                           BLIND WASHINGTONIAN                                     
       VOICE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF WASHINGTON                                     
                                                                          
                               SUMMER 1998

Volume 3                                                                 
Issue 3

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

Blind Washingtonian subscriptions cost the Federation about five dollars 
per year. Members are invited, and non-members are requested to cover the 
subscription cost. Donations should be made payable to: National 
Federation of the Blind of Washington and sent to:  National Federation of 
the Blind of Washington, 1701 Broadway, Suite 269, Vancouver, Washington 
98663-3436  





Mike Freeman, President
1701 Broadway, Suite 269
Vancouver, Washington 98663-3436
(360) 571-7987
e-mail: mikef@pacifier.com

Albert Sanchez, Editor
707 East Garland
Spokane, Washington 99207-3027
(509) 487-8959
e-mail: alberts@comtch.iea.com

Web Site: www.designer-web.com/nfb

The Blind Washingtonian is available in print, braille, computer disk  and 
cassette. Address changes, requests for additional copies of this 
newsletter, and articles for publication should be sent to the Editor.


                                     
                         FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION
                                                                          
                                     

     In the middle of the page is the National Federation of the Blind 
logo. A triangle setting over two circles.  In the center of the triangle 
is a picture of white capped mountains in the background with the Puget 
Sound and a ferry in the foreground. Underneath is the letters NFB in 
large bold letters. At the bottom of the page in a box is the title, Blind 
Washingtonian with inkprint representation of the title in Grade  II 
Braille.  The whole image is outlined in a black frame.

                                     
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                     

Convention Announcement
EditorS Corner by Albert Sanchez
A Silver Anniversary Perspective On A Convention by Ben Prows

1997 Scholarship Program More Exciting Than Ever by Rita Szantay
"Newsline Kick Off" Planting the Seed by Noel Nightingale...........
Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) Seminar by Daniel Frye........
Volunteering, Temporary work or Interning--Three Ways to Gain 
    Employment by Renee West
A Trip to Remember! by Tim Day
Stratagies for Success--"WE CAN BECAUSE WE THINK WE CAN" by Noel 
    Nightingale
YES--Youth Employment Solutions by Shirley Smith
1997 RESOLUTIONS


                                     
                         Convention Announcement

     Come one come all to the Annual State Convention of the National 
Federation of the Blind of Washington.  This year's convention is taking 
place during the weekend of October 2, 3, and 4, 1998, at the Holiday Inn 
at Boeing Field., located at 11244 Pacific Hwy S.  Sleeping rooms are $55 
plus tax per night, singles, doubles and triples
     Ms. Joanne Wilson, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind and 
member of our National Board of Directors, will represent our National 
Office throughout the weekend.  On Friday, October 2, there will be an 
employment seminar.  All are invited.  Convention agenda items will 
include a national report, State Services for the Blind, Library Services, 
technology for the blind, and the School for the Blind.
     On Saturday, evening, October 3, there will be a banquet at which Ms. 
Wilson will be the keynote speaker.  Following the banquet, there will be 
an auction  which will be presided over by that great auctioneer Ben 
Prows.
     On Sunday, October 4, the Parents of Blind Children will be holding 
their yearly luncheon.  All are welcome to attend.
     You may register at the door for $19.00, which includes a ticket for 
the banquet.   You may save two dollars by preregistering.  
Preregistration should be sent to the NFB of Washington P.O. Box 2516, 
Seattle, Washington  98111.  Preregistration deadline is September 28, 
1998.  For further information or room reservation, you may call 
425-823-6380 and leave the necessary information.

                                     
                             Editor's Corner     
                                                                          
                            by Albert Sanchez

     Here is some useful information submitted by Ben Prows:

Accessible Format Available

     Group Health Cooperative now distributes its publication "Northwest 
Health" in recorded format.  It has a procedure for recording other 
materials as needed or requested too. If you have Group Health as a health 
care provider, call and ask for the materials sent out by GHC in the 
alternative format.
     Other health care providers, and/or DSHS provided programs should 
also provide generally distributed written material in a format accessible 
to blind persons.  If we do not ask, they will not know to provide them.  
If they give you the run-around about sending you material in other than 
print, tell the provider about the ADA and Section 504.

Anybody Want to Watch A Movie?


     The Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, Evergreen Radio 
Reading Service has a deal for you.  If you want to go to a movie in 
Seattle, and to describe your reaction to the feature on "Across the 
Aisle," a program about movies from the perspective of both blind theater 
goers, and their sighted counterparts, you may be able to get free passes 
to local theaters.  This is a great opportunity to get to the movies, and 
become a movie critic at the same time.  Maybe you have a hidden career 
here.
     In the broadcast, you have about fifty seconds to just tell the 
audience how you liked the movie, how easy (or not) it was to follow the 
action, and any other comments you may have about either the technical 
aspects, or the substance of the flick. Another movie attendee will have 
about the same amount of time to discuss aspects of a movie from the 
sighted person's point of view--hence, from across the aisle.
     For information, and to sign up for "Across the Aisle" opportunities, 
call Bob's voice mail at the Evergreen Radio Reading Service at (206) 
615-0400, then press 5 (five) on the touch-tone keypad.  Or call toll-free 
(800) 542-0866, and follow the instructions to reach the Radio Reading 
Service.  Bob will get back to you.
     If you like movies, and like to get out to the theater, call Bob. He 
can fix you right up.

ELECTIONS

     During its December meeting the Spokane County chapter of the NFB 
held elections. The results are as follows: Maria Bradford president; 
Albert Sanchez vice-president; Russ Smith secretary; Monica Stugelmeyer 
treasurer. The board position was filled by Dolores Keyser.
     Also in December the Clark County chapter elected Kaye Kipp 
president; Mike Freeman vice-president; Don Mitchell secretary and Nancy 
Martin treasurer.
     Our Seattle chapter elected the following officers during the January 
1998 meeting: Noel Nightingale president; Rita Szantay 1st vice-president; 
Mark Noble 2nd vice-president; Renee West secretary; Gary Deeter 
treasurer; Ben Prows and Stephanie Yates, board positions.
     We are on the move in Tacoma as well. The following people were 
elected: Judy Jones president; Walt Cone vice president; Kari Butler 
secretary and Ann-Mary McCullough treasurer.

                                     
             A Silver Anniversary Perspective On A Convention
                                                                          
                             by Bennett Prows

     This year's National Federation of the Blind of Washington Convention 
in Tacoma was particularly significant to me.  I have been in the National 
Federation of the Blind for twenty-five years now, and it was time for me 
to take stock.  Every year we talk about how revitalized we are coming out 
of the conventions, and indeed we are.  But to me this year, I was looking 
for an extra jolt, and found it. It was a fitting silver anniversary 
celebration.   For those blind persons who missed this convention, I would 
only say that the opportunities of a life time are passing you by if you 
are not with the National Federation of the Blind.
     It started on Friday afternoon when we had a Job Opportunities for 
the Blind seminar.  I was a speaker, presenting a discussion on 
interviewing called, "a question of blindness".  But I know I got more out 
of the rest of the afternoon's activities than I could ever put into such 
a seminar.  Career development, planning and actually moving on up the 
employment path is always important, whether you are just beginning in the 
world of work or you have been at a job for twenty years as I have.  The 
presenters at this seminar, all but one of who were blind, kick-started  

by interest in career-path development.  I have long had lingering doubts 
about my ability to do anything other than what I am doing now, and 
therefore hesitated to apply for new and otherwise interesting positions I 
see crossing my desk.  But as a result of the inspiring presentations by 
an impressive array of successful people, I am shedding my apathy, and 
working hard to improve my lot in life.
     The Friday night board and resolutions committee meetings were not 
only enlightening, but showed that there are new and important issues  we 
have to face in the coming years.  The NFB is still on the cutting edge in 
all facets of life for blind people.  Of particular interest was a 
stimulating and lively discussion of the role the state rehabilitation 
agency should take in assisting blind entrepreneurs to develop and 
establish their businesses.  The NFB will have to decide how much 
assistance is welcome and whether too much assistance is interference.
     As always, the Saturday agenda was filled with thought provoking 
items, many of which sparked lively dialog between conventioneers and 
presenters.  After Charles Oppermann from Microsoft told the convention 
that the Internet software from Microsoft is becoming more accessible, we 
made it clear to him that we need all facets of software for our jobs and 
home life to be accessible also. I think he came away from that meeting 
with a new sense that we, the NFB, are to be consulted as new and improved 
software are being made accessible. I left the meeting less discouraged 
about the future of blind persons in the computerized work place.
     Then of course, there was the ever present national representative. 
This year, we were graced with a stalwart Federation board member--a lady 
familiar to many of us, but someone who had never been in Washington State 
as a national representative.  Priscilla Ferris from Massachusetts was an 
outstanding spokesperson for President Maurer.  Not only were her personal 
stories of life instructive, but the several speeches she presented were 
inspiring to all in attendance.  I particularly enjoyed her banquet 
address, because she explained to new and old convention attendees alike 
that the NFB gently but firmly believes in putting blind persons back into 
the mainstream of life.
     Under Mike Freeman's leadership, the Sunday morning session brought 
things in Washington State into perspective.  He reported on several NFB 
victories during the past year, and reminded us that we are still the most 
accomplished organization of the blind. After the elections, during which 
Dan Frye replaced Stephanie Yates on the board of directors when she 
stepped down from the position, the meeting was adjourned.  But not before 
I at least was filled with the pride and sense of fulfillment I had been 
looking for.
     The fellowship throughout the week was befitting my twenty-fifth 
anniversary celebration, and the accommodations at the Tacoma Inn Best 
Western Hotel were superb.
     The NFB is not only alive and well in Washington State, but we are 
growing, and we are more than ever the vehicle for change in the lives of 
the blind of the nation and this State. I know the next twenty-five years 
in the National Federation of the Blind will only make it better.

                                     
             1997 Scholarship Program More Exciting Than Ever
                                                                          
                             by Rita Szantay

     Once again at our Fall convention in Tacoma we presented our two 
award winning scholarships.  The first scholarship we awarded was our 
second Hazel tenBroek Merit Scholarship, in the amount of $1,500.  We 
awarded this scholarship to Laurie Jean Gilfeather. Laurie is working on 
her masters degree at Washington State University, Spokane campus.  Her 
degree will be in speech and hearing sciences.  Laurie's ultimate goal is 
to become a speech and language pathologist. She wants to earn a doctorate  

and work with children who have communication disorders.  Laurie plans to 
join our Spokane Chapter and remain part of the federation.
     The second scholarship we presented was our seventh annual Beverly 
Prows Memorial Scholarship, in the amount of $2,000.  We awarded this 
scholarship to Kirk Adams.  Kirk's ultimate goal is to become executive 
director for a not-for-profit agency benefiting blind children.  Kirk has 
worked in fund raising for the Washington Braille and Talking Book 
Library, and he currently works for the Washington and Northern Idaho 
Lions Sight Conservation Foundation.  Kirk is currently pursuing a Masters 
degree from Seattle University in not-for-profit leadership. Kirk's wife 
Rosalyn and his two children, Tyler and Rachel, attended the convention.
     We are very proud of this year's scholarship winners and we intend to 
continue to build and strengthen our scholarship program.

                                     
                  "Newsline Kick Off"  Planting the Seed
                                                                          
                           by Noel Nightingale

     October 29, 1997, was a day of celebration for the National 
Federation of the Blind of Washington, and the Greater Seattle Chapter in 
particular.  We held a reception to celebrate the beginning of the 
"Newsline for the Blind" TM Service Center in Seattle.  This celebration 
took the form of a hosted reception at a new premier hotel in Seattle, 
Cavanaugh's Inn on fifth avenue in downtown Seattle.  We enlisted the help 
and support of our friends and spared no expense in getting the word out 
about this celebration.  It gave us the opportunity to let the community 
know about the service, and to demonstrate the value of a continuing 
program for providing a newspaper read via telephone for legally blind 
persons in Seattle. The law firm of Heller, Ehrman, White and McAuliffe 
was of tremendous assistance and support during this kick off celebration.  
We sent out over 400 invitations to public officials, company CEOS and 
other community leaders.  We also invited the users of the Newsline for 
the Blind TM service to come  and provide in person testimony to the 
outstanding worth of this project.
     The buffet, catered by the hotel was fit for royalty.  We dined on 
smoked salmon, mini squash, stuffed mushrooms, coconut prawns, and much 
more.  The hotel also provided candle lit tables, and an atmosphere 
befitting such a dressed up occasion.
     The evening was capped by a program to demonstrate the features of 
the newsline service, and to recognize the hard work of those who have 
made this service possible in our community.  The ceremonies, chaired by 
Bennett Prows featured Mike Freeman as President of the NFB of Washington, 
Noel Nightingale as President of the Seattle Chapter, Shirley Smith, 
director of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind, 
which provided the funding for the first year of operation, and John 
Curby, business Manager for the Seattle Post Intelligencer, which will be 
the first local newspaper to be featured on the Seattle newsline network. 
Jan Ames from the Talking Book and Braille Library was recognized for her 
help in this project, and Craig Buthod, acting librarian for the Seattle 
Public Library was thanked publicly for providing the physical location 
and maintenance of the computer and telephone lines for the entire Seattle 
Service Center. Stephanie Yates, Newsline project coordinator for the NFB 
of Washington, demonstrated the Newsline For the Blind TM service during 
the ceremonies and throughout the evening.
     The participants in the celebration all left the festivities 
committed to the project.  Many community leaders vowed to assist the NFB 
to obtain necessary support and funding to continue the project long after 
the first year of operation.  Everyone recognized that the service has 
just begun, and to go back now would be unthinkable.  We have a lot of 
hard work ahead, but at least the community now knows of our fervent  

desire to keep the service up and running not only in Seattle, but to 
expand it throughout the State.  We have planted the seed, and now look 
forward to the project taking root and growing successfully.

                                     
              Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) Seminar     
                                                                          
                              by Daniel Frye

     During the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind 
of Washington (NFB of WA) a Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) seminar 
was conducted for federation members and other blind and sighted members 
of the public who were interested in issues of blindness and employment. 
With a phenomenal record attendance of 55 people in the audience, a broad 
variety of issues ranging from strategies for securing employment to the 
availability of post-employment services from the Washington State 
Department of Services for the Blind were discussed.
     The agenda for this seminar, the first formal gathering of the 1997 
convention on the afternoon of Friday, October 3, was originally created 
with the intent of addressing a large range of issues of interest to a 
diverse constituency including blind job seekers, professionals in the 
field of blindness and other members of the public intrigued by the issue 
of the daunting 70% unemployment rate currently existing among the blind 
community. Toward this end, the following topics were covered:

1. A Key Note Address delivered by Priscilla Ferris, National 
  representative to the convention, entitled, "Employment and the 
  Socio-economic status of the Blind: Our Place At Work, Our Position In 
  The World"
2. A discussion facilitated by Noel Nightingale regarding strategies for 
  success (later in this issue).
3. A discussion lead by Ben Prows and Mike Freeman regarding creative 
  tips for interviewing for employment.
4. A talk by Mark Noble about how to conduct oneself professionally at 
  work with the view to obtaining advancement.
5. A speech delivered by Renee West (later in this issue) regarding the 
  value of volunteerism as a method for enhancing one's resume and 
  prospect for securing a job. 
6. A panel discussion with three successfully employed blind people was 
  held to demonstrate the capacity of the blind and to engender confidence 
  in those who might be lacking in it. 
7. A presentation by Barbara Standel, Supervising trial Attorney with 
  the Equal Employment Opportunity commission (EEOC), was made regarding 
  the ADA and other civil rights legislation pertaining to blindness and 
  employment.
8. Linda Wilder of DSB discussed Post-Employment services available to 
  eligible blind people.
9. Finally, Kevin LaRose of the Social Security Administration discussed 
  Work incentives existing in Social Security law for the blind.

     Through out the entire event ample opportunity was made for audience 
interaction. In addition to the excellent speakers, literature and other 
resources were made available for conference participants to take home 
with them for further learning and use.
     It seemed as though everyone in attendance enjoyed and benefited from 
the program. As a result of the hard work of all of the speakers and 
because of the support of DSB, an excellent JOB Seminar was made possible.

                                     
 Volunteering, Temporary work or Interning--Three Ways to Gain Employment
                                                                          
                                     

by Renee West

     As the old maxim goes: you can't get a job without experience, and 
you can't get experience without a job. Well, there is a loophole or two 
in this seemingly airtight catch-22, and they are: volunteering or 
internships, and temporary employment. In today's competitive job market, 
a college degree is not always enough to land you a good job--you need 
work experience. Volunteering, interning, or working through a temporary 
employment agency will not only give you that valuable work experience in 
your field of choice; it will also enable you to decide if this really is 
the career that you want.
     My personal career of choice is that of librarian; specifically, I 
want to work in the library of a private law firm. When I first decided 
that I wanted to work in libraries, I was uncertain about the type of 
library that I wanted to work in--academic, public, or private? Through my 
time volunteering for different libraries, I concluded that I would much 
prefer to work in a private law library. In addition to learning general 
library skills, I was able to assess the duties and responsibilities of 
the person holding the position that I might like to have, and determine 
whether or not the work that he or she did was of any interest to me. This 
experience has really been valuable, as I have learned what skills I will 
need to assume that position, and can, from that, tailor my education so 
that I can master those skills. If I hadn't volunteered my time in those 
libraries, I wouldn't have a clear understanding of what I want to do, and 
I might waste valuable time taking unnecessary courses, such as the care 
and cataloguing of pop-up books, that aren't really applicable to my 
chosen position.
     College students may find volunteering, etc. helpful because they 
will be able to apply the ideas and skills that they learned in their 
classes directly to the workplace. Sometimes, in college, you are only 
taught theory, and it can be hard to determine how that will be applicable 
to your job. Furthermore, by volunteering, you will get hands-on 
experience in your field of interest, something that the college cannot 
always supply, and that experience will enrich your learning experience as 
well as your resume.
     In addition to gaining experience and learning what specific position 
you want, volunteering will present you with an opportunity to network 
with people who can assist you in your job search and information about 
the job that you want to have. Through my volunteering at the law firm of 
Heller, Ehrman, White and McAuliffe, I have been introduced to individuals 
who are professionals in the field of law and specialized libraries. I 
have also been invited to attend meetings of organizations for law 
librarians, and have gained insight into the issues and problems facing 
those in that profession. Furthermore, my association with the library's 
director has assisted me in gaining employment with the director of 
another law library.
     Besides gaining specific skills, volunteering, interning, and working 
as a temporary employee can give you insight into the machinations of the 
business world. Business protocol demands a different kind of behavior 
from what you may be accustomed with, and it does take some getting used 
to. You will also learn what sort of coworker and employer/employee 
relationships you like best; some people like close relationships, while 
others prefer to remain more distant. It's well worth your time to learn 
these business and interpersonal skills in an atmosphere where your 
paycheck is not at risk.
     For those of you already in the workforce who have become tired and 
dissatisfied with their current job, as well as for those who are 
uncertain about what they want to do for a living, volunteering and 
temping can be excellent ways of discovering what type of work best suits 
and most satisfies you. One of the best things about volunteering, and 
sometimes temping and interning, is that you get to determine how much of  

your time you want to spend working. If you volunteer or intern, you can 
often set your own hours and length of commitment, and the assignments are 
usually brief in temporary work. The flexibility of volunteering, and the 
short-term nature of temp work allows you to get an idea of the work that 
you would be doing if you chose that particular field. If you decide that, 
in fact, you find that work particularly distasteful, you don't have to 
stay with it, and you don't have to feel guilty if you leave. Those for 
whom you are volunteering aren't going to be mad if you decide that you 
don't like that kind of work after all--usually, they are pleased that 
someone came in and did their work for them for no charge. That's another 
benefit of volunteering--people are just so grateful to you! Your presence 
allows them to break their record of five coffee breaks a day.
     Yet another benefit of volunteering is that it looks good on your 
resume and impresses prospective employers. Volunteering and interning 
show initiative and drive, something that most bosses look for in an 
employee. Showing that you did good work for free makes your average boss 
wonder what quality work you will do for money.
     Interning, Volunteering, and Temping will also expose you to new, and 
possibly better, ways of accomplishing tasks. You may have been performing 
a certain job for years and might not have realized that there is an 
easier and more efficient way of getting the job done. You may also find 
that each office has its own unique way of doing business and managing its 
time and resources. For example, I have been exposed to a completely new 
cataloguing system in my work at the Lesbian Resource Center's library. 
Now, I realize that this organizational system is unique to this 
particular library, and that I will probably never see it anywhere else, 
but it has taught me that there are very different ways of getting things 
done, and that each office or organization will develop a system that is a 
natural outgrowth of those who work within it and the specific type of 
materials it contains. From my exposure to these different types of 
organizational systems, a prospective employer can safely assume that I 
will be able to adjust to the type of system peculiar to that office.
     There are benefits to be gained from internships alone. If you are a 
student, you can often get college credit for your hours of work. Most 
colleges have internship programs, Seattle Central Community College and 
the University of Washington in particular have an excellent array of 
options. Some internships are extremely appealing because you earn money 
for your work. Sometimes, the company or organization for whom you 
interned will offer you a position after your graduation.
     Speaking of job offers, you may find that you are presented with a 
paid position with the company for whom you are currently volunteering or 
temping. The boss at your temp or volunteer job may find that the work you 
do is so invaluable, and that your presence is so beneficial, that they 
just cannot think of not having you around. Temporary work, in particular 
has a good track record of potential long-term paid employment. Forty 
percent of temporary employees are offered full-time, permanent positions. 
As Martha Stewart would say, "That's a good thing."
     Besides the possibility of permanent employment, temporary agencies 
may offer some additional benefits. Many agencies offer health insurance 
and paid vacations after a certain number of hours worked. Some agencies, 
such as Kelly and Manpower, also have temp-to-hire programs. Most agencies 
offer software training, so you can gain the skills that will be necessary 
in nearly any field you enter.
     As a blind individual, you may also find that you derive even greater 
benefit from volunteering. With as dismal a public perception of our 
capacity as we have, it is even more difficult for us to secure a position 
than it is for your average, non-blind job seeker. Volunteering may help 
you in that regard, as most employers are far more willing to give you a 
test run at a job if the gamble isn't affecting their pocketbook. I think 
the best reason for blind individuals to volunteer is that we can 
demonstrate our competency diligence, and normalcy to the business world.  

The hardest thing for us to do is to get our respective foot in the door. 
Volunteering can do that. Once you have proven yourself a good worker with 
one employer, you will find it much easier to secure employment with 
another. In addition to the personal benefits you will gain from your 
volunteering, you will also be helping other blind individuals attain 
employment. Employers will be more likely to hire blind people if they 
have had a good blind employee before. Gradually, as more blind 
individuals enter the workforce, our public image will improve and make it 
that much easier for others to gain successful employment.
     Besides volunteering your time for companies you may wish to become 
involved in a charitable organization. Giving your time and energy to a 
cause you believe in can not only be personally rewarding, it can (for 
those non-altruists among you) also give you good personal skills as well 
as potential job leads. In my experience in the NFB, I have learned 
invaluable interpersonal skills such as diplomacy and schmoozing, as well 
as other knowledge, such as how meetings should be run, and how to take 
minutes--skills and knowledge which can be applicable in most any job 
setting. I have also gained an understanding of how organizations work, 
and how I function in those organizations as a follower, and as a leader. 
I believe that, through this understanding, I am a better employee and 
will someday be a better manager. Through my experience in the NFB, I have 
also done things that I probably never would have done otherwise, such as 
meeting and speaking with my Congressional representatives. I also know 
that many employers as well as colleges like to see that you are involved 
in charitable organizations; in fact, many job applications ask if you are 
a member of an organization. Not only do they believe (and rightly so)! 
that members are friendlier and happier, but they are cognizant of the 
benefits to be derived from involvement.
     Finally, I'd like to say that volunteering, whether for a company or 
an organization, will not only give you an opportunity to learn new 
skills, help you determine your career path, and enhance your 
marketability in a professional environment, it can and will enrich your 
life. Through my volunteering, I have met some incredible people, have 
gained marketable skills and invaluable knowledge, and have gained 
confidence in and knowledge of myself. I think that what I have learned 
and gained through my volunteering has been more than worth my time and 
effort, and I hope is worth about $30,000 a year plus health and vacations 
and maybe a profit-sharing plan and a company sponsored trip to Maui. Oh, 
and a corner office, too.

                                     
                           A Trip To Remember!
                                                                          
                                by Tim Day

     From the editor: Tim Day is the teen-aged sun of Debbie Day, active 
member of our Parents of Blind Children division. Here is what he had to 
say during the Parents Lunch meeting, held in conjunction with our State 
convention:
     
     The past few years I have enjoyed going to a regular old summer camp 
where you have lots of fun goofing off with other kids and no 
responsibilities. I loved it!  But then I graduated from the camp, due to 
my age and my mom started talking about something different.  She started 
talking about sending me to the Buddy Program that is held each summer at 
either the NFB Center for the Blind in Colorado or Louisiana.
     I did not want to go.
     First of all, it meant possibly flying alone to one of these states, 
staying  a month and then, instead of just doing nothing but having fun, 
at this place I was expected to learn skills to be independent!!  No way!
     Independence sounds great but the fact is, it's hard. Maybe for  

people who are just blind it's easier but for me it's hard, and I 
certainly did not want to go to a summer program where the "fun" was going 
to be replaced by "work!"  I could not believe that my mom was even 
suggesting it--but then again, I knew she was big on this idea of 
independence.
     Even though she kept mentioning it from time to time, I did not 
really think she would send me, but then the official word came--I was 
going!!  I imagined all sorts of things, like maybe they would let me 
starve to death if I didn't prepare my own meals or maybe I'd get lost 
because I wouldn't know my way around.  I could not believe my parents 
were really going to do this to me!
     But on July 12, I boarded a plane for Denver, Colorado alone. While 
there, I lived in an apartment off campus with my counselor, Alan, and 
Robert Riddle a kid from Vancouver, Washington.  All of us were blind.
     Well, I am going to tell you that it was hard but it was also 
fun--more fun then hard, too!  Most weekdays we had to be up early, 
shower, eat, make a sack lunch and catch the bus to campus for classes.  
We took classes in Daily Living Skills, Braille, Computer, and Orientation 
and Mobility.  All my teachers except one were blind and they talked about 
what it meant to be blind.
     We did some job shadowing out in the community, learned to rock 
climb, went to movies and out to dinner.  We shopped for our own food, 
cooked our own meals, and cleaned up after ourselves. Instead of using a 
car, like we do at home, in Denver we used public transportation for 
everything.
     They have two programs.  One is for the younger kids 9-14 and it's a 
month long.  That's the one I attended. The program for the high school 
students is 8 weeks long and includes attending the NFB national 
convention for 1 week.  The younger kids do job shadowing while the older 
kids actually hold paying jobs in the community.
     One of the things I enjoy most is foreign languages so I was very 
fortunate that Robert, my roommate, knew Spanish.  We often would spend 
the entire bus ride each morning talking with each other in Spanish much 
to the delight of the others on the bus.
     Dan Wenzel, the director of the Buddy Program, told my mom a funny 
story.  One day he and I were out walking on a mobility lesson when we 
passed a couple of teen-aged boys talking in Spanish.  Well, I came to a 
complete halt, turned and then started talking to them.  After a few 
moments of complete silence, they responded and soon we had a conversation 
going. Well, Dan knows very little Spanish so he had no idea what we were 
saying which made him a bit nervous.  He kept gently mentioning that we 
should continue on but these kids and I kept right on talking.  We were 
just chatting,  so I thought it was pretty funny when Dan told my mom that 
he was secretly praying that we weren't setting up some kind of drug deal, 
as he silently stood there smiling!
     The staff at the Center recognize my skill with other languages and 
know that I want to become a translator.  So as I continue to attend the 
program, they will work to provide opportunities to help me reach that 
goal.  But probably Dan is going to have to learn a bit more Spanish if he 
wants to relax when we're out together!
     Learning skills to be independent is hard and it was not that I 
learned so many new skills while I was in Colorado that's made such a 
difference.  It was getting the feel of being an independent blind person 
by living it every day with other blind people that has changed me.  
Before I left, I resisted every attempt my mom made to do things for 
myself.  When I returned, I shocked her (and maybe me too)! with my new 
attitude.
     I have been cooking my own breakfast and lunch, using the microwave, 
every day since I returned and soon I will be working on using the stove 
and adding more complicated stuff.  I no longer fight my mom when she 
introduces a new skill or increases my chores.  I cannot wait To surprise  

the staff at the Center next summer with all the new things I am able to 
do independently.
     It's funny, I did not want to go to Colorado but once I was there, I 
did not want to go home!  I really liked all the counselors, teachers and 
other students.  It was great fun living in the apartment and making our 
own decisions.
     Everyone is just really nice there.  They are patient and helpful as 
they work to teach you new skills and always make you feel good about 
yourself.  I am really, really glad I went and I definitely plan on 
returning  next summer.
     If you or a friend would like to remember the Federation in your 
will, you may do so by using the following language:  "I give, devise, and 
bequeath unto the National Federation of the Blind of Washington, P.O. Box 
2516, Seattle, Washington 98111, the sum of $--------, (or) 
--------percent of my net estate, (or) the following stocks and bonds: 
--------to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons."

                                     
        Strategies for Success--"We Can Because We Think We Can." 
                                                                          
                           by Noel Nightingale

     Successful people usually have been encouraged in their success by 
their family, friends, and society.  Contrariwise, blind people are 
generally not similarly encouraged to succeed.
     Even worse, we, as blind people, are usually discouraged from success 
by being told in one way or another, subtle or not, that we cannot succeed 
in even the most routine tasks.  Blind people are generally not given 
positive encouragement and support from either our family, friends or 
society.  Instead, we are encouraged, in one way or another, subtle or 
not, to lower our expectations.  We are encouraged to be safe and to be 
dependent and to fulfill societal stereotypes about blindness.  The 
problem is that we listen to these people and meet their lower 
expectations of us.
     Let me illustrate.  I know a blind man, Ken, whose employee told him 
that she believed blind people have poor balance.  Ken disagreed with her 
and to prove her wrong, he lifted one leg up to balance himself on one 
foot.  But the mere suggestion that he had poor balance was enough to 
reduce his confidence and he found himself unable to stand on one foot.  
Negative suggestions are powerful.  Later, Ken realized what had 
happened--that the problem was not in his ability to balance but in his 
self-confidence--and he showed her that he indeed is able to balance when 
he stands on one foot.
     I recently met an elderly woman, Betty, who has macular degeneration.  
A rehabilitation professional came to Betty's condo supposedly to show her 
how to use a white cane and to travel independently.  The instructor 
assessed the area surrounding the condo and told Betty that it is unsafe 
for her to leave her house because she would have to pass by the parking 
garage and might get hit by a car.  The elderly woman has now met the low 
expectations of the instructor and will not leave her house unless 
accompanied by a sighted person.  Negative suggestions have great power 
over us.
     Even when we are given encouragement that is painted in positive 
terms, it can have a negative power over us.  When we manage to perform 
the routine tasks of life, we are frequently praised as having done 
something extraordinary.  The effect of such praise is to tell us in 
effect that we should not expect more from ourselves than to manage the 
simplest of tasks.  For example, when Booth Gardner was Governor of 
Washington, my mother and I met him at a reception at the Governor's 
Mansion.  At that time, I was employed with the Department of Labor and 
Industries and rented part of a house a few blocks from work.  During the 

course of my conversation with Governor Gardner, I was forced to correct 
his misimpression that I lived with my mother.  I told him that I did not 
live with her and that I was a state employee. His response was a shocked 
utterance, "How do you live?!"  He was impressed (and dumbfounded) that I  
managed to live by myself.
     Agencies for the blind can tell us the nuts and bolts of obtaining 
employment, but there is a critical aspect of success that they do not 
usually help us with:  we must truly believe in ourselves.  People who 
believe in themselves have positioned themselves for success.  The 
question is how to become confident in our abilities as blind people.  Two 
ingredients are necessary to position ourselves for success in life and 
employment.
     The first ingredient is obvious; the second is not.  First, we must 
learn the skills of blindness so that we have a foundation on which to 
base our self-confidence.  We must honestly assess whether we are 
operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.  If we do not travel 
independently or very well, we must learn the travel skills that blind 
people employ, such as using a long white cane.  If we do not read or 
write efficiently or effectively, we must learn to use braille, large 
print, computers, and readers.
     Many of us who have some sight remaining do not learn the skills of 
blindness and attempt to do things the way sighted people do them.  We do 
not fool anyone, including ourselves, though, and the end result is that 
we lack self-confidence because we cannot operate efficiently and 
effectively as sighted people because we are not sighted and we are not 
operating efficiently and effectively as blind people because we have not 
learned the skills of blindness.
     I have retinitis pigmentosa.  Before I learned to use a long white 
cane, I was afraid to travel at night and avoided doing so. Then, I 
attended a training center operated by members of the National Federation 
of the Blind where I learned to effectively use the long white cane.  My 
travel instructor was totally blind. She believed in me and the travel 
skills she had helped me learn. The proof of her confidence in me was the 
final travel route she sent me on before I was allowed to graduate from 
the program.  I was driven around the town this way and that--while 
wearing sleep shades--until I had no idea about which direction we were 
headed. Then I was dropped off and told that I could not ask anyone where 
I was and was to get back to the training center using all the skills I 
had learned.  And, I eventually walked my way the couple miles to the 
training center without asking a soul for directions or where I was.   It 
was only at that point that I internalized my travel instructor's belief 
in me and began to believe in my travel skills.
     The second ingredient is the most critical.  We must adopt a positive 
philosophy about our blindness.  We must sincerely believe that it is 
respectable to be blind and that we can achieve our dreams if we have the 
appropriate training and opportunity.  This is the critical ingredient 
because if we do not believe in ourselves, all the skills and talents in 
the world will not allow us to succeed.  We must have the confidence to 
step out in the world and let people know that we are worthy of their 
respect (and their jobs).
     This second ingredient in believing in ourselves is elusive. 
Everyday, people tell us in one way or another, subtle or not, that our 
blindness prevents us from success, in even the most routine tasks.  I 
know of only one way to maintain a high level of confidence:  to get to 
know other blind people who are achieving success in their lives.  When we 
meet other successful blind people and learn how they have achieved their 
success, we can model our lives after theirs.  Furthermore, other blind 
people will encourage us and believe in us even more than we believe in 
ourselves.
     I attended a retreat with the other attorneys I work with at the law 
firim of Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe a couple years ago.  The retreat 

was an outward bound-type experience.  We were required, among other 
things, to climb up a ladder nailed to a tree until we got about 70 feet 
up.  There, a 3-inch round wooden pole ran between that tree and the next 
tree over.  Wearing a safety rope, we were required to get ourselves onto  
the pole and walk across it about 15 feet.  I was scared and for a while 
refused to let go of the tree, which I was standing against.  I did not 
feel confidence in my ability to walk on the pole without taking a wrong 
step.  I was hesitating, wondering how I was going to get back down the 
tree when I began hearing (in my mind) my friends and colleagues who are 
members of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) cheering me on and I 
took the first, second, and next steps.  My friends in the NFB believe in 
me and I believe in them and it makes all the difference in any success I 
have in my life.

                                     
                     YES--Youth Employment Solutions
                                                                          
                        by Shirley Smith, Director
                                                                          
                 Washington State Services for the Blind

     I want to share a wonderful new project the Department accomplished 
last year. It was so successful for participants that staff were energized 
and excited and cannot wait to do it again. I am talking about YES--Youth 
Employment Solutions. YES was made possible by collaboration of DSB and 
the School for the Blind. In total, 33 students participated; there were 
19 boys and 14 girls, 21 came from western Washington and 12 from Eastern 
Washington; 12 had little or no useful vision; the remaining students 
ability ranged from high partial to those requiring significant degrees of 
aid; and the ethnic representation mirrored the makeup of minorities in 
the state.
     YES Level 1 was a two week residential experience for students who 
are blind or visually impaired going into their freshman or sophomore 
year. Twelve students were housed at the School for the Blind.  There were 
four primary activities: interest/aptitude assessment, community service 
projects (working at a food bank and maintenance at Mt. St. Helen's 
recreational area), resume development and job application/interviewing 
exercise. Of course there were also recreational activities--one of which 
was participating with Level 2 students in Seattle. You can tell that this 
group of kids got the message--There Is A Job In Your Future!!
     YES Level 2 was a six week residential experience at the Delta Delta 
Delta Sorority at the University of Washington. Each participant received 
at least minimum wages for 30 hours of work per week. Some of the 
employers included Banana Republic, Barnes and Noble, Shoreline Chamber of 
Commerce, Ross Dress for Less, the Pacific Science Center and several 
governmental and vision related employers. Each student had to manage 
their own money (all opened accounts at Seafirst Bank), buy and fix all of 
their own food, do their own laundry, clean their rooms, and everything 
else we all have to do each day before we go to work. Each student was 
provided O&M instruction, and were required to get to work and back on 
their own. Almost all of them were successfully traveling alone or with 
another student by the end of the six weeks.
     Students also had classes in career interest exploration and about 
the Occupations Finder and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. An 
experienced resume consultant worked with the students to develop 
professional resumes. They learned how to express their personal 
qualities, skills, abilities and work experiences in a positive fashion. 
Vocational staff from DSB talked about adult services and what VR could do 
to help them, and other staff visited in the evenings.
     Of course there were recreational activities. They attended a 
Mariners baseball game with peanuts, crackerjacks, and popcorn (thanks to 

the Seattle Lions Club). One weekend they participated in a sea kayaking 
trip, camping on Orcas Island and paddling on Puget Sound. They slept in 
tents, hiked to bathrooms, and some even slept out under the stars. They 
also participated in a 4th of July celebration, concerts at Seattle 
Center, Seattle underground tour, and Snoqualmie falls outing. Something 
for everyone!
     There was lots of learning taking place--all the daily living skills 
as well as some appreciation about what it takes to work. And what kind of 
work they want to do when they "grow up". Staff worked around the clock 
and enjoyed every day of the six weeks! It was so successful, we "found" 
money to continue it. If you get a chance to help next summer, I encourage 
it. It was all around a great experience!

                                     
                               RESOLUTIONS

     Here are the Resolutions passed during the 1997 convention of the  
National Federation of the Blind of Washington.

                                     
                             RESOLUTION 97.01

     Whereas,  Senator Slade Gorton from Washington State introduced an 
amendment to the appropriations bill for the U.S. Departments of Labor, 
Health and Human Services and Education that furthers a particular 
philosophy of government control over education programs;  and,
     Whereas, in their zeal to "do the right thing", the Senators passed 
this amendment which has the apparently unintended effect of cutting 
appropriations to vocational rehabilitation programs by fifty percent;  
and,
     Whereas, hastily drafted legislation and bills passed without 
deliberate and thorough examination of all aspects may result in the 
devastation of positive and meaningful programs designed to help the blind 
to obtain and hold jobs;  and,
     Whereas, the House version of the appropriations bill (HR2264) does 
not contain the deep cuts to vocational rehabilitation contained in the 
Senate version. 
Now therefore:
     Be It Resolved by The National Federation of The Blind of Washington 
in convention assembled this fifth day of October, 1997, in the city of 
Tacoma:
     That we strongly urge Senator Gorton and the House and Senate 
conferees to correct the appropriations bill to include full funding for 
vocational rehabilitation programs;  and,
Be It Further Resolved:
     That we admonish the Senator and others in both parties to consider 
carefully the consequences of their political actions concerning programs 
for the blind in future legislative activities; and,
Be It Further Resolved:
     That this resolution be presented to all the congressional delegation 
from this State, and sent to each of the House and Senate conferees 
considering the appropriations for Labor, Health and Human Services and 
Education.

                                     
                             RESOLUTION 97.02

     WHEREAS, full involvement in the vocational rehabilitation process is 
critical for participants to secure employment consistent with their 
"strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and capabilities"; 
and

     WHEREAS, access to documents relating to agency services and training 
is essential for participants to make informed choices:  now therefore
     BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Washington 
in Convention Assembled this fourth day of October, 1997, in the city of 
Tacoma, Washington, that we call upon the Department of Services for the 
Blind to provide to participants in a timely manner all material relevant 
to their rehabilitation process (including their Individualized Written 
Rehabilitation Plans) in braille, large-print, on cassette or on computer 
disk.
     

PRESIDENT: MICHAEL FREEMAN 301 N.E. 107th STREET VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON     98685 360-574-8221
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT: NOEL NIGHTINGALE 98 UNION STREET, #514, SEATTLE, 
  Washington 98101 206-624-8007 
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT: KAYE KIPP 5101 N.E. 121 AVENUE, SPACE 7 
  VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON 98682 360-256-8572 
SECRETARY: RITA SZANTAY 1000 8th AVENUE, A-610 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98104 
  206-622-8843
TREASURER: GARY MACKENSTADT 12303 N.E. 165th STREET BOTHELL, Washington 
  98011 425-488-0628



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