                        THE CANADIAN BLIND MONITOR
                                                                          
  VOICE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND: ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY
                                                                          
                                     

VOL. 3                                   JUNE 1997


The Canadian Blind Monitor is published three times a year. Members of the 
NFB:AE are invited, non-members are requested, to cover our subscription 
cost with an annual fee of $10.00.

Published by NFB:AE.  All rights reserved.  No part of this magazine may 
be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or 
mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information 
storage and retrieval system without permission from the publisher.

NFB:AE, P.O. Box 5058, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 8T9 (250) 862-8608, (800) 
561-4774, Fax (250) 763-4022

E-mail: nfbcan@bc.sympatico.ca
  


  Editor:  Mary Ellen Gabias
  Editorial Assistants:  Joy Crowther  and Helaine Jackson

  Advertising Co-ordinator: 8278 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5X 3A2 
  (604) 482-3102  Fax (604) 482-3130


The National Federation of the Blind:  Advocates for Equality is not an 
organization speaking for the blind.  It is the blind speaking for 
themselves.
  
  Please specify preferred format:  Print, Braille, Cassette, or Computer 
  disk.


Produced in Grade Two Braille for the NFB:AE  by AJS Braille Service, 707 
East Garland Avenue, Spokane, Washington U.S.A., 99207-3027. TEL: (509) 
487-8959.
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                                                          
                         FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION

     The front cover design depicts  the general theme of this issue of 
the magazine--JOBS.  Small colourful illustrations show people in the 
following occupations:  newspaper reporter, mechanic, librarian, 
bookkeeper, data processor, school teacher, minister, bank teller, and 
homemaker.
     The NFB:AE logo occupies the upper right hand corner.  The logo is a 
set of scales with a sword in the centre and a maple leaf superimposed on 
the blade of the sword.
     Inthe lower right hand corner is an announcement of our upcoming 
Annual National Convention which will be held in Vancouver February bf 
--bh, aiih.
     


                                     
                                 CONTENTS
                                     
TITLE...........................................................PAGE
EDITORIAL..........................................................1
Getting Beyond The Platitudes: Hiring Blind Workers is a Matter of 
    Attitude...........................................................2
Architects of the Information Age..................................8
Flexibility and Innovations: Don't Overlook Small Business........17
Let That Blind Man Work On My Truck...............................21
Convention Reports NFB  Conference, Anaheim, California...........26
MY FIRST NFB CONVENTION...........................................27
Reflections on Anaheim '96........................................30
Convention From A "Techie's" Viewpoint............................33
NFBCCAE Meets in New Orleans June 29 to July 5, 1997..............38
Summer Camp With a Difference.....................................44
The 1997 National Federation of The Blind: Advocates for Equality 
    Scholarship Program...............................................46
Toronto  Highlights...............................................53
Guide Dog: Trip Out In The Cold Vacation scuttled at last minute..54
Driver's Licence for the Blind....................................59
Access to Places of Interest--The Royal Ontario Museum............62
The Canadian Transportation Agency Access Will Continue...........64
NFB Comments on Canadian Transportation Initiatives...............66
GRAB BAG..........................................................78
Nuts and  Bolts...................................................79
Women to Watch....................................................81
Did YOU KNOW ...".................................................84
NFBCCAE Charter...................................................87

     
     This Braille edition contains the entire text of the Inkprint 
edition, except for advertising. Questions regarding advertisements should 
be directed to NFB:AE headquarters.

                                     
                                Editorial
                                                                          
                           JOBS!  JOBS!  JOBS!

     The 1993 National Election campaign had a particular poignancy for 
blind Canadians. Everybody was talking about Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! It seemed 
to many blind people that the slogan was directed to everybody but us.
     This is not to say that one political party has a better record than 
another. Our unemployment level has remained consistently high, no matter 
which party holds the majority in Ottawa. In fact one blind person I know 
commented, after hearing a documentary about an outpost in Newfoundland 
with a 70% unemployment rate, "I wish we were doing as well."
     Why are blind people unemployed in such high numbers? Is the problem 
inherent in blindness? What role is played by poor public attitudes about 
blindness? What kind of training is needed for blind people to become 
employed and where can it be obtained? What kind of jobs do blind people 
currently hold? What makes the difference for an individual between having 
a job and being out of work? What can we do to solve our unemployment 
problems?
     One issue of a magazine cannot hope to answer all of these questions. 
We can hope to raise awareness, broaden the discussion, and suggest 
possible solutions. We are working towards the day when we can be sure 
that the politicians who talk about jobs for Canadians, are talking about 
blind Canadians too.


                                     
                            Mary Ellen Gabias
                                                                          
   Getting Beyond the Platitudes:  Hiring Blind Workers is a Matter of 
                                 Attitude
                                                                          
                           by Mary Ellen Gabias

     She is capable, willing to work hard, and blind. She is also 
unemployed. Why? What makes it so difficult for qualified blind people to 
find work?
     It is tempting to minimize her situation by saying the National 
unemployment rate hovers around ten per cent. Even highly-qualified 
sighted people are finding it hard to get employment. The operative word 
in that statement is "even." The not very subtle assumption behind that 
"even" is the belief that sighted people and blind people are equal in 
most things, but that blindness imposes a disability which makes it 
logical to hire the sighted first. As long as a small proportion of 
highly-qualified sighted individuals are out of work, a large proportion 
of highly-qualified blind people have no reason to complain. In other 
words, blindness is a characteristic which automatically moves people to 
the end of the hiring line. When there is no competent sighted person 
available to take the job, the blind will have their day.
     There is a flaw in this logic. No two individuals are alike. Each of 
us is a complex mixture of assets and liabilities, likes and dislikes, 
strengths and weaknesses. The same characteristic which is a strength in 
one situation may be a weakness in another. Blindness is only one among 
these characteristics usually not the most important one. In other words, 
blind people do not compete against identical individuals who happen to be 
sighted.
     Employers have the difficult task of evaluating a whole range of job 
applicants' characteristics. Which applicant has the greatest sum of 
assets for this job? It is a little like comparing apples and oranges. For 
example, is it more desirable to have an employee with good skills who 
must maintain a precise schedule in order to meet family commitments, or 
someone with slightly inferior skills who can work longer hours on a more 
flexible schedule? The answer will depend on the employer's needs. It will 
also depend on other factors--including intangibles such as rapport. In 
other words, hiring is not a precise science.
     When an applicant is blind or severely vision impaired, the decision 
process is often skewed. Because blindness is an uncommon characteristic, 
employers tend to give it much more weight than it deserves. They wonder 
how they would do a particular job without sight. They assume that the 
lack of vision always creates problems, reduces efficiency, and tips the 
balance of the scales in a negative direction. This occurs even though the 
potential blind employee may have a thorough grasp of alternative 
techniques to do the job, the skills to perform it adequately, and the 
personal characteristics the employer is seeking.
     It is not reasonable to expect employers to become expert on 
alternative techniques used by the blind. It is reasonable, however, to 
expect them not to make negative assumptions. If blindness is "no big 
deal" for the applicant, it should be "no big deal" for the employer. It 
is the applicant's responsibility to develop any necessary alternative 
techniques for doing the job. Certainly the employer will want to have a 
say if those alternatives involve any change in procedure or extra 
expense. The ultimate test is whether those techniques work. An employer 
who is too scared or lazy to find out denies opportunity to a blind 
applicant and misses out on a potentially good employee.
     Several years ago, a blind woman was applying for a job as a 
prosecuting attorney. Prosecutors need to be tough-minded individuals. 

Putting criminals in jail is not for the tentative or the timid. At one 
interview this blind woman was confronted with a whole panel of lawyers. 
The first one started to describe the job, "First you read the complaint 
and when you have read it, based on your reading, you take what you have 
read and ...". It was very clear that the qualifications of this blind 
lawyer would never be truly considered. All the interviewers could see was 
someone who could not read print. It really did not matter to them that 
she had graduated with honours from university and obtained a law 
degree--certainly pursuits which required intensive reading. They did not 
even reach the stage of evaluating her knowledge of the law or her ability 
to reason or to compose arguments. For them, the fact that she could not 
read print, was an obstacle which overwhelmed all of her other 
characteristics and made her an unsuitable employee. She explained all of 
the techniques she would use on the job, but she knew it was a waste of 
everyone's time to do so.
     Her next interview went differently. The interviewer began by asking 
her how she would do the reading. "Quite frankly," she said, "it is none 
of your business." She permitted the stunned silence to continue for two 
seconds and then proceeded politely to explain the methods she intended to 
use on the job. She finished by saying, "You want a prosecutor who will be 
tough on criminals. You want someone who will stand up for law and order 
and community standards without being apologetic. I believe I am tough 
enough for this job." The employer laughed. She had certainly been tough 
enough for him.
     She got the job because she understood how to use these questions 
about her blindness to demonstrate personal characteristics which would be 
an asset. If she had been applying for a different kind of job, her 
response would have been totally inappropriate. What she did worked 
because she kept her blindness in its proper perspective and helped her 
future boss to do the same.
     The task for all of us who care about employment for the blind is to 
help put blindness in its proper perspective. Blind job applicants need 
skills to compete on truly equal terms. Employers need to understand that 
"equal" is not necessarily "identical".
     Techniques developed for a blind person may be more efficient for the 
whole organization. For example, a blind secretary might need to take 
dictation from a dictaphone or face-to-face using a lap-top computer. If 
people in the office had been used to writing draft documents in longhand 
for later typing, the change in procedure necessitated by the secretary's 
blindness would probably result in increased overall efficiency. Drafting 
documents with pencil and paper is quite time consuming. However, if the 
employer is not flexible enough to improve office procedure, everyone 
loses.
     Hiring blind people requires employers to do what good personnel 
practice suggests for all employers. It is almost a truism that 
organizations run best when managers evaluate the individual strengths and 
weaknesses of employees and, as much as possible, tailor the work-load to 
suit those strengths. One very successful employer commented that no two 
people occupying a particular position in the organization had ever had 
precisely the same job description. Each employee had different strengths. 
Although the core duties of the job remain the same, some of the 
peripheral assignments were shifted to take fullest possible advantage of 
an individual's talents. Effectively dealing with blindness really 
requires nothing more.

                                     
                    Architects of the Information Age
                                                                          
                           by Mary Ellen Gabias

     From the Editor: Computer programming has been a solid source of 

employment for blind people for more than three decades. Technology has 
changed, but the basic ability required for the job has remained constant. 
The four blind individuals profiled in this article use a variety of 
techniques. But one reality does not vary. They are all assets to their 
employers.
     
     In the mid-1960's someone came up with the idea of training blind 
people to program computers. The first alternative techniques were fairly 
rudimentary. There were no personal computers. Programmers key-punched 
their instructions on to eighty-column cards and fed them to mainframe 
computers. It usually took a day or so before the programmer knew whether 
his or her work was acceptable. The computers spit back reams of paper 
with error messages that indicated where the programmer had gone wrong. 
One small typographical error on one punch card could delay the successful 
execution of a computer program for an entire day. If the error were more 
complex, more time was needed for "de-bugging". Obviously, a high premium 
was placed on accuracy.
     Blind computer programmers competed successfully in this tough work 
environment from the beginning. They typed their own punch cards without 
any difficulty. The challenge was to find ways to read the computer 
output.
     A very clever programmer discovered that the "period" symbol on the 
line-printer made a raised dot on the back side of the printout. A program 
was written that converted print symbols into a series of periods which 
formed Braille characters. It was a bit crude, but it worked. Blind 
programmers could read their own output, find and correct their own 
errors, and achieve results comparable to those of their sighted 
colleagues.
     The first genuine Braille computer embossers came on the scene in the 
mid-1970's. They were expensive, about $15,000 U.S., at a time when the 
dollar was worth much more than it is today. Still, they were a vast 
improvement over the make-shift line-printer. Blind programmers did not 
have to go through an extra step to get their output. They simply went to 
their own printer and ripped off the paper like everyone else. Their main 
worry was the frequency with which their Braille embossers broke down. A 
failure of one dot to function changed the whole printout. It was clear 
that new solutions were still needed.
     As the punch card gave way to the video terminal, blind programmers 
were faced with new challenges and greater opportunities. Probably the two 
most significant changes in technology for the blind were the development 
of print-enlarging software and the advent of synthesized speech.
     IBM was the first major computer company to put significant resources 
into the development of access technology for the blind. A number of small 
specialized companies, often owned and operated by blind individuals, also 
entered the field. By the end of the 1980's it would be fair to say that 
blind people had achieved parity with their sighted colleagues. The 
operation of PC's was in the MS-DOS environment. By using a PC and a 
terminal emulation program, they also had reasonable access to mainframes. 
There were still some problems, but blind people began to talk of a time 
when access to the printed word would be as readily available to them as 
to the sighted.
     Then the graphical user interface (GUI) came along. Instead of using 
computer code to print characters on the screen in 80 columns and 25 rows, 
GUI's permitted the user to design screens which more closely resembled 
printed pages. Different type fonts and screen configurations became 
common. Characters were now "painted" on the screen in ways which 
traditional speech and Braille access programs could not interpret. The 
computer was getting easier for the sighted to use, but the blind were 
seeing their hard-won equal access disappear.
     The situation is changing again. There are now a number of access 
programs which permit blind people to work in a Windows environment. 

Still, there are challenges.
     Elizabeth Coates works as a consultant (computer programmer) for 
Sygma, one of the Bell Canada companies. She received her training in 
computer programming at Alternative Computer Training for the Disabled in 
Toronto. She has worked for the past several years programming mainframes 
for sales, marketing, and retail tracking. She works with a 386 computer 
and a 3270 terminal emulator using IBM screen reader voice software and 
hardware. In addition, she has an Arkenstone scanner for reading manuals 
and other printed information which is not on-line.
     Elizabeth's productivity in this job easily equals that of her 
colleagues. Because of the limitations of scanning technology, she 
sometimes finds that she cannot read computer manuals with the same 
efficiency as her sighted colleagues. However, they are quite willing to 
read her small manual sections or to answer questions about program syntax 
or other issues. In return, she has become expert at certain aspects of 
programming and often helps her colleagues with their questions.
     As she writes program code, she documents her work on her computer. 
Her colleagues often rely on hand written notes. Elizabeth quickly 
discovered that her method produces required documentation far more 
efficiently. By the time her programming work is finished, her 
documentation is complete as well. Her co-workers often have to go back 
over their work and re-write their notes in order to turn in proper 
documentation.
     The time-lag between the development of programs for the sighted and 
those for the blind is currently creating major challenges for Elizabeth. 
Her company would like her to work in the development of Lotus Notes 
programs. Speech access technology she attempted to use worked with Lotus 
Notes 3.2. The company was using 4.0. Her program for 4.0 is becoming 
available, but her company has now moved to 4.5. (Programs for blind 
people are often two years behind.) Despite these difficulties, Elizabeth 
has found ways to continue to meet deadlines and produce quality work on 
time. Her employer is committed to helping her get the tools she needs to 
stay abreast with the latest technology. As her boss explained to her, "it 
is a good investment for us to keep a valuable employee on the job."
     Akhtar Hussain is blind with some vision. He uses magnifying glasses 
and closed-circuit TV's which enlarge print. His company, Consumers' Gas, 
purchased an extremely large monitor for him. This permits him to read the 
computer screen without additional software or hardware. He is responsible 
for maintaining legacy systems and working with new systems as they are 
developed.
     After completing his studies at Alternative Computer Training for the 
Disabled, Akhtar received a certificate in business programming and 
business operations from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. He also has a 
certificate as a data communications specialist from Centennial College in 
Toronto.
     Because Consumers' Gas serves its customers twenty-four hours a day, 
computer problems can happen at any time. Akhtar is expected to be on call 
at all times to help solve problems. He has company software and a modem 
at home which permit him to do trouble-shooting. However, the problem may 
require him to go to the office at any time of the day or night. Because 
of his flexibility and willingness to continually improve his skills, 
Akhtar is a valued employee.
     Phil Wiseman is loosing his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, a 
degenerative disease which causes a narrowing of the visual field. Phil 
had an uncle who became totally blind from RP. His brother has the same 
condition. It affects each of them differently. His brother still sees 
well enough to drive a car. Phil's visual field is less than twenty 
degrees--enough for him to be registered blind--but his central vision is 
still quite good.
     Phil is currently able to work without any modifications, but he 
knows his vision is likely to deteriorate. When he first was hired by the 

Province of Ontario, he used a large print program called Vista. 
Unfortunately, it is not compatible with his agency's current computer 
system. He tried another large print program, but he found it awkward to 
use.
     "Through the NFB I have learned that there is a lot more out there to 
help me than I thought. I know that when I need to do it, I will be able 
to make the transition to accessing the computer screen with speech. I 
know that I will be able to continue working no matter how my vision 
changes."
     His employers at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 
believe in Phil too. He is currently a project leader doing systems 
design, developing specifications for programs, analyzing user 
requirements, and maintaining and supporting the computerized financial 
system for the Ministry. His employer doesn't care whether he sees the 
screen or listens to speech output; they just care that the work gets done 
and they know that it will.
     Wayne St. Denis works as a technical analyst for Intria Corporation. 
He is part of a team which supports scheduling systems on main frame and 
mid-range platforms. These are systems which allow users to schedule their 
application so that the computer is used efficiently and programs do not 
interfere with one another.
     Intria Corporation was once a department within the Canadian Imperial 
Bank of Commerce. Although Intria is now a separate corporation, CIBC is 
still its primary customer. The corporation hopes to do systems management 
work for other companies and Wayne is excited about the potential 
opportunities.
     Wayne uses a combination of enlarged print and speech. He finds 
speech more efficient for reading large volumes of material--particularly 
documentation. Because he still has some useable vision, he can read large 
print to check messages and verify the accuracy of his work when minute 
details are involved. "I simply have to get more practice with speech in 
order to feel completely comfortable with it. I like using the vision I 
have, but I suffer from eye strain and fatigue if I rely on it too 
extensively."
     Wayne uses ZoomText and has just purchased JAWS for Windows 95. "I 
use OutSpoken for Windows 3.1 at home, but it won't work for Windows 95. 
I'll simply have to learn to use JAWS."
     Wayne works as part of a team. He found that, although he had taken 
computer courses, his most useful learning occurred on the job. "When you 
use something everyday, you retain it. The course work was good for 
teaching me basic principals, but I learned my job by doing it."
     His cooperative attitude and willingness to take on new challenges 
help him fit well in a new corporation. There is no doubt that Wayne's 
skills will grow as the company which employs him develops.

                                     
       Flexibility and Innovations:  Don't Overlook Small Business
                                                                          
                           by Mary Ellen Gabias

     From the editor: Small businesses should not be overlooked by blind 
job-seekers. If a small business wants to, it can make necessary changes 
quickly. Where there is the will to hire, there is the flexibility to 
develop workable alternative techniques. As the experience of Richard 
Marion demonstrates, changes made to help a blind employee can be a 
tremendous benefit to an entire organization.
     
     Richard Marion wasn't at all sure he wanted to work in the family 
business. He entered Douglas College believing that a career in business 
was the career for him, but he thought he was headed for a job with a 
large corporation.

     He spent a summer during high school working in the shop of Triple R 
Truck Repair, the Marion family business. "That convinced me I didn't want 
to be a truck mechanic, even though I'm fairly mechanical. I just didn't 
like the grease and grime and noise".
     Part way through his business program at Douglas College Richard 
began questioning his choice. "I thought I might switch to computer 
programming. I like what the computer can do,  but it didn't take long 
before I knew that  programming one was not for me".
     Student politics captured Richard's attention throughout his college 
career. He became president of the B.C. Education Association for Disabled 
Students. He was also elected Vice President of the Douglas College 
Student Society and served on the provincial board of student unions where 
he discovered that he really liked advocacy.
     As his business administration training progressed, Richard found 
more and more ways he could apply what he had learned to help the family 
business. He began doing small projects to help his parents and brother. 
But he faced a significant obstacle. Most of the records for the company 
were hand-written. Richard has enough vision to read printed material for 
short periods of time using a CCTV. However, handwriting is often 
impossible for him to decipher. The more he worked with computerized 
speech, the more he began to realize what a powerful tool it could be.
     Richard computerized the company payroll and other accounts. As he 
automated the system to make it more accessible to him, the advantages for 
the entire organization became apparent. Payroll, which had previously 
taken a day to complete, could now be done in a few hours. It was suddenly 
easy to gather statistics about past performance in order to project 
future needs.
     Although he has computerized most things, there are still some 
documents which come to him in hand writing. "I simply have them read to 
me. If they are short documents, someone in the office can read them 
between other duties. I usually schedule reading assistance for a few 
hours once or twice a week to handle anything which has accumulated".
     Richard has worked in the DOS environment using VERT, an older speech 
program. The company is currently converting everything to Windows, so 
Richard has switched to JAWS for Windows (JAWS stands for Job Access with 
Speech.) He believes that the time and expense invested in learning a new 
speech access system is justified because of the greater power of Windows 
programs.
     During his final semester at college, Richard decided he preferred 
the flexibility and variety of a small business. He has been the business 
manager of Triple R Trucking ever since.
     In addition to repairing trucks for others, the company also provides 
trucks and drivers as a sub-contractor for builders. At any given time 
Triple R trucks might be digging a foundation at one location, hauling 
waste from another, and ploughing snow from a parking lot in a third. 
Richard keeps track of the complex paperwork, prepares material for the 
tax accountant, dispatches drivers, develops business plans, and sees to 
it the bills are paid and the receivables are collected. He does much of 
his work on the computer. The telephone is also an indispensable business 
tool.
     Richard's commitment to advocacy continues. Last July he was elected 
president of the lower mainland chapter of the NFB:AE. "In some ways I am 
between two worlds when it comes to business and advocacy. I could never 
go to a Chamber of Commerce meeting and support a speaker who says 
Canada's social programs should be eliminated. I also object to people who 
seem to think everyone in business is unthinking and uncaring. Our 
challenge is to build a business and social environment that gives people 
the skills and the incentive they need to be productive," says Richard. 
According to him, it's in everyone's best interest to have strong social 
programs that encourage independence. It is certainly in the best 
interests of Triple R Trucking to have Richard Marion as its business 

manager.

                                     
                   Let That Blind Man Work On My Truck

     From the Editor:  The NFB in the U.S. has published a series known as 
the Kernel Books. Intended primarily for the sighted community, these 
books feature stories by ordinary  blind women and men about their lives. 
In the book: Making Hay, Daryel White tells about his personal journey 
from helpless newly-blind individual to successfully employed blind 
autobody repair person. Sadly, the complications of diabetes, which cost 
him his eyesight, took his life a year ago. They will miss him at Marty's 
Body Works. The blind community will miss him, too. But his contribution 
to our faith in ourselves lives on. Here is what Daryel said about himself 
as reprinted from Making Hay:
     
     I am proud to tell you a little about what I do to earn my daily 
bread. I'll begin by telling you where I was and how I got to where I am 
today.
     I'm from St. Louis, Missouri. Approximately five years ago I lost my 
eyesight. For about six months, I sat and thought I was never going to 
amount to anything in life. A rehabilitation counsellor came to my home, 
and by the time he left I was even more convinced that I had no future. 
Then about six months later a rehabilitation teacher knocked on my door. I 
said, "Who are you?" It had been about six months since the rehabilitation 
counsellor had come, and here she was. She asked me a few questions, which 
I answered. She said to me, "What did your rehabilitation counsellor tell 
you?"
     I said, "Well, he looked at me and said I wasn't going to do anything 
with my life but be what I call a housewife." At that time I didn't know 
any different. I had just lost my sight, and I thought maybe that that's 
all I could ever be. This bright young lady really impressed me when she 
first came into my home. She showed me how to do things that I didn't 
think I could do, but more than anything else, she told me something I 
could hardly believe: She said that I could do whatever I wanted to--that 
I could do what I had done before I became blind.
     This lady's name was Patty Page. She introduced me to her brother, a 
man who has taken me as far as I can go in making my life better. His name 
is Homer Page, and he was President of the National Federation of the 
Blind of Colorado and one of the Boulder County commissioners at the time. 
I went to meet him while he was visiting at his sister's home. I'll 
remember this till the day I die; we were sitting at his sister's table, 
and he asked me what I wanted in life. I told him that I wanted to do what 
I had been doing when I was sighted--have my own home, have my own job, 
and live as I was then. He looked at me and said, "You will have that."
     I said "O.K." but in my mind I thought, "Well, this guy's really lost 
it." 
     He went over to the phone and made a call to a lady, who in my heart 
has really become like my mother.
     I first met her in Denver when I came off the plane from St. Louis. I 
could hardly even walk. I mean I had hold of this flight attendant like 
she was my saviour! When I got in to the gate area, this woman came up to 
me and said her name was Diane McGeorge. Then she took me with her--here I 
am, totally blind, and she says, "I'll take you to get your luggage." And 
she was totally blind. I thought to myself, "This lady's lost it too!" But 
I hung on to her because I was frightened. We got the luggage and went to 
her home, and then I went to the apartments for students at the National 
Federation of the Blind's Colorado Center for the Blind. Diane McGeorge 
and Homer Page had managed to enroll me as a student at the Centre.
     From that moment on I began building my confidence. I learned how to 
travel. I had had a cane, but I couldn't even find my feet! The staff 

helped me with cane travel, Braille, and self-confidence. They also 
introduced me to the organization that is really my support and backbone 
today--the National Federation of the Blind.
     I spent about ten months in Colorado, and toward the end I made some 
phone calls looking for a job. Even on the day I graduated from the 
Colorado Center, I made a couple of phone calls and got turned down. But 
eventually, I got lucky with Marty's Body Works, which is in St. Louis, 
Missouri. I do auto repair, paint cars, and put fenders and doors on. I 
even do welding.
     Now I want to tell you a little story. When I came back from the 
Colorado Center for the Blind, my confidence level was taller than the 
highest building that was ever built, so my first job with the public's 
eye on me was a hard one. I went to work for Marty's Body Works two weeks 
after I got back from Denver, Colorado. 
     There's a man named Charlie Collins, who owns a big diesel shop in 
St. Louis. He wrecked his brand new pick-up truck in a front end 
collision. He had it towed to Marty's. He looked at Marty and he looked at 
me. Then he said, "I do not, do not want that blind man to work on my 
truck!" Marty looked at me and kind of smiled, and Charlie went on home.
     Then Marty said, "Daryel, you're going to do that job." So I brought 
the truck in and did the job. I put it all together and painted it. I 
mean, I did a superb job. There was nothing wrong with that truck when I 
got done.
     When Charlie came back to pick it up, Marty told him, "Charlie, I 
don't want you to pay for that job right now. I know how you are; I've 
done work for you before. You take the truck back to your shop. I want you 
to check it over just as close as you can for fender and hood gaps." 
(These gaps are the distance between the pieces of the car you build or 
rebuild.) He said, "I want you to bring it back tomorrow and tell me if 
you find anything wrong." 
     So Charlie took it to his shop, and he brought it back the next day. 
He said, "Marty, that's the most fantastic job I've ever seen!"
     Marty looked at him, and he looked at me. Then he told Charlie right 
there, "That is what a blind man can do."
     Charlie owns two eighteen-wheelers over the road. About two weeks 
later he wrecked one of his eighteen-wheelers. He brought it back to 
Marty's, and do you know what his first words were? "Let that blind man 
work on my truck."

                                     
          Convention Reports NFB Conference, Anaheim, California

     The 1996 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind, which 
was held at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel during the first week of July, was 
the largest gathering of blind people in the world last year. Sixty-four 
Canadians took an active part in the week's proceedings. There were 
meetings for parents of blind children, blind lawyers, blind diabetics, 
guide dog users, beginning computer users, and hard-core "techies". Blind 
teachers gathered to discuss techniques and strategies for coping with the 
schools of the 90's. Blind college students also met to discuss 
educational issues from their point of view. In other words, whether one 
is interested in raising goats or landing a job at the local bank, the 
Convention of the National Federation of the Blind is the place to go to 
gather information and to meet like-minded blind colleagues.
     One of the purposes of the NFB:AE is to bring together blind persons 
for just such networking. We were fortunate to be able to assist a number 
of blind Canadians to attend the Anaheim Convention. Although the 49th 
parallel separates two very distinctive countries, it's no barrier to the 
formation of friendship and the sharing of information.
     The following three articles from Convention attendees give just a 
hint of the infusion of enthusiasm and know-how brought back to the 

NFB:AE.

                                     
                         MY FIRST NFB CONVENTION
                                                                          
                            By John Goodfellow

     From the Editor:  John Goodfellow is a sighted member of the Toronto 
Chapter. Although his partner is blind and he has associated with blind 
people for many years, the Convention of the National Federation of the 
Blind gave him a new perspective on blindness. This is what he had to say 
about it.
     
     When I arrived at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel, I observed many blind 
persons waiting to check in. As the days went by, I was utterly amazed at 
how efficient many blind people were in finding their way around. I was 
surprised to notice the extent to which small children were able to deal 
with mobility--and if I do say so myself--much more successfully than most 
adults.
     One of the funniest things that I saw was a small blind boy who was 
about four or five years old. He was playing hide and seek with his mother 
who happened to be sighted. He would run down the corridor with his white 
cane, never missing an ark, then stand in the middle of the corridor 
calling out to his mother "Find me, Mom!"
     There were a number of guide dogs present, and it was interesting to 
observe their behaviour during work sessions. There did not seem to be any 
conflicts or school rivalry!
     Now to the conference itself ...
     The sessions were informative. The speakers had done their homework 
and were well prepared. Afterwards there was an opportunity to ask 
questions. The delegates paid close attention and had plenty of questions 
for the speakers. It was quite apparent that they were there to learn and 
take information back to their chapters.
     The general assembly sessions were all very well attended by the 
delegates. Speeches by President Marc Maurer and Dr. Jernigan were well 
presented and most inspiring. They knew how to hold the attention of a 
large, diverse gathering of 2,500 individuals. It was obvious that they 
were no strangers to  public speaking and knew their subjects inside out. 
I feel quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet these two fine 
gentlemen.
     The conference was followed by some fun and enjoyable 
entertainment--setting the tone for informal get-togethers and 
camaraderie. I found myself making new friends from all over the United 
States and Canada.
     Finally came the banquet, drawing this great convention to a close. 
This also was quite impressive for those who, like myself, had sight. It 
must be said that the staff at the hotel did an excellent job ensuring 
everyone was well looked after.
     I could go on forever, but I will close by saying to the blind "Thank 
you for accepting me into your family!"

                                     
                        Reflections on Anaheim '96
                                                                          
                             by Phil Wiseman

     From the Editor: Phil Wiseman is the newly-elected President of the 
Toronto Chapter. In this article he describes his first NFB convention. As 
a relatively newly-blinded individual, Phil gained a perspective not 
available anywhere else. Here is what he has to say about it.
     

     During the week that I spent in Anaheim, California, I found many 
things that impressed me as a participant at the convention. Prior to my 
arrival I had no idea what kind of experiences lay in store for me, except 
that I expected to find it both informative and enlightening. I would like 
to share my impressions with you.
     My arrival at the convention was a little unnerving as I have never 
experienced such a "sea of white canes" gathered in one spot before. 
However, I quickly got over my initial fear and realized that the other 
blind individuals were no different than me. They were simply going about 
their business without allowing their blindness to hinder them.
     There were various division seminars that were taking place 
simultaneously. The most interesting one for me was the "Computer Sciences 
Division" session. The number of people who attended was remarkable (over 
150). I was quite impressed with the way that people have managed to keep 
up-to-date with the latest technology using Windows-based applications, 
graphic user interfaces (GUIs), etc. I know that I, as an individual with 
partial sight, encounter difficulty using some of the latest tools. It was 
quite encouraging to hear of some of the devices and ways to use the 
computer. The session concerning the use of the Internet was quite 
interesting.
     The technical aids exhibit showed some very practical low-tech 
gadgets as well as special computer devices for the blind. The one that 
impressed me most was from a vendor from California who was showing a 
computer that produced three dimensional images on a "special" printed 
canvas. By touching the picture on the canvas, you could feel the 
indentation and bumps exactly as the image appeared on the screen. It is 
difficult to explain--you had to be there to see it. It was really 
something!
     I was quite inspired by the many young students who qualified for 
scholarships. I was very impressed to hear of their accomplishments and 
dreams. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the National Federation of the 
Blind was encouraging to see. They are the ones who will carry the torch 
for tomorrow.
     It was interesting to meet fellow Canadian "Federationists" and to 
hear from other chapter presidents of activities in their own chapters. It 
also provided me with an opportunity to make new friends and to put faces 
to names.
     To give you a sample of the information I learned, I found that there 
were "singing" teacups that would sing music if the light in the room was 
on. When the light was turned off, the music would stop. This was a 
practical way for blind persons to "conserve energy" in the home.
     The many contacts that I made with other Federationists in the United 
States and Canada provided me with some new friendships that I hope will 
last for a long time. I look forward to seeing them at the 1997 convention 
in New Orleans, Louisiana.
     I am quite thankful that I had the opportunity to attend the 1996 
convention in Anaheim. I found that there was a lot of information that I 
would not have learned if I had not gone.
     I look forward to New Orleans in 1997 and urge you to join me.

                                     
                  Convention From A "Techie's" Viewpoint
                                                                          
                             By Ken Westlake

     From the Editor: Ken Westlake serves as a Member of the Board of the 
NFB:AE. From this report, it is easy to see that he is passionate about 
computers. He has also demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to 
making things better for blind Canadians. Whether he is talking 
technicalities with a vendor of the latest computer product, or ferreting 
out the cheapest place for a Federationist on a tight budget to buy 

breakfast, Ken does what he can to help. Here's what he had to say:
     
     I attended the NFB Convention to accomplish more than one objective. 
I was asked by President Gabias to attend as a member of the National 
Board of the NFB:AE. I was also asked to do reconnaissance to find out 
what amenities were in the immediate area and to help with any problems 
that arose while the convention was in progress. I expected to learn from 
the reports and comments of our American brothers and sisters of things 
that we could do, and pointedly avoid, in working in the Canadian 
community of blind individuals. I also hoped to meet with many of the 
Canadians whom I have known only by name. Personally, I wanted to try and 
find out as much as I could about the current level of technology as it 
relates to the blind and our society.
     In regards to President Gabias' request to gather information about 
the area around the Hotel, I arrived late Thursday night and did some 
hotel reconnaissance before going to bed. I spent most of Friday checking 
out the surrounding area and learning of NFB points of interest that I had 
missed inside the hotel Thursday night.
     I am proud to say that Canada had more people registered at the 
Convention than 35 of the American states. We ranked fifteenth in total 
registration.
     It would be impossible to describe all of the interesting Convention 
Programs. Three items stand out in my mind. A doctor reported on progress 
in kidney and pancreas transplants for people with diabetes. Ted Henter, 
Chief Executive Officer of the company which created the JAWS speech 
program for computers, talked about his business and his philosophy of 
life. Ms. Collinsworth, an actress who re-established her career after 
becoming blind, described how a vicious attack upon her by a stranger, was 
the catalyst for the development of a self-defense training program. 
Ironically, the publicity surrounding the attack was the springboard for 
her return to professional acting. She had believed that blindness doomed 
her career. Other items come to mind, but I am trying to keep this report 
short.
     I took advantage of chances for meeting with other Canadians, but 
everyone was so busy that there were not as many opportunities as I would 
have liked.
     Before going to the Convention, I took note of pre-Convention 
meetings listed in the Braille Monitor. This helped me plan my activities 
for the day before Convention registration began.
     These meetings included a demonstration of Newsline for the Blind, 
where I gained a good idea of how it works and how it could be put into 
use in Canada. Newsline permits a blind person with a touch-tone phone to 
gain access to newspapers read by computerized synthesized speech. Using 
Newsline, blind people can read the paper wherever and whenever they 
please. Readers can skip backwards and forwards through articles, spell 
unfamiliar words, and skip from one section of the newspaper to another. 
Blind people have never had such independent access to newspapers before. 
I sincerely hope we can bring Newsline to Canada soon. There have been 
some changes to the Newsline-based stations, including the attachment of a 
ial channel that will now allow placement of local notes in addition to 
the newspaper.
     I also sat in on Blazie, Mynah, and Internet introduction meetings 
before the actual start of the Convention. They were geared to an 
elementary level of computer sophistication, but I still learned valuable 
information for evaluating the Mynah and the Blazie's Braille Lite. The 
Internet meeting was unexpectedly geared to the very lowest level of 
computer users and by the time it got over simple explanations, there was 
no time left for any really interesting or new items.
     By comparison, the report of the Committee on Technology Evaluation 
on Sunday was very interesting especially for a "techie" like me. It 
covered everything from Compuserve and current technology to the mention 

of a pure science project by a company called Sensible Technologies. This 
involves the application of a scientific phenomenon that uses reverse 
pressure. There is no applied science application at the moment, but the 
company is looking for commercial support. One possible use could be 
"virtual" maps. Theoretically, these "maps" could be built to know where 
you are, respond to your activity or even expand the map as needed for 
better understanding of detail. This is just a small part of what could be 
possible. For those interested in the technical details, the computer 
programming is written in an object-oriented programming language known as 
C++. Also, there were reports of screen readers available, or soon to be 
available for Windows NT and N-Windows (opening better doors to UNIX and 
VMS operating systems) as well as for Windows 95.
     At the NFB in Computer Science meetings, there were interesting 
reports. Microsoft has finally come around to recognizing the need for 
blind people to access Windows. They have actually formed a division to 
deal with the problems of blind users of Microsoft products. As an 
indicator, Office 97 will have the new access when it is shipped this 
fall. There was a demonstration of JAWS for Windows and Compuserve, and 
much discussion probably too boring for anyone not a "techie" to want to 
hear about.
     This is not an exhaustive report of my activities by any means. 
However, I hope that it will give some idea of what I accomplished at the 
Convention. If anyone wishes to talk with me, I have kept as many notes as 
I could from a very full week. Ken Westlake (250) 868-8118.

                                     
           NFB:AE Meets in New Orleans June 29 to July 5, 1997

     The NFB:AE is committed to broadening opportunities for blind people 
through networking, exposure to new technology, connecting parents of 
blind children with other parents and with blind adult role models. We do 
a great deal of work through our local chapters, by mail, and by 
telephone. Nothing we do is more effective than getting together and 
spending time sharing our ideas, our dreams, our problems, and the 
solutions we have found.
     Canada is a vast country with a relatively small population. Blind 
people are a tiny minority of that small population. Fortunately, we live 
next door to a country which has a powerful, well-organized, organization 
of the blind--the National Federation of the Blind. It seems only 
reasonable that blind Canadians should take the opportunity to get to know 
blind people within the NFB in the U.S. in order to broaden our base of 
information and strengthen our ties with the blind community in North 
America.
     The annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind in the 
United States is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. It 
has something for everyone. There are meetings for blind people with 
diabetes, parents of blind children, blind computer users, blind computer 
phobics, teachers, students, secretaries, engineers, bakers, and more. In 
one week at an NFB convention, a blind person can check out the latest 
computer technology, talk to other blind parents about their challenges of 
raising sighted children in a society which still finds blind parents 
remarkable, talk directly to the people who are attempting to develop a 
new unified Braille code, and sharpen independent travel skills while 
exploring a new city. NFB conventions are a time for learning and 
laughing, discussing and dreaming, and for making friendships that will 
last a lifetime.
     The NFB:AE has chosen to hold one of its two annual meetings at the 
NFB Convention in New Orleans. We will also be meeting in Vancouver in 
February, 1998.
     Blind Canadians will be participating fully in NFB convention 
activities. We will also be holding several Canadian gatherings. We plan 

to meet all day on Monday, June 30, 1997, and again on the evening of 
Wednesday, July 2, 1997. Other social events for Canadians are also 
planned.
     The convention will take place at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, at 
500 Poydras Plaza, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70140. It ranks among the best 
hotels in the world.
     Hotel reservations are being taken through the national office of the 
NFB. To reserve a room call the National Centre for the Blind at (410) 
659-9314 or write to National Convention, National Federation of the 
Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230. Reservations will 
be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, and no reservation will be 
valid unless it has been made through the National Centre for the Blind. 
When reserving a room, ask to speak with Mr. Cobb. The Hyatt Regency New 
Orleans cannot confirm reservations for this convention. Do NOT call the 
Hyatt directly.
     At this writing, the original block of rooms set aside for the 
convention has been reserved. Negotiations are under way for additional 
space in the Hyatt or for space in nearby hotels at comparable rates. It 
is likely that free shuttle bus service will be provided between the Hyatt 
and overflow hotels.
     In order to confirm a reservation, you will need either to send a 
cheque or money order for $40 U.S. as a deposit or give Mr. Cobb a credit 
card number. The credit card account will be charged immediately. If a 
reservation is cancelled prior to June 1, 1997, half of the deposit will 
be refunded. After that date deposits will not be refunded. Exceptions may 
be made in certain demonstrated emergency situations.
     As is always the case, Federation hotel rates for 1997 will be the 
envy of all who attend conventions. Here they are as follows: one person 
in a room--$40 per night; two people in a room--$42; three in a room--$44; 
four in a room--$46. As you can see, these rates are better than the ones 
we had in 1996 in Anaheim. In addition to the room rates there will be a 
tax. At the time arrangements were made with the hotel it was 11 percent 
plus $3 per night. There will be no charge for children under twelve with 
parents as long as no extra bed is required. If you want to come a few 
days early, or stay a few days late, convention rates will apply. Here are 
the convention dates and schedule:

Sunday, June 29--Seminars for parents of blind children, blind 
  job-seekers, vendors, and merchants; several other workshops and 
  meetings.
Monday, June 30--Canadian seminar and meetings; convention registration; 
  first meeting of the resolutions committee, other committees, and some 
  of the divisions.
Tuesday, July 1--Meeting of the NFB U.S. Board of Directors, open to 
  all; division meetings (generally dealing with careers);  other 
  seminars; continuing registration.
Wednesday, July 2--Opening general session;  Canadian meeting; evening 
  gala.
Thursday, July 3--General sessions; tours throughout the New Orleans 
  area.
Friday, July 4--General sessions; banquet.
Saturday, July 5--General sessions;  adjournment.

     The elegant Hyatt Regency New Orleans is located just eight blocks 
from the French Quarter. The Hyatt features two towers--Poydras, with 
twenty-seven floors, and Lenai, with eleven floors. In addition to a 
swimming pool on the seventh floor, the Hyatt also features several 
restaurants, cocktail lounges, and a large shopping mall.
     This shopping mall includes a Walden books store, jewelry store, 
souvenir store, Cafe du Monde--wonderful square doughnuts, Frank and 
Stein--hot dogs and beer, and many other fast food meals. In addition, 

Macy's Department Store is adjacent to the Hyatt and is easily accessible. 
Passing through Macy's will lead to the Superdome, a colossal structure 
that is home to the New Orleans Saints as well as many other gala 
festivities. A shuttle service to and from the French Quarter will be 
provided to hotel guests during the national convention.
     Registration fee for the convention will likely be $10. The banquet, 
which is the highlight of the convention, will probably cost $25 to $30 
per ticket.
     A wide variety of door prizes will be given throughout convention 
sessions. Prizes will be relatively small in size and large in value. Cash 
is always popular. The grand prize at the banquet will be 
spectacular--worthy of the occasion. The 1996 grand prize in Anaheim was 
$1000 in cash. The 1997 grand prize will be equally good.
     The displays of new technology; the meetings of special interest 
groups, committees, divisions; the exciting tours; the hospitality and 
renewed friendships; the solid program items; and the exhilaration of 
being where the action is and where the decisions are being made--all of 
these join together to call the blind to the Hyatt Regency New Orleans 
Hotel in July 1997.

                                     
                      Summer Camp With a Difference

     When you think about kids in camp, most people think of gliding 
across a shimmering lake in a canoe or singing songs while roasting 
marshmallows and telling stories around a camp fire. Most people would 
never imagine that the Hyatt Regency New Orleans could be the jumping off 
point for adventures in learning. But the Hyatt Regency is exactly where 
the action is this summer for blind children, their siblings, and the 
sighted children of blind parents. From June 29 through July 5, the 
adventures of NFB Camp will be beckoning.
     Most blind children attend their neighbourhood schools. Many do not 
know other blind kids and it is easy to feel alone. It is difficult to get 
a clear perspective on what blindness means when you are the only blind 
person you know--at least the only blind child you know. What a treat to 
be in a place where blindness is normal and expectations are high.
     Sighted children of blind parents can feel alone sometimes, too. 
Their classmates often wonder what it is like to have a blind parent. It 
can be frustrating to constantly have to answer questions about how Mummy 
cooks or how Daddy can walk around by himself. It is also hard to imagine 
that blind parents were ever blind children. Getting to know blind kids 
their own age can help the sighted children of blind parents have a better 
perspective on blindness.
     NFB Camp is designed to help kids interact with one another and with 
blind adults. Blind college students are paired with blind kids. A six 
year old who is just learning to use a white cane can gain immensely from 
being supervised by a cane-using college student. Blind adults are also 
available to talk to the parents of blind children, to answer questions, 
and to act as role models.
     The program is directed by a blind woman with a degree in Early 
Childhood Education. She earns her living running a Montessori school and 
applies sound learning principles to help make NFB Camp exciting and 
enriching for children.
     All of the details have not been finalized, but at this writing there 
are plans for a trip to a children's science museum. Older children will 
have the opportunity to take a baby sitting class and to learn first aid 
and CPR. Blind children often have difficulty being given a fair 
opportunity to succeed in baby sitting classes because others often 
believe blind people cannot be baby sitters. Many other activities are 
also being planned.
     You probably won't see any camp fires at NFB Camp and the canoes will 

have to wait for another time, but the sense of fun and fellowship and the 
growth in self-confidence ensure that families will want to make NFB Camp 
part of their lives each year.
     Families interested in attending NFB Camp should contact the national 
office at 1-800-561-4774.

                                     
    The 1997 National Federation of The Blind: Advocates for Equality 
                           Scholarship  Program

     Since its founding in 1992, the NFB:AE has awarded grants to blind 
individuals to help them attend educational seminars concerning various 
aspects of blindness. The conventions of the National Federation of the 
Blind come to mind because more blindness-related information is packed 
into one week of those conventions than could be found in a whole semester 
of university courses pertaining to blindness. The organization has 
determined to expand its programs to include awarding students for 
scholastic excellence. This year's scholarship program will be the first 
annual students' awards program of the NFB:AE. The scholarship will be 
formally presented at our annual convention in February of 1998. Assisting 
the nation's most talented students to fulfil their academic and 
professional dreams is one of the most effective ways for us to 
demonstrate our conviction that blind people deserve the chance to enter 
whatever field for which they show the capacity and desire to succeed.
     A scholarship will be presented this year to one student who is 
either in his/her senior year of high school, college or university, 
vocational school, and/or graduate studies. The award will be $1000 and we 
will bring the winner as our guest to the 1998 convention of the NFB:AE, 
to experience first hand the excitement and stimulation of a gathering of 
the largest and most dynamic organization of blind people in the country 
today.
     Every local chapter can help in spreading the word of this 
opportunity for Canada's blind students. Scholarship applications have 
been, or soon will be, mailed to financial aid offices in educational 
institutions around the country, but many of these will be filed away and 
forgotten when students come to ask about financial assistance. It is very 
helpful to have local representatives deliver or mail forms to the actual 
administrator who works with blind students. Being identified with such a 
valuable national scholarship program gives the local chapter prestige and 
respect, and the local touch ensures that more blind students will 
actually have an opportunity to apply for this scholarship.
     Anyone can order scholarship forms from the National Office of the 
National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality Scholarship 
Committee. These may be copied as long as both sides of the form are 
reproduced.
     What follows is the text of the 1997 NFB scholarship application 
form.

                                     
National Federation of The Blind: Advocates for Equality 1997 Scholarship 
                                 Program

     Each year at its national convention in February, the NFB:AE will 
give a scholarship to recognize achievements by blind scholars. All 
applicants for this scholarship must be (1) legally blind and (2) 
pursuing, or planning to pursue, a full-time post-secondary course of 
study in the fall semester
     MEMBERSHIP: The NFB:AE is an organization dedicated to creating 
opportunity for all blind persons. Recipients of Federation scholarships 
need not be members of the NFB:AE.
     MAKING APPLICATION: To apply for NFB:AE scholarship, complete and 

return the application on the reverse side of this sheet, attaching to the 
application all the additional documents that are requested. Send 
completed applications to: Richard Marion, Chairman, National Federation 
of the Blind Scholarship Committee, #2--3262 Wellington Street, Port 
Coquitlam, BC, V3B 3X7; (604) 944-1458; e-mail rmarion@mindlink.bc.ca.
     WINNER: The Scholarship Committee will review all applications and 
select the scholarship winner. The winner will be notified of his/her 
selection by telephone by August 1 and will be brought to the NFB 
Convention in February 1998 at Federation expense. The winner will 
participate in the entire convention and in the scheduled scholarship 
program activities. This is in addition to the scholarship grant.
     All decisions by the Scholarship Committee are final. The first 
national convention promises to be one of the most dynamic gatherings of 
blind individuals in Canada. You will have the opportunity to exchange 
ideas and network with other blind post-secondary students.
     Read reverse side of form for instructions and explanations. Form may 
be photocopied (both sides must be included).
     To apply for the scholarship, complete this application form and mail 
completed application and attachments to: Richard Marion, Chairman, 
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee, #2--3262 
Wellington Street, Port Coquitlam, BC, V3B 3X7, (604) 944-1458; e-mail 
rmarion@mindlink.bc.ca. Form must be received by June 30, 1997.
     

Name (please include maiden name 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 1997, with class 
  standing,
 cumulative grade point at this institution,
institution to be attended in fall semester 1997, 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 the following documents to completed application:

1.   Personal letter from applicant. NFB:AE scholarships are awarded on 
  the basis of scholastic excellence, financial need, and service to the 
  community. Send us a letter which tells us, in light of these criteria, 
  why you, rather than someone else, should get an NFB:AE scholarship. In 
  writing your personal letter and in gathering your other attachments, 
  design your application to put your best foot forward for us.
2.   Send two letters of recommendation.
3.   Provide current transcript from institution you are now attending and 
  transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions attended. If you 
  have not yet attended such an institution, or have not completed one 
  year of study, send high school transcript.
4.   Send a letter from an officer of the National Federation of the 
  Blind: Advocates for Equality evidencing the fact that you have 
  discussed your scholarship application with that officer. We prefer that 
  

  you discuss your application with a local chapter president, but a 
  letter from any Federation officer will suffice. Officer's address will 
  be provided upon request.

                                     
                            Toronto Highlights

     On Saturday, January 11, 1996, the Toronto Chapter elected the 
following officers:  President:  Phil Wiseman;  Vice President:  Wayne St. 
Denis;  Recording Secretary:  Sharon Neville;  Corresponding Secretary:  
Don Jacobs;  Treasurer:  John Rae.
     The Chapter has been involved in a number of fund-raising and 
advocacy projects. The second annual garage sale raised $292. The Chapter 
has also been gathering information and promoting accessibility to museums 
and other cultural institutions. It is currently encouraging the Province 
of Ontario to adopt an identification program similar to the non-driver's 
I.D. currently available in British Columbia.
     The Chapter meets the second Saturday of every month at the Metro 
Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Meeting Room A, from 2 PM to 
5 PM. If you want to keep track of Chapter activities between meetings, 
the Chapter publishes a quarterly newsletter. Contact Phil Wiseman, 69 New 
Haven's Way, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 5G1, telephone (905) 881-1109, or 
e-mail at +pnevilleeptuneon31which
     
      Guide Dog: Trip Out In The Cold

                                     
                     Vacation scuttled at last minute
                                                                          
            by Bruce Owen, Staff Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press

     From the Editor: Canadians are used to seeing blind people 
accompanied by guide dogs. In fact, access to public places is so taken 
for granted that many of us have forgotten about the early struggles for 
acceptance.
     A comment by Colonel Baker, founder of the Canadian National 
Institute for the Blind, is typical of the early resistance to the guide 
dog among blind people and the public at large. He called the concept of 
using a guide dog "undignified". Needless to say, someone with that 
attitude would not be likely to lead the campaign for equal access.
     Laws had improved somewhat by the early 1970's, but there were still 
problems. In 1971, Paul Gabias went with a friend and his guide dog to 
Place des Arts in Montreal for a concert. He walked past the protesting 
ushers and took his seat just as the concert began. During the 
intermission the police came and carried him protesting from the 
auditorium. It seems that Quebec law permitted, but did not require, 
access to blind people accompanied by a guide dog. After dragging him out 
of the service entrance of Place des Arts, the police officers added 
insult to injury by offering to drive him home. He kicked the cop where it 
counted!
     That display of youthful intensity led to a conviction for disturbing 
the peace. It is hard to imagine that a blind person visiting Place des 
Arts today would have any problems at all. We have come a long way. But 
there is still much work to do. In some ways our success at improving 
attitudes in Canada has contributed to the naive assumption on the part of 
the general public that everyone operates by "our rules".
     The following article was in the January 12, 1997, edition of the 
Winnipeg Free Press.
     
     Doreen Demas, a member of the Winnipeg Chapter of the NFB:AE did not 
get her winter vacation. The travel agency and the tour company, although 

sympathetic and anxious to solve the problem, demonstrated their lack of 
experience with blind guide dog handlers when they offered to exchange her 
tickets to Mexico for a tour of Hawaii. Hawaii, as everyone familiar with 
guide dog issues knows, quarantines every dog arriving on the islands for 
six months. The Mexican hotel offered as a substitute for the one she had 
booked was in a very inconvenient location for anyone without access to a 
vehicle.
     We in Canada do not have the power to change the laws of other 
countries. We do have the power to educate ourselves and to insist that 
travel agencies and tour companies we use ensure that similar situations 
will not arise in the future.
     Doreen Demas was supposed to be relaxing on a Mexican beach today, 
but her winter trip was scuttled at the last second by a Cancun hotel 
manager who barred her guide dog from his posh hotel.
     "I'm really disappointed," Demas said yesterday, "I worked hard for 
this vacation and I was looking forward to it. I'm supposed to be packing 
now and it's just sinking in."
     Demas, who is visually impaired, booked the week-long trip with a 
friend who is also blind, last September through Thomas Cook and Signature 
Vacations. Right from the start, the tour company and Continental Plaza 
Hotels were aware Demas' guide dog, Vixen, would be coming on the trip. 
Then on Friday, a fax from the hotel manager arrived at the travel agent's 
desk, saying the black lab wasn't welcome at the four-star hotel.
     "It was a shock and I felt really horrible about it," agent Elaine 
Furukawa said. "It's like the manager had no idea what a guide dog is. He 
didn't understand at all."
     A rep from Signature Vacations in Cancun was despatched to the hotel 
to plead with the manager to change his mind, but to no avail. "He didn't 
budge," Furukawa said. "We tried to find another hotel, but at this time 
of year, Cancun is all booked up."
     Signature's director of sales said last night that Demas will get a 
full refund, and the company hopes to help her plan her next vacation.
     "To be honest, it's one of the first times we've run into a situation 
like this, with a seeing-eye dog," said Pat Rachey, adding that some 
places are not as sensitive to the needs of the handicapped.
     Another hotel in Cozumel was willing to accept the dog, Rachey said, 
but Demas turned it down because it wasn't the same calibre of hotel.
     Now Demas is left wondering if she'll ever get a winter holiday. 
"This has never happened to me before and I've travelled all over," she 
said. "I assumed everything would be checked out. Now it seems everyone is 
just pleading ignorance."
     Dean Cousens, executive director of the Canadian National Institute 
for the Blind's Manitoba division, said he was shocked by the hotel 
manager's uncaring attitude. "My experience is that very, very seldom do 
you hear these stories. Most people are very accommodating, but there's 
still an awful lot of work to be done."
     

                                     
                      Driver's Licence for the Blind
                                                                          
                             by Phil Wiseman

     From the editor:  The following article is re-printed from the 
newsletter of the Toronto Chapter of the NFB:AE.
     
     Picture this scenario. You walk into the bank and try to cash a 
cheque or withdraw money and are asked for your driver's licence by the 
bank teller. You stand there with your white cane or your guide dog 
"Charlie" having to explain that you are blind and do not have a licence. 
You are required to show your citizenship or birth certificate for 

identification purposes. Has this happened to you?
     Well, before you rush off to drive your new Porsche or Mercedes, 
there is hope on the way. Currently, in British Columbia, the Ministry of 
Transport offers a plasticized photo "licence" issued to blind individuals 
for ID purposes. This non-driving driver's licence, not yet available in 
Ontario, is one of the main issues that the Toronto Chapter of the NFB:AE 
is currently pursuing.
     The following letter was written to the Hon. Al Palladini, Minister 
of Transportation, Province of Ontario.
     The purpose of this letter is to request your consideration for an 
initiative that can, in our opinion, provide useful service to blind and 
other disabled citizens of the Province of Ontario at little or not cost. 
This idea is for a special driver's licence to be issued to persons who 
cannot drive for identification purposes.
     A program of this type has been successfully implemented in the 
Province of British Columbia for some time and is known as a Non-Driver 
ID. Similar programs are in effect in several states of the United States.
     For many blind, and other disabled persons, a particular problem has 
been to provide well recognized identification when needed for such things 
as opening bank accounts, using credit cards, etc. The most common 
identification, provided by the majority of the population, is their 
driver's licence. This type of verification is currently unavailable to 
blind and other individuals who are unable to drive.
     A non-driver licence, particularly if accompanied by a photo I.D., 
would be ideal for establishing a non-driver's identity. In addition, such 
a program makes use of the existing infrastructure. As implemented in 
British Columbia, the applicant for a non-driver's "driver's licence" pays 
the same fees as any driver.
     We feel that this program would enable you to provide a valuable 
service to disabled people in the Province of Ontario using an existing 
system and at little or no cost to Ontario taxpayers. I look forward to 
hearing your reaction to this idea soon.

Yours very truly,
Elizabeth Coates, President
Toronto Chapter, NFB:AE
     
     Letters from blind people in Ontario supporting our position would be 
most helpful. We will keep you informed of any future development. Please 
be sure to send me copies of any correspondence on this issue. Phil 
Wiseman, 69 New Haven's Way, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 5G1 or e-mail: 
+pnevilleeptuneon31which
     

                                     
          Access to Places of Interest--The Royal Ontario Museum

     From the editor:  The following information was provided by the Royal 
Ontario Museum and updated from the fall 1996 issue of the Toronto Chapter 
Newsletter.
     
     The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum, and one of the 
world's few multi-disciplinary museums. We combine art, archaeology, and 
science under one roof.
     The ROM offers visually impaired patrons (who are CNIB card holders), 
and an escort, free admission any day of the week; guide dogs are also 
permitted. As well, the Museum offers a special touch-tour, free of 
charge, that needs to be booked in advance. This special tour is 
recommended for groups of 3 to 6 individuals. To book a touch-tour, call 
our Museum Sales Department at (416) 586-5572. The fax number is (416) 
586-5792.

     In addition, the ROM's Discovery Centre offers visually impaired 
patrons objects to touch, and information in Braille. The Discovery Centre 
is open the same hours as the Museum except when school is in session. 
When school is in session, the Discovery Centre is closed from 10 AM to 
noon on weekdays. Moreover, for a fee, a special hands-on session for the 
Discovery Centre can be booked ahead of time through our Education 
Department at (416) 586-5801. The FAX number is (416) 586-5807.
     The visiting hours of the Royal Ontario Museum are as follows:

10:00AM to 6:00PM Monday, Wednesday to Saturday
10:00AM to 8:00PM Tuesday
11:00AM to 6:00PM Sunday

     Admission fees are as follows:

Adults $10
Seniors (65 years and over) $5 
Students (with ID) $5 
Children (5-14 years) $5 
Family Pass $22 (up to 2 adults and 4 youths 17 years and under)

     Please note that The George Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is now 
fully independent of the ROM. Joint admission between the ROM and the 
Gardiner Museum is no longer in effect.
     For further information, contact Mabelle P. Ortiz, Visitor Services 
at (416) 586-5549.

                                     
         The Canadian Transportation Agency Access Will Continue

     As a result of the new Canada Transportation Act, which became 
effective July 1, 1996, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has been 
created. The CTA replaces the National Transportation Agency of Canada. 
The Act is designed to modernize the regulatory structure of the federal 
transportation network.
     Accessibility continues to be a prominent feature of the new 
legislation. Indeed, accessibility initiatives have been enhanced in the 
new Act by requiring that all complaints be resolved within 120 days, 
unless all parties agree to an extension. This measure ensures a speedy 
resolution of complaints from travellers with disabilities.
     In an effort to accelerate the establishment of accessibility 
standards within the transportation system under the authority of 
Parliament, Codes of Practice are being introduced. These codes will 
provide the industry with guidance and will also provide a general 
framework of how the CTA is likely to view a particular accessibility 
issue should a complaint be received.
     The CTA will continue to have the power to remove undue obstacles 
from the federal transportation network through regulatory actions when 
necessary.
     Continuing consultation and dialogue with consumers and industry will 
improve access to transportation services under the new Act.
     The "On the Move" Series of brochures for consumers and industry will 
also improve access to transportation services under the new Act.
     Our program address and telephone numbers have not changed. You may 
contact us to share ideas, solutions or travel experiences at:
     Accessible Transportation Program, Air and Accessible Transportation 
Branch, Canadian Transport Agency, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N9
     Telephone: 1-800-883-1813 or (819) 997-6828 TTY: 1-800-669-5575 / 
(819) 953-9705 Fax: (819) 953-6019
Internet:  http://www.cta-otc.gc



                                     
           NFB Comments on Canadian Transportation Initiatives

     In late 1995 we were asked to participate in consultations concerning 
barriers to communications faced by blind air travellers. Two 
representatives of the agency, which is now called the Canadian 
Transportation Agency, came to Kelowna and talked with NFB President Paul 
Gabias and Central Okanagan President Chantal Oakes. Before the meeting 
took place, President Gabias solicited comments from chapters and 
individual members across the country. He and Chantal spent several hours 
discussing our point of view with the transportation agency 
representative.
     In December, 1996, the Canadian Transportation Agency published 
Communication Barriers: A Look at Barriers to Communication Facing Persons 
with Disabilities for Travel by Air: Interim Report, December 1996. It was 
a compilation of the views expressed to the agency by a wide variety of 
groups. In addition to dealing with blindness, the agency attempted to 
identify barriers for the deaf and the hard of hearing and for people with 
cognitive and learning disabilities. Not surprisingly, such a broad 
mandate led to a very extensive report.
     The NFB:AE was asked for its written comments. The national board and 
chapter presidents met by conference telephone to review the draft 
comments. Changes were made and incorporated into the final document. It 
was unanimously agreed that the following comments represent the position 
of the NFB:AE on communication barriers to air travel for blind people.
     
Kelowna, British Columbia, 
February 17, 1997 

Helene Nadeau 
Canadian Transportation Agency 
25 Eddy, 15th Floor, 
Hull, Quebec K1A 0N9

Dear Ms. Nadeau:
     I am writing on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind: 
Advocates for Equality (NFB:AE). The NFB:AE is a membership organization 
composed of blind persons and interested sighted individuals. We have 
members throughout Canada and chapters in Toronto, Winnipeg, Kelowna, and 
Vancouver. The majority of our members and the entire Board of Directors 
are blind. So are the Presidents, Vice Presidents, and majority of Board 
members of each of our chapters. This response is our comments on 
Communication Barriers: A Look at Barriers to Communication Facing Persons 
with Disabilities for Travel by Air; Interim Report December 1996.
     We recognize that your goal is to find barriers and identify 
solutions to them. However, many blind travellers do not find 
communication barriers to air travel, and this fact should be clearly 
noted in your report. We will attempt to comment on the recommendations in 
detail. The overall tone of the report also deserves mention.
     In attempting to mention all of the suggestions raised by consumers, 
your report developed a "laundry list" of accommodations or modifications. 
It is not easy to tell which requests should receive the most attention. 
Was the request for tactile markings on terminal floors a whimsical 
off-hand comment by one individual, or was it a widely expressed priority 
need of many groups? It is not easy to tell from the report. It also seems 
that requests that modifications not be made were ignored. For example, 
there was no mention of a request that airlines refrain from noting a 
passenger's blindness in the computerized passenger record if the 
passenger did not request blindness-related assistance. Blind passengers 
should have the absolute right to choose whether or not their blindness 

should be noted in their record. Passengers should also have the right to 
decide whether or not they wish to pre-board. Individual pre-flight 
briefings should be available, but they should not be mandatory. It is 
appropriate for airline personnel to ask whether assistance is needed. 
They should understand clearly that in this context "no" means "no".
     We believe it is the responsibility of the individual to make his or 
her needs known. It is not possible to train every airline or airport 
employee to understand the range of needs blind passengers may have. Even 
those who have spent years working with blind people are often surprised 
when they meet an individual with an atypical means of functioning. It is 
reasonable to expect that those who deal with the public maintain a 
courteous manner and a respectful demeanour towards those they serve. It 
is best to have airline personnel who say "I am available to help if you 
need me. Let me know when and how I can be of assistance". It is often 
very frustrating to deal with personnel who insist on treating blind 
people the way some sensitivity training course has said blind people want 
to be treated.
     It makes sense for airlines to have a user-friendly help desk to 
solve problems for all passengers. This should not be a "special needs" 
desk. It is likely that discussions with randomly selected groups of air 
travellers without disabilities would raise some of the same issues. 
Practically everyone finds air travel frustrating and stressful. Blind 
people should not expect it to be easier for them than it is for the rest 
of the population. A help desk makes good business sense for the airlines. 
In fact, most airlines do provide assistance to any passenger requesting 
it. There are special desks in larger terminals. Personnel at ticket 
counters can call for assistance when there is no specialized help desk.
     Although some participants you interviewed asked for itineraries in 
alternative formats, it is our belief that this information is readily 
Brailled or recorded. It takes less than two minutes to Braille a flight 
itinerary. If some passengers want itineraries in alternative formats an 
enterprising travel agency or airline could probably attract their 
business by offering that service. There are certainly a number of 
alternative methods for getting itinerary information. Working with 
someone to have the itinerary read is an alternative technique which blind 
people use quite successfully and it should be respected as a viable 
option. Large bold-faced print with good contrast and symbols would be of 
benefit to all passengers. Plain language with limited use of codes would 
also be important to the public at large. The use of a 24-hour clock by 
airlines is confusing to everyone.
     Many airlines in North America have recognized this fact and are 
using the twelve-hour clock with AM and PM. This is an issue which is 
really not specific to blind people.
     It makes sense to lower flight information monitors for all 
passengers. Larger print and improved contrast would also be helpful to 
most passengers. So would the use of plain language and the avoidance of 
unnecessary codes.
     Although tactile maps of all kinds are interesting, a tactile map of 
the airport would in no way eliminate the need to ask for directions or 
assistance. Tactile markings at intersections or on posts would be 
virtually useless, since finding them would be awkward and they would 
likely be ambiguous to interpret.
     A blind traveller can not afford to be passive. Although airline 
staff wish to be helpful, they should not be expected to be responsible 
for anticipating the needs of blind travellers.  If a blind person wants 
help finding the washroom, it is that person's responsibility to let 
someone know of the need and to keep asking until the required assistance 
is made available. If no one has provided boarding information by 20 
minutes before the flight is scheduled to leave, the blind traveller 
should walk to the check-in desk at the gate and ask what is happening. 
Airline personnel have a great deal to do. Blind passengers are not wards 

of the airlines. Assertiveness will prevent many problems and solve 
others.
     The suggestion that sound cues be made available at intersections and 
doorways was hard to understand. What would these sound cues be? It is 
already possible in most cases to hear intersecting corridors and exit 
doors. One useful sound cue is the announcement that travellers are near 
the end of a moving walkway. All passengers, whether sighted or blind, 
sometimes need to have their attention re-focused so that accidents are 
avoided. This is not a special modification for blind people, but blind 
travellers find it helpful in the same way that sighted travellers do.
     The newer section of the Vancouver airport made a very simple, but 
effective, design choice. The architects chose non-glare floor tile. We do 
recommend that airport managers consider installing non-glare tile 
whenever they are replacing airport floor coverings. Many people, 
particularly seniors with failing vision, have not learned the alternative 
techniques of blindness and rely on their limited vision. This very simple 
modification would make it easier for them.
     Many travellers would probably enjoy audio magazines on the audio 
channels of airplanes. We would classify this suggestion as "nice, but not 
necessary". However, many sighted people would probably make use of such 
channels. They could be a good marketing tool for the airlines, not simply 
an accommodation for the blind.
     Many blind travellers have developed a good working relationship with 
travel agents. Whenever something needs to be read, the travel agent reads 
it as part of the provision of good service to the passenger. Some blind 
people also work with readers to get the information they need from 
brochures. Like most people, many blind travellers "skim" through much of 
the information they are given and discard it. This is not to say that the 
airlines should not produce brochures and other material in alternative 
formats. It is to point out that blind people have a variety of 
alternative techniques for getting needed information in addition to 
reading it in Braille, on cassettes, or on computer disks.
     The suggestion of permitting short-term parking for taxis so that the 
drivers can help passengers get to the ticket counters is a good idea. 
Many passengers have more luggage than they can conveniently carry. In 
situations where carrying luggage is not an issue, blind passengers can 
generally find the ticket counter by asking other travellers or airline 
personnel once they are inside the airport. Skycaps or airline personnel 
meeting passengers at curbside would be helpful for almost anyone. 
Canadian airports do not provide curbside baggage check-in. The climate 
makes it impractical during the winter, but it might be a good service for 
all passengers when weather permits. Again, this is an issue which affects 
the convenience and comfort of all travellers, not just blind people.
     The suggestion that textured carpeting be laid from the front door of 
the airport to the help desk causes several problems. First, passengers 
might not know what the textured carpeting means or whether it has any 
meaning at all. Second, textured surfaces create problems for people with 
high-heeled shoes or wheeled luggage. People are more likely to trip over 
it.
     A rope-cueing system is not necessarily a problem for blind 
travellers because it is easy to ask others in line whether or not it is 
the correct line. As a general philosophical position, anyone who has 
questions should simply ask them. It is also important to remember that 
airports are usually crowded with other passengers who are quite willing 
to answer a question--provided they know the answer themselves. Confusion 
in airport terminals is wide-spread. Confused blind people need not feel 
alone.
     The report mentions several simple ways in which blind people can 
keep track of boarding passes and other necessary documents. A traveller 
can always carry a slate and stylus or a dark marker to make necessary 
notes. Airline personnel are almost always willing to facilitate the 

process.
     Airlines in Canada always mention the row numbers of emergency exits 
on the public address system during general passenger safety briefings. 
This is extremely helpful and the airlines should be commended for 
providing this essential information in such a clearly understandable 
form. This eliminates the need for a specialized emergency briefing for 
experienced blind travellers. Inexperienced travellers may still wish to 
have a specialized briefing. Blind travellers should be asked if they want 
one or not.  Of course, anyone who wants additional information should be 
able to get it without difficulty.
     Since washrooms on airplanes are unisex, there is no need for tactile 
markings on their doors.
     When a blind passenger receives a Braille safety card, that passenger 
reasonably assumes the card is an accurate Braille rendition of the 
information on the print card. Often this is not the case. Airlines should 
provide the same safety information on their Braille brochures as is 
provided on the print cards. Since many print safety cards contain 
diagrams rather than written descriptions, the Braille cards should state 
the ways in which they differ from the print cards. A number of blind 
travellers make a point of comparing Braille and print safety cards. If 
the Braille lacks the information contained in the print document, these 
passengers' Braille "Warning! Vital life-saving information contained on 
the print safety card has been omitted from this Braille document." 
Perhaps the next passenger to receive the Braille safety card which has 
been marked in this way will be in a better position to insist on getting 
accurate information. Given the choice between inaccurate and incomplete 
Braille information and no Braille information at all, most blind 
passengers would rather have none. At least then they know they need to 
ask. Of course, this should not be the only choice. Accurate and complete 
Braille information can, and should, be made available.
     It is unreasonable to ask that blind people be permitted to carry on 
baggage which sighted travellers must check. If bags are too big to comply 
with carry on regulations, it doesn't matter to whom they belong. There is 
help available to find bags on the luggage carousel. A blind traveller 
should be responsible for seeing that bags are clearly marked and should 
be able to give the colour and general description of each bag. Some blind 
passengers mark the handles or the luggage tags of their bag so that they 
can verify their identification.
     We hope these comments are helpful in developing guidelines for the 
industry. Most blind people have developed alternative methods for doing 
without sight those things for which sight is ordinarily used. Those 
techniques work as well in airports as they do in shopping malls. 
(Incidentally, shopping malls are often more complex than airports, yet 
blind people find a way to manage without being custodiolized by mall 
management.) The most serious danger in air travel for blind people is 
that well-meaning personnel will custodialize blind travellers to such an 
extent that their opportunity to move freely will be restricted. Blind 
people have often been told by security gate personnel that they may not 
proceed independently along the terminal concourse. These individuals were 
not violating security rules in any way. The security personnel simply 
believed that blind individuals could not travel without an escort. 
Whatever is done to facilitate communication for blind travellers will be 
harmful if it also reinforces custodialism.
     
Very truly yours,
Mary Ellen Gabias, Secretary
National Federation of the Blind:
Advocates for Equality

                                     
                                 GRAB BAG
                                     


     Measuring spices and keeping track of them can be made much easier 
with a little advanced planning. If the handles of measuring spoons are 
bent so that the spoon can be lowered into a wide-mouthed jar with liquid 
or powdered spices, it is easier to measure accurately and avoid spilling. 
The spoon can be filled and simply lifted straight out of the jar.
     Large wide-mouthed jars can be labelled in Braille and print. Spices 
are often cheaper if they are purchased in cellophane bags. Contents can 
then be dumped into the jar. It is important to make sure that the jar is 
large enough to hold the entire contents of the package. Otherwise, you 
are left with an assortment of half empty bags which are hard to identify 
independently when it is time to refill the jar.
     If you have any techniques that you would like to share with others, 
please send us information about them. Sharing tips will help us all 
become more independent.
     Submit your items to:
NFB:AE, P.O. Box 5058, Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 8T9

                                     
                              Nuts and Bolts
                                                                          
                            Mary Ellen Gabias

     I'm writing this on January 7, 1997. The beginning of a new year 
encourages re-assessment and striving for improvement.
     My first year as Editor of this magazine has been a learning 
experience. Our original intent was to publish three issues in 1996. The 
arrival of our third child, Philip, on September 5, brought upheaval to my 
schedule and great joy to my life. As a result of his birth, our second 
issue was not ready for mailing in all of its formats until the end of 
December.
     We need your feedback in order to make decisions concerning the 
format of the cassette edition of this magazine. At the philosophical 
level, we believe that blind persons should have complete access to the 
information in the print edition. This includes advertising. On the 
practical level, however, listening to several pages of sponsors' names on 
a cassette can be quite tedious. We would be glad for any feedback that 
would help us resolve this philosophical and practical problem.
     You will also notice that this edition is being produced on standard 
1-7/8 IPS 2-track cassette. We have done so because it is our 
understanding that many blind people do not have players which can handle 
4-track 15/16 IPS cassettes. The 4-track format would enable us to produce 
this magazine on one cassette rather than three. Many other publications 
for the blind--including the Braille Monitor and Voice of the 
Diabetic--are recorded on 4-tracks. However, we do not want to publish a 
magazine which is inaccessible to many of its intended readers. Please let 
us know which format you prefer.
     We want our message to reach as many Canadians as possible. In order 
to keep your copy coming regularly, we need to know about any changes of 
address. If you know someone you believe would enjoy reading this 
publication, let us know. We would be happy to send a sample copy without 
charge. The Canadian Blind Monitor is available in Braille, print, 
cassette, and on computer disc.
     We welcome articles from anyone interested in blindness issues. If 
you have ideas for articles or just want to talk about the magazine, call 
me toll-free at 1-800-561-4774.
     1997 promises to be a year of challenge and accomplishment for the 
NFB:AE. May it also be a year of promise for each of you.

                                     
                              Women to Watch
                                     

                                     
                             by Lorine Wright

     From the Editor:  The following Article was printed in BC Woman 
Magazine, March 1997  issue.
     
     Meet a woman who is giving vision to the blind. Kelowna resident Mary 
Ellen Gabias is a magazine editor, a community volunteer and the mother of 
three young children. She also happens to be blind. Gabias knows that some 
people may find it surprising that she leads such an independent, 
productive and fulfilling life, but she hopes to change that perception 
through her work with the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for 
Equality.
     Established as a national organization in Kelowna by Gabias and her 
husband Paul, the Federation, which was incorporated in 1992, seeks to 
educate the public that with the right training and equal opportunity 
there is very little a blind person can't do.
     "We can absolutely compete on any level," says Gabias, who is editor 
of the Federation's magazine The Canadian Blind Monitor.
     The Federation also holds meetings to bring blind people together to 
build self-esteem, discuss specific problems and offer solutions, and to 
provide support to the parents of blind children. Gabias says that while 
it is important for blind people to integrate with the rest of the world, 
it is also beneficial for blind children to come in contact with blind 
adults.
     "For example, I grew up wondering how I'd ever be able to handle 
being a parent because I was 18 before I met parents who were blind," 
recalls Gabias. "I didn't understand how I would be able to take care of 
my children, but as an adult I learned how it could be done."
     Gabias, 44, was obviously a quick study because she gets plenty of 
exercise running after her three children: Joanne, 7, Jeffrey, 4, and 
Philip, who is 4 months old.
     Mary Ellen and Paul, who is a psychology professor at Okanagan 
University College, met about nine years ago when she was on staff at The 
National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, and he came to the 
Federation to attend a leadership seminar.
     They married 10 months after they met and Mary Ellen, who grew up in 
Ohio and has a bachelor's degree in psychology, moved to Canada with Paul.
     The Federation also sends blind people to special seminars and 
classes for job training and networking because unemployment is an ongoing 
problem in the blind community.
     "We want employers to know that being blind is not a negative," 
Gabias explains. "I know from my own experience that being blind has 
forced me to a greater level of skill and organization than I might have 
had otherwise."

                                     
                            DID YOU KNOW ...?

Toll-free Tidbit

     If you've ever been frustrated by being unable to reach a toll-free 
number because it does not work from your area code, BC Tel offers a tip 
which might help. Instead of dialling 1-800, try dialling 1-880. If you 
are successfully connected to the number you want, you will be charged 18 
cents per minute. This is generally much cheaper than direct dial rates 
during peak hours.

Beware When Banking

     Some banks have begun charging different rates for transactions 

involving the assistance of a teller and those performed through an ATM. 
Charges for teller assistance are often higher. Since ATM's are not 
accessible to blind people without assistance, the difference in charges 
means extra expense for blind people. Check with your bank to ensure that 
you are not being unjustly penalized. Your bank may be willing to waive 
extra charges, or you may be able to save money by signing up for a flat 
rate, all-inclusive service charge.

Braille Monitor By Every-Mail

     You can now get The Braille Monitor shipped each month automatically 
to your e-mail address. To get on the mailing list send an electronic 
message containing the line "subscribe brl-monitor." Give your full name. 
Send your request FROM the e-mail address where you wish to receive the 
electronic text. (The software will use your e-mail return address as the 
destination address for the Monitor.) Send it to listserve@braille.org and 
you will receive an e-mail acknowledgment. For more information, including 
delivery problems, how to cancel your subscription, or change your 
address, send e-mail to postmaster@braille.org.
     To communicate with the NFB itself, contact nfb@digex.net.

Grade One Braille

     If you are looking for a source of "grade 1" Braille to practice on 
while learning "grade 2" the Lutheran Braille Workers Inc. (Box 5000, 
Yucaipa, CA 92399-1450) has some religious books and books of the Bible 
available in that format. They even have some in the no longer used "grade 
1.5" which has only a limited number of single-cell contractions which you 
can use for further practice as you advance in "grade 2".
     NOTE: The last two items of information appeared in the Fall 1996 
edition of the New Hampshire Federationist, 18, Vol. 8, No. 2.

                                     
                              NFB:AE Charter
                                     
To the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs of Canada.

      I The undersigned hereby apply to the Minister of Consumer and 
Corporate Affairs for the grant of a charter by letters patent under the 
provisions of Part II of the Canada Corporations Act constituting the 
undersigned, and such others as may become members of the Corporation 
thereby created, a body corporate and politic under the name of NATIONAL 
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND: ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY. The undersigned have 
satisfied themselves and are assured that the proposed name under which in 
corporation is sought is not the same or similar to the name under which 
any other company, society, association or firm in existence is carrying 
on business in Canada or is incorporated under the laws of Canada or any 
province thereof or so nearly resembles the same as to be calculated to 
deceive and that it is not a name which is otherwise on public grounds 
objectionable.
     II The applicants are individuals of the full age of eighteen years 
with power under law to contract. (Founding directors' names, addresses, 
and occupations are then listed.)
     III The objects of the Corporation are:

1. To serve as a vehicle for self improvement by the blind and for 
  public education about blindness throughout the dominion of Canada.
2. To function as a mechanism through which the blind and interested 
  sighted persons can come together in local, provincial, and national 
  meetings to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life 
  for the blind.

3. To provide a means by which blind adults can share their experience 
  and act as mentors for blind children and support parents in their 
  efforts to improve educational opportunities for blind children.
4. To create a climate through public education to increase 
  opportunities for blind people in employment and social integration.
5. To take any other action similar to those above which will improve 
  the overall condition and standard of living of the blind.

     IV The operations of the Corporation may be carried on throughout 
Canada and elsewhere.
     V The place within Canada where the head office of the Corporation is 
to be situated is: Kelowna, British Columbia.
     VI It is specially provided that in the event of dissolution or 
winding-up of the Corporation all its remaining assets after payment of 
its liabilities shall be distributed to one or more qualified donees as 
defined under the provisions of the Income Tax Act or, registered 
charitable organizations in Canada.
     VII In accordance with Section 65 of the Canada Corporations Act, it 
is provided that, when authorized by by-law, duly passed by the directors 
and sanctioned by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a special 
general meeting of the members duly called for considering the by-law, the 
directors of the Corporation may from time to time a) borrow money upon 
the credit of the Corporation; b) limit or increase the amount to be 
borrowed; c) issue debentures or other securities of the Corporation; d) 
pledge or sell such debentures or other securities for such sums and at 
such prices as may be deemed expedient; and, e) secure any such 
debentures, or other securities, or any other present or future borrowing 
or liability of the Corporation, by mortgage, hypothec, charge or pledge 
of all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real and personal, 
movable and immovable, property of the Corporation and the undertaking and 
rights of the Corporation. Any such by-law may provide for the delegation 
of such powers by the directors to such officers or directors of the 
corporation to such extent and in such manner as may be set out in the 
by-law.
     Nothing herein limits or restricts the borrowing of money by the 
Corporation on bills of exchange or promissory notes made, drawn, accepted 
or endorsed by or on behalf of the Corporation.
     VIII The by-laws of the Corporation shall be those filed with the 
application for letters patent until repealed, amended, altered or added 
to.
     IX The Corporation is to carry on its operations without pecuniary 
gain to its members and any profits or other accretions to the Corporation 
are to be used in promoting its objects.

                                     
     BY-LAWS NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND: ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY

The objects of the Corporation are:

     1. To serve as a vehicle for self improvement by the blind and for 
public education about blindness throughout the dominion of Canada.
     2. To function as a mechanism through which the blind and interested 
sighted persons can come together in local, provincial, and national 
meetings to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life for 
the blind.
     3. To provide a means by which blind adults can share their 
experience and act as mentors for blind children and support parents in 
their efforts to improve educational opportunities for blind children.
     4. To create a climate through public education to increase 
opportunities for blind people in employment and social integration.
     5. To take any other action similar to those above which will improve 

the overall condition and standard of living of the blind.

CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

     2. Membership in the Corporation shall consist of two classes of 
members: active members and supporting members. At least a majority of the 
active members of this Corporation must be blind. Active membership shall 
be of two (2) classifications: active members who are affiliated with 
provincial affiliates or divisions and active members who are not 
affiliated with provincial affiliates or divisions.

a) All active members of provincial affiliates or divisions shall upon 
  application become active members of this Corporation, with the right to 
  vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor, and hold office.
b) Any person who is not affiliated with a provincial affiliate or 
  division may upon application become an active member of this 
  corporation by receiving a majority vote of the active members voting at 
  a convention or by complying with requirements established by the board 
  of directors. 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 provincial affiliates. Any person 
  may become a supporting member of this corporation through procedures 
  established by the convention or the board of directors. Supporting 
  members shall have all the rights and privileges of active members, 
  except that they may not vote, hold office, or serve on the board of 
  directors.

     3. The board of directors shall determine the annual dues to be paid 
by active members in the provincial affiliates and divisions. No person 
may vote who is delinquent in the payment of his or her dues. Supporting 
members shall not pay dues.
     4. Any member may withdraw from the Corporation by delivering to the 
Corporation a written resignation and lodging a copy of the same with the 
secretary of the Corporation.
     5. Provincial 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 its 
local chapters are blind.
     6. The board of directors shall establish procedures for the 
admission of provincial affiliates. There shall be only one provincial 
affiliate in each province.
     7. Any member may be expelled; and any chapter, provincial affiliate 
or division may be expelled, suspended, or reorganized for violation of 
these by-laws or for conduct unbecoming to a member, chapter, provincial 
affiliate, or division of this corporation by a majority vote of the 
active members voting at any regular business session of this Corporation, 
or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the board of directors. If the action is 
to be taken by the board of directors, 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 a dispute arises as to whether there was  
cause, or whether the board made  faith effort, the National Convention 
(acting in its capacity as the supreme authority of the Corporation) 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.

HEAD OFFICE


     8. Until changed in accordance with the Act, the Head Office of the 
Corporation shall be in the City of Kelowna, British Columbia.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     9. The function of the board of directors as the governing body of 
the Corporation 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, provincial affiliate, or division; shall decide appeals 
regarding the validity of elections in local chapters, provincial 
affiliates, or divisions; and shall certify the credentials of voters when 
questions regarding the validity of such credentials arise.
     10. Under the leadership of the president the property and business 
of the Corporation shall be managed by a board of six (6) directors of 
whom four (4) shall constitute a quorum. Directors must be individuals, 18 
years of age, with power under law to contract. All directors must be 
blind and active members of the Corporation.
     11. The applicants for incorporation shall become the first directors 
of the Corporation whose term of office on the board of directors shall 
continue until their successors are elected at the third annual meeting of 
members.
     At the third meeting of members, the board of directors then elected 
shall replace the provisional directors named in the letters patent of the 
Corporation.
     12. Directors shall be elected for a term of two (2) years by the 
members at an annual meeting of members. The president, second 
vice-president and secretary shall be elected during odd numbered years, 
and the first vice-president, treasurer and other board members during 
even numbered years.
     13. The office of director shall be automatically vacated: a) if a 
director shall resign his office by delivering a written resignation to 
the secretary of the Corporation; b) if he is found by a court to be of 
unsound mind; c) if he becomes bankrupt or suspends payment or compounds 
with his creditors; d) if at a special meeting of the members a motion is 
passed by a majority of the members present at the meeting that he be 
removed from office. A board member may be suspended for violation of a 
policy of the organization or for other action unbecoming to a member of 
the Corporation. The board may not suspend one of its own members 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  cause or whether the board made good faith 
effort, the National Convention (acting in its capacity as the supreme 
authority of the Corporation) 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; e) on death; provided that if any vacancy shall occur 
for any reason in this paragraph contained, the board of directors by 
majority vote, may, by appointment, fill the vacancy with a member of the 
Corporation, until the next annual meeting of the members.
     14. Meetings of the board of directors may be held at any time and 
place to be determined by the president or the written request of any two 
(2) members provided that 48 hours written notice of such meeting shall be 
given, other than by mail, to each director. Notice by mail shall be sent 
at least 14 days prior to the meeting. There shall be at least one (1) 
meeting per year of the board of directors. No error or omission in giving 
notice of any meeting of the board of directors or any adjourned meeting 
of the board of directors of the Corporation shall invalidate such meeting 

or make void any proceedings taken thereat.
     If a majority of the directors of the Corporation consent thereto 
generally or in respect of a particular meeting, a director may 
participate in a meeting of the board or of a committee of the board by 
means of such conference telephone or other communications facilities as 
permit all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other, and a 
director participating in such a meeting by such means is deemed to be 
present at the meeting. A resolution in writing, signed by all the 
directors entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of directors or 
committee of directors is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting 
of directors or committee of directors.
     15. The directors shall serve as such without remuneration and no 
director shall directly or indirectly receive any profit from his position 
as such; provided that a director may be paid reasonable expenses incurred 
by him in the performance of his duties. Nothing herein contained shall be 
construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation as an 
officer or in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
     16. A retiring director shall remain in office until the dissolution 
or adjournment of the meeting at which his retirement is accepted and his 
successor is elected.
     17. The board of directors with the approval of the president may 
appoint such agents and engage such employees as it shall deem necessary 
from time to time and such persons shall have such authority and shall 
perform such duties as shall be prescribed by the board of directors at 
the time of such appointment.
     18. 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.

INDEMNITIES TO DIRECTORS AND OTHERS

     19. Every director or officer of the Corporation or other person who 
has undertaken or is about to undertake any liability on behalf of the 
Corporation or any company controlled by it and their heirs, executors and 
administrators, and estate and effects, respectively, shall from time to 
time and at all times, be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds 
of the Corporation, from and against; a) all costs, charges and expenses 
which such director, officer or other person sustains or incurs in or 
about any action, suit or proceedings which is brought, commenced or 
prosecuted against him, or in respect of any act, deed, matter of thing 
whatsoever, made, done or permitted by him, in or about the execution of 
the duties of his office or in respect of any such liability; b) all other 
costs, charges and expenses which he sustains or incurs in or about or in 
relation to the affairs thereof, except such costs, charges or expenses as 
are occasioned by his own willful neglect or default.

POWERS OF DIRECTORS

     20. The directors of the Corporation may administer the affairs of 
the Corporation in all things and make or cause to be made for the 
Corporation, in its name, any kind of contract which the Corporation may 
lawfully enter into and, save as hereinafter proved, generally, may 
exercise all such other powers and do all such other acts and things as 
the Corporation is by its charter or otherwise authorized to exercise and 
do.
     21. The directors shall have power to authorize expenditures on 
behalf of the Corporation from time to time and may delegate by resolution 
to an officer or officers of the Corporation the right to employ and pay 
salaries to employees. The directors shall have the power to enter into a 
trust arrangement with a trust company for the purpose of creating a trust 
fund in which the capital and interest may be made available for the 

benefit of promoting the interest of the Corporation in accordance with 
such terms as the board of directors may prescribe.
     22. The board of directors shall take such steps as they may deem 
requisite to enable the Corporation to acquire, accept, solicit or receive 
legacies, gifts, grants, settlements, bequests, endowments and donations 
of any kind whatsoever for the purpose of furthering the objects of the 
Corporation.

OFFICERS

     23. The officers of the Corporation shall be a president, first 
vice-president, second vice-president, secretary and treasurer and any 
such other officers as the board of directors may by by-law determine. Any 
two offices may be held by the same person. All officers must be on the 
board of directors of the Corporation. They shall be elected biannually by 
majority vote of the membership at an annual meeting of members. Officers 
shall be subject to removal by resolution of the board of directors at any 
time. A reasonable remuneration for all officers shall be fixed by the 
board of directors by resolution.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

     24. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the 
Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the Corporation and of 
the board of directors. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of 
the annual convention are carried into effect. He shall see that all 
orders and resolutions of the board of directors are carried into effect. 
He shall have the general and active management of the affairs of the 
Corporation: authorizing expenditures from the Corporation treasury in 
accordance with and in implementation of the policies established by the 
convention; appointing all committees of the Corporation; coordinating all 
activities of the Corporation, including the work of other officers and of 
committees; hiring, supervising, and dismissing staff members and other 
employees of the Corporation, 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 
Corporation.
     25. The vice-president shall, in the absence or disability of the 
president, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the president and 
shall perform such other duties as shall from time to time be imposed upon 
him by the president.
     26. The treasurer shall have the custody of the funds and securities 
of the Corporation and shall keep full and accurate accounts of all 
assets, liabilities, receipts and disbursements of the Corporation in the 
books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all monies, 
securities and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the 
Corporation in such chartered bank or trust company, or, in the case of 
securities, in such registered dealer in securities as may be designated 
by the president from time to time. He shall disburse the funds of the 
Corporation as may be directed by proper authority taking proper vouchers 
for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and directors at 
the regular meeting of the board of directors, or whenever they may 
require it, an accounting of all the transactions and a statement of the 
financial position, of the Corporation. He shall be custodian of the seal 
of the Corporation which he shall deliver only when authorized by the 
president and to such person or persons as may be named by the president. 
He shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be 
directed by the president or the board of directors.
     27. The secretary may be empowered by the president to carry out the 
affairs of the Corporation generally under the supervision of the 
president thereof and shall attend all meetings and act as clerk thereof 

and record all votes and minutes of all proceedings in the books to be 
kept for that purpose. He shall give or cause to be given notice of all 
meetings of the members and of the board of directors, and shall perform 
such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or 
president.
     28. The duties of all other officers of the Corporation shall be such 
as the terms of their engagement call for or the president requires of 
them.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CONVENTION

     29. The Convention is the supreme authority of the Corporation. It is 
the legislature of the Corporation. 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. Members in 
attendance may participate in all convention discussions as a matter of 
right. Any active member of the Corporation 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. Consistent with the democratic character of the Corporation, 
convention meetings shall be so conducted as to prevent parliamentary 
manoeuvre 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. Issues of process 
shall be resolved in accordance with obert's Rules of Order. The 
Convention is not merely a gathering of representatives of separate 
provincial organizations. It is a meeting of the Corporation at the 
national level in its character as a national organization. Committees of 
the Corporation are committees of the national organization.

PROVINCIAL AFFILIATES

     30. Any organized group desiring to become a provincial affiliate of 
The National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality shall apply 
for affiliation by submitting to the president of the National Federation 
of the Blind: Advocates for Equality, 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: Advocates for Equality shall issue to the organization a charter of 
affiliation. Upon request of the national president the provincial 
affiliate shall provide to the national president the names and addresses 
of its members. Copies of all amendments to the constitution and/or 
by-laws 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 provincial 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 Corporation. Policy 
decisions of the Corporation are binding upon 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: Advocates for Equality, or any variant thereof is 
the property of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for 
Equality and any affiliate, or local chapter of an affiliate, which ceases 
to be part of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality 
(for whatever reason) shall forthwith forfeit the right to use the name 

National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality or any variation 
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. Each affiliate 
must have a written constitution or by-laws 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 Corporation 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 Corporation 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 provincial 
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 Corporation which has not 
received the sanction and approval of the Corporation.

EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS

     31. Contracts, documents or any instruments in writing requiring the 
signature of the Corporation, shall be signed by the president or his 
appointee with written appointment by the president, and all contracts, 
documents and instruments in writing so signed shall be binding upon the 
Corporation without any further authorization or formality. The president 
may give the Corporation's power of attorney to any registered dealer in 
securities for the purpose of the transferring of and dealing with any 
stocks, bonds, and other securities of the Corporation. The seal of the 
Corporation when required may be affixed to contracts, documents and 
instruments in writing signed as aforesaid.

MEETINGS

     32. The annual or any other general meeting of the members shall be 
held at the head office of the Corporation or at any place in Canada as 
the president may determine and on such day or days as the said president 
shall appoint. The board of directors may resolve that a particular 
meeting of members be held outside Canada.
     33. At every annual meeting, in addition to any other business that 
may be transacted, the report of the president, the financial statement 
and the report of the auditors shall be presented and auditors appointed 
for the ensuing year. The members may consider and transact any business 
either special or general at any meeting of the members. The board of 
directors or the president shall have power to call, at any time, a 
general meeting of members. Five (5%) per cent of members present in 
person at an annual meeting will constitute a quorum.
     34. Fourteen (14) days' written notice shall be given to each voting 
member of any annual or special general meeting of members. Notice of any 
meeting where special business will be transacted shall contain sufficient 
information to permit the member to form a reasoned judgment on the 
decision to be taken. Each voting member present at a meeting shall have 
the right to exercise one vote.
     A resolution in writing, signed by all the members entitled to vote 
on that resolution at a special meeting of members, is as valid as if it 

had been passed at a meeting of members.
     35. No error or omission in giving notice of any annual or general 
meeting or any adjourned meeting, whether annual or general, of the 
members of the Corporation shall invalidate such meeting or make void any 
proceedings taken thereat. For purpose of sending notice to any member, 
director or officer for any meeting or otherwise, the address of the 
member, director or officer shall be his last address recorded on the 
books of the Corporation.

VOTING OF MEMBERS

     36. At all meetings of members of the Corporation, every question 
shall be determined by a majority of votes unless otherwise specifically 
provided by statute or by these by-laws.

FINANCIAL YEAR

     37. Unless otherwise ordered by the board of directors, the fiscal 
year-end of the Corporation shall be December 31.

COMMITTEES

     38. The president may appoint committees except in the case of a 
National Nominating Committee whose members will hold their offices at the 
will of the president. The president shall determine the duties of such 
committees and may fix any remuneration to be paid.

AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS

     39. The by-laws of the Corporation not embodied in the letters patent 
may be released or amended by by-law enacted by a majority of the 
directors at a meeting of the board of directors and sanctioned by an 
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members at a general 
meeting of the members, provided that the repeal or amendment of such 
by-laws shall not be enforced or acted upon until the approval of the 
Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs has been obtained.

AUDITORS

     40. The president shall, at each annual meeting, recommend an auditor 
to audit the accounts of the Corporation for report to the members at the 
next annual meeting. This recommendation shall be ratified by the general 
membership at the annual meeting. The auditor shall hold office until the 
next annual meeting provided that the directors may fill any casual 
vacancy in the office of the auditor. The remuneration of the auditor 
shall be negotiated by the president, or his appointee.

BOOKS AND RECORDS

     41. The directors shall see that all necessary books and records of 
the Corporation required by the by-laws of the Corporation or by any 
applicable statute or law are regularly and properly kept.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

     42. The president and the board of directors may prescribe such rules 
and regulations not inconsistent with the by-laws relating to the 
management and operation of the Corporation as they deem expedient, 
provided that such rules and regulations shall have force and effect only 
until the next annual meeting of the members of the Corporation when they 
shall be confirmed, and failing such confirmation at such annual meeting 

of members, shall at and from that time cease to have any force and 
effect.

INTERPRETATION

     43. In these by-laws and in all other by-laws of the Corporation 
hereafter passed unless the context otherwise requires, words importing 
the singular number or the masculine gender shall include the plural 
number or the feminine gender, as the case may be, and vice versa, and 
references to persons shall include firms and corporations.

                                     
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     The Canadian Blind Monitor is printed three times a year. Members of 
NFB:AE are invited, non-members are requested, to cover subscription costs 
with an annual fee of $10.00.
     The Canadian Blind Monitor is a publication where the blind speak for 
themselves.
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Telephone ( )

Mail to:  NFB:AE P.O. Box 5058, Kelowna B.C. V1Y 8T9 1-800-561-4774 

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