                                                        The Braille Spectator
                                                             Spring 1994

                                 The Newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland


                                                          NFB OF MD OFFERS 
                                                        FREE BRAILLE TUTORING

          The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has a
longstanding commitment to promoting both the teaching and use of
Braille. To foster this goal, the National Federation of the Blind
of Maryland announces a new free tutoring program to help any
individual prepare to take the National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) Braille Competency Test. 
          The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will provide
study materials and a tutor free of charge. Every effort will be
made to match tutors and students who live near each other. The
cost of the tutor's transportation will be provided if necessary.
First priority will be given to vision teachers, rehabilitation
teachers or students in the blindness field. 
          NLS, the Braille authority for the United States, will award
a certificate of competency in the Literary Braille code to anyone
who passes its free test. There are four sections to the test:
reading to find Braille errors; transcribing material using a
Braille writer; transcribing material using a slate and stylus; and
answering multiple choice questions on the rules of Braille. 
          If the student fails one section of the test, he may re-take
only that section of the test, not the entire test.
          For further information or to sign up for this program, call
(410) 992-9608.  


HARD TIMES AT BISM:
BRUECKNER OUT; BLAZIE, HARTLEY APPOINTED

by Sharon Maneki

          It is no secret that with the steep decline in Federal
government contracts and the apparent inability to generate private
sector business, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM)
has fallen on very hard times.
          Without going into all of the details, Richard Brueckner was
released as BISM's president; other executive and clerical staff
positions have been eliminated; employee benefits have been
reduced; and furloughs and layoffs continue to be announced.
          Here is the text of the letter that Fred Puente wrote to me on
March 21: 

          "I just wanted to take a few minutes to bring you up to date
on the situation at BISM.
          "BISM is on the difficult road to financial health. We will
achieve it with the help of all our associates.
          "As you know, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to
remove the President in December. The board then appointed me
acting President until a search for the new President can be
completed.
          "We have effected some changes in personnel to match our sales
and production capacity, which we hope to increase in the near
future. I think it important to emphasize that the only termination
for cause was that of the President. The reasons for the
President's termination were all performance related. There was no
wrong doing for personal gain.
          "The fiscal conditions of BISM requires that all areas perform
as efficiently and effectively as possible. All, let me say it
again, all associates share in any changes to benefits or policies.
Our commitment remains to create opportunities for all adult blind
Marylanders.
          "We hope you will continue to offer your thoughts and ideas
for our continued improvement.
          "One piece of good news for BISM, we will be producing canes
for the NFB!
          "Please plan to visit BISM or attend our board meeting on the
4th Thursday of each month. We are excited about two new board
members recently appointed by the Governor, Mr. Dean Blazie, and
Ms. Angela Hartley. We look forward to their participation and
insight.
          If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me."

          We support the Board of Trustees in its efforts to bring BISM
back to full productivity and hope that this will occur in the very
near future. Our sympathies, of course, remain with the blind
industrial employees who are victims of economic conditions beyond
their control. We will do whatever we can to help them.


FINNEY RETIRES FROM LBPH

by Sharon Maneki

          On February 28, 1994, Lance Finney began a new phase of his
life: retirement. After 32 years in library services, Lance Finney
decided to retire and pursue other interests. Lance had a varied
career. He worked in the public service area of the Enoch Pratt
Library in Baltimore City from 1962 to 1969. Next he joined the
Division of Library Development and Services in the Maryland State
Department of Education as the administrator of the Library Service
and Construction Act (LSCA) program. As the administrator of the
LSCA program, Lance helped libraries throughout the state obtain
new buildings by using federal funds. Lance began working part time
at the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) in
1984. 
          In looking back on his career, Lance Finney said, "Working at
LBPH was the highlight of my career. The need for better services
and a new facility was so great, which made the work very
challenging. I especially enjoyed direct contact with the patrons
who use LBPH."
          Lance Finney certainly left his mark on LBPH. In 1984, when
Lance assumed the position, the directorship of LBPH was considered
only a part time position. LBPH was, at that time, a part of the
public library branch of the Division of Library Development and
Services. Today, thanks to Lance's willingness to co-operate with
us, the directorship of LBPH is a full time position, LBPH is a
separate branch within the Division of Library Development and
Services, and LBPH has its own new facility, instead of a leased,
leaky building. 
          We in the NFB will miss Lance. We worked together as partners
to improve services for the blind in Maryland. Since 1987, Lance
Finney never missed a National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
state convention. Many administrators come to NFB conventions
because they have to. Lance came because he wanted to. He took part
in all convention activities and used the opportunities to get
better acquainted with LBPH patrons. We bid a fond adieu to our
friend Lance and wish him good luck and success in his new
ventures. 


GOVERNOR'S OFFICE EXTENDED TEN YEARS;
NFB URGES ASSEMBLY TO AMEND COUNCIL MAKE-UP

by Sharon Maneki

From the Editor: the two priorities for the NFB of Maryland in the
1994 session of the Maryland General Assembly were the funding of
additional staff positions for LBPH and the amending of the
membership of the Maryland Advisory Council for Individuals with
Disabilities. As we go to press, the funding issue for LBPH remains
unresolved. The General Assembly has, however, amended MACID's
make-up to require that a majority of its members be disabled
persons. We will include a complete report of our activities with
the 1994 session of the Maryland General Assembly in the next
issue. Here are Sharon Maneki's comments on the MACID amendment:

          From time to time, the General Assembly looks at various
agencies of state government to see if they are still necessary and
if they are performing adequately. The Governor's Office for
Individuals With Disabilities was scheduled for sunset review this
year. Legislation was introduced to extend the life of this office
for another ten years, until 2004. We did not object to the
continuation of the office, but we thought that disabled persons
should have a greater voice in the office that is to represent
them. We took the initiative and spearheaded a campaign to get this
legislation amended. 
          One section of the Governor's Office for Persons With
Disabilities, the Maryland Advisory Council for Individuals with
Disabilities, is made up of 28 members representing various
executive departments (such as transportation, education, and
health and mental hygiene), and members of the general public. Only
9 disabled persons were required to serve on this council, which is
supposed to advise the governor and other state officials on issues
of concern to the disabled. As a result of our leadership and
efforts, a majority (15) of the council's membership must now be
persons with disabilities. Of the 15 members from the general
public on the council, 12 must be persons with disabilities.
Because of our initiative, there is an increased possibility that
this office may become more effective due to greater consumer
representation. 


                                                          FLOYD MYERS DIES

From the Editor: Floyd Myers passed away on Monday, January 17,
1994. He was an active and loyal member of the NFB since 1969. We
could always count on Floyd to help with the chores that were so
essential to the success of our activities. Whether it was at a
local chapter meeting, or state convention, or national convention,
if help was needed, you could count on Floyd to get it done. We
will always remember his quiet and unassuming manner. We will miss
him. We extend our condolences to Georgia, Laura, and Samantha. We
are reprinting the obituary which appeared in the Cumberland
Times/News on January 20.

          CumberlandFloyd H. "Tricky" Myers, 75, of Cumberland, died
Monday, Jan. 17, 1994 at Sacred Heart Hospital.
          Born on Jan. 13, 1919 in Alaska (Fort Ashby), W.Va, he was the
son of the late Dorsey and Mary (Lease) Myers. He was also preceded
in death by four brothers, Lloyd Myers, Gene Myers, Carl Myers, and
Russell Myers, and three sisters, Daisy Myers, Bernice Myers and
Susan Myers.
          Mr. Myers worked at the Celanese Corporation before World War
II. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from February
1941 through June 1945. He was in the 3rd Division and later in the
34th Division. He was stationed in Fort Ord, California. He was
also in the African and Italian Invasions.
          After World War II, Mr. Myers worked at Sears from 1951 to
1984 in the Service Department. He also co-owned the Tee-He
Restaurant, located on the corner of Franklin and North Mechanic
Streets from 1953 through 1969.
          He was one of the unseen heroes who helped many people and
donated many hours to the National Federation of the Blind. He had
been a member for 24 years, both locally and nationally. He
attended the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
          Surviving are his friend, companion, and wife of 48 years,
Georgia (Waingold) Myers; two daughters, Lora Lynne Myers and Sally
Robinette and her husband, Samuel (Cumberland); one sister, Pauline
"Polly" Penington and husband, Leonard; one granddaughter, Samanthe
Robey and husband Darren and two great-granddaughters, Adrienne and
Shantell Robey.


BLINDNESS IN THE MIDDLE KINGDOM: 
MY RETURN VISIT TO CHINA

by Thomas Bickford

          It was our last morning in China. We were leaving the Temple
of the Jade Buddhas in Shanghai when I heard a tapping on the walk
behind us. I asked my brother-in-law with whom I was walking to
look back and see what the source of the sound was. He said that it
was a blind man and wanted to know how I had known to ask. I know
how blind people tap even if they don't use the same technique I
use. We hurried over to the tour bus and asked our local guide to
act as interpreter.                      
          I introduced myself as a blind man from America. The Chinese
man, perhaps a little shorter and younger than I, gave me a firm
handshake and a big smile. He said he was just returning from
getting his bean peeler repaired. He opened a cardboard box several
inches long with something inside mounted in a plastic housing. I
never did discover the function of a bean peeler, but it was
important to my new friend. I asked about employment, and he said
he worked in a factory in another part of the city. I told him I
worked in Washington making books for blind people. We shook hands
again very cordially, and he went on his way giving an occasional
tap to the ground before him and the wall beside him.
          The cane, whose tapping had originally attracted my attention,
was made of unpainted wood. It was only about waist high, short by
my standards, but we did not have time for lengthy discussions, and
he was making his own way in his own country.
          Earlier in the trip I asked another one of our tour guides
what opportunities there were for blind people in China. She spoke
of special schools and job training. The only employment mentioned
was in massage work. I was left with an impression of segregated
training and limited opportunities. There seemed to be very little,
if any, expectation for blind people to take an ordinary place in
society along with their sighted peers.
          In 1966 I visited the school for the blind in Leningrad. I
asked about employment for graduates of that school. Some graduates
did go on to higher education, but the two kinds of employment
mentioned were as typists and, again, masseurs. It is honorable and
socially worthwhile work, but it is no more suited for all blind
people than it is for all sighted people.
          At another time in our China trip we visited a factory where
jade was cut into decorative figures. Our guide took care to point
out a married couple, both of whom were deaf, who worked there. I
gathered that in both China and America, deafness was less of a
handicap for employment than blindness was.
          Because my parents were missionaries, and my three sisters and
I were all born there, a family reunion trip to China seemed to be
just the thing, and 1993 was the year. There were sixteen of us,
all related by blood or marriage. We had a private tour two weeks
long, but two years in the planning. We visited seven cities, the
first four of which had special memories for us. We saw places we
had known as children, and met people who had known our parents.
          In Beijing, (say: bay-jing, as in jingle) we went to Tien An
Men square (say: tyen on mun), a truly large open area with
memorial buildings around the edge and posted lists in several
languages of the kinds of demonstrations not permitted without
prior approval. Not far away was the first McDonald's in China. You
would recognize the menu and the flavors. We toured the Forbidden
City, the imperial palace of the Manchu Dynasty, prominently
featured in the movie The Last Emperor. 
          On a day trip outside the city we stopped at the Ming tombs,
only a few hundred years old, not much by Chinese standards. Then
we climbed part of the Great Wall of China, and I do mean climbed.
That part of the Wall zigzags though the hills, and the steps along
the top are from ancient times. Only the hand rails along the sides
are modern additions. The wall was originally a military defense
with vertical stone sides ten meters high and five meters across
the top. The part we saw was in its original condition. The "great"
part comes from its length as it wanders for thousands of
kilometers across northern China. 
          Wherever there are tourists, there are tourist traps. My
sister called them "Hello shops." "Hello, T-shirt?" I bought two
for my daughters that said, "I climbed the Great Wall of China." A
week later while going up the Li river, (say lee) on a tour boat,
there was a knocking at the window, and we heard it again. "Hello,
T-shirt?" This time the hopeful vender was wearing high rubber
boots and paddling his bamboo raft. "Hello, special price for you."
With all of these people you can haggle for a price, but it is
considered poor style to haggle if you do not intend to buy. 
          Some Chinese say that they will eat anything that moves except
a car. Others say they will eat anything on four legs except the
table. I will say that if they can catch it, they don't worry about
the legs. I won't go into further detail because it might be just
before your dinner time. 
          Lunch and dinner each day were Chinese food. I improved my
skill with chopsticks and did not use the offered forkmore than
once. Dinner one day was Peking Duck, banquet fare even in China,
and the duck was very fat. We had asked that one dinner be jiaotzes
(say jyow-zuz). We would call them boiled wonton. I liked them the
way our cook made them in my childhood home, but I never before had
the variety of fillings that was served to us on this trip. I
actually enjoyed some of them. Rice was always served, and usually
soup, as well. The rest of the food was cut small and soaked in
what I think was soy sauce and sesame oil, very strong. I lost
eight pounds, which I am starting to gain back.
          My favorite foods were the snacks I remembered from childhood.
The honey-malt taffy rolled in sesame seed was still very good. The
best was still the tonghula (say tong-hula, as in the Hawaiian
dance). The fruit is a haw from the hawthorn, and looks like a
crabapple. They stab about ten haws on a bamboo stick and dip it
all in a sugar syrup to form a heavy glaze. The sharp tang of the
fruit and the sweet glaze make a wonderful balance. 
          A blind traveler from the West needs to know about doorsills.
At main entrances to buildings that survive from before the 20th
century there is often a high doorsill. These barriers extend the
full width of a wide double doorway. They may be only a narrow
board set on edge, but most of the doorsills we found on this trip
were heavy timbers eight or more inches high and thick. The proper
form is to go all the way over in one step, rather than stepping up
onto them and then down off of the doorsill. The three reasons that
I know of for doorsills come from ancient times. The first reason
is practical: they keep some dirt out. The second reason is
sociological: they keep women with bound feet in. The third reason
is from demonology: demons have very short legs. 
          Having blown my international travel budget on the trip to
China, I won't be missing the 1994 state convention for the reason
of being out of the country again. If you want to hear more about
the trip, find me after meetings, and I will tell you about my
souvenirs, or the availability of braille watches in China, or why
there is now a copy of The Freedom Bell in the library of a high
school in the city of Tienjing (say tyen-jing, as in jingle).


MY LIFE IN SCOUTING

by Charles Cheadle

From the Editor: Charles Cheadle is the son of John and Barbara
Cheadle, who are on the staff of the National Federation of the
Blind. Charles is a sophomore at Catonsville High School. He is an
active member of the NFB's Greater Baltimore Chapter and has
attended a number of state and national conventions. Here is the
text of the speech he delivered at the luncheon meeting of the NFB
of Maryland's Parents of Blind Children Division, which was held at
our convention in Ocean City last October. 

          Hello! Many of you know me, I'm Charles Cheadle. I want to
tell you a little about myself. Right now I am in the tenth grade
and attend Catonsville High School. I am heavily involved in the
Boy Scouts, and that's what I'd like to talk about today.
          I joined the Scouting organization about eight years ago.
Since then I've gone through Cub Scouting and I am now in the Boy
Scouts. Right now I am first class, and I am going for a board of
review for my next rank advancement later this week.
          This summer and for the past five summers I have gone with my
scout troop to scout camp. Scout camp is a week long camping trip
where we can work on merit badges and other skills. This summer our
troop went to Camp Horseshoe, where I earned the Environmental
Science and Lifesaving merit badges. These are both required for
the rank of eagle, which is the highest rank a scout can earn, and
which I hope to achieve. At Camp Horseshoe there is an award given
to the one scout in every troop who best demonstrates and lives up
to the scout oath and law. This year I was honored to receive this
awardI say honored because this award is given to the scout whom
the rest of the troop votes for. Needless to say, I was very happy,
and three days later got on a plane for another great scouting
experience. 
          Philmont Scout Reservation, Cimmeron, NM, was where I was
headed. With 11 other crew members in our Philmont crew, we were
headed for the ultimate in scouting adventure camps. At Philmont we
spent 12 days and nights in the "backcountry," camping, hiking, and
having the best time of our lives.
          Every morning we woke up at five, ate, packed, and got on the
trail by 6:30 a.m.! Once we got on the trail, we would hike X
number of miles, stop, eat lunch, and hike the rest of the way in
to the next camp. Most of the camps had a program, and we generally
tried to get there in time to do them. We did burro packing, black
powder shooting, pole climbing, axe throwing, andwell, you get the
idea. One of the neatest things we did was get as many rangers as
we saw on the trail or in the program sites as we could to sign our
map. After two weeks we had over 100 signatures. I don't think I'll
forget Philmont for a very long time.
          My most recent scouting accomplishment was my election and
acceptance into the Order of the Arrow, an old scouting tradition
started by the Lineae Linopen, an old Indian tribe. The OA is an
elite group of scouters who have been deemed worthy according to
this Indian tradition. The OA does special service projects for
Scouting reservations and communities. They also help run Scout
camps like Camp Horseshoe. I am very honored to be a member of the
OA.
          Now, to tie all of these experiences together, I have to say
that it was the NFB that helped me gain the confidence that I
needed to do all of these things. When I started out, the leaders
had their doubts about my ability to be as well prepared as the
other scouts on camping trips. The Federation helped me to find the
confidence not to doubt my ability, so that when it came time to go
to Philmont, no one came to my parents with any concerns about my
blindness, as they once did. Like myself they had found faith in my
ability and had no reason to question it. Because of the
Federation, I know that if I want to do something, there's no
reason I can't possibly do it.


                                                        MARYLAND JOB SERVICE
                                                     OFFERS "RESUME CLASSIFIED"

From the Editor: This article is reprinted from The Senior
Connection, a publication of the Howard County Office on Aging, in
conjunction with the Dept of Recreation & Parks, September, 1993. 
It contains information about a new program that may help you to
find a job. If you are looking for a management or professional
position, send your resume to Resume Classified.
 
          The Maryland Job Service of the Maryland Department of
Economic and Employment (DEED) will help area businesses save time
and money when searching for new employees through a new service
called "Resume Classified."
          Resume Classified gives employers an "at-a-glance" list of
summaries of professional, technical, managerial and administrative
candidates in the region, according to occupational title. After
reviewing the list, the employer may call the Job Service and
request a copy of the candidate's complete resume; the resume is
then faxed to the employer. The list is updated weekly.
          "We have adopted this innovative system to help Maryland
employers find qualified employees quickly and easily," said
Charles O. Middlebrooks, DEED assistant secretary for employment
and training. "Resume Classified will enable us to help Marylanders
find jobs, while saving employers time and money."
          Candidates referred to employers are qualified people with
experience in their career fields who have been pre-screened and
have had their resumes entered into the Resume Classified system by
DEED's local Job Service offices and Professional Outplacement
Assistance Center. Initial screening is done by the Job Service to
reduce the time and cost it normally takes to complete the
selection process.
          Companies will be able to choose from lists of applicants
whose professional backgrounds match their specifications.
Employers are assigned an exclusive access code number to enable
them to retrieve resumes by telephone. 
          Resume Classified is free to employers, and is cosponsored by
DEED's Maryland Job Service and Advantage Systems Corporation. This
service is available to employers in Maryland, Virginia, and
Washington, DC. For information on participation in the Resume
Classified system, job seekers and employers may call the Maryland
Job Service at (410) 333-5353.

                                                      WHO SHOULD LEARN BRAILLE:
                                                          FOOD FOR THOUGHT

From the Editor: this article, "Decision-Making Process," is the
third excerpt from "Selection of Reading and Writing Media for
Students With Visual Impairments: Braille, Print, or Both?" Since
this is the season when parents, students, and teachers will be
developing IEP's for the 1994-95 school year, we are including
information from the guidelines on the decision-making process. 

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
          The decision to teach Braille, print, or both will take into
consideration all of the information gathered during the
assessment. The assessment information will help the team select
from among the following options. Students may be taught to use:
          1. Braille
          2. Print
          3. Braille, complemented with print
          4. Print, complemented with Braille
          The remainder of this section provides examples of the kinds
of assessment data that will assist a team in choosing one of the
four options. Of course, assessment descriptions provided below are
somewhat generic, i.e., not all parts of the descriptions will
apply to each student. Since students are individuals, not everyone
will fit neatly into one of the four categories. In reviewing these
descriptions, team members should ask which factors best describe
the individual student. 
          It is also important to remember that when the selected option
includes both Braille and print, the amount of usage with one or
the other will vary with each student. Student input should be
obtained so that the team decision is sensitive to student
preference and concerns. Additionally, as a student's vision or
visual demands change over time, the usage of one medium over
another may change.
          However, even though a student may use one medium more than
another at a given point in time, it is critical that the student
develop proficient use of both. For the preschool student, this
will mean that opportunities for visual and tactual activities are
provided equally. Later, the amount of time teaching or practicing
with a certain medium will depend on all assessment data and the
current needs of the student. The team must continually focus on
the ultimate outcome that the student will be able to choose and
use the medium of preference or the medium most functional for a
given situation.

Which Students Should Learn Braille?
          Medical Factors: Student is totally blind, nearly so, or is
expected to experience rapid loss of vision.
          Physical Factors: An additional disability does not interfere
with the ability to learn Braille.
          Environmental Factors: Adjustments in natural and artificial
lighting do not enhance student ability to read print.
          Print Reading Factors: If the student can read print at all,
reading is extremely slow and laborious, even when all print
factors have been adjusted for maximum efficiency.
          Handwriting Factors: Student cannot read own handwriting to
carry out functional handwriting demands.
          Low Vision Technological Factors: Student cannot read print at
any comfort level, even using a CCTV or other non-portable devices.

Which Students Should learn Print?
          Medical Factors: Student has a stable eye condition, or has a
prognosis of continued improvement.
          Physical Factors: Student experiences no fatigue or discomfort
from reading. The nature of an additional disability prohibits
tactual reading. Student, when systematically assessed, exhibits
inability to process tactual information with any accuracy and
facility. 
          Environmental Factors: Student does not require extensive
modifications in natural or artificial lighting in order to read
comfortably for extended periods of time.
          Print Reading Factors: Student reads regular print comfortably
and efficiently, in most settings and circumstances. Reading rate
accuracy is commensurate with student's expected grade level.
Performance level is commensurate with overall ability. Student can
use print easily for all academic, nonacademic, and vocational
needs.
          Handwriting Factors: Student has legible handwriting and can
easily read own and others notes at a comfortable distance, even
after some time has elapsed.
          Low Vision Technological Factors: Student reads regular print
without low vision devices and comfortably uses pocket-size
magnification for reading fine print, such as the telephone book,
medicine labels, dictionary, and encyclopedia.

Which Students Should Learn Braille Complemented with Print?
          Medical Factors: Student has diagnosis or prognosis of severe
visual impairment, has a degenerative eye condition, or has
severely restricted visual fields.
          Physical Factors: Student holds book close to face, can read
only large print, or regularly suffers from headaches, fatigue, or
visual discomfort after reading. Student exhibits strong preference
for tactual exploration and learning. Student can read using an
electronic low vision aid, but with effort; cannot read with hand-
held magnifiers with any reasonable speed or comprehension. Student
is consistently unable to independently complete assigned school
work in a timely manner.
          Environmental Factors: Glare and/or lighting variations make
reading difficult or impossible in many settings.
          Print Reading Factors: Student's print reading speed is far
below that of other students of the same developmental level.
Student consistently demonstrates inaccuracy when reading. Student
has difficulty in reading a variety of print styles or print on
colored background.
          Handwriting Factors: Student can only read notes when written
with a broad tip pen 1-2 inches high and may have difficulty
accurately reading what was written, or can only read notes using
a CCTV or other non-portable devices.
          Low Vision Technological Factors: Student can write only when
using a CCTV or other non-portable device.

Which Students Should Learn Print Complemented with Braille?
          Medical Factors: Student has a currently stable eye condition
but is at risk of eventual deterioration, has a slowly progressive
eye condition, has restricted visual fields, or has fluctuating
vision.
          Physical Factors: Student posture during reading results in
back and neck strain or headaches. Student complains of watering
eyes, blurring, or other visual discomfort after extensive reading
or writing tasks. Student cannot complete assignments without
relying on other individuals or technology for reading and/or
notetaking.
          Environmental Factors: Glare and/or lighting variations make
reading difficult or impossible in some settings.
          Print Reading Factors: Student cannot read regular print,
easily and accurately, for an appropriate length of time in order
to complete tasks throughout the day. Student may read material in
both regular and large print formats. Student reads primarily in
large print format combined with optical or electronic low vision
devices. Student is unable to maintain a reading rate commensurate
with grade level work demands. Student depends on extraordinarily
large print for accessing practical information such as oral report
notes, grocery list, names and addresses, etc. In preschool,
observations should include how a student approaches learning,
i.e., a visual versus tactual approach.
          Handwriting Factors: Student has difficulty producing and
reading own or other's handwriting.
          Low Vision Technological Factors: Student may use CCTV or
other non-portable devices for visual materials such as maps and
diagrams. 


                                                       WHAT'S NEW AT THE NFB 
                                                          MATERIALS CENTER

JUST ARRIVED:
-The Journey*, fifth in the Kernel book series. A full set,
          including What Color is the Sun, The Freedom Bell, As the Twig
          is Bent*, and Making Hay (as well as the latest), is $50.
          Print, $3/copy; Braille,$10/copy; Cassette, $5/copy
          (*$3/copy).
MEDICAL DEVICES:
-Talking digital blood pressure meter, portable, lightweight unit,
          includes standard sized cuff and a travel case, battery
          operated, AIM01T, $149.
-One Touch II blood glucose monitoring system, kit comes complete
          with check strips, lancets, and travel case, AIM02T, $120
-Voice synthesizer, for use with One Touch II unit, AIM03T, $199
-Lo-Dose Count-A-Dose, device to assist diabetics to fill syringes
          with insulin. Uses B-D lo-dose (1/2 cc) disposable insulin
          syringes, AIM06M, $40
-Count-A-Dose, same as above, except it uses 1 cc disposable
          syringes, AIM11M, $40
JUST REDUCED
-Sleep shades, AIA07C, now $5
-Plastic letter writing guide, 8 1/2" x 11", AIP12W, now $2
-Coasters, set of 4 with NFB logo, assorted colors, LSA18F, now $1
SPECIALLY PRICED: WHEN THEY'RE GONE, THEY'RE GONE!
-Chess set, heavy-duty wooden board (13"x 13") with raised squares,
          each square having a hole for the peg on the bottom of the
          chessmen. Chessmen vary for identification of color. Sold as-
          is; no returns, AIG02G, now $20
-Thin travel clock, talking black plastic travel clock, AIB20T, now
          $20
-Chiming talking calculator, performs basic math functions, 8
          character output with female voice, AIB14T, now $15
-Voicer talking calculator, performs basic math functions, 8
          character output with male voice, AIB16T, now $15
-Voicer talking wizard calculator/clock, performs basic math
          functions, 8 character output with male voice, has an alarm
          and an hourly time announcement, AIB17T, now $15
NEW ITEMS
-Care and Feeding of the Long White Cane, by Thomas Bickford.
          Excellent resource for mobility teachers, parents, cane users
          and others interested in independence, LSA49P, $2
-Future Reflections-INTRODUCTORY ISSUE, miniaturized introductory
          issue of the magazine. Introduces the magazine and our
          organizationthe National Federation of the Blindas well as
          providing information on services and resources available to
          blind youth. Available in print and cassette, F0X0X, FREE
-NFB T-shirts, white cotton with a blue NFB logo on the front.
          Sizes small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large, LSA47S, $10
-NFB jackets, blue windbreaker lined with white fleece, machine
          washable. NFB logo in white on the back and on left front.
          Sizes youth small, adult small, medium, large, x-large, and
          xx-large, LSA46J, $25
AM/FM talking clock radio with alarm, includes three different
          alarm sounds, or wake to music, battery operated, AIB02T, $23
DON'T FORGET
From the Fiftieth Year, a collection of recordings of events from
          throughout the fifty year history of the organized blind,
          LSA29C, $2
Convention tape sets, the meetings and discussions of previous
          conventions are available in year sets from 1954 to 1993. Cost
          is $20 per year for 1954 through 1972 and $25 per year for
          1973 through 1993. Specify year when ordering.

LITERATURE YOU MAY NOT KNOW WE HAVE
Selected Literature for Blind Youth order form, an order form of
          literature available in various formats specifically with
          youth, their parents, and teachers in mind, BS35P, FREE
The Nature of Independence, by Kenneth Jernigan, speech given at
          the 1993 convention in Dallas, Texas, available in Braille,
          print, and cassette. Specify format, LBS05, FREE
Braille: A Renaissance, by Ramona Walhof, speech given at the 1993
          convention in Dallas, Texas, available in Braille, print, and
          cassette. Specify format, LBB49, FREE
Staying the Course, Shifting the Emphasis, by Gary Wunder, speech
          given at the 1993 NFB of Ohio convention. Available in
          Braille, print, and cassette. Specify format, LBS40P, FREE

          For a complete product list or to place an order for one of
the above items, write to us at: National Federation of the Blind,
Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, (410)
659-9314. Telephone orders accepted Monday through Friday, 12:00
noon to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time. Payment can be made by
check, money order, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA. C.O.D. is
acceptable for an extra fee. Please include the item number. 


                                                               SPECKS

COMMISSION MEMBERS. The following Federationists were appointed as
charter members of the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities for
Baltimore City: Dr. Betsy Zaborowski, Chairman; Carol Dobak, Eileen
Rivera and Arthur Segal. This commission was enacted by the
Baltimore City Council on June 21, 1993. Congratulations Dr. Betsy,
Carol, Eileen and Arthur. Blind and visually impaired residents of
Baltimore City will be well represented on this commission.
CONGRATULATIONS. Judy Rasmussen, Director of Volunteers for the
Visually Handicapped, Silver Spring, was appointed to the Maryland
Rehabilitation Advisory Council. She was also elected Vice-Chairman
of the council on March 24, 1994. Congratulations, Judy! 
NEW BABY. On January 20, 1994, a new member of the Pendleton
family, Mary Elizabeth, arrived at 4:00 AM. Mary Elizabeth's mom,
Keri, is well known to readers who shop at the NFB material center.
Congratulations to all the Pendletons.  
LEGISLATION. Thanks to our efforts at this year's Washington
seminar, five of Maryland's eight congressional representatives
(Bartlett, Bentley, Cardin, Gilcrest, and Morella) have signed up
as co-sponsors for H.R. 794, The Americans With Disabilities
Business Development Act. If enacted into law, this legislation
will permit the Small Business Administration to make loans to
blind persons who are going into business for themselves. Let's
continue to encourage all of Maryland's congressmen and senators to
support this legislation.
PARENTS' DIVISION. On March 12, the NFB of MD's Parents of Blind
Children Division sponsored a job fair for students and a
technology seminar for parents at the National Center for the
Blind. Students took part in various discussion groups including
finding summer jobs, and made the rounds among successfully
employed blind adults. In addition to panel discussions of
teachers, technology specialists, and Federation leaders, parent
toured the recently expanded International Braille Technology
Center. 
DIABETICS. NFB of MD diabetics committee announces speakers for the
following meetings: Tuesday, April 26Gloria Elfert, Nutritionist
John's Hopkins University. Tuesday May 24Dr. Ruben, well known
psychologist who is also a diabetic. Tuesday June 28Dr. Argento,
endocrinologist, will discuss cholesterol and fat. For further
information, call Donna Goodman, (410) 730-9430. Meetings of the
diabetics committee are held of the 4th Tuesday of each month, 7:15
PM, Ames United Methodist Church, Walker Ave, Pikesville.
BUSINESS DIVISION. The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Business Division meets on the first Saturday every other month
(even months). Some of the topics for future meetings include
planning investment strategies for retirement, pros and cons of
cellular phones, and computer programs to assist with business
accounting. For further information, call president Barry Hond at
(410) 484-7041.
LIBRARY. Blind and visually impaired residents of Howard County
have greater access to the information in the Howard County
Library. At each library branch, a computer terminal containing
catalog information is equipped with synthetic speech and large
print capabilities. A library spokesperson informs us that the
library has also purchased a Kurzweil Reading Edge reading machine
for each of its branches. The Reading Edge scans printed and
typeset materials, including hardback and paperback books and
documents, and then reads them aloud. For further information,
please call Val Fagen, Disabilities Services Specialist, at (410)
313-7859. 
ACCESSIBLE MENUS. Diners at The Olive Garden who are blind or
visually impaired will be able to hear the culinary offerings and
prices on the national chain's "Menu On Cassette." The eatery,
located in the Columbia Restaurant Park of Route 175, will also be
offering menus with large print along with an updated Braille menu.
The restaurant specializes in Italian food.


                                                              CALENDAR

Saturday, April 23, 10:00 am-12:00 noon. Braille Story Hour for
blind and visually impaired students, grades K-3, Division of
Vision Services, 5010 Moorland Lane, Bethesda. Sponsored by the
Sligo Creek Chapter, NFB of MD. Read stories with blind adults.
Take part in a puppet show. For more information, call (301) 946-
8345.

Saturday, April 30, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. "Beating the Odds: Learning
to compete successfully in the Job Market," a seminar for blind and
visually impaired job applicants, Staff Dining Room, First Floor,
Campus Center Bldg, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus. $5
registration fee includes lunch. Sponsored by Sligo Creek Chapter,
NFB of MD. For further information, call (301) 946-8345.

Thursday, May 5, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm. Gubernatorial Candidates Forum at
The League, 1111 East Coldspring Lane, Baltimore. Meet and question
the Gubernatorial candidates.

Friday, May 20. Payment deadline for the Maryland bus to this
year's NFB Convention in Detroit. (See insert for details.) 

Sunday, May 15-Saturday, May 21. National White Cane Week. Special
events to be conducted by local NFB chapters. 

Friday, June 3. Let's Eat; Hot dog eating contest. (see insert)

Saturday, June 25, 10:00 am. Hike along the nature trails of Oregon
Ridge State Park, or just enjoy the surroundings. Bring your own
lunch. For more information, call Ken Canterbery (410) 780-0442.

Friday, July 1-Thursday, July 7. 54th Annual NFB Convention,
Detroit. Attractive hotel rates, fabulous convention activities,
join us for a good time!

Saturday, July 30, 10:00 am - ? NFB of MD Board meeting and picnic
at Waterloo Park, Columbia. Annual Summer get-together. (See insert
for details.)

Monday, August 1. Deadline, submission of articles for next issue
of The Braille Spectator.

Friday, November 4-Sunday, November 6. 28th Annual NFB of MD
Convention, Cumberland. (See insert for early Convention
announcement.)


Join Us!

For the 54th Annual NFB Convention 

On the Maryland Bus!!!
 No taxis, no transfers!

From Maryland to the Westin Hotel, Detroit, Michigan.

Leaves 1800 Johnson Street in Baltimore on Thursday, June 30 at
6:15 am (2 additional pick-up points to be announced). Returns on
Friday, July 8th.

Make your reservations now! Cost: $110.00 per person.

Make your checks payable to NFB of MD and send to NFB of
Maryland,
9736 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, MD 21045

We must have payment in full for your reservation by Friday, May
20.

For more information, call (410) 992-9608.


For convention bus from Washington DC to Detroit leaving on July
1,
call Burnell Brown at (202) 638-4338.
28th Annual Convention
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

Holiday Inn
Cumberland, Maryland

Friday, Nov. 4Sunday Nov. 6, 1994


Plan now to take part in this action-packed, fun-filled weekend
extravaganza.

Complete convention details to be announced in the next issue of
the Braille Spectator.


Help make this convention a huge success by collecting door
prizes now!

Call (410) 992-9608 for door prize donation forms.
                                                       THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR

                                                          Al Maneki, Editor

                                                             Spring 1994

          The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, an
affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is a non-
profit organization of blind people whose purpose is to promote
equal opportunities for the blind.  We provide advocacy services
for the blind, special training programs for parents of blind
children, job referrals and placements for the blind, public 
education programs, scholarships to blind students, and help the
newly blinded to acquire special techniques for maintaining
productive lives.
          The Braille Spectator is published quarterly for members of
the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and others who
share an interest in the work of this organization.  The recorded
edition, available on cassette, can be obtained upon request.
Cassettes may be returned to the National Center for the Blind,
1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.
          Send all inquiries, donations, news items, articles, letters
to the editor, address changes and additions to the circulation
list to the NFB of Maryland, 9736 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, MD
21045.

          Officers of the NFB of Maryland: Sharon Maneki, President;
Eileen Rivera, First Vice President, Barry Hond, Second Vice
President; Debbie Brown, Secretary; Judy Rasmussen, Treasurer.
          Members of the Board of Directors: Ken Canterbery, Ronald
Coleman, Jean Faulkner, Fred Flowers, Blanche Payne, Brenda
Williams.                                                    



CHAPTERS AND DIVISIONS OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND

Baltimore County Chapter, Hilda Cullison, president (410)284-2575
          Monthly meetings second Thursday
Greater Baltimore Chapter, Eileen Rivera, president (410)433-5176
          Monthly meetings third Saturday
Central Maryland Chapter, Brenda Mueller, president (301)551-7057
          Monthly meetings third Tuesday
Greater Cumberland Chapter, Gary Klatt, president (301)777-0131
          Monthly meetings first Tuesday
Frederick County Chapter, Gerald Schultz, president (301)662-6803
          Monthly meetings fourth Tuesday
Sligo Creek Chapter, Lloyd Rasmussen, president (301)946-8345
          Monthly meetings second Saturday
Mountain City Chapter, Jean Faulkner, president (301)729-8942
          Monthly meetings third Thursday
Southern Maryland Chapter, Ken Silberman, president (301)552-2839
          Monthly meetings fourth Saturday
Parents of Blind Children Division, Barbara Cheadle, president
(410)747-3472
Business Division, Barry Hond, president (410)484-7041
Diabetics Support Network, Donna Goodman, chairman (410)730-9430
          Monthly meetings fourth Tuesday
