind Educators.  The chairperson of the committee
is Patricia Munson of California.  Anyone wishing to nominate an
Outstanding Blind Educator should submit the following
information in writing to: Mrs. Patricia Munson, 833 Key Route
Boulevard, Albany, California 94706:
  1. A letter of nomination may be submitted by the nominee or on
behalf of the nominee before April 15, 1988.  The letter should
include a professional profile of the nominee as well as
information on community service or other distinguishing
activities.
  2. Letters seconding an individual's nomination may be
submitted by a friend or colleague to the committee chairperson. 
These letters may be used to expand upon information already
submitted and add additional information which may be helpful to
the committee in making its decision.
  The Outstanding Blind Educator Award
represents a real opportunity to honor a blind person who has
made substantial contributions both in his or her professional
work and to the organized blind.  Please submit your nominations
early.
  The second award to be made to an educator by the NFB in 1988
is called the Distinguished Teacher of Blind Children Award. 
Anyone who is currently teaching, counseling, or administering in
a program for blind children may be considered eligible to
receive this award.  The selection committee for the
Distinguished Teacher of Blind Children Award is chaired by
Ramona Walhof at 1301 South Capitol Boulevard, Suite C, Boise,
Idaho 83706, and the committee includes teachers with much
experience.  Teachers may be nominated by colleagues,
supervisors, or friends.  The letter of nomination should simply
state why the teacher is being recommended for the award.  Two
additional requirements must be met by the teacher being
nominated.
  To apply for and win this award, it is not necessary to be a
member of the National Federation of the Blind, but the winner
will be expected to attend the 1988 NFB convention.  It is a
wonderful opportunity for any teacher working with blind children
to meet others in the same field, as well as parents and blind
persons who have had experience in a variety of educational
programs.  The convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
in Chicago July 2 through July 8, 1988.  The winner of this award
will receive an expense- paid trip to the convention and will be
invited to make a presentation on the education of blind children
to the NFB Parents Division early in the convention.  In
addition, the winner will receive a check for $500 and an
attractive plaque at the NFB banquet Thursday evening, July 7.
  Each nominee must submit to the Selection Committee chairman:
  1. a one-page letter describing your beliefs and approaches in
your work; and
  2. the answers to the following ten questions:
  1. List your degrees, the institution from which they were
received, and the major area(s) of study.
  2. How long and in what programs have you taught blind
children?
  3. In what setting do you teach?  (Example: classroom in school
for the blind, special education classroom, itinerant
program,etc.)
  4. How many students do you teach regularly this year?  What
subjects do you teach them?
  5. How many of your students read and write primarily: a)
Braille, b) large print, c) closed circuit t.v., d) recorded
materials, e) small print?
  6. How many of your students use both print and Braille?
  7. At what age do you recommend that your student begin: a)
reading Braille,
b) writing with a slate and stylus, c) writing with a Braille
writer?
  8. At what age do you recommend your students begin to learn
independent cane travel?
  9. How do you determine which children should learn cane travel
and which should not?
  10. a) At what age do you recommend students begin typing?  b)
When do you expect them to be able to hand in typed assignments?
  The National Federation of the Blind
is most happy to be able to offer these two awards.  We are
looking forward to receiving nominations for many well- qualified
educators.

PROCLAMATION


State of New York
Executive Chamber

  The National Federation of the Blind
of New York State has established itself as a mover in promoting
independence and pride among persons who are blind.  New York
State members have been participants in the 50,000 strong
nationwide network of individuals striving to secure equal rights
and opportunities for visually impaired persons in all spheres of
political, cultural, social, economic, and religious life.
  The New York affiliate, now in its 31st year, was instrumental
in gaining passage of legislation that amended the State's Human
Rights Law to extend its provisions to persons with disabilities.
  Members of the National Federation of the Blind of New York
State continue to captivate state-wide attention and support of
their endeavors to gain legislation and to nurture the type of
attitudinal awareness required for blind persons to interact as
fully integrated, contributing, and responsible citizens.
  As thousands of blind persons who actively participate in
various walks of life can attest, blindness need not be a
deterrent to personal growth and achievement.  People who are
blind have made invaluable contributions to the diversity and
viability of New York State.  They have enriched in meaningful
ways the quality of life shared by all New Yorkers.
  The National Federation of the Blind of New York State's
ongoing commitment to inspire individuals who are blind to seek
and secure their rightful place within society warrants
recognition and support.
  NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mario M. Cuomo,
Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim October,
1987, as

National Federation of the Blind Month

in New York.
  Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the
Capitol in the City of Albany this fourth day of September in the
year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty-Seven.

                Mario M. Cuomo, GOVERNOR

****************************************

RECIPES

****************************************


The following recipes were submitted by Joyce Porter, who is a
member of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of
the Blind of West Virginia and the wife of Dick Porter, the
President of the NFB of West Virginia.


SOUTHERN PEANUT BUTTER PIE

1 unbaked pie crust 3 eggs
1 cup dark corn syrup 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup salted peanuts

  For best results, chill pie crust before baking.  Take directly
from refrigerator and fill.  In mixer combine all ingredients
except for peanuts.  Well mixed filling will be fluffy.  Fold in
peanuts and fill pie shell.  Bake in preheated 400-degree oven
for fifteen minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for
thirty to thirty-five minutes.  NOTE: I collect peanut butter pie
recipes.  This one is my favorite so far.  Hope other
Federationists will share their favorite peanut butter pie
recipes
with me.


****************************************


A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHEESE BALL

2 packages softened cream cheese large ones)
2 packages dried beef Worcestershire sauce garlic powder
onion powder (optional)

  Soften cheese and work it thoroughly with your hands.  Shred
one package of beef and work into cheese.  Shake Worcestershire
sauce bottle into cheese and mix.  Shake garlic powder three
times and mix.  Do the same with onions if you wish to use them. 
Make into a large ball and wrap it with the other package of
beef.  Chill and serve.  This is delicious served with small
pieces of your favorite bread or crackers.


****************************************


EASY MEATBALLS

1-1/2 pounds ground chuck 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs 1
teaspoon
pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

  Form into small meatballs and bake in preheated 350-degree oven
for twenty minutes or until balls are brown.  A shallow baking
sheet works well.

  SAUCE: Combine one and one-half cups of catsup, three
tablespoons vinegar, six tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and
six tablespoons sugar.  One large chopped onion is optional. 
Pour sauce over meatballs and bake in the oven (which has already
been set at 350 degrees) for forty-five minutes.  After balls are
brown transfer them to a deep baking dish before pouring sauce
over them.
  These meatballs are great for office parties, because they can
be heated in the microwave just before serving.  I find that for
best results make them the night before they are to be served,
refrigerate, and heat to preferred temperature just before
serving.  They can also be frozen and served later.


****************************************


CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE


1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup flour
4 eggs
2 sticks melted butter 2 cups pecans (chopped) 1 tablespoon cocoa
1 12-ounce package semi-sweet chocolate bits

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and both sugars. 
Add cocoa and flour; continue beating.  Add eggs one at a time
and continue to beat at high speed.  Add vanilla and continue to
beat until mixture is light and fluffy.  Stir in chocolate bits
and pecans.  Fill each pie shell approximately two-thirds full. 
You should have enough mixture for two very full and delicious
pies.  Decorate tops with pecan halves if you wish.  Bake
forty-five minutes.  Make sure pies are cool before wrapping.
  HINT: If you wish to serve this pie hot, you may stick it into
the microwave for a couple of minutes. Very good served either
hot or at room temperature.


****************************************


DOUBLE DECKER FUDGE


2 cups Reece's peanut butter chips 1 stick melted butter 1/4 cup
cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
4-1/2 cups sugar
1 7-ounce jar marshmallow cream 1-1/2 cups canned milk

  Line a nine- by thirteen-inch pan with aluminum foil.  Place
one cup of peanut butter chips into a medium bowl and set aside. 
Into a second bowl place melted butter, cocoa, and vanilla; beat
until smooth.  In a medium saucepan melt another stick of butter.

Add marshmallow cream, sugar, and milk.  Cook over medium heat,
stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a roaring boil. 
Cook five minutes and continue to stir.  I find that a big heavy
wooden spoon is perfect for this, because you can scrape sides of
pan without scraping off coating if pan has been treated with
teflon or a similar substance.  Remove from heat and add half of
the mixture to the peanut butter chips-only bowl.  Pour remainder
of mixture into the cocoa mixture and blend well.  Beat
peanut butter mixture until chips are completely melted.  Spread
evenly into foil-lined pan.  Pour second mixture over top and
spread.  Let candy cool completely before cutting.
  HINT: Some cooks may prefer to thoroughly grease pan instead of
lining it with foil.  If you line the pan with foil, it should
separate easily from candy, but I have tried it both ways; and if
your pan is thoroughly greased, it should cut easily.  This
recipe makes approximately four pounds.


****************************************


DUMP CAKE

by Betty Pacelli


  Betty Pacelli is First Vice President and Bruce Woodward is
Treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut.

Although this recipe was submitted by Betty Pacelli her mind
(this being written in mid-September) is probably not currently
on cooking, for on October 17, 1987, she and Bruce are planning
to be married.  By the time you read this the Woodwards should be
man and wife.


1 package Duncan Hines Deluxe Yellow Cake Mix
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in syrup, undrained
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling 1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup (one stick) butter or margarine, cut in thin slices

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease nine- by thirteen- by
two-inch pan.  Dump undrained pineapple into pan; spread evenly. 
Dump in pie filling and spread into even layer.  Dump cake mix
onto cherry layer; spread evenly.  Spread pecans over cake mix. 
Put butter over top.  Bake at 350 degrees forty- five to
fifty-three minutes.  Serve warm or cold.


****************************************

MONITOR MINIATURES * * * * * * *

**Computer Book:
  We recently received the following press release:
  "The latest edition of THE SECOND BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO PERSONAL
COMPUTERS FOR THE BLIND has been completely revised and is
available for $11.00.  This second edition includes consumer
reviews of the six most poplar screen-reading programs for the
IBM PC, seven speech programs for the Apple, and the most
effective program for the Commodore 64 Talking Computer.  The
reviews are comparative:  Find out which program has the highest
number of features of any screen review system on the market
today, etc.  There is also a review of a talking speller, a
low-cost spreadsheet, and a listing of magazines by and for blind
computer users.  There is a phone book in the back containing
useful numbers.  To order this 178-page Braille edition send a
check for $11.00 to National Braille Press, 88 St.  Stephen
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 or charge to MasterCard or
Visa by calling 617-266-6160.  Orders are shipped Free Matter, or
add $3.00 for UPS shipping.  Book can also be had in print or on
cassette."

**Association of Radio Reading Services:  According to a press
release which we
recently received, 110 radio reading stations now participate in
the Association of Radio Reading Services. Some of these stations
operate twenty-four hours per day, and it is generally felt that
the reading of the local newspaper is the most popular feature of
the programming.  For information about your closest radio
reading service contact:  The Association of Radio Reading
Services, 1010 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, D.C.
20005; or phone (202) 347-0955.

**VTEK:
  The Summer, 1987, VTEK "News and Views" describes a number of
new computer items and applications.  Here are excerpts:
  VTALK: "VTALK from VTEK is here.  VTALK is a powerful,
sophisticated speech output device enabling blind computer
operators to know quickly and easily exactly what is on the
computer screen.  VTALK reads aloud text on the screen and text
typed from the keyboard."
  SMALL TALK PLUS:  "SMALL TALK PLUS, the versatile talking,
portable notetaking device from VTEK now contains Term-Talk, the
built-in terminal emulation program, in addition to its other two
built-in programs--a word processing program and a scientific
calculator.  SMALL TALK PLUS also features a built-in
microprinter, LCD screen, and tape drive, providing unsurpassed
versatility and convenience to the note-taking needs of blind
people."
  MPRINT: "The inexpensive solution to simultaneous Braille and
print.  If you use a Perkins Brailler, you'll benefit from
MPRINT.  MPRINT  enables the Perkins Braillist to print and
Braille simultaneously, saving time, increasing productivity,
enhancing the efficiency of any office or work station where the
Perkins is working.  Attach MPRINT to the bottom of the Perkins
Brailler, plug it into any serial or parallel printer, and you're
getting quality print...print you've formatted for your needs."
  VTEK's address is: 1625 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica,
California 90404.

**It is Respectable to be Blind:
  A fancy, formal printed card (the kind used to announce births,
deaths, and what not) recently arrived in the offices of the
National Federation of the Blind.  Here is the entire text:
  "The Board of Managers and Robert L.  Guarino, Director, The
New York Institute for the Education of the Blind, wish to
announce that as of September 18, 1986, the school's name will be
changed to The New York Institute for Special Education, 999
Pelham Parkway, Bronx, New York 10469; (212) 519-7000."

**New Baby:
  Jim and April Enderton are Federationists from Des Moines.  We
recently received the following announcement:
  "There's so much love and hope and joy all wrapped up in our
little boy!  Name:  Kevin Christopher Enderton; Date: July 20,
1987; Weight: seven pounds, seven ounces; Length: twenty-one
inches; Parents: Jim and April Enderton."

**Surgery:
  Just prior to the NFB convention in Phoenix Hank LaBonne,
President of the Chattanooga Chapter of the National Federation
of the Blind of Tennessee, had gall bladder surgery.  There were
complications, so instead of coming to Phoenix Hank spent the
time in the hospital.  He is now home and recovering.  You can't
keep a good man down.

**Actively Proclaiming:
  The Brockton Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts not only exemplifies
initiative but also demonstrates the fact that it knows how to
reach the Mayor of the city.  The Mayor of Brockton proclaimed
October 15, 1986, White Cane Safety Day.  He proclaimed November
of 1986 National Federation of the Blind Month.  He proclaimed
May of 1987 White Cane Safety Month.  The city government of
Brockton, Massachusetts, certainly knows of the existence of the
National Federation of the Blind.

**Image:
  The July, 1987, Star magazine compliments the American Council
of the Blind on a television public service spot which it says
they are running.  Star says of the ACB announcement:
  "There is no narration, only a driving rock-oriented sound
track.  There are no images, only type that reads: 'For a blind
person, this commercial sounds like a beer or a soft-drink
commercial.  Why are we fooling them?  Because they need money
and they're too proud to ask for it.  So please give
generously.'"
  The Star columnist says: "It's done tastefully.  The emotion is
there, but without sad implications.  It's not like begging.  A
very clever idea."
  That's what Star says, but it's not what we say.  The
connotations and implications of the ACB announcement are many,
and they are all bad.  The blind are not children.  Yes, we have
pride, but it is the mature pride of adults (of equals), not what
is shown in the announcement.  It is not surprising that the Star
columnist thinks the announcement is clever and appropriate.  It
fits his image of the blind--and also, apparently, the ACB's
image--of the blind in general and of themselves.

**Dies:
  Betty Kendall, Secretary of the Cleveland Chapter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, writes:
  "We are saddened by the death of our friend and colleague,
Susan Hall Franklin, by drowning on June 27, 1987.  She was a
member of the Cleveland Chapter of the NFB of Ohio.  Thank you."

**For Sale:
  We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
  "For sale: APH-GE Cassette Recorder/Player, portable,
rechargeable batteries, in very good condition, plays NLS and
regular speed 4-track: $100.  Contact in Braille for more
information or to find out if still available:  Janell Peterson,
303 Harvard Avenue, East, #302, Seattle, Washington 98102."

**Bartlett's Quotations:
  The following press release was recently issued jointly by the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
and the National Federation of the Blind:

  The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped (NLS) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
announce the availability of the first ever, mass-produced
Braille edition of John Bartlett's Familiar Quotations.
  Blind writers, students, and other interested readers now have
access to this important reference tool, which lists more than
22,500 quotations, sayings, and writings of English and American
authors.  A detailed index serves as a key to locating and
identifying passages in the book.
  Braille production of Bartlett's is a joint effort of NLS and
NFB with the permission of Little, Brown, and Company, the print
edition publisher.  Gift funds from the estate of Leonard R. 
Stachura were used to purchase the metal plates needed to produce
the 105-volume set.
  NLS has distributed copies for reference use in forty-three
cooperating Braille-lending libraries around the country.  NFB is
offering the set at cost in soft-bound and hard-bound editions. 
Individuals and schools or other organizations may purchase the
soft-bound edition for $230 and the hard-bound edition for $630
directly from NFB at: 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland
21230.

**Elected:
  The following people have been elected to office in the Potomac
Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia for
the 1987-88 year:  President, Seville Allen; First Vice
President, Robert McDonald; Second Vice President, Nancy Painter;
Treasurer, Larry Povinelli; Recording Secretary, Geraldine Burke;
Corresponding Secretary, Susan Povinelli; and Board Members:
Louise Ruhf, Bill Meeker, and Jerry Yeager.

**Request from the Philippines:
  We recently received the following request in the National
Office:
  "You may just call me Boni for short.  My father, who is a
permanent resident of the U. S., has filed a petition for me; and
if God willing, I would someday be an immigrant to your country. 
For this reason, I want to have some friends in the U. S.  I'm a
bachelor, five feet, nine inches in height, and with fair
complexion.  You may send me Braille or typewritten letters.  So
if anyone, especially falling within the age group of twenty-four
and thirty-three, wishes to correspond with me and be my friend,
address your letter to: Bonifacio V.  Lucio, Philippine Printing
House for the Blind, DECS Compound, Arroceros Street, Manila,
Philippines."

**New Baby:
  Terry and LouAnne George of Oregon
announce the birth of LeAndrea Tennae, who came to be a part of
the George family at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 1987.  LeAndrea
Tennae weighted nine pounds, four ounces, and was twenty-two
inches long.  Terry George has been a long-time member of the
National Federation of the Blind and is now President of the
Portland Chapter.  He was staunch in Federationism during the
time that the organization was under severe attack in the state
of Idaho.

**Intex-Talker:
  Ray Graber, Federationist from Kansas, writes: "I would like to
sell my Intex- Talker Text to Speech Synthesizer.  It is like
new; has a serial and a parallel port; built-in speaker; and
external speaker plug.  Also, it has a manual with full operating
instructions.  It is a $450 value for $125 plus $5 shipping. 
Contact me at: 1603 Quail Ridge, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501; (316)
665- 5463."

**Dies:
  Karen Mayry, President of the National Federation of the Blind
of South Dakota, writes:
  Julie Hawkins, 94 and charter member of the NFB of South Dakota
affiliate, died on August 3, 1987.  Julia was recruited by Eric
Smith and Sharon Duffy in 1975 when they helped to organize the
South Dakota affiliate.  She was active in the Black Hills
Chapter, served on the local board, and participated in all
activities until she moved to the Rapid City Care Center about a
year ago.  She fought for her rights as an individual and
believed in the philosophy of the Federation.  Often she said,
"The rights we attain will help the youngsters of tomorrow."

**Elected:
  For the 1987-88 year the following people were elected to
office in the Lawrence Chapter of the National Federation of the
Blind of Massachusetts: President, Tony DelPozzo; Vice President,
Al Durso; Treasurer, Rita Librizzo; Recording Secretary,
Josephine Benoit; Corresponding Secretary, Natalie Scire-Melisi;
Sergeant at Arms, Tona LaHoude; and Public Relations, Edith
Sandborn.

**Vis-Aids:
  We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
  Vis-Aids, Inc., 102-09 Jamaica Avenue,
P. O. Box 26, Richmond Hill, New York 11418, is a distributor of
aids and appliances for the blind and visually impaired.  We have
a good reputation for our quality, service, and discounted
prices.  All orders are shipped within twenty-four hours.  Why
not call for a free catalog today.  Our phone number is (718)
847-4734."

**Catalog Available:
  We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
  "BIT Corporation is pleased to offer you its new 1987 product
catalog.  This expanded catalog features more than twenty new
items, including an automatic telephone dialer, TV band radios,
and labeling aids.  It is now available in large print, Braille,
and on audio cassette.  Consumers wishing to receive a catalog or
to order a format other than print may contact BIT by writing to
calling: BIT Corporation, P. O. Box 70, MIT Branch, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02139; (617) 661-9555, or (800) BIT-0211 (outside
Massachusetts)."

**Educators:
  The following item appears in the August, 1987, Palmetto Blind,
the publication of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina:
  "Mrs. Yvonne Howze is the new principal of the South Carolina
School for the Blind.  She succeeds Mr. Dennis Thurmond, who
recently accepted the position of Superintendent of the Iowa
School for the Blind.  Mrs. Howze has been associated with the
Alabama school for the Blind for several years."

**New Job:
  Writing in the August-September, 1987, Month's News (the
publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois)
Steve Benson says:
  "Dave Andrews, member of our state board, Chicago Chapter
Second Vice President, and resident auctioneer who doubles as
General Manager of Chicago- land Radio Information Service
(CRIS), will leave Illinois in early August to take a position as
General Manager of the Kansas Radio Information Service.  Dave's
steadfastness, wit, and culinary prowess will be missed in
Illinois.  His presence here has enriched all of us.  He will
undoubtedly be an asset in Kansas.  Dave, we wish you well in
your new endeavor.  We will see you at the Chicago Hyatt Regency
during the first week of July, 1988."

**New Baby:
  Maryann Barrios, Corresponding Secretary of the Orange County
Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California,
writes:
  "On July 16, 1987, Brent and Patty Rasmussen of Westminster,
California, welcomed a new addition to their family.  They have
adopted a two-month-old baby boy.  His name is Brian David, and
he is the Rasmussen's first child.  Brent and Patty are both
members of the Orange County Chapter of the NFB of California. 
Brent is the Treasurer for our chapter, and Patty has served as
Secretary and as a board member."

**New Chapter:
  We are pleased to carry the following announcement:  A new
chapter of the NFB was started in Connecticut.  On May 9, 1987,
officers of the Meriden Area Chapter of the National Federation
of the Blind of Connecticut were elected.  They are as follows:
President, Kathleen Kleczkowski; Vice President, Leslie Beaudry;
Treasurer, James Thaxter; Secretary, Pearl Cote; and Board
Members: James Duvall, Ray Lawson, and Ted Wernicke. 
Congratulations to the new chapter.

**Recording for the Blind:
  Recording for the Blind (located in Princeton, New Jersey)
issued a press release dated August 6, 1987, which said in part:
  "What is Recording for the Blind?  RFB has developed a series
of five brochures to answer questions about its free service to
blind and other print handicapped persons.  Recording for the
Blind is a national, nonprofit service organization that provides
recorded educational books to anyone who cannot read standard
printed material because of a visual, physical, or perceptual
disability.  RFB is: a recording service relying on work of more
than 4,000 volunteers in 29 recording studios across the country;
a library containing more than 70,000 recorded books, the largest
resource of its kind in the world; and a delivery system
circulating 130,000 books each year.  For information call or
write: Recording for the Blind, Office of Public Information, 20
Roszel Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540; (609) 452-0606,
extension 246."

**Religious Material:
  We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
  "Would you like to know more about God and serving him through
the Catholic faith?  A free home study course is available in ten
cassette tapes.  Please refer to it as 'Our Second Edition.'
These lessons are taken from the Paulist Fathers home study
course and have optional questions and answers for each lesson. 
We invite you to send for Lesson 1 on cassette tape by contacting
Catholic Inquiry for the Blind, 228 North Walnut Street, Lansing,
Michigan 48933; (517) 342-2500."

**Computers to Buy and Sell:
  We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
  "I have Talking Transend Modem card and software Apple
compatible for sale at $495.  The registration can be changed to
the new owner.  Documents Talking Word Processor Apple Plus
compatible for sale at $150.  Franklin ACE 1000 computer, which
is Apple Plus compatible with a single disc drive 64K, is great
for beginners.  Will sell the above altogether or separately as
priced above.  Am looking for Apple 2-E or Apple 2-C or Apple
C-G's.  For information contact: Mae Yingling Jones, 700 North
Denning Drive, Apt. 101, Winter Park, Florida 32789."

**Dies:
  Fred Wurtzel, long-time Federationist from Michigan, writes:
  "On June 8, 1987, Daryl Castner of St.  Louis, Missouri, died
of cancer at his parents' home near lansing, Michigan.  Daryl was
thirty-one years old and had lived in Missouri since taking
employment there as a rehabilitation teacher in August, 1982. 
Daryl reflected what Federationism calls us to be.  He was more
than an independent traveler.  He traveled with enthusiasm and
determination.  He was an accomplished Braille user.  He
charcoal-grilled wonderful steaks, which I was privileged to
share on more than one occasion.  Daryl worked at Alternatives
for the Blind in Living and Employment (ABLE), where he taught
typing, did career counseling, led seminars on blindness, and
carried out varied duties as assigned as anyone who works for a
small private agency does as a matter of course.  Daryl was a
committed Christian, whose faith led him to pursue a theology
degree while undergoing extensive treatments for cancer."

**Buralo:
  We recently received the following release:
  "Dr. Owen G. Clayton, a member of the Orange County Chapter,
National Federation of the Blind of California, has recently
self-published The Elements of Buralo, a monograph presenting
details of the writing systems, phonology, morphology, and syntax
of Buralo, an a priori constructed language on which he has been
working at intervals for some twenty-five years.  Dr. Clayton has
worked as a senior technical writer and technical support analyst
for Computer Sciences Corp. and as assistant editor of the Astro
News of Los Angeles AFS, and is currently a freelance
writer/linguist living in Mission Viejo."  For information
contact: Dr.  Owen G. Clayton, 24726 Embajadores Lane, Mission
Viejo, California 92691-5219.

**Ann Morris Enterprises:
  We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
  "No-spill ice trays, microwave oven cookware, computer
cookbooks, cassette cabinets, large digit items, and a gift
wrapping service are just a few of the many new offerings from
Ann Morris Enterprises, Inc., 26 Horseshoe Lane, Levittown, New
York 11756.  Request your large print or cassette catalog today."

**Carries His Weight:
  Ken Chrane, Federationist from Colorado, is an AT&T operator in
Denver.  Recently his supervisor sent us a letter from a
satisfied AT&T customer:
  "On Saturday, August 1, one of your operators (Ken Chrane
#0137) helped me tremendously for over thirty minutes to get me a
number in W. Berlin.  He finally got nine possible numbers to
try.  After the first six he was going to try the last three, but
the circuits were busy, so I called and asked for him later so I
wouldn't have to repeat the whole process.  After all this, Ken
finally got the number I needed.  Terrific, and job well done! 
Ken wasn't in a hurry to give information then go on to the next
customer like a lot of operators.  Ken was helpful, courteous,
and extremely patient--very patient.  He helped until he knew
that the person I wanted was on the line.  Again, thanks to Ken
Chrane for a fantastic job well done."

**Ben Prows Honored:
  Federationists know Ben Prows as one of the leaders of the
National Federation of the Blind of Washington, but he is also
active in other areas of self- organization and self-help.  The
July- August issue of the newsletter of the National Treasury
Employees Union (Chapter 215 in Seattle) carried the following
item:
  "Officers and Stewards of Local 215 gathered on Friday, June
26, 1987, to honor Ben Prows who recently resigned as Chief
Steward.
  "Ben is one of our 'originals' and was an alternate negotiator
on our original contract with DHHS which became effective October
5, 1980.  Ben was also a negotiator on the DHHS EPMS Agreement
executed during the summer of 1981.  In addition, Ben has
continuously served as a Steward since the inception of our Local
and rose to the Chief Steward position in January, 1985.
  "Ben's legal expertise and sense of humor will be missed by all
who know him.  However, Ben will remain a most supportive member.
  "Refreshments were served at the conclusion, and Ben was
presented with a leather attache case.  We were pleased to have
Ben's wife Susi also present for the occasion."

**CAPVI:
  We recently received the following press release:
  "The Catholic Association of Persons with Visual Impairment
(CAPVI) has opened its office in Washington, D.C., announced
Monsignor Paul Lackner, President of CAPVI.
  "The association was formerly known as the American Federation
of Catholic Workers for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
(AFCWBVH), founded in Pittsburgh in 1954.  At a meeting (August,
1984) in Philadelphia the board of directors voted to form a new
organization in which membership, formerly open to professionals
only, would be open to nonprofessionals as well.  To emphasize
membership to all visually impaired persons, the name was changed
to Catholic Association of Persons with Visual Impairment.  Now
located in Washington, D.C. (with mailing address: c/o NCPD, P.
O. Box 29113, Washington, D.C. 20017; telephone number
202-529-2933), CAPVI shares office space with the National
Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities.  The purpose of
CAPVI is to advocate for the independence of visually handicapped
persons so that they may be accepted and accept themselves as
part of the local community."

**Braille Programming Book:
  We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
  "Getting your hands on a computer programming book in Braille
is next to impossible.  And yet, the precision of computer
programming demands the kind of attention to detail and scrutiny
that can only come from Braille access.
  "Now you can own your own Braille copy of 'The C Programming
Language' by Brian
W. Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie-- considered the bible of
programming books.
  "C is a general purpose programming language and is not tied to
any one operating system or machine.  This five- volume Braille
set is priced the same as the print book: $24.95, and is
transcribed according to the rules of the code for computer
Braille notation.
  "To order your copy, send a check to National Braille Press, 88
St. Stephen Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, or call (617)
266-6160 and charge it on your Mastercard or Visa."

**New Chapter:
  Karen Nolte writes: "We have started the Grand Island Chapter
of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska:  President,
Ardyce Earl; Vice President, Joe Cervenka; Secretary-Treasurer,
Karen Nolte; and Board Member, Bruce Goehring."

**Twins:
  We are informed that Marsha Crickmore Anderson, Federationist
from Indiana, and David Anderson (who live in Anderson, Indiana)
are the proud parents of twins, who were born on August 29, 1987.

In the motif of twins Mary Ann weighed five pounds, five ounces
and Joseph David weighed six pounds, six ounces.  Mary Ann was
nineteen and a half inches long and arrived in the world at 11:49
p.m.  Joseph David was twenty inches long and arrived at 11:50
p.m.  Both parents and twins are doing well. May they live
happily ever after.

**Pledge:
  Here is the official NFB pledge.  It appears on the back of the
membership card and is used by many local chapters and state
affiliates at the beginning of meetings:
  "I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the
National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality,
opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the programs
and policies of the Federation; and to abide by its
Constitution."

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phoenix, Arizona, July 3, 1987


  At the 1987 convention of the National Federation of the Blind
a total of twenty-two resolutions were considered and acted upon.

One of them was withdrawn by its sponsor, and one was defeated by
vote of the convention.  Here is a summary of the resolutions
followed by the complete text of those which were adopted.
   87-01:  expresses the Federation's support for H.R. 192 to
amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  The bill, now pending in the
l00th Congress, seeks to prohibit employment discrimination based
on handicap.  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it
unlawful for most employers to discriminate on the basis of sex
and against members of certain racial or ethnic minorities. 
Discrimination on the basis of handicap is not included, however.

That would be corrected if Congress adopts H.R. 192.
  87-02:  calls for the repeal of a Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) regulation and Advisory Circular pertaining
to air transportation for the handicapped.  The resolution notes
that the regulation and Advisory Circular (issued in 1977) are
now out of date.  Moreover, they are inconsistent with the
nondiscrimination requirements of Public Law 99-435, the Air
Carrier Access Act.  The resolution declares that all steps
necessary to achieve the repeal of FAA's outmoded regulation and
the withdrawal of the Advisory Circular will be taken.
  87-03:  urges Congress to pass legislation to overturn the
Supreme Court's decision in Grove City College vs. Bell.  That
decision places severe limits on the application of federal civil
rights laws that extend to recipients of federal financial
assistance.   Bills that would restore broader civil rights
protection for employees or participants in federally funded
programs are now pending in the House of Representatives and the
Senate.  The House bill is H.R.  1214.  The Senate bill is S.
557.
  87-04:  requests the cooperation of the Social Security
Administration (SSA) and the Congress to improve and expand
rehabilitation services for blind beneficiaries.  Funds from SSA
are now used to reimburse state vocational rehabilitation
agencies for their costs to provide services that lead to
successful employment of the blind.  The resolution notes,
however, that similar reimbursements from SSA funds are not
available to private or public agencies other than vocational
rehabilitation.   This limits the opportunities which blind
beneficiaries have to achieve successful employment.  Therefore,
the resolution declares that blind beneficiaries should have
greater freedom to select effective rehabilitation programs
(whether public or private) to be paid for through expanded use
of SSA funds.
  87-05:  calls upon the Congress of the United States to improve
employment and upward mobility opportunities for the blind by
amending the Javits-Wagner- O'Day Act.  The Act, now in its
fiftieth year, provides special Federal contracting advantages to
sheltered workshops if 75% of the direct labor is performed by
blind or severely handicapped persons.  There are no requirements
for the workshops to hire blind managers or supervisors, however.

The resolution asks Congress to include upward mobility and other
affirmative action requirements in the law.
   87-06:  deplores discriminatory restrictions on blind
passengers imposed by certain airlines.  The resolution notes
that the carriers have not provided evidence of the need for the
restrictions, even though the Secretary of Transportation
requested such evidence in a notice published in the Federal
Register of August 22, 1986.  The resolution seeks the
cooperation of the air carriers to cease applying such limits on
blind passengers since it is now clear that no evidence exists to
justify them.
  87-07:  seeks participation of the National Federation of the
Blind in an upcoming White House Conference on Libraries and
Information Services.  Legislation to request and authorize the
President to convene such a Conference is now pending in the
100th Congress.  Needs of the blind for greater access to
information, and the technology that is now capable of responding
to these needs, should be considered during the White House
Conference.
  87-08: declares that scholarships awarded by the National
Federation of the Blind should not be considered as "similar
benefits" by state vocational rehabilitation agencies.  The
Federation awards scholarships to blind students in excess of
$65,000 per year, intended to assist the recipients in meeting
their higher education costs.  The scholarships are awarded on
the basis of merit, not as an entitlement.  Nonetheless, some
vocational rehabilitation agencies have identified these
scholarships as a "similar benefit" and have made corresponding
reductions in financial or other support.  In some cases support
from vocational rehabilitation might be terminated altogether due
to a "similar benefit."  The resolution says that NFB
scholarships should not reduce or eliminate the assistance
provided by vocational rehabilitation.
  87-09: seeks civil penalties (including fines) for the
deliberate injury or destruction of a dog guide.  The resolution
notes that local prosecutors do not actively pursue charges
against those who may be responsible for the injury or
destruction of dog guides.  The remedy called for by the
resolution is to establish a civil cause of action, giving blind
victims of dog guide abuse the right to pursue their own claims
in court.  Recovery of damages and attorneys' fees is urged.
  87-10:  urges state vocational rehabilitation agencies to
assist in developing "Plans to Achieve Self- Support" (PASS) for
blind recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  The PASS
is used to allow SSI recipients the opportunity to have income
and resources specifically devoted to their self- support
efforts.  The income and resources identified in a PASS are then
not considered so they do not reduce or eliminate SSI benefits. 
The resolution asks the Rehabilitation Services Administration
(RSA) to establish a special training program for counselors to
assist their clients to obtain approval of a PASS.
  87-11: This resolution concerning use of computer technology to
be implemented in the Library of Congress books for the blind and
physically handicapped program was withdrawn by request of its
sponsor.
  87-12: expresses continued opposition of the Federation to a
quarantine of dog guides entering the State of Hawaii.  New
information has come to light pertaining to the prevention of
rabies.  Therefore, the resolution calls upon the Department of
Agriculture of the State of Hawaii to establish a means to allow
dog guide users to travel freely with their dog guides to and
from the State of Hawaii.
  87-13: solicits the cooperation of Assessment Systems, Inc. of
Philadelphia to make state licensure examinations for social
workers available to blind persons in Braille.  The examination
for licensing social workers in forty-one states is now required
to be conducted with a reader selected by Assessment Systems,
Inc.
  87-14: urges volunteer enlistment opportunities for blind
persons in military service.  Noncombat and support positions are
specifically identified.  The resolution notes that the failure
of the armed services to utilize blind persons in noncombat and
support positions for which they are trained and qualified is a
violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended.
  87-15: establishes a Federation award "for the outstanding
educator of blind children" to be awarded from time to time as
appropriate.  The award is intended to recognize outstanding
educators of the blind and to stimulate quality performance in
the education of blind children.
  87-16: demands that "Braille reading and writing be made a part
of the curriculum for all blind students attending elementary and
secondary schools."  The resolution emphasizes the need for
Braille literacy and the use of a slate and stylus at an early
stage in the process of learning to read and write.
  87-17: condemns and deplores a public mass transit conference
sponsored by the American Foundation for the Blind during
January, 1987, in Washington, D.C.  The resolution urges the
American Public Transit Association, the Urban Mass Transit
Administration, and transit carriers across the country to work
with blind people themselves who use transit systems regularly. 
The best way to do this and to obtain the real views of the blind
is through cooperative exchanges with the National Federation of
the Blind.
  87-18: asks that catastrophic health insurance coverage be
available to blind persons receiving Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI) benefits.  Health insurance coverage for
catastrophic illnesses is being considered by the l00th
Congress.
  87-19: solicits the cooperation of major car rental companies
to work with the National Federation of the Blind to develop
reasonable policies which make it possible for blind people to
rent motor vehicles.  The resolution notes that most of the major
companies require a person renting a motor vehicle to have a
valid driver's license and major credit card.  These policies
could be changed with the assistance and support of the companies
involved.
  87-20: This resolution concerning regulations and procedures
for payment of attorneys' fees in Social Security cases was
defeated by the convention.
  87-21: commends "those states which have enacted programs to
provide telecommunications devices for the deaf- blind" and calls
upon all states that do not have such programs to enact them. 
The resolution notes the Federation's policy of supporting
improved communication methods for the deaf-blind and identifies
telecommunications devices as a necessary improvement.
  87-22: condemns and deplores "the ridiculous policy of the
United States Department of Education" which was explained by
Justin Dart, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA).  The policy in question gives all
meaningful decision-making authority in rehabilitation to the
education department's assistant secretary for special education
and rehabilitative services.  Thus, the Commissioner of the
Rehabilitation Services Administration is not empowered to
schedule meetings with members of other departments or to approve
travel expenses for attendants at large national meetings, such
as the NFB convention.  The policy described by Mr. Dart would
mean that the RSA commissioner is merely a figurehead in the
federal structure.


RESOLUTION 87-01

  WHEREAS, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the most
comprehensive Federal law prohibiting employment discrimination
in both private-sector and public-sector jobs; and
  WHEREAS, employment discrimination
based on blindness is still not covered by Title VII even though
blind people are often the victims of unjust and discriminatory
treatment by employers or potential employers; and
  WHEREAS, a bill (H.R. 192) now pending in the first session of
the 100th Congress would remedy this enormous gap in protection
against employment discrimination by making discrimination based
on handicap an unlawful employment practice, prohibited by Title
VII; and
  WHEREAS, on June 17, 1987, the Subcommittee on Employment
Opportunities of the House Committee on Education and Labor
considered H.R. 192 in a public hearing, and favorable action on
this measure seems likely in this session of Congress; and
  WHEREAS, substantial unemployment and underemployment of the
blind directly results from attitudes and practices of employers
that treat the blind as a separate and less able class in the
work force; and
  WHEREAS, the legal means successfully to contest this
misclassification and its accompanying unjust treatment
(including refusal to hire the blind) are often not available: 
Now, therefore,    BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of
the Blind in Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987,
in the City of Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization express
its continuing thanks and commendation to the sponsor of H.R.
192, the Honorable Joe Moakley of Massachusetts, for his
unwavering efforts on behalf of equal employment rights and
opportunities for the blind; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge all members of the 100th
Congress to support the principles of H.R. 192 by actively
endorsing this legislation and working and voting for its
enactment into law.

RESOLUTION 87-02

  WHEREAS, a Federal Aviation Regulation (14 CFR, Section
121.586), although misapplied to the blind, was purportedly
adopted to require airlines to provide air transportation to
handicapped individuals, described as "anyone who may need the
assistance of another person" in exiting quickly from an aircraft
during an emergency evacuation; and    WHEREAS, in tandem with
this regulation the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also
issued an "Advisory Circular" (120-32) containing mostly
nonsafety-related, informational material for airlines to use in
"serving" the handicapped, and it should be noted that the
Advisory Circular on its face far exceeds the purely safety-
related mission of the FAA in dealing with the airlines; and
  WHEREAS, the FAA's implementation of this rule and Advisory
Circular since 1977 has permitted a confusing mixture of
safety-and nonsafety-related, discriminatory procedures to be
developed and exercised by each airline within its discretion,
resulting in ill- conceived and unjustified, nonsafety- related
service limitations being placed on blind passengers by many air
carriers; and
  WHEREAS, the discriminatory impact of this regulation and
Advisory Circular (and their discriminatory implementation) have
now become unlawful by virtue of the nondiscrimination
requirements of the Air Carrier Access Act (Pub. L. 99- 435); and
  WHEREAS, even the alleged original purpose of FAA's regulation
and Advisory Circular is now obviated by the Air Carrier Access
Act, a statute which supersedes this regulation:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call for the removal of
14 CFR Section 121.586 from the Code of Federal Regulations and
the withdrawal of Advisory Circular 120-32; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if necessary to accomplish this
objective, a rulemaking petition shall be filed by this
organization with the FAA requesting the removal of this
regulation; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization take all
necessary actions (both administrative and judicial) in order to
secure the prompt repeal of FAA's now unlawful regulation and
Advisory Circular.

RESOLUTION 87-03

  WHEREAS, the decision of the United States Supreme Court in
Grove City College vs. Bell held that recipients of Federal
Financial Assistance are only required to observe federal
nondiscrimination laws under those programs or activities for
which funds from the United States are actually received; and
  WHEREAS, this interpretation of the law has placed severe
limits on the scope of civil rights protection for blind people,
whereby federal fund recipients are not obligated to comply with
nondiscrimination requirements of federal agencies and are not
subject to civil rights investigations or enforcement procedures
in any program that does not utilize federal funds; and
  WHEREAS, recipients of federal funds can use the Supreme
Court's Grove City decision by applying creative accounting and
other procedures deliberately to evade the reach of civil rights
laws and regulations; and
  WHEREAS, H.R. 1214 and S. 557 now pending in the 100th Congress
(respectively introduced by Representative Augustus Hawkins of
California and Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts) are bills
designed to overturn the Supreme Court's Grove City decision,
saying instead that any recipient of Federal Financial Assistance
must comply with the federal civil rights laws without any
exemption for specific programs and activities:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this Federation enthusiastically support
the prompt enactment by Congress of legislation to overturn the
Supreme Court's Grove City decision; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge all members of the 100th
Congress to cooperate in obtaining swift consideration and
prompt, favorable action on this top priority civil rights
measure.

RESOLUTION 87-04

  WHEREAS, the Social Security Act's provisions relating to
reimbursement for the costs of vocational rehabilitation services
allow payments in most circumstances to be made only to a state
vocational rehabilitation agency (or to a state agency for the
blind) for providing services authorized in accordance with the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and
  WHEREAS, the Social Security Administration's (SSA) exclusive
reliance on services from state agencies approved under the
Rehabilitation Act severely limits each blind individual's
possibility for achieving substantial gainful activity due
principally to the philosophical and service (as well as
bureaucratic) inefficiencies of most state agencies; and
  WHEREAS, rehabilitation, training, and employment of the blind
would improve substantially under a program designed to give
blind persons greater freedom in selecting the agencies and
services they need rather than being forced to accept the
limitations of the state agencies; and
  WHEREAS, cooperation by SSA and the Congress is essential to
establish and improve reimbursement policy allowing blind
beneficiaries a greater choice of services and agencies to
provide them:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization endorse a positive
initiative to expand and improve rehabilitation, training, and
employment opportunities for the blind beyond the exclusive use
of state vocational rehabilitation agencies; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we request the cooperation of the
Social Security Administration and the Congress, as may be
necessary, to provide for reimbursement authority and procedures
sufficient to make this improved program possible.

RESOLUTION 87-05

  WHEREAS, this is the fiftieth year of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day
Act, known originally as "An Act to Create a Committee on
Purchases of Blind-made Products," approved June 25, 1938; and
  WHEREAS, Congress has never altered this Act's basic employment
philosophy that jobs for the blind in sheltered workshops should
be direct labor in nature and that nonblind persons should be
employed at normal or higher salaries to manage and supervise the
blind and their work; and
  WHEREAS, this fifty-year-old employment philosophy is now
grossly out of date and wholly inconsistent with the proven
modern-day ability of the blind to compete on terms of equality
at all levels in the work force, including in the management and
supervision of sheltered workshops; and
  WHEREAS, better jobs and fair employment opportunities for the
blind in sheltered workshops will only occur if the basic
employment philosophy of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act is changed
to recognize the true abilities of the blind to perform work of
all types on a par with others:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization urge the members and
responsible committees of the Congress to adopt a modern-day,
accurate employment philosophy for the blind under the
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this
revised employment philosophy for the blind in sheltered
workshops shall give blind persons priority for all jobs beyond
the current requirements for the blind to work in direct labor
only.

RESOLUTION 87-06

  WHEREAS, by official notice published in the Federal Register
of August 22, 1986, the Secretary of Transportation offered
commercial air carriers the opportunity to submit any evidence
they may have to justify procedures that place limits on the
carriage of blind passengers; and
  WHEREAS, the carriers and their trade associations expressed
varying positions on restrictions that should or should not be
placed on blind passengers, but none of the carriers or their
trade associations actually provided evidentiary material to the
Secretary of Transportation, relying instead on uninformed and
unsupportable opinions and beliefs, but not on facts; and
  WHEREAS, discrimination against the blind in air travel and
otherwise is always a product of belief and myth, and with
particular respect to air travel such discrimination is a
violation of federal law and a further violation of the laws of
most states; and
  WHEREAS, federal regulations are not necessary for air carriers
to implement policy of nondiscrimination toward the blind, and
some carriers actually seem to be making efforts in that
direction while other carriers ridiculously persist in exercising
their discriminatory policies against the blind:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that we continue to oppose and deplore the
discriminatory restrictions on blind passengers that some
airlines still exercise in the face of contrary federal law; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all air
carriers are hereby urged to show good faith in observing the
requirements of the law by removing all of their restrictions on
air transportation for the blind for which there is provably now
not the slightest degree of evidentiary basis.

RESOLUTION 87-07

  WHEREAS, Congress is considering legislation (House Joint
Resolution 90 and Senate Joint Resolution 26) to authorize and
request the President to call a White House Conference on
Libraries and Information Services to be held no later than 1989
(House Joint Resolution 90 having passed the House on June 8,
1987, with both resolutions now pending in the Senate); and
  WHEREAS, blind individuals have unique, special, and growing
needs in relationship to libraries and information services, and
these needs should be considered during the White House
Conference; and
  WHEREAS, it is essential that blind users of library and
information services participate in the planning of and have
substantial representation and participation in the White House
Conference on Libraries and Information Services; and
  WHEREAS, the National Federation of
the Blind is the only entity capable of providing strong
representation of the needs of the blind in the White House
Conference on Libraries and Information Services; and
  WHEREAS, special library services for the blind still provide
our principal source of reading matter, and such programs (even
where competently managed) will necessarily be limited in what
they alone can provide, yet advances in information technology
have created many new opportunities for the blind that still must
be explored:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization seek to participate in
the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services;
and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we request the assistance of all
responsible officials to make participation in this conference
possible.

RESOLUTION 87-08

  WHEREAS, the National Federation of
the Blind annually provides in excess of $65,000 in scholarship
grants to meritorious blind students; and
  WHEREAS, the purpose of these scholarship grants is to provide
for books, equipment, and educational materials not provided by
state departments of rehabilitation; and
  WHEREAS, these grants cannot be construed as similar benefits,
as defined under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and
  WHEREAS, at least one state rehabilitation agency has
considered the scholarship grants as similar benefits, thus
cutting back on services to a client receiving an NFB scholarship
grant; and
  WHEREAS, considering scholarship grants as similar benefits
constitutes a disincentive to the recipient, as well as to the
provider of scholarship grants:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call upon the Secretary
of the United States Department of Education to issue a directive
to state rehabilitation agencies which will clearly exclude
National Federation of the Blind scholarship grants from being
considered as similar benefits, as defined in the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended.

RESOLUTION 87-09

  WHEREAS, the use of a dog guide is one of the choices blind
persons make to achieve independence in traveling about safely;
and
  WHEREAS, in the past, some dog guides have been deliberately
injured or killed by malicious persons, who do not care about the
value or importance of the dog to the blind user; and
  WHEREAS, these victimized dog users have found that local
prosecutors are not willing to file or vigorously pursue criminal
charges against deliberate destroyers of dog guides; and
  WHEREAS, the choice of going to court to enforce penalties
against such persons should be placed in the hands of the
victimized dog user; and
  WHEREAS, the way to give victimized dog users this choice is to
create a civil cause of action by the dog user in which recovery
can be had for deliberate destruction of a dog guide after
simplified, streamlined proof has been offered:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call upon the state
legislatures, through our state affiliates, to create a cause of
action in favor of victimized dog guide users and to provide that
the victimized dog guide user receive $1,000 plus attorneys' fees
from the destroyer of the dog guide.

RESOLUTION 87-10

  WHEREAS, Title XVI of the Social
Security Act provides for a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS);
and
  WHEREAS, the PASS has proven helpful to many blind people in
retaining assets to more readily achieve self-support, financial
independence, and freedom from public subsidy; and
  WHEREAS, the PASS must be specific in informational content and
written in a proper format; and
  WHEREAS, the PASS is not well understood by the personnel of
state rehabilitation agencies receiving funding under Section 110
of the Rehabilitation Act; and
  WHEREAS, the PASS would be beneficial to state rehabilitation
agencies in achieving quality client closures:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call upon the
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to require
rehabilitation agencies receiving funding under Section 110 of
the Rehabilitation Act to provide training to rehabilitation
personnel in the proper preparation of the Plan to Achieve
Self-Support (PASS), as provided under Title XVI of the Social
Security Act; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this
organization call upon RSA to require that state rehabilitation
agencies actively promote the use of the PASS by their clients.

RESOLUTION 87-12

  WHEREAS, dog guides are a form of independent mobility used by
blind persons; and
  WHEREAS, said dog guides are a highly specialized and trained
mobility tool and are the only dogs relied upon for independent
mobility; and
  WHEREAS, blind people throughout the United States of America
have the right to travel with freedom and independence, as
guaranteed by the United States Constitution; and
  WHEREAS, the notable and singular exception to the
aforementioned right is a quarantine imposed on dog guides by the
State of Hawaii; and
  WHEREAS, this quarantine amounts to an abridgment of the
Constitutional right of a blind person to travel freely within
the United States of America; and
  WHEREAS, historically, the Hawaii quarantine has been
rationalized on the basis that the State of Hawaii is allegedly
rabies free and that such a quarantine is necessary to prevent
the introduction of rabies into Hawaii; and
  WHEREAS, in a meeting assembled at the Department of
Agriculture in the State of Hawaii on May 28, 1987, Dr. George
Baer of the Rabies Laboratory of the National Center for Disease
Control reported that there were only 100 known cases of dog
rabies in the continental United States in 1986 and that none of
these cases was transmitted to humans; and
  WHEREAS, Dr. Baer also reported that if rabies vaccine is
administered to dogs, prior to exposure to rabies, the vaccine is
nearly 100% effective; and
  WHEREAS, special identifying markings, including but not
limited to nose prints, teeth castings, tatoos, and recognizable
breed characteristics, can be used to insure positive
identification of a dog guide; and
  WHEREAS, positive vaccination, registration, and identification
programs make it possible for the Department of Agriculture of
the State of Hawaii to establish a means to allow dog guide users
to travel freely with their dog guides to and from the State of
Hawaii:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call upon the Department
of Agriculture of the State of Hawaii to establish a standardized
program of vaccination, registration, and identification for dog
guides used by the blind; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Federation demand that the
Department of Agriculture of the State of Hawaii immediately
establish a program of vaccination, regulation, and
identification, which will make it possible for dog guide users
to travel freely to and from Hawaii and anywhere else in the
United States of America.

RESOLUTION 87-13

  WHEREAS, licensure for social workers is required in forty-one
states and the District of Columbia; and
  WHEREAS, the licensing examinations, which are developed and
administered by Assessment Systems, Inc., in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, for the American Association of State Social Work
Boards and its member states, are not made available in Braille
to blind candidates for licensure; and
  WHEREAS, the use of a reader selected by Assessment Systems,
Inc., is the only alternative method in which the examination may
be administered; and
  WHEREAS, Assessment Systems, Inc.,
uses cost and the potential breach of security as excuses for
denying blind people the right to be examined under conditions
which would give them parity with their sighted colleagues; and
  WHEREAS, other testing services which administer standardized
tests do provide tests in Braille to blind candidates without
incurring high costs or jeopardizing security:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call upon the American
Association of State Social Work Boards and Assessment Systems,
Inc., to work with the National Federation of the Blind to ensure
that blind candidates for social work licensure are provided the
option of taking the licensure examination in Braille or in any
other medium of their choice.

RESOLUTION 87-14

  WHEREAS, the United States Department
of Defense will not accept blind persons into any position
whatsoever in the armed forces; and
  WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind has long
advocated that the blind should be able to serve their country in
the wide variety of noncombat and support services essential to a
modern armed services for which blind and sighted volunteers are
equally qualified; and
  WHEREAS, in the 1980's, blind volunteers who are highly trained
and sophisticated professionals in fields essential to the
military have applied for specific, noncombat positions for which
they were qualified; and
  WHEREAS, these qualified blind volunteers were rejected by the
Department of Defense solely on the grounds that they are blind;
and
  WHEREAS, it is an insult to all blind persons to deny them an
opportunity to serve their country in the armed services; and
  WHEREAS, outright rejection of blind persons by the military is
a violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended (29 USC 794), which prohibits discrimination based on
blindness in federally conducted programs:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization reaffirm its
longstanding policy of insisting that the blind can serve and
should be able to serve in the armed forces of this nation; and
  BE IT RESOLVED that this organization call upon the United
States Department of Defense to stop violating Section 504 and to
begin immediately accepting qualified blind volunteers into
specific, noncombat positions for which they are trained and
qualified.

RESOLUTION 87-15

  WHEREAS, an important goal of the National Federation of the
Blind is to improve education for blind children; and
  WHEREAS, there are substantial differences in quality and
philosophy of educators at universities and elementary and high
schools regarding techniques and goals achievable by blind
children; and
  WHEREAS, the National Federation of
the Blind wishes to provide an incentive for teachers to
encourage blind children to develop a high degree of self-
respect, good skill in Braille reading and writing, independent
travel, and to have healthy experiences in extracurricular
activities, as well as a high quality academic education; and
  WHEREAS, teachers of blind children are regarded as expert in
all the above mentioned areas and thus have a huge influence on
the development of blind children, often much more than any
individual teacher influences the lives of sighted children: 
Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization establish an award for
the outstanding educator of blind children to be presented, when
appropriate, during the annual convention, said award to be
advertised widely throughout educational journals.

RESOLUTION 87-16

  WHEREAS, fluency in reading and writing is fundamental to the
education of all students, including blind students; and
  WHEREAS, Braille is the accepted and most efficient system of
reading and writing for the blind; and
  WHEREAS, an essential part of learning to read and write
Braille is early instruction in the use of a slate and stylus;
and
  WHEREAS, Braille literacy opens the door to employment and
first-class citizenship to the blind of this nation; and
  WHEREAS, there is an increasing number of blind students,
including those with some residual vision, who are graduating
from secondary schools without Braille literacy skills:  Now,
therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization demand that Braille
reading and writing be a required part of the curriculum for all
blind students attending elementary and secondary schools; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that instruction in the use of the slate
and stylus commence at the onset of Braille instruction and
continue throughout the instructional program.

RESOLUTION 87-17

  WHEREAS, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) held a
conference entitled "The Visually Impaired Traveler in Mass
Transit:  Issues in Orientation and Mobility", which was
cosponsored by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
(WMATA) and the American Public Transit Association (APTA) in
Washington, D.C., on January 11 and 12, 1987; and
  WHEREAS, the participants in this conference included
"orientation and mobility specialists", rehabilitation
professionals who purport to teach blind persons to travel
independently, as well as transit officials from the United
States and several other countries; and
  WHEREAS, the formal presentations and activities, as well as
comments of participants, demonstrated a complete lack of belief
in the ability of blind persons to travel independently, unless
rail and bus systems are modified with the installation of such
outrageous and expensive features as materials of contrasting
texture and color on stairs and platform edges and special signs
and lighting; and
  WHEREAS, in an exercise at Gallery Place Subway Station,
sighted orientation and mobility specialists, simulating
blindness, tripped noticeably on the escalators and walked very
hesitantly using poor cane techniques; and
  WHEREAS, in the simulated train emergency, some of the
so-called "specialists" expressed nervousness and a WMATA
official directed that blind passengers leave their canes behind
and follow sighted persons in a train evacuation between
stations; and
  WHEREAS, activities of this conference, including simulation of
blindness by sighted persons, perpetuated demeaning and
discriminatory treatment of blind passengers by the transit
industry; and
  WHEREAS, given proper training and opportunity, blind persons
travel independently, efficiently, and safely on all modes of
public transportation; and
  WHEREAS, blind persons who travel daily by mass transit are the
true experts on transportation issues affecting them, not the
self-serving professionals in work with the blind:  Now,
therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization condemn and deplore the
American Foundation for the Blind for convening the
conference--"The Visually Impaired Traveler in Mass Transit: 
Issues in Orientation and Mobility", thereby severely harming the
blind by giving credence to the erroneous notion that blind
persons cannot travel or otherwise lead their lives unless the
world is specially modified for them; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this
organization once again strongly urge the American Public Transit
Association, the Urban Mass Transit Administration, and transit
carriers across the country to work with the more than 50,000
member National Federation of the Blind for meaningful consumer
input regarding all matters affecting blind transit passengers.

RESOLUTION 87-18

  WHEREAS, Congress is considering various options for providing
catastrophic health insurance protection, principally by
expanding the existing Medicare Program to include this coverage;
and
  WHEREAS, catastrophic health insurance coverage should be
available to all blind participants in Medicare and should not be
restricted only to those individuals (blind or not), who have
attained the age of 65; and
  WHEREAS, costs for catastrophic health insurance protection
would not be affected adversely by including blind Medicare
participants regardless of their age:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call for legislation to
include blind Medicare participants of any age in any program of
catastrophic health insurance that Congress may adopt.

RESOLUTION 87-19

  WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and
largest organization of blind consumers in this country; and
  WHEREAS, in the course of business and personal endeavors blind
people, like others in our society, find it necessary to rent
motor vehicles; and
  WHEREAS, it is the practice of many car rental companies to
require possession of a valid driver's license and a major credit
card; and
  WHEREAS, since blind people do not possess a driver's license,
they are therefore prohibited from renting motor vehicles:  Now,
therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization call upon the major car
rental companies to work with the National Federation of the
Blind to develop reasonable policies which make it possible for
blind people to rent motor vehicles from these companies.

 RESOLUTION 87-21

  WHEREAS, the National Federation of
the Blind is concerned with the needs of the deaf-blind; and
  WHEREAS, communication is essential to their participation in
community life; and
  WHEREAS, it is the policy of some states to provide
telecommunication devices for the deaf-blind:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization commend those states
which have enacted programs to provide telecommunications devices
for the deaf- blind; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon all states that do not
have such programs to enact such legislation.

RESOLUTION 87-22

  WHEREAS, for its National Convention each year, the National
Federation of the Blind invites selected federal officials to
address and participate in its meetings--federal officials who
can speak authoritatively concerning the programs administered by
the agencies which they represent and who have the authority to
make policy decisions on issues which may arise at such meetings;
and
  WHEREAS, Mr. Justin Dart, Jr.,
Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA),
United States Department of Education, was invited to and did
participate in the Annual Convention of the National Federation
of the Blind on July 1, 1987, in Phoenix, Arizona; and
  WHEREAS, during the question and answer period following Mr.
Dart's formal presentation, he consistently stated that he did
not have the authority to make simple decisions concerning
actions which his agency might take--for example:
  (1) When Mr. Dart was asked whether RSA would support federal
legislation to improve upward mobility opportunities for blind
sheltered shop employees, he stated that as RSA Commissioner he
did not have authority to support such legislation;
  (2) When he was asked whether he would attend or send a
responsible official to attend the next annual meeting of the
largest organization of blind vendors in the United States, the
National Federation of the Blind Merchants Division, to discuss
major problems with the Randolph-Sheppard Program, he stated that
as RSA Commissioner he did not have the authority to authorize
travel for RSA officials to attend national meetings of blind
consumers and that, in fact, he had paid his own expenses to
attend the Federation's meeting in Phoenix since he did not have
the authority to authorize his own travel; and
  (3) When he was asked to convene a meeting with Rehabilitation,
Education and National Federation of the Blind officials to
straighten out confusion as to whether Rehabilitation or
Education is responsible to provide basic services for blind
college students, he stated that as RSA Commissioner he did not
have the authority to call a meeting; and
  WHEREAS, it is unthinkable that an agency head appointed by the
President of the United States to administer a major program
should not have the authority to make those simple decisions
necessary to administer the program effectively:  Now, therefore,
  BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in
Convention assembled this third day of July, 1987, in the City of
Phoenix, Arizona, that this organization condemn and deplore the
ridiculous policy of the United States Department of Education as
enunciated by Commissioner Dart, which make the Office of the
Commissioner completely ineffective; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon the
Secretary of Education to alter this ludicrous policy so that the
RSA Commissioner has the authority to take meaningful action; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this intolerable situation be
brought to the attention of President Reagan and members of the
United States Congress.

CONSTITUTION
OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
AS AMENDED 1986


ARTICLE I. NAME

  The name of this organization is The National Federation of the
Blind.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

  The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is to serve
as a vehicle for collective action by the blind of the nation; to
function as a mechanism through which the blind and interested
sighted persons can come together in local, state, and national
meetings to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of
life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for
parents of blind children; to promote the vocational, cultural,
and social advancement of the blind; to achieve the integration
of the blind into society on a basis of equality with the
sighted; and to take any other action which will improve the
overall condition and standard of living of the blind.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section A.  The membership of The National Federation of the
Blind shall consist of the members of the state affiliates, the
members of divisions, and members at large.  Members of divisions
and members at large shall have the same rights, privileges, and
responsibilities in The National Federation of the Blind as
members of state affiliates.
  The Board of Directors shall establish procedures for admission
of divisions and shall determine the structure of divisions.  The
divisions shall, with the approval of the Board, adopt
constitutions and determine their membership policies. 
Membership in divisions shall not be conditioned upon membership
in state affiliates.
  The Board of Directors shall establish procedures for admission
of members at large, determine how many classes of such members
shall be established, and determine the annual dues to be paid by
members of each class.

Section B.  Each state or territorial possession of the United
States, including the District of Columbia, having an affiliate
shall have one vote at the National Convention.  These
organizations shall be referred to as state affiliates.

Section C.  State affiliates shall be organizations of the blind
controlled by the blind.  No organization shall be recognized as
an "organization of the blind controlled by the blind" unless at
least a majority of its voting members and a majority of the
voting members of each of its local chapters are blind.

Section D.  The Board of Directors shall establish procedures for
the admission of state affiliates.  There shall be only one state
affiliate in each state.

Section E.  Any member, local chapter, state affiliate, or
division of this organization may be suspended, expelled, or
otherwise disciplined for misconduct or for activity unbecoming
to a member or affiliate of this organization by a two-thirds
vote of the Board of Directors or by a simple majority of the
states present and voting at a National Convention.  If the
action is to be taken by the Board, there must be good cause, and
a good faith effort must have been made to try to resolve the
problem by discussion and negotiation.  If the action is to be
taken by the Convention, notice must be given on the preceding
day at an open Board meeting or a session of the Convention.  If
a dispute arises as to whether there was "good cause," or whether
the Board made a "good faith effort," the National Convention
(acting in its capacity as the supreme authority of the
Federation) shall have the power to make final disposition of the
matter; but until or unless the Board's action is reversed by the
National Convention, the ruling of the Board shall continue in
effect.

ARTICLE IV.
OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD,

Section A.  The officers of The National Federation of the Blind
shall be: (1) President, (2) First Vice President, (3) Second
Vice President, (4) Secretary, and (5) Treasurer.  They shall be
elected biennially.

Section B.  The officers shall be elected by majority vote of the
state affiliates present and voting at a National Convention.

Section C.  The National Federation of the Blind shall have a
Board of Directors, which shall be composed of the five officers
and twelve additional members, six of whom shall be elected at
the Annual Convention during even numbered years and six of whom
shall be elected at the Annual Convention during odd numbered
years.  The members of the Board of Directors shall serve for
two- year terms.

Section D.  The Board of Directors may,
in its discretion, create a National Advisory Board and determine
the duties and qualifications of the members of the National
Advisory Board.

ARTICLE V.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CONVENTION, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND
THE PRESIDENT

Section A. Powers and Duties of the Convention.  The Convention
is the supreme authority of the Federation.  It is the
legislature of the Federation. As such, it has final authority
with respect to all issues of policy.  Its decisions shall be
made after opportunity has been afforded for full and fair
discussion.  Delegates and members in attendance may participate
in all Convention discussions as a matter of right.  Any member
of the Federation may make or second motions, propose
nominations, and serve on committees; and is eligible for
election to office, except that only blind members may be elected
to the National Board.  Voting and making motions by proxy are
prohibited.  Consistent with the democratic character of the
Federation, Convention meetings shall be so conducted as to
prevent parliamentary maneuvers which would have the effect of
interfering with the expression of the will of the majority on
any question, or with the rights of the minority to full and fair
presentation of their views.  The Convention is not merely a
gathering of representatives of separate state organizations.  It
is a meeting of the Federation at the national level in its
character as a national organization.  Committees of the
Federation are committees of the national organization.  The
nominating committee shall consist of one member from each state
affiliate represented at the Convention, and each state affiliate
shall appoint its member to the committee.  From among the
members of the committee, the President shall appoint a
chairperson.

Section B. Powers and Duties of the Board of Directors.  The
function of the Board of Directors as the governing body of the
Federation between Conventions is to make policies when necessary
and not in conflict with the policies adopted by the Convention. 
Policy decisions which can reasonably be postponed until the next
meeting of the National Convention shall not be made by the Board
of Directors.  The Board of Directors shall serve as a
credentials committee.  It shall have the power to deal with
organizational problems presented to it by any member, local
chapter, state affiliate, or division; shall decide appeals
regarding the validity of elections in local chapters, state
affiliates, or divisions; and shall certify the credentials of
delegates when questions regarding the validity of such
credentials arise.  By a two-thirds vote the Board may suspend
one of its members for violation of a policy of the organization
or for other action unbecoming to a member of the Federation.  By
a two-thirds vote the Board may reorganize any local chapter,
state affiliate, or division.  The Board may not suspend one of
its own members or reorganize a local chapter, state affiliate,
or division except for good cause and after a good faith effort
has been made to try to resolve the problem by discussion and
negotiation.  If a dispute arises as to whether there was "good
cause" or whether the Board made a "good faith effort," the
National Convention (acting in its capacity as the supreme
authority of the Federation) shall have the power to make final
disposition of the matter; but until or unless the Board's action
is reversed by the National Convention, the ruling of the Board
shall continue in effect.  There shall be a standing subcommittee
of the Board of Directors which shall consist of three members. 
The committee shall be known as the Subcommittee on Budget and
Finance.  It shall, whenever it deems necessary, recommend to the
Board of Directors principles of budgeting, accounting
procedures, and methods of financing the Federation program; and
shall consult with the President on major expenditures.
  The Board of Directors shall meet at the time of each National
Convention.  It shall hold other meetings on the call of the
President or on the written request of any five members.

Section C. Powers and Duties of the President.  The President is
the principal administrative officer of the Federation.  In this
capacity his or her duties consist of:  carrying out the policies
adopted by the Convention; conducting the day-to-day management
of the affairs of the Federation; authorizing expenditures from
the Federation treasury in accordance with and in implementation
of the policies established by the Convention; appointing all
committees of the Federation except the Nominating Committee;
coordinating all activities of the Federation, including the work
of other officers and of committees; hiring, supervising, and
dismissing staff members and other employees of the Federation,
and determining their numbers and compensation; taking all
administrative actions necessary and proper to put into effect
the programs and accomplish the purposes of the Federation.
  The implementation and administration of the interim policies
adopted by the Board of Directors are the responsibility of the
President as principal administrative officer of the Federation.

ARTICLE VI. STATE AFFILIATES

  Any organized group desiring to become a state affiliate of The
National Federation of the Blind shall apply for affiliation by
submitting to the President of The National Federation of the
Blind a copy of its constitution and a list of the names and
addresses of its elected officers.  Under procedures to be
established by the Board of Directors, action shall be taken on
the application.  If the action is affirmative, The National
Federation of the Blind shall issue to the organization a charter
of affiliation.  Upon request of the National President the state
affiliate shall provide to the National President the names and
addresses of its members.  Copies of all amendments to the
constitution and/or bylaws of an affiliate shall be sent without
delay to the National President. No organization shall be
accepted as an affiliate and no organization shall remain an
affiliate unless at least a majority of its voting members are
blind.
The president, vice president (or vice presidents), and at least
a majority of the executive committee or board of directors of
the state affiliate and of all of its local chapters must be
blind.  Affiliates must not merely
be social organizations but must formulate programs and actively
work to promote the economic and social betterment of the blind. 
Affiliates and their local chapters must comply with the
provisions of the Constitution of the Federation.  Policy
decisions of the Federation are binding upon all affiliates and
local chapters, and the affiliate and its local chapters must
participate affirmatively in carrying out such policy decisions. 
The name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the
Blind, or any variant thereof is the property of The National
Federation of the Blind; and any affiliate, or local chapter of
an affiliate, which ceases to be part of The National Federation
of the Blind (for whatever reason) shall forthwith forfeit the
right to use the name National Federation of the Blind,
Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof.
  A general convention of the membership of an affiliate or of
the elected delegates of the membership must be held and its
principal executive officers must be elected at least once every
two years.  There can be no closed membership. Proxy voting is
prohibited in state affiliates and local chapters.  Each
affiliate must have a written constitution or bylaws setting
forth its structure, the authority of its officers, and the basic
procedures which it will follow.  No publicly contributed funds
may be divided among the membership of an affiliate or local
chapter on the basis of membership, and (upon request from the
National Office) an affiliate or local chapter must present an
accounting of all of its receipts and expenditures.  An affiliate
or local chapter must not indulge in attacks upon the officers,
Board members, leaders, or members of the Federation or upon the
organization itself outside of the organization, and must not
allow its officers or members to indulge in such attacks.  This
requirement shall not be interpreted to interfere with the right
of an affiliate or local chapter, or its officers or members, to
carry on a political campaign inside the Federation
for election to office or to achieve policy changes.  However,
the organization will not sanction or permit deliberate,
sustained campaigns of internal organizational destruction by
state affiliates, local chapters, or members.  No affiliate or
local chapter may join or support, or allow its officers or
members to join or support, any temporary or permanent
organization inside the Federation which has not received the
sanction and approval of the Federation.

ARTICLE VII. DISSOLUTION

  In the event of dissolution, all assets of the organization
shall be given to an organization with similar purposes which has
received a 501(c)(3) certification by the Internal Revenue
Service.

ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS

  This Constitution may be amended at any regular Annual
Convention of the Federation by an affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the state affiliates registered, present, and voting; provided
that the proposed amendment shall have been signed by five state
affiliates in good standing and that it shall have been presented
to the President the day before final action by the Convention.
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