                                    THE
                                 OBSERVER

                                The Montana
                                Association
                                 for the 
                                   Blind



                              Spring / Summer
                                   1997



an affiliate of 
The National Federation of the Blind
Montana Association For The Blind
Box 352, Butte  MT  59703
 (406) 723-3383

Who We Are . . . 

The Montana Association For The Blind is a 501 (c) 3 consumer
organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to
changing what it means to be blind.  Though blindness is still
too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from personal
experience that with training and opportunity it can be reduced
to the level of a physical nuisance.

The Montana Association For The Blind has eleven local chapters
around the state.  The organization sponsors an annual training
program, the Summer Orientation Program for the Blind and
Partially Sighted.  The Montana Association For The Blind is a
chartered affiliate of The National Federation of the Blind. 
Our quarterly newsletter, The Observer, is produced in large
print, Braille, 3.5" computer disk, on cassette, or e-mail.  Dues
for membership are $5.00 annually.  To receive more information
about the Montana Association For The Blind, to make address
changes for the newsletter, or to be added to our mailing list,
call (406) 723-3383.  Financial contributions to offset our
newsletter costs are appreciated.

Anyone is invited to send articles, information, and
announcements to be considered for publication in The Observer. 
Please submit items in the most final form possible.  Unless you
specify otherwise, final editorial decisions rest with the
Editor.  Send items on computer disks, in print, tape, or by
electronic mail to:  Rik James, Observer Editor, 716 N. Montana,
Bozeman, MT  59715- 2921.  Phone:  (406) 586-4123  /  E-mail:
<rikjames@mcn.net> 
Disk and cassette subscribers:  You may duplicate the materials,
but PLEASE return the tape or disk to the return address on the
envelope.  Braille subscribers:  You may keep the Braille text of
your newsletter, but PLEASE return the binder with the attached
instructional sheet  to the return address on its original
envelope.  The Observer is expensive enough to produce without
these extra costs.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

                                    CONTENTS

News From The Editor  By Rik James   
.......................................  1 
1997 MAB Convention Reflections
     by Myrle Tompkins & Lorraine Cattermole

Justice Takes a Baby Step
     by Dan Burke   

Montanan Speaks at National Convention
     by Cody Greiser

Braille for Blind Kids Now the Law  

Katie Kurns Takes Action
     by Dan Burke   

Chapter Roundup    

Inside The MAB / Personals    

In Memorium     

Announcements  

Board of Directors 

Special Report:  The Cody Greiser Story: A Work In Progress     
By Jim Marks

THE  OBSERVER
Newsletter of The Montana Association For The Blind
(an affiliate of The National Federation Of The Blind)
P.O. Box 352, Butte, MT  59703    (406) 723-3383
Rik James, Editor
Myrle Tompkins & Dan Burke, Associate Editors, Pro Tem

Vol. 48
Spring / Summer , 1997
No. 2

From The Editor:  

     Oh, Montana, where does the time go?  Seems like only
yesterday, we were in Helena, enjoying those spring winds, and
holding a very successful state convention.  It was not my
intention, however for so much time to pass before another issue
of our newsletter.  And if you've been anxiously awaiting this
issue, I apologize for the delay.  The autumn issue is already in
the works and should be out soon.

     Sometimes in volunteer organizations, things unforeseen
occur which throw a wrench in to your routine.  And such a wrench
delivered me to Louisiana this past May, getting training that I
hope will be worthwhile for all of us.  In late April, I was
accepted into the graduate program at Louisiana Tech University
which will certify blind cane travel instructors.   

     It has been a very hot and humid summer for me, and coming
after our Montana winter, it took some real adjustment.  But I am
very excited for this opportunity.  It has long been my hope to
continue my education, and to become more qualified provider and
teacher of persons who are blind and legally blind.  There is a
great need for persons in this profession, and so I am very much
looking forward to increasing my own knowledge and ability to
teach.  

     The road ahead is filled with challenges, but I hope you
will continue to show me your support and encouragement, as you
have in the past.  Though I will be out of state for a short
while, I remain committed to our goals and programs, and my
responsibility as your officer is not in any way diminished. 
Please contact me with all matters just as you do in Montana,
only write to me at c/o The Louisianna Center For The Blind, 101
S. Trenton, Ruston, LA 71270.   Phone: 318/255-1421 or
318/251-2891.  My email address is still "rikjames@mcn.net".  I
check all messages regularly, and would love to hear from you. 

     During the convention in Helena last April, you passed a
resolution on the floor which will have a tremendous impact on
this newsletter in the future.  It instructed our Board of
Directors to approve two associate editors who will assist the
editor of The Observer, and work under the editor's direction. 
For this issue, Myrle Tompkins of Helena and Dan Burke of
Missoula have agreed to serve as associate editors.  They have
worked very hard, too.  If you are interested in contributing on
a regular basis to The Observer by finding, writing, editing or
laying out copy, please contact me or the MAB office in Butte.  I
would like to submit the names of associate editors to the Board
at the next meeting in October.  I know Myrle and Dan will do a
good job, and I hope you will help them to keep The Observer a
reliable and informative source of information about our
organization and within the blindness movement.

                   1997 MAB Convention Reflections
             by Myrle Tompkins, Capital City Chapter President    
          and Lorraine Cattermole, 1997 Convention Coordinator    
  The Capital City Chapter of the MAB extends a thanks to all who
attended the 1997 State Convention held in Helena April 11-13. 
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed planning it.  

     Now that there is time to think about the 1997 Convention we
realize it is people that make it a successful event. 
Participants came from all over Montana.  Bernice Johnson from
Antelope took the train to Havre where she was met by her brother
and then driven to Helena.  Over 100 came from all parts of the
state and represented ten MAB Chapters. 

     Thanks to Rik James for his efforts in setting up the
Orientation  & Mobility seminar for children.  Joe Cutter of New
Jersey presented the program to professionals, parents and MAB
members.   He was enthusiastically received by all who attended. 

     Our thanks also go to Bennie Longie for his work in
organizing the Blind Veterans Association in Montana.  And
congratulations to Bennie and Judy on the birth of their son. 

     Our theme, "Lighting the Way for the Children", was
emphasized by Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, who opened the
Convention with the presentation of the colors.  The Helena Youth
Choir followed.   

     The stars of this gathering were the four students that
spoke on Saturday.  Brittany Eldredge, 16, told us of her
experiences in middle school and now as a high school sophomore. 
She has attended Helena schools since pre- kindergarten.

     Sean Phillips, a high school student from Great Falls, told
of his life as a student with low vision and how difficult it is
to pack large print books around.  He also plays sports with the
Montana Deaf and Blind School students.  Teresa Leese and Dave
Donaldson spoke from the college point of view.  Teresa, a 1995
Emil Honka Scholarship recipient, graduated from the University
of Montana-Missoula this spring, and is beginning to look for a
job.  She described the ways in which she advocated successfully
for herself while working for her degree.

     Dave is in his second year at Flathead Valley Community
College.  He told of the difficulty in competing with sighted
peers while not having adequate blindness skills and the steps he
now feels he must take to be successful. Dan Nau and Kere
Sheppard are this year's Emil Honka Scholarship winners.  Dan is
studying to be an elementary teacher and doing his practice
teaching.  Kere is studying to be a range management specialist. 
Both gave gracious thank-you's at the banquet. 

     Jeanette Ingold, a Missoula author, gave a captivating
after-dinner talk on her book The Window.  The main character is
a blind high school girl, and Jeanette described how she
researched the experiences, tools, and technology that blind
students might use.  She cited many MAB members as among those
who were especially helpful in making the character and her
blindness real.  This young adult novel has been recorded by the
Montana Talking Books Library and is available now.  It is highly
recommend. 

     We look forward to the 1998 Convention, to be hosted by the
Dillon and Butte chapters.


                         Justice Takes a Baby Step
                               by Dan Burke

     (Editor's Note:  At the end of this issue there is a Special
Report, written by Jim Marks, which details the fair hearing
proceedings for Cody Greiser.  This article makes references to
that report.  It appears out of sequence since we wanted to have
Jim's report as a special pull-out section.) 

     From the time Cody Greiser's parents first took him to
preschool they understood that they would have to be ever
vigilant if their blind child were to receive an education worthy
of that name.  As his father tells it they brought a Braille
name-tag in to the Dillon preschool Cody attended.  They wanted
Cody to begin early to learn the medium of reading and writing
accessible to the blind.  But when they looked at the name-tag
after it had been hung by school staff they found it was
upside-down.

     Cody's parents, Nancy Taylor of Polson and Marty Greiser of
Dillon, have never forgotten that lesson. Their need to be
watchful has been both reinforced and rewarded by the recent fair
hearing decision. 

     The reinforcement comes in the form of the demonstrated
inability of Polson's Cherry Valley School to comprehend what it
takes to educate a blind child -- or even to believe that a blind
teacher who reads and writes in Braille is better than a sighted
aid who can't.  The comment made by the Lake County Deputy
Attorney unmasks the very worst kind of prejudice about blindness
and the competence of blind citizens.

     Examine further the statement by Cody's principal who said
that school officials didn't feel his Braille skills had
progressed sufficiently to justify the investment in a computer
and Braille printer.  Yet it is the school which ultimately must
bear the responsibility for his literacy.

     In truth, Cherry Valley School has not even provided Cody
with so much as a slate and stylus -- a blind child's equivalent
to pencil and paper.  I can't help but marvel at this admission
by Principal Meeks that her school was failing to educate Cody. 
Certainly such well-educated professionals can see the irony in
this statement.

     The rewards that Cody's parents have received, of course,
are that their righteous insistence that Cody get a first-rate
education has led to this decision.  There should be no losers in
this battle and the only winner can be Cody himself.  The law of
the land for children with disabilities worked.  

    As the blind of Montana, however, we must remember how
crucial our role was and how crucial the role of the National
Organization of Parents of Blind Children has been.  The
community of Montana's blind and of blind parents across the
country has been the key to informing and supporting Cody
Greiser's parents in the continuing struggle for their child's
very future.  The MAB has provided $500 toward legal fees, and
promised another $400 if they do not win their battle to force
Polson schools to pay the nearly $4000 in attorney's fees
accumulated thus far.   

     The "Parents' Division" of the NFB has taught Cody's parents
what he truly needed from his education and not to simply accept
what school officials said they were willing to provide.

     I first met Cody last January when he attended the
Washington Seminar with his dad.  Two things about Cody deeply
impress me.  First Cody has an extremely creative and active
mind.  He is about the same age as my own son Sean, who is also
very creative and has been in Missoula's gifted program since
second grade.  The comparison was obvious to me.  There is no
doubt in my mind that Cody Greiser is a very intelligent young
man.  The second thing about Cody which impressed me is that he
is very unhappy in school.  He found numerous ways to tell the
adults around him of his unhappiness while we were in Washington. 

     This simple fact cannot be ignored then:  No child will be
happy when his school is failing him.  Cherry Valley School has
failed to provide the education that Cody needs, deserves, and is
entitled to receive.  THEY have been spanked but show little sign
of reforming their misguided ways.  The struggles for Cody's
parents have not been in vain but neither are they over.      
Even now, following this decision, Cherry Valley School has hired
a Braille instructor from California rather than have Kim
Bojkovsky of Thompson Falls -- a blind teacher and Braille reader
-- instruct Cody.  And they have postponed purchase of computer
equipment until the new instructor arrives, meaning only further
delays and denials for Cody.  School officials continue to refuse
to give any information about the qualifications of the new
teacher.  So, let us continue to stand beside Cody and his
parents.  Let the MAB be known across this great state as an
organization with the sword of justice in its hand and Truth on
its lips.  Let us make it plain that we will not be satisfied
with just any education for blind children, and that we expect
qualified teachers for Montana kids who are blind.

     Let us never forget the blind children of Montana and let us
be the ever-present reminder that blind Montanans expect far more
than second rate. 


                  Montanan Speaks at National Convention
                              by Cody Greiser

(Editor's note:  Cody Greiser spoke at the annual meeting of the
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, in New
Orleans, on June 29, 1997.  He was a member of a panel of other
students.  The panel was called "Around the Block, To The Mall,
and Beyond." Cody wrote his speech himself in Braille and
delivered it from his Braille text.  Here is what Cody told the
parents and educators in the audience.) 

     Hello everyone, my name is Cody Greiser.  I am ten years
old, and I live in Polson, Montana.  Next year I will be in the
fifth grade.      My dad says I was two and a half when I got my
first cane, but I really don't remember that.  My O & M teacher
comes once a month to our school where he shows me how to follow
sidewalks, go around the block and stuff like that.  Mrs. Coburn
and I practice those things when he is not there.  I don't use a
cane in my house or my dad's house or my grandma's house or in my
classroom, but just about everywhere else.  If I don't have my
cane with me I have to be very careful.  Sometimes I get so
excited for recess I leave the room without it and then think,
"Oh, my cane", and go back and get it.  If I lay my cane down on
the playground, sometimes kids take it, but I always get it back. 
    When I get in the car I put my cane  crossway on the floor or
between the seat and the door.  Once when I went to my dad's I
forgot my cane and had to use a collapsible one he had.  I didn't
like it because when it collapses it feels like you're going into
a hole. 

     I have been to lots of conventions and I liked Detroit the
best because everything wasn't carpeted and they had lots of
escalators.  Escalators are really neat, but I hate the moving
sidewalks in airports because the end comes when you are not
ready.

     I like going up in the mountains where I can climb on steep
hillsides and throw rocks off cliffs.  I like the way they bounce
all the way to the bottom.  I have been skiing, but really don't
like it because you can't use your cane.  Somebody should invent
a ski cane.  When I walk down the railroad tracks with my dad
back to the slough and river I'll throw rocks on both sides to
see what's over there.

     No matter where I go I sometimes run into things.  If I hit
something really hard the first thing I do is check to see if I
am bleeding.  I've had bruises, bumps, and stitches, but that's
the way it goes because I don't want to just sit around.  Thanks
for listening.


                    Braille for Blind Kids Now the Law

     On June 4, 1997, President Clinton signed into law the
newest amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act, also known as IDEA.  IDEA is the law which entitles
America's children who have disabilities to receive appropriate
educations in the nation's public schools.   

     The most critical accomplishment of the new amendments is
the requirement that Braille be taught to blind and visually
impaired children.  What this means is that parents and educators
will not have to request Braille instruction.  Braille
instruction will be automatic, unless parents and teachers decide
unanimously that it shouldn't be taught.  Braille and blindness
are referred to three times in the amendments.  In the version of
IDEA passed in 1990, these words were never mentioned.

     This tremendous victory will have an important impact on the
blind children of today and the future.  It came with hard work
and careful planning from NFB members in Baltimore and across the
country.  In January, six MAB members lobbied in Washington, D.C.
for this and other important legislation.  Among them were young
Cody Greiser, who also brought along his dad, Marty.  

     The next step, however, will be the many opportunities for
public comment to the Department of Education as they prepare the
regulations that will implement the Braille provisions of this
law.  Our work is not yet done. 

                         Katie Kurns Takes Action
                               by Dan Burke

     When I read Katie Kurns' reports from The White Cane Club
meetings for this past spring, I was intrigued by what Senators
Baucus and Burns had written to her.  But more than that, I was
proud of her for taking the action she did -- writing to our
elected public officials in Washington, D.C. about issues so
critical to the blind of Montana and the Nation.  Katie has acted
in one of the most patriotic ways possible -- she's written to
her representatives in government and asked them to respond to
her.  By doing this, she has placed herself squarely in the
democratic process, and she's brought all of Montana's blind
along with her.  Just as important, she has joined us with our
brothers and sisters across the country with whom we share this
struggle.  The Blind Persons Earnings Equity Act was introduced
into both the House of Representatives and the Senate last
February.  The legislation would restore the practice of linking
blind individuals and senior citizens in regard to Social
Security earnings limit thresholds.  The Senior Citizens Freedom
to Work Act passed by the 104th Congress raised the threshold for
senior citizens to $30,000 by 2002, but it did not raise the
threshold for blind individuals.  Conrad Burns wrote to Katie on
April 14, 1997.  This is part of what he said:

     ... At this time, I am weighing the merits of restoring this
link.  You can be sure that I will have your comments in mind as
I evaluate the      legislation.

On June 3, 1997 Max Baucus wrote to Katie:

     ... Rest assured that I will keep your views in mind when
this bill comes before me in the Senate ...  I have always
strongly supported creating  incentives for the disabled to earn
money.  

     As you can see by these responses, we need to continue to
let Sen. Baucus know how we feel, and to thank him for his
support so far.  We need to pour letters and phone calls into
Sen. Burns' office to swing him into our camp on the earnings
limit for blind workers.  And we need to flood Rick Hill's office
to pressure him to respond to us when we write to him.  They all
need to know that blind Montanans are important constituents. 

     Addresses of our Congressional delegation follow.  If you
write on raising the Social Security earnings limit for blind
beneficiaries, include the bill numbers if possible.  In the
House, it's H.R. 612.  In the Senate, it's known as  S. 375. 

     Good work, Katie! 

Max Baucus, Montana
United States Senate
Washington, DC  20510-2602
Phone:  (202) 224-2651
max@baucus.senate.gov

Conrad Burns, Montana
United States Senate
Washington, DC  20510-2603
Phone:  (202) 224-2644
Fax:  (202) 224-8594
conrad_burns@burns.senate.gov

Rick Hill, Representative
1037 Longworth House Office
Washington, DC 20515
Phone:  (202) 225-3211
Fax:  (202) 225-5687
rick.hill@mail.house.gov

                              Notable Quotes

To improve the golden moment of opportunity and catch the good
that is within our reach is the great art of life.
                               -- Samuel Johnson  

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world around him.  The
unreasonable man expects the world to adapt itself to him. 
Therefore, all progress is made by unreasonable men.
                                          -- George Bernard Shaw  

Chapter Roundup
(Here are some reports from your local chapters.)   

Billings: 

     We have had a pretty quiet spring in our Chapter.  In March
we had an enjoyable social evening with the residents of West
Park Retirement Center.  We also moved our meetings to the
Billings Education Association Building at 510 North 29th Street
and to the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  They are donating the use
of the conference room to us.

     On a Sunday afternoon in May, we had a fund raiser at Barnes
and Noble Booksellers.  They have helped many organizations in
our community by giving a percentage of sales from one cash
register for an afternoon.   Club members must approach shoppers
and convince them to use that particular register when paying for
their purchases.  (Associate Editor's Note:  Barnes & Noble's
corporate policy is that an organization can participate in this
fund-raising program once per year per state.)  Our annual picnic
will be held at North Park on August 12 at 6 p.m.  If any of you
are in Billings, be sure to come!!   -- Marge Moberly, Reporter.  
Bozeman:

     The Bozeman Chapter has been holding its regular meetings at
2 p.m. on the second Friday of each month.  In March MAB
President Pat Domme attended and was the guest speaker.  He
discussed the election-by-mail of the officers under way at that
time, talked about the upcoming convention in Helena and
described the Summer Orientation Program and the expectations for
both staff and students.

     In April, Chapter President Lillian Todd posed the question 
"When do you think spring will come?"  The program was presented
by Nancy Gilchrist, who reviewed the book It Takes a Village by
Hillary Clinton.   

     Attendance at the May meeting consisted of 23 people
present.  The program was given by members who had attended the
state convention, John and Bernice DeHaas; Rik and Karen James;
and Blaine and Rose Cobat.  All reported on the convention and on
the workshop on blind children given by Joe Cutter, which
preceded the convention on Friday.  The consensus was that the
convention was excellent, both in arrangements and in content.    

      The June meeting was held in the Darlington Manor with 22
members attending.  Plans were made for summer activities
including a meal with the students and staff at Summer School.  
In the program portion of the meeting Helen Cowles, a snowbird
who flies to California each winter, described her activities as
an active volunteer at a blind center.  Instead of the normal
Chapter meeting in July, our members provided a potluck luncheon
for students, staff, and Board members at the Summer Orientation
Program.  About 65 people were served.  Several members of the
Chapter also participated in a "Mini University" session at the
Gallatin County Fair on July 17.  This is a new section of the
Fair in which non-profit organizations are offered an opportunity
to explain their roles to the community.  Unfortunately the "Bull
Bash" was scheduled at the same time so the audience was small,
but those who came had a genuine interest in blindness issues and
the resources available.   -- Bernice Dehaas, reporter. 

Great Falls:  

     In its June meeting the Great Falls Chapter contributed the
cost of a plane ticket for one youth going to Space Camp in
Huntsville, Alabama.  We awarded a  $500 chapter scholarship to
Wendy Tudor.

     Our chapter picnic will be held in August, and we will
finalize plans for a rummage sale.  A motion was made and passed
that the chapter asses dues of $1.00 a year (over and above the
25 cents per meeting refreshment assessment).   State MAB
president, Pat Domme, attended the meeting. -- Ted Robbins,
treasurer, secretary pro tem.

Helena:

     The Capitol City Chapter was pleased to host the annual MAB
convention in Helena on April 11-13.  A total of 116 people
registered and judging by the positive comments heard, everyone
enjoyed themselves.  It was work and fun to come together under
the capable leadership of Lorraine Cattermole, Convention Chair,
and work toward a common goal. 

     At the April meeting, discussion was held on the name of the
chapter; both the Helena Chapter and the Capitol City Chapter
have been used.  The charter does not indicate a specific name. 
During the May meeting we discussed the name further, then voted. 
The Chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind located in
Helena will henceforth be known as the Capitol City Chapter.     
In May, we gave ourselves a well earned pat on the back for
hosting a stunning convention by going out to dinner.  It was an
enjoyable gathering with a short business meeting.  The chapter
decided to help sponsor Brittany Eldredge's trip to Space Camp in
Florida in September.  When Brittany comes back she promised she
will attend a meeting and share her adventures with the group. 
The summer picnic is scheduled for July 28. -- Sandra Jarvie,
secretary.

Kalispell-Buffalo Hills:

     There were 42 people present at the meeting in February.     
Dr. Roger Barth presented a talk on macular degeneration.   After
Dr. Barth's talk we had a brief business meeting.  Evelyn Pool
told us about her recent trip to Helena and the Braille literacy
bill.  

     Dave Donaldson told us of his experience with Ski for Light. 
Dave explained how each blind skier is given a ski guide and they
ski the course together.  The Ski for Light was a great success,
enjoyed by all who attended.   

Lewistown:   

     The February meeting of the White Cane Club was held at The
Meadows.  President Tim Hayward wasn't feeling very well, so 1st
Vice-president Ed Durbin conducted the meeting.

     Calendar money has been sent in to the calendar chair.     
Ed reported on the Ski for Light.  There were 30 skiers and 30
guides, and the event was held at Whitefish.  There were
youngsters 2 to 4 years old in attendance.  One young woman in a
wheelchair was there, so the guides put skis under the chair so
she could ski.

     In the race on Saturday each one specified how they could
ski  and Ed came in second place.  Both young men enjoyed the
trip and the skiing.      Helen Dalton brought an assortment of
goodies for the members.      The April meeting was held at The
Meadows, with Tim Hayward presiding.  There was no meeting in
March due to the icy weather.  The obituary of Clara Barney was
read to the members.  Clara was 98 and had spent her last few
years in the nursing home.  She was a long time member of the
White Cane Club.  A memorial to the MAB Memorial Fund was sent in
her name, and a sympathy card was mailed to the family.

     Happy Birthday was sung for Jason Stanley, who had been
employed in Kansas during the winter.  Now, he hopes to get local
work.  Katie Kurns wrote to the two senators and the
representative about including the blind in the upcoming voting. 
(It did not carry, so is going to be tried again). 

     Marian Vinge reported on the Community Cupboard and the
number of people that have been helped over the past three to
four months.  On the 11th, 1st V.P. Ed Durbin and his wife,
Trissy, had driven to Harlo where Ed gave speeches and showed
movies to the Kindergarten through 6th grade.  They had lunch
with the students.  While in Harlo, they were guests of Jacob and
Coleen Allison.

     During the May meeting, Katie Kurns read the letter from Rik
James about his being accepted into the graduate program at
Louisiana Tech University.  We all wish him well.

     A letter was read from Senator Conrad Burns (concerning The
Blind Persons Earnings Equity Act).  Members discussed a variety
of things pertaining to themselves and the community.  Each told
how they were going to spend the summer months.  Bob Brassey
brought some Braille playing cards for Tim Hayward and Ed Durbin. 
   -- Katherine Kurns, secretary

Livingston:

     March brought Sam Larango to our Park County chapter meeting
to tell the group what resources and tools are available. 
Weather was awful, but the turn out was good.  April found Whitt
Cooper, Victims of Crime and Witnesses spokesperson, talking to
the group.   May found Barbara VanderVoort, Social Services,
telling us about home health and senior companions.


     During the winter and early spring months Carolyn Kahle
spent the winter's meeting dates in Billings.  Our secretary,
Mildren McMilliam, broke her ankle  That icy spot got her.  She's
almost mended now. 

     President Lois Haymond had cataract surgery which was
successful and returned color to her range of vision.  She has
Macular Degeneration.      Edna Maier and Lois Haymond attended
the convention at Helena, and Pansy Callentine was on staff at
Summer School.

     The Chapter didn't meet during the summer.  Meetings will
resume in September.   -- Eunice Nelson, reporter

Missoula:

     The Missoula chapter's treasury has grown enough to allow us
to assist four Missoulians financially to attend the state
convention in Helena.  Some attended an MAB convention for the
first time.  

     Nominations were held in May for the coming year of service,
which begins on July 1st.    A committee was also formed to
prepare a letter to local school  officials and teachers.  We
plan to launch a project during the  1997-98 school year.  The
project will provide technical assistance to schools, parents,
and children who are blind in the areas of literacy in Braille,
mobility in the community, and assistive technology.  We hope to
offer successful role models to teachers, parents, and children
as well. 

     In June we held a pizza party in Bonner Park, just missing
the rain.  New officers were elected by acclamation:  Carolyn
Brock, president, Dan Burke, vice-president, Dale Davis,
treasurer, and Jim Marks as secretary.  Lisa Sutton was appointed
to chair the chapter's social committee.  -- Dan Burke,
secretary.


                         Ski For Light - Lewistown

     "Ski for Light Montana" enjoyed another successful event
this year January 29th through February 2, 1997 in Whitefish,
Montana.  About 15 skiers and guides from Billings, Bozeman,
Dillon, Great Falls, Lewistown, Missoula, and Shawmut joined 13
skiers from the Kalispell area.  The 1998 & 1999 events will be
held in Lewistown - hope to see you there. 
                            Herb Kirk - Bozeman

     Herb Kirk was recognized at the April convention  in Helena
as the oldest member of the MAB.  Later this spring, he became
the oldest runner to complete the 5K run in the Governor's Cup in
Helena.

     Herb has certainly not rested on his laurels.  He is the
oldest known World War I naval aviator, graduated from
MSU-Bozeman three years ago with an art degree, and received a
letter of congratulations from President Clinton.  In 1992, he
won two gold and one silver medal for running in world-class
competition in Helsinki, Finland.  He ran in the 95 and up age
group.  Herb took up running after vision loss 12 years ago. 
Prior to that, he was a champion senior tennis player.

     "I keep in good shape, I have something interesting and
worthwhile to do in my free time (pottery), and I have a wife who
takes care of me" the Bozeman Chronicle quoted Herb as saying. 
     During Sweet Pea weekend in Bozeman in August, four
generations of  Kirks will run, so there's no sign of Herb
slowing down!

                       Margaret Robinson - Missoula

     Five days after the April MAB convention in Helena, Missoula
members woke to find our own Margaret Robinson's photo on the
Montana page of the Missoulian.

     Margaret was featured in the newspaper's "Focus on People"
series.  Margaret, originally from Lewistown, has been a foster
grandparent in Missoula schools for nearly 20 years.

     "It's so rewarding -- to think that maybe you have made a
difference in a child's life," the Missoulian quoted her as
saying.

     There's more to Margaret than her care for children.  At 75,
she climbed Mount Sentinel behind the UM campus as far as the M. 
"I couldn't get anybody to go with me, so I went by myself,"
Margaret said of the crude, switchbacked trail.

     Margaret has three children, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-
grandchildren.  She certainly is one of the Missoula MAB's
stalwart members.  Way to go, Margaret!

                             Our Appreciation

     We are pleased to acknowledge the receipt of $3,056.20 from
the Soroptimist International of Lewistown.  These funds were
raised during their annual White Cane Drive.

     It is such a delight to receive a check of this amount from
any organization, but to receive it from folks in a community the
size of Lewistown is truly a gift.  Our heartfelt thanks goes out
to them. 

     A special acknowledgement is given to Fern Rahn who
spearheaded the  drive for many years.  Mrs. Rahn passed away
recently.

                      Outstanding Member of the Year

     The Keith E. Denton Award is given each year to a member of
the Montana Association for the Blind.  This "Outstanding Member
of the Year" recognizes an MAB member whose service in the
previous year has been of statewide significance.  The award was
established in 1978 in honor of the longstanding service of Mr.
Denton.  

     This year, Janice Six received this honor.  Janice was
diagnosed with Juvenile Macular Degeneration at the age of 12,
but knew something was wrong with her eyesight much earlier. 
When she got her CCTV, she reported that she read for days and
days.  She had not been able to read for many years but had saved
all her magazines and books.  In 1995, she got Kaiser, her Dog
Guide.  They travel everywhere together, and Janice says he has
allowed her to be independent again.  One of Janice's favorite
activities is to take Kaiser to the local schools to teach
children about blindness and visual impairments.  She also
travels around the State to various Lion's Clubs to give
presentations on blindness and dog guides.  She is a great
ambassador for getting the word out to the public about
blindness/visual impairment issues.

     For leisure activities Janice and her husband, Gerry, love
to go camping and hiking.  Kaiser makes it possible for her to
hike the trails without help, and she says she can nearly
out-step Gerry.


                       The Dorothy C. Bridgman Award

     The Dorothy C. Bridgman award is given to a Montana resident
who has rendered outstanding service to the blind of Montana. 
The award, established in 1970 to honor of Dorothy Bridgman and
her years of service to Montana's blind, is not to be given
annually.  It is only awarded when a suitable nominee is brought
to the attention of the Awards Committee of the MAB.  This year,
the MAB recognized  Sharon Larson.

     Sharon Larson is a native of Montana.  She and her husband
Jerry live in Shawmut and have three children.  They own a wheat
farm and run a bulk oil business.  Sharon helps with the
bookkeeping for the business.       Their two daughters are
married, one lives in the Seattle area and has two boys and the
other lives in Billings.  Their son, Dennis, will be a Freshman
at Rocky this fall.  Sharon likes gardening, reading, and crafts. 
She is learning Braille through the Hadley school.

     Sharon began to lose her sight about 18 years ago after the
birth of her youngest child.  She was diagnosed as having
Stargardt disease, an inherited form of macular degeneration. 
She has continued through the years to lose sight.  This did not
stop her from continuing to be an active wife and mother and
doing all the duties and activities this involves.  Sharon
attended the Summer Orientation Program as a student for two
years and has taught cooking, Aids to Daily Living or Crafts six
out of the last seven years.  She is also very active in the
Montana Ski For Light Program.

     Over the years she has become increasingly active in
programs for the blind and visually impaired.  Sharon is an
effective emissary for the blind, whether telling someone of our
programs, talking to school children or taking an active part in
a support group.  She exemplifies the ideals of the Montana
Association for the Blind.  She is independent and teaches others
to be independent.


                             Election Results


     In spring, MAB members voted for executive officers of the
MAB Board of Directors. All terms last two years.  Next spring,
terms of the five district representatives will expire, and MAB
members will vote for the representative from their area.

     The following results of the 1997 election were announced at
the April convention in Helena.  Re-electd are President Pat
Domme, First Vice President Rik James and Third Vice President
Nancy Holt.  Newly elected is Myrle Tompkins who will serve as
our new Second Vice President.
  
                              In Memorium

     Arthur Michael Schultz of Bozeman died May 5, 1997, ending a
gallant fight against lymphoma that had lasted more than a dozen
years.  His first stint as a  Summer School student came in 1985
when his sight began to fade.  In subsequent years he returned to
teach or to brush up his skills.  He was again a student in 1997,
this time in a wheelchair, participating in Braille and
discussion classes.  His friends remember his cheerfulness and
his eagerness to entertain by singing and playing his guitar. 
Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Karen and to his parents,
Peggy and Bill Schultz.  

     Camille Crowley Joyner of Lewistown's White Cane Club died
June 8.  She died at age 82 after a lengthy illness with
emphysema.  Mrs. Joyner's parents, John and Gertrude Crowley,
were early Lewistown pioneers.  She graduated from Fergus County
High School in 1932 and married Donald P. Joyner in 1936 in
Spokane.  Her son and two daughters survive, along with a sister,
three grandchildren, a great-grandson, and numerous nieces and
nephews. 

     Irma Patrick died July 29, in Livingston.  She was 97.  Her
remains were cremated.  A memorial service will be held at a
later date in Cody, WY.  Irma was an active member of the MAB in
Livingston and Bozeman when she resided in those places.  She
retained her interest in the organization even after she moved
into the nursing home in Livingston.   Her daughter, Pat
Warfield, has suggested that those wishing to do so may send
memorials in Irma's name to the MAB.

                               Announcements


SOP News:  Applications to SOP Committee, MAB, P.O. Box 352,
Butte, MT  59703-0352, or phone 406/723-3383.  Student
applications will be available through the state Blind and Low
Vision offices, and the MAB state office.  

Until Next Time:

   Thanks to our contributors,  as well to the volunteers who
help put this issue together -- thanks to Jim Aldrich, you get a
high quality Braille edition.  His phone number is 406/259-3729,
should you want to talk about it or just thank him.  And thanks
to Linda Hurlock who mails out the computer disk version. She
asks that we remind you that the card in the pocket of the disk
mailer is to be flipped so the mailer can be sent back.  Any
envelope with velcro is a returnable mailer.  Please remember to
send your change of addresses and preference for format to
Secretary Betty Lou who keeps the ever changing mailing list up
to date.  Our thanks to the Montana State Library who duplicate
and distribute the cassette version.    

     Yet remaining in this issue are reference sheets of
addresses and phone numbers of your leaders, and the Special
Report by Jim Marks.   

    Please send the editor your news notes and articles for the
next issue as soon as possible.  

                            M.A.B. Office Hours
                      Mrs. Betty Lou Berg - Secretary
          12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.   Monday / Tuesday  / Wednesday 
                8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Thursday / Friday        
                            Phone :    406 / 723-3383

Items you should send to the Secretary:  Annual membership dues,
chapter meeting times and location, the names of officers,
chapter financial reports, committee reports, and your mailing
address and format preference for receiving The Observer.  

Closing Quotes ... 

We must never be afraid to be free.
                           -- Justice Black 

Believe in the simple magic of life.
                               -- Martin Buber


                  Chapter Presidents and Meeting Times
                                Spring '97

Billings:  Yellowstone Chapter
Tracy Rector, President
415 19th St. West
Billings, MT 59102.
Phone: 406/698-7672
Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m.
First Congregational Church.

Bozeman:  Bozeman Chapter
Lillian Todd, President
402 Yarger Dr.
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: 406/587-3729
Meets 2nd Friday at 2 p.m. Darlington
Manor, 606 N. 5th Ave.

Butte:  Silver Bow Chapter
Rita Layman ,President
2123 Silver Bow Blvd.
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 406/723-6466
Meets 3rd Thursday at 7 p.m.
Community Center

Dillon:  Beaverhead Chapter
Julie Jacobsen, President
725 West Park St.
Dillon, MT 59725
Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m.
Women's Resource Center

Great Falls:  Great Falls Chapter
Nancy Holt, President
905 32nd St. South
Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: 406/761-4348
Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m.
Senior Citizen Center

Helena:  Capital City Chapter
Myrle Tompkins, President
1307 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Phone:  406/443-4352
Meets 4th Monday at 7 p.m.
Eagles Manor

Kalispell:  Northwest Chapter
Ralph Hart President
405 2nd Ave. E.
Kalispell, MT 59901.
Phone: 406/257-2482
Meets 2nd Friday at 1:30 p.m.
Public Library

Kalispell: Buffalo Hills Chapter
Beatrice Woessner, President
40 Claremont St. #115B
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone:  406/257-5091
Meets 1st Friday at 1:00 p.m.
Buffalo Hills Terrace

Lewistown:  White Cane Chapter
Tim Hayward, President
414 4th Ave. N.
Lewistown MT 59457
Phone:  406/538-3856
Meets 2nd Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Meadow Manor, 707 Farewell St.

Livingston: Park County Chapter
Lois Haymond, President
125 S. 7th
Livingston, MT 59047
Phone:  406/222-1339
Meets 1st Monday at 1:30 p.m.
Living Steps Wellness

Missoula:  Missoula Chapter
Carolyn Brock, President
3020 Elm Park Drive
Missoula MT 59801
Phone:  406/543-8077
Meets 1st Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Corbin Hall, University of Montana 


                     Montana Association For The Blind
                     Board of Directors - 1997

President:
Pat Domme
2724 Amherst Ave.
Butte MT, 59404  
       (406) 494-4571


1st Vice President :
Rik James
716 North Montana Ave.
Bozeman MT, 59715-2921  
       (406) 586-4123
  E-mail:  rikjames@mcn.net

2nd Vice President :
Myrle Tompkins
1307 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
       (406) 443-4352

3rd Vice President :
Nancy Holt
905 32nd St. South
Great Falls MT, 59405  
       (406) 761-4348 

District One :
Jim Marks
540 E. Kent
Missoula MT, 59801  
     (406) 549-7047  
E-mail: marks@selway.umt.edu

District Two:
Bennie Longie
1160 E. Sebree
Dillon MT, 59725  
                                             (406) 683-2826  
District Three :
Kay Kjellstrom
3222 Second Ave. North
Great Falls MT, 59401  
                                             (406) 453-0452 
District Four :
Sharon Larson
Box 81
Shawmut MT, 59078  
                                             (406) 632-4706 
District Five :
Sarah Bradley
1633 Lynne Ave.
Billings MT, 59102  
                                             (406) 656-7162                              A Special Report
                from the Montana Association for the Blind 

 (The following in-depth report is offered to members, parents of
blind children and other advocates.  The struggle for blind
children to receive decent educations in Montana in skills such
as Braille literacy and orientation and mobility has, in a sense,
just begun.  Cody's story, and the commitment of his parents,
Marty Greiser of Dillon and Nancy Taylor of Polson, may hold
lessons and encouragement for other parents in Montana.  It is an
important story for us all, and surely no one but us, the
organized blind of Montana, are likely to tell it.)

The Cody Greiser Story:  A Work In Progress                      
by Jim Marks, MAB Board Member

     What you are about to read was gathered from interviews with
some of the parties involved, observations of legal proceedings,
and reviews of relevant documents.

Introduction

     Cody Greiser, who is blind, lives in Polson, Montana, with
his mom, step- dad, and sisters.  His dad is Marty Greiser of
Dillon, a long time member of the Montana Association for the
Blind, and Secretary of the National Association of Parents of
Blind Children, a Division of the National Federation of the
Blind.  Cody is ten years old, and will be going to the fifth
grade this fall at Polsons Cherry Valley Elementary School.      
Recently Cody found himself involved in a struggle for his
literacy and his right to live with his family.  It's hard to
believe, but Cherry Valley School officials tried to take Cody
away from his folks by forcing a placement in the Montana School
for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB) in Great Falls.  Although an
administrative judge gave the family a mostly favorable decision
following the April 1, 1997, hearing in Polson, the struggle is
far from over. 

The Family's Position

     Cody's parents, Nancy Taylor and Marty Greiser, want their
son to learn how to read and write within his neighborhood
school.  They do not want to take Cody from his home and loved
ones to be placed in a residential program.  

    The family knows blindness is a low incidence disability and
that ignorance on the part of the school system requires them to
advocate fiercely for Cody's education.  They carefully weighed
what was best for Cody before reaching the conclusion that Cody
was better off at home than he would be at MSDB.

      Finding qualified Braille instructors or aides can be
difficult, the family acknowledges.  So they proposed an option
to Cherry Valley officials.   They asked that Cody travel once a
week to Thompson Falls, a town about 50 miles from Polson,  in
order to receive Braille instruction from Kim Bojkovsky.
Bojkovsky is a certified teacher who reads and writes Braille
fluently.  She taught Cody when they both lived in Dillon.  And
it so happens that Bojkovsky is blind. 

The School's Position

     "Some people in Polson, Montana, believe a sighted teacher
can teach Braille better than a blind person," said Bob Long,
Lake County Deputy Attorney and legal counsel for Cherry Valley
School.  He said this to one of the expert witnesses for the
family during the April hearing.  The witness was Joann Wilson,
President of the NFB of Louisiana and Director of the Louisiana
Center of the Blind in Ruston.  Wilson had just testified via
telephone about the importance of having a teacher of blind
children know how to read and write in Braille.

      Surprisingly, the school carried the burden of proof
because it was the school which wanted Cody's education plan to
change.  According to Elaine Meeks, Cherry Valley principal, the
school couldn't find a qualified teacher for Cody, therefore
making an MSDB placement necessary.

     It isn't a matter of money, Meeks said.  She said the school
tried but failed to find a competent Braille instructor following
the resignation of Cody's former aide.  Meeks said the school had
advertised regionally, but later explained that "regionally"
meant advertising in Polson, Kalispell, and Missoula.  Meeks
therefore said that the school could not provide Cody with a
sound education, and that MSDB was the only alternative. 

     Meeks rejected the family proposal to have Cody taught
Braille once a week by Bojkovsky in Thompson Falls.  She said
such a thing would force a public school's support of a home
school, adding that Cherry Valley couldn't supervise Bojkovsky
properly unless Bojkovsky was willing to travel to Polson.  Due
to her pregnancy and other responsibilities in Thompson Falls,
Bojkovsky declined to travel.

     Meeks denied the family's request to have Cherry Valley
purchase Braille production equipment.  The family wanted the
school to acquire a computer Braille translation software program
and a computer Braille embosser.  Asserting the decision wasn't
based on money, Meeks said the schools denial of technology
purchases was due to the school's belief Cody's Braille skills
had not advanced far enough to warrant the purchase. 

What the Experts Had to Say

     Testimony was also given by two groups of experts.  Speaking
on behalf of Cherry Valley Schools were the MSDB principal and
two MSDB outreach staff members.  Speaking for the family were
three members of the NFB.  The MAB is the NFB affiliate of
Montana.

     The MSDB experts said, in Cody's case,  their institution
was a more appropriate placement than Cherry Valley School.  They
said the MSDB outreach services couldn't compensate for the lack
of a qualified teacher or aide in Polson.  So it was their
opinion that MSDB's residential program  would serve Cody the
best.  They dismissed the family's requests for Braille
production equipment as well, saying that the equipment was
expensive and no panacea.

      MSDB Principal Bill Davis conceded the hardship of placing
a child in a residential school.  He said the parents had to
consider the long term benefits of a good education over the
short term benefits of keeping Cody at home.   During the
hearing, the quality of education at MSDB wasn't fully discussed. 
Davis said most of the blind children at MSDB had multiple
disabilities.  Cody is only blind, and may not find as many peers
in MSDB as he has in Polson. 

     Beyond the formalities of the administrative court, the
family expresses strong concerns about the quality of the MSDB
education.  They point out how MSDB had to be sued only a few
short years ago when another family wanted their blind child
taught Braille.  Moreover, the Greiser family questions the
credibility of the MSDB staff.  They wonder aloud about the
ability of MSDB staff to read and write Braille fluently and
about the abilities of staff in other blindness skills.  Notably,
one of the MSDB experts testifying against the family had never
even met Cody.  As time goes on, fewer and fewer blind children
opt for a residential program.  Instead, schools like MSDB become
institutions for children with multiple disabilities, and
blindness skills often take a back seat to other matters of
disability. 
 
     Testifying for the family were Joann Wilson of Louisiana,
Denise Mackenstadt of Washington, and Kim Bojkovsky of Thompson
Falls.  Wilson said Cherry Valley School hadn't tried hard enough
to find a qualified Braille teacher.  She testified about several
options that Cherry Valley could have undertaken in order to get
someone qualified involved in Cody's education.  When she was
asked about what was best for Cody, Cherry Valley or MSDB, she
said it was a heavy decision which could only be made by the
family.  However, she said, the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act requires education to take place in the least
restrictive environment.  She said she didn't know which school
had the better educational program, but that placement at MSDB
probably wouldn't be the least restrictive environment mandated
in the law.

     Mackenstadt, a teacher's aide in a Bothell, Washington
public school, said it was her job to assist with Braille
instruction and blindness skills in a mainstream school setting. 
She explained how well the education of blind children can work
when the school possessed an inclusive, can-do attitude about
teaching blind children.  And she also reinforced the doubt about
whether Cherry Valley School had done all it could.  She added to
Wilson's testimony regarding places to find or train qualified
Braille instructors. 

     Bojkovsky talked about what she had done with Cody when she
was his teacher in Dillon and about what she could do for him in
the future.  She said the once a week time would be adequate, but
not ideal.  And the adequate instruction which allows Cody to
remain at home is far better than putting him in any residential
program, she said.


What the Judge Decided

     Dennis Loveless, the Montana Hearings Officer for the Office
of Public Instruction, decided mostly in favor of the family.  He
wrote:  "Analysis of all the factors apparent in this case
indicate that the continued education of Cody Greiser at Cherry
Valley School under the program proposed by the parents would
take advantage of appropriate available resources in the least
restrictive setting." 

     Besides endorsing the family's wishes to have Cody remain at
Cherry Valley School with one day per week instruction with
Bojkovsky, Loveless also decided that Cherry Valley should
acquire Braille production technology.  He decided not to
reimburse the family for legal fees and not to order any
additional evaluations of the competency of Cherry Valley or MSDB
staff.  It is deeply ironic that Cherry Valley School incurs no
legal expenses as they were represented by the Lake County
Attorney's office.  Even more ironic is the unspoken yet
undeniable fact that only those who spoke on behalf of the family
read and write Braille well.  It ain't over. 

      Even though the Loveless decision is clear, Marty Greiser
reports that Cherry Valley School refuses to send Cody to
Bojkovsky because they have hired a Braille aide.  The school
claims the employment of the aide makes the Loveless decision
largely irrelevant.  The family asked to review the credentials
of this aide, but no documents have been forthcoming.  In
addition, school officials denied the family's request to begin
purchasing technology items until Cody's teachers come back to
work this fall.  In spite of the triumph in administrative court,
it looks as though more court action is likely.  It's a cinch
more advocacy is imperative.

