OFFICERS

PRESIDENT - Joseph Ruffalo
VICE PRESIDENT - Ever Lee Hairston
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - Tracy Hall
SECRETARY - Jerilyn Higgins
TREASURER - Gloria Lewis

BOARD MEMBERS

Kathleen Benjamin, Rose Bethea, 
Jerry Moreno, and Michelle Foster

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Garden State Chapter - Ever Lee Hairston (609) 321-1296
Northern (Essex) Chapter - Edwin Lewinson (201) 675-3377
Metro-Suburban Chapter - Jerry Moreno (201) 751-8771
Atlantic - Cape May Chapter - Michelle Foster (609) 653-0869

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND

David DeNotaris - (201) 239-8884

PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN

Carol Castellano - (201) 377-0976

LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR

David Mostello - (609) 799-8424

NEWSLINE FOR THE BLIND

Harrison Burton, Jr.  - (609) 784-7247

BRAILLE MENTORING PROGRAM

Robert Kanish - 1- (908) 638-4715

THE SOUNDING BOARD

Joseph Ruffalo, Editor
Rachael Degenshein, Co-editor

Published in print and cassette by 

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY
JOSEPH RUFFALO, PRESIDENT

State Affiliate Office
69 Prospect Place
Belleville, NJ 07109

Letters to the President, address changes,
subscription requests, letters to the editor,
and articles for the Sounding Board
should be sent to the State Affiliate Office.

Sounding Board subscriptions cost the Federation about six dollars per
year.  Members are invited and non-members are requested to cover 
the subscription cost.  Donations should be made payable to the 
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and sent to the 
State Affiliate Office

Sounding Board has been printed by Budget Print of Bloomfield, New 
Jersey, and recorded by Joel Blake.
************************
If you or a friend would like to remember the National Federation of 
the Blind of New Jersey in your will, you can do so by employing the 
following language: I give, devise, and bequeath unto the National 
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, 69 Prospect Place, Belleville, 
New Jersey 07109, a non-profit corporation the sum of $	 ( or 	 
percent of my net estate or The following stocks and bonds: 	)  to 
be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons.
************************



PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

Dear Federationists, 
	The start of a new year signifies the continuation of the legacy of 
excellence of the National Federation of the Blind and the National 
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

	In October, the Northern Chapter commemorated White Cane 
Safety Day by informing people at Penn Station in Newark of the use 
and purpose of the long, white cane.  Although the rain was falling, 
these energetic volunteers had rising spirits knowing that they helped 
to enlighten those who would not have otherwise known about the cane 
or any other blindness issues for that matter.

	In November, the Metro-Suburban Chapter, participated in Kids 
Unlock the Darkness, an informative and fun day of blindness 
instruction and enlightenment to second and third grade students in 
Bloomfield in conjunction with the Bloomfield High School Key Club.  
Once again, we were given the opportunity to redefine the meaning of 
blindness for the public.  

	In September, the Garden State Chapter went to the National 
Center for the Blind in Baltimore for a day of education and fun.  At the 
Cherry Hill Mall in November, they held a Braille Awareness Day.  The 
day was focused on passing out brochures and other materials to open 
the eyes of the public to the National Federation of the Blind.  On 
March 1, 1997, the Garden State Chapter hosted its annual talent 
showcase which was wonderful!

	Each chapters annual holiday party was a huge success!  
Complete with delicious holiday goodies, visits from Santa, and gifts, 
the celebration was one which will not soon be forgotten.

	As of October 1, 1996, Newsline for the Blind is here!  We in 
New Jersey can now access the same information our sighted peers 
have been able to utilize all along and in a way that is comfortable and 
convenient for us!  Available now are the Chicago Tribune, New York 
Times, and USA Today with local papers soon to join.  The 
subscription cost for ANY blind individual in New Jersey is FREE!  The 
only cost is that of the phone call.  As of March 1 a message system 
will be in effect.  Plans for Jobline are also underway.  An application 
form for Newsline can be found later in this issue.  A huge thanks to 
Harrison Burton, Jr. and the Commission for the Blind for all their work 
and vision in making Newsline a reality!  For more information on 
Newsline, contact Harrison at (609) 784-7247 or me at (201) 450-
3030.

	The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey received a 
Proclamation from Governor Whitmans office proclaiming December 
29, 1996 through January 4, 1997 Braille Literacy Week.  We are 
grateful for the acknowledgment that the governor recognizes the 
importance of literacy for the Blind.

	The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey once again 
participated in the annual Washington Seminar.  Represented by 
sixteen members of the NFBNJ, it was relatively easy to schedule 
appointments with our fifteen elected officials to Congress.  There were 
three main issues which were discussed.  The first issue was that 
Congress should restore work incentive equity for blind individuals by 
re-enacting the identical earnings exemption threshold for blind and 
senior citizen beneficiaries under title II of the Social Security Act.  The 
second issue was that Congress should amend the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to include provisions for 
strengthening programs of Braille literacy instruction.  The final issue 
discussed was that Congress should enact legislation this year to 
reauthorize the existing federal/state program of vocational 
rehabilitation.  The Braille Monitor contains further information on these 
issues, consult further editions for those facts.

	The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is proud to 
announce that Ramona Walhof, President of the NFB of Idaho and 
Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind will be the National 
office representative at our state convention in Parsippany, at the 
Parsippany Hilton, April 18, 19, 20.  Ms. Walhof graduated 
valedictorian of her high school class and later received her Bachelors 
degree in Russian language from Georgetown University.  Additionally, 
she has written widely on topics relating to blindness.  She has been 
president of the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho for nine years, 
and Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind for four years.

	Tracy Hall is coordinating Talent Showcase Night the Friday 
evening of the convention, April 18th.  For more information contact 
Tracy at (201) 678-8523.

	Recently, the NFBNJ has mailed raffle books to everyone on our 
mailing list.  The proceeds from this fundraiser will assist us in our 
scholarship fund.  This year we are remembering a former scholarship 
winner who has recently passed away, Douglas Burroughs with the 
Douglas Burroughs Memorial Scholarship.  Your generosity over the 
past few years has been incredible and we hope the support will 
continue.

	The information in every issue of The Sounding Board takes 
weeks to collect, and days to edit.  The tapes and printed materials are 
expensive.  It is ridiculous to merely throw away old issues.  After you 
have finished with the issues, pass them on to a friend, a teacher, a 
neighbor, anyone.  If you dont know anyone who would want one or 
you are simply done, mail it back to me and I will find plenty of people 
who can use it.  

	If you are planning to go to New Orleans for the National 
Convention June 27 through July 6, please contact me so that I can 
arrange a special rate for the airline fare.  

	In conclusion, we anticipate another stellar year for the National 
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey because all of you are making it 
stellar.  Keep up the good work!

								Sincerely,




								Joseph Ruffalo, 
								President NFBNJ
	

Editors Note:  Many Sounding Board readers are familiar with Gloria 
	Lewis as she has consistently contributed to our newsletter.  She 
	is Treasurer of the Northern Chapter and State Affiliate.  For the 
	past several years, Gloria has successfully run the Registration 
	Table at our State Convention.  Gloria is always enthusiastic to 
	assist in blindness issues.


A NETW0RK OF ORGANIZATIONS
by Gloria Lewis

	The New Jersey Network of Organizations is a coalition of and for 
people with vision loss.  This is a coalition of public and private 
agencies, health and professional associations, schools, consumer and 
volunteer groups who are all concerned about present and future 
issues of advocacy, education, and service delivery to the Blind and 
Visually Impaired.

	Some of our legislators have proposed measures that could 
result in poorer service delivery to disabled individuals.  These 
measures do not support programs and services for the Blind provided 
through specialized agencies, instead they suggest cross disability 
programs to be administered by a generic disability agency.  If adopted, 
this cross disability approach will mean that individuals with significant 
disabilities will not be assured the specialized services they need from 
people trained specifically in service delivery to disabled individuals.  

	With this critical issue in mind, the Network invited Dr. Kenneth 
Jernigan, President Emeritus of the National Federation of the Blind, to 
address its meeting of October 30, 1996, at the Joseph Kohn 
Rehabilitation Center in New Brunswick.  Dr. Jernigan was asked to 
give an update on this issue with regard to the future.  

	Dr. Jernigan told the gathering, which included officials from 
public and private agencies, members of the Northern chapter, Garden 
State chapter, and Parents of Blind Children that such a political 
situation requires our energy, our resources, and our will to protect our 
programs.  It also requires, he emphasized, a profound understanding 
of the need to be deliberate in preserving all programs and services for 
the Blind.  

	The agencies need deep and committed support from the Blind 
they serve, continued Dr. Jernigan, they also need to establish 
meaningful community of purpose with consumer organizations.  The 
agency officials were advised to work cooperatively with consumer 
organizations to ensure support in time of need.  Dr. Jernigan asserted 
that the best possible insurance policy for an agency for the Blind is a 
strong independent organization of blind consumers.  As long as the 
members of such an organization are satisfied that the agency is 
responsive to their needs, then, at the time of crisis, they will approach 
the public and government to seek funding and support to protect the 
agency.

	With deep conviction, Dr. Jernigan stated that in the general 
melting pot of the generic disability agency, the Blind will have no useful 
training, no meaningful opportunity, and no real chance.  There is only 
one way the specialized programs for the Blind can survive, the 
agencies and strong independent grassroots organizations of the Blind 
must work together to make it happen.  

	An agency should try to promote the concept of self-help and of 
local organizations combined into a state and national entity, 
encouraged Dr. Jernigan, and it should take occasion to publicize its 
alliance with the organization.  In return, if the agency is satisfactory, 
the organization should do the same.

	Finally, Dr. Jernigan advised against waiting for a crisis to build 
strong organizations.  Every local area needs strong organizations, he 
urged, at the monthly chapter meetings, time should be devoted to 
studying the laws and regulations affecting the agencies and the 
program structure that governs in the state.  He suggested that blind 
people form study groups to learn about the laws and policies under 
which services are provided, the techniques of political organization, 
and how to exercise the power that is inherent in organization.

	The involvement of all blind consumers is essential, if we must 
influence the direction of our rehabilitation.  

Editors Note:  Ever Lee Hairston serves as Scholarship Chairperson.  
	Ever Lee is an active member as she is President of the Garden 
	State Chapter and First Vice President to the State Affiliate.  Her 
	energetic personality makes her a joy to work with.  


AN ADVENTURE TO BALTIMORE
by Ever Lee Hairston

	The Garden State Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind 
of New Jersey planned a trip to Baltimore for Saturday, September 21, 
1996.  The day was truly an adventure.  All of the participants gathered 
between the hours of 7:30 am and 7:45 for departure.

	However, the bus didnt arrive until 10:00 am.  During our long 
and frustrating wait, we entertained ourselves by eating bagels and 
drinking tea and coffee and sharing some personal experiences.  Our 
ride to Baltimore was enhanced by our listening to some descriptive 
videos.

	We arrived at our first destination (The National Center for the 
Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD) without too many 
problems.  Once there, we broke into smaller groups; a few of us ran to 
a NFB meeting which was already in session.  Another group went to 
the National Braille and Technology Center and others went to the 
Materials Center.

	At approximately 1:00 p.m., we left our National Center with 
excitement and bags of much needed materials purchased at the 
center.  

	Our second destination was the Inner Harbor.  An event all blind 
persons must experience was dining at the famous Phillips Restaurant.

	We departed from the Inner Harbor at approximately 5:30 and 
continued to have lots of fun sharing with each other our wonderful and 
awesome day in Baltimore.

STATE CONVENTION TO BE HELD AT THE PARSIPPANY HILTON
by Rachael Degenshein

	From April 18 to April 20 this year, if you attend the New Jersey 
State Convention, you will find yourself in the lap of luxury.  This years 
convention is being held at the Parsippany Hilton.  

	For  conferences, business meetings and social functions, more 
than 25,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space is available 
including 24 meeting rooms for banquets.  In addition, the individual 
rooms feature climate control and remote-control color TV with full 
cable, including CNN, HBO, ESPN., Spectravision and in-house 
movies.  Complete recreational activities are at your disposal including 
indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzi, complete fitness center, volleyball, 
tennis, and basketball courts, and campus jogging trails. 

	While at the convention, you will never go hungry.  With four in 
hotel dining options to choose from virtually every type of food is 
available.  Livingstons Chophouse serves the finest in grilled meats, 
poultry and seafood items.  If specialty selections are more your style, 
you might want to try The Meadows.  When you are in a mood to just 
unwind, you may want to go to The Atrium, the lobby bar which serves 
select wines, and single malt scotches.  In the Hotel Lobby, you can 
still experience a taste of the Caribbean at the Coco Loco Club.  Here 
you will find games, sports tv, music, dancing, hungry hour buffet, and 
Pizza Hut pizza.  

	The Parsippany Hilton is ideally located at the junction of Route 
10 and Route 287, close to Garden State Parkway and I-95.  For more 
information, contact Mr. Joseph Ruffalo at (201) 450-3030.  Make sure 
you say that you will be attending the National Federation of the Blind of 
New Jersey State Convention to insure that you take advantage of our 
special $65 rate!


PRE-REGISTRATION FORM 

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is proud to 
announce our 21st annual state convention to be held on April 18th, 
19th, and 20th, 1997 at the Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Court, 
Parsippany, NJ 07054.

NAME:							

ADDRESS:							

CITY STATE ZIP:					

PHONE NUMBER:					

	Please list additional names on a separate sheet of paper

								EA		TOTAL

Registration $10 per person 								

$5 for Children (including child care)						

Lunch April 19th, $10 per person							

Banquet April 19th $20 per person							

Total Enclosed										

Make your checks payable to 
The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
and mail to
Joseph Ruffalo 69 Prospect Place, Belleville, NJ 07109

For additional information contact Joseph Ruffalo at:
(201) 450-3030

Dont forget!  Call 1-201-267-7373 for special $65 NFB rate.
All volunteers report to registration table upon arrival!

FREE HOW-TO SEMINAR OFFERED TO BLIND JOB SEEKERS, 
EMPLOYERS
by David DeNotaris

	Are you legally blind and looking for work?  Are you an employer 
looking for steady, intelligent employees?  The National Federation of 
the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ) in cooperation with Job Opportunities 
for the Blind (JOB) is proud to present a unique FREE workshop:  THE 
1997 HOW-TO SEMINAR for employers and blind job seekers, on 
Friday, April 18, 1997 (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at the PARSIPPANY 
HILTON, 1 Hilton Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054, (201) 267-7373.

	Experienced blind speakers will cover topics such as HOW-TO 
develop a network that works for you; HOW-TO answer tough 
questions at a job interview; HOW-TO access the Graphical User 
Interface (GUI), Microsoft Windows and Internet; and for employers, 
HOW-TO interview and employ a competent blind person!

	This seminar is for any job seeker who is blind or visually 
impaired, and any employer interested in hiring hard-working, creative, 
problem-solving individuals.  Participants will meet successfully 
employed blind Americans who are employed in the jobs they wanted 
to do, right alongside their sighted neighbors.  The many lively 
presentations will take the mystery out of blindness.
	
	Come find out what really works from the people who really 
know!  The 1997 HOW-TO Job Seminar is your personal connection 
to employment.  For additional data, visit the on-site Vendors Room 
accessible products for the blind employee.

	Job Opportunities for the Blind is a joint project of the National 
Federation of the Blind and the US Department of Labor.  If you would 
like more information, please call:  David J. DeNotaris, Seminar 
coordinator, at (201) 239-8884, or e-mail via Internet to:  
76546.650@compuserve.com.




Editors Note:  The following is a conversation and recollections of two 
of our NFBNJ members, Cheryl Osolinski and her blind daughter, 
Cortney.  They now feel they are receiving the best Orientation and 
Mobility instruction the world has to offer.  Their instructors are 
experienced, active, free of cost, and really know the skills of cane 
travel.  They are the blind adults of the National Federation of the Blind!  
Continue reading and you will see several examples of their lessons.

THREE BLIND LADIES AND ONE LONG WHITE CANE

by Cheryl and Cortney Osolinski

Cheryl:  My map shows the hotel is right here!
Cortney :  Well, why dont you ask someone else?
Cheryl:  I asked three people and saw two maps already.  Look at that 
	building!  Weve passed it six times now!
Cortney:  Didnt this happen to you before?
Cheryl:  Yes, but this time I called Holiday Inn and got excellent 
	directions.
Cortney:  Yeah right.  So then, where are we?
Cheryl (recalls NFB visits to Washington DC area):  1994 -- The first 
	time I drove, I was lost in DC for over an hour, driving past the 
	same buildings, streets, and capital.  I got a broken windshield 
	from a rock, there was solid ice on even the main highways, but  
	it was the only way I knew how to travel.  I swore Id never drive 
	there again!
		1995 -- I was taken to the train station, I walked in and  
	had no idea where to go, or what to do.  Then I saw my NFB  
	friends The Three Blind Ladies.  They showed me how to get a  
	ticket, where to wait, what to listen for, and how to board a train!   
	What a nice relaxing trip.
		1996 -- I took my daughter Cortney with me this year.  I 
	showed her what The Three Blind Ladies taught me.  The trip 
	was problem-free, it was a breeze.
		(back to present) -- Either time does heal all wounds, or 
	Ive lost my mind!  Here we are driving in circles, passing that 
	same building again.  Were tired, hungry, and Im probably late 
	for the Parents of Blind Children meeting Im speaking at!  Oh 
	for the love of Pete, why didnt we take the train, or bus, or 
	mule, anything but this.  Suddenly, I am very relieved.  I see her 
	out of the car window, she is walking confidently down the  
	street (I still cant tell you what street).  It was the long white  
	cane that caught my attention.  I whipped the car off the road   
	and Cortney put her window down.

Cortney:  How do you get to the Holiday Inn on C. Street?
Kind stranger with cane:  Did you see the street I just crossed? (she 
	pointed with her thumb over her shoulder)
Cheryl:  Yes?
Kind stranger with cane:  Cross it as I did.  Go two blocks and make a 
	left, the hotel is on the right.
Cheryl and Cortney:  Thank you.

Two minutes later.......
Cheryl:  There it is!

Three days later, driving home......
Cortney:  Mom, are there any people with long white canes out the 
	window?
Cheryl:  I dont see any.
Cortney:  Then how are we going to get home?

















Editors Note:  Members of the Metro-Suburban Chapter, Jerry and 
	Madeline Moreno along with Jerilyn Higgins enlightened the 
	children and faculty by operating the information table.  At this 
	table, they distributed Kernel books, Braille cards, and balloons, 
	and Jerilyn brailled the childrens names.

KIDS UNLOCK THE DARKNESS

	This year, the Bloomfield High School Key Club is focusing on 
visual impairment and the positive manner in which people overcome 
handicaps such as blindness.  To promote this theme, the club has 
organized several new service projects.  Two Bloomfield Key Clubbers 
currently serve as Vision Volunteers, a program which permits them to 
serve as aids to visually impaired individuals.  Additionally, the club 
organized a larger project that involved the second and third grade 
students in the town.

	The club named this project Kids Unlock the Darkness.  On 
November 16, 1996, children in grades two and three gathered at 
Bloomfield High School for an exciting day of activities.  Key Clubbers 
divided the children into different groups, each of which had its own 
textured material as a distinguishing feature.  Everyone in attendance 
gathered in the auditorium to listen to a motivational speech by David 
DeNotaris.  Mr. DeNotaris, a blind speaker and former champion 
weight lifter, discussed the importance of confidence in confronting and 
overcoming obstacles.  Mr. DeNotaris stressed the idea that people 
can overcome any handicap with perseverance and dedication.  The 
children enjoyed his speech, as did the students and faculty.  Then, 
Mr. DeNotaris gave the children an opportunity to ask questions about 
their goals, their hopes, and their aspirations.

	Next, the children broke into groups and participated in some 
really fun activities prepared by our Key Clubbers and other 
organizations.  Mrs. Lawton, of the PHASE program in Bloomfield, 
presented a skit to the children.  In her presentation, Mrs. Lawton used 
a blind puppet named Renaldo.  The children spoke to Renaldo and 
asked him questions about the ways in which he managed to lead a 
normal life, just like them.  Renaldos answers shocked the children.  
They were unaware that blind people lead ordinary lives and participate 
in the same sports, hobbies, and activities as the sighted.
	
	Then, the children met some interesting characters.  Two dogs 
from the Seeing Eye came to meet with the children.  The children 
listened to a brief speech on the manner in which seeing eye dogs are 
raised.  The children also received an opportunity to play with the 
zealous animals.

	Next, the children worked on arts and crafts projects.  However, 
unlike an ordinary arts and crafts project, these creations utilized 
various textures and shapes, as opposed to fancy colors and designs.  
The art projects were donated to visually impaired children who were 
able to enjoy the shapes and textures and discover the features of 
these adorable bear projects.

	Finally, the children participated in numerous blindfolded games.  
First, our Key Clubbers guided the blindfolded children through a maze.  
The children used canes to maneuver their way, just as Mr. DeNotaris 
used his cane.  The children then tried to guess unknown objects that 
they touched in covered boxes.  Amazingly, wet noodles were mistaken 
for worms!

	The afternoon accomplished much more than its organizers 
expected.  Everyone in attendance learned a great deal about their own 
abilities and strengths.  They also learned that they could look at 
problems in many different ways as they searched for solutions.   

	The Bloomfield Key Club is currently working on a project to visit 
and assist a visually impaired day care center and also send a visually 
impaired student at the middle school and his family for a vacation this 
summer at the Sunshine House.  The Key Club will provide this trip all 
expenses paid.







Editors Note:  Carol Castellano, President of Parents of Blind Children 
	of New Jersey, is an extremely active member and an inspiration.  
	Being president  of the Belleville Lions Club myself, I feel it is 
	important for all the Federationists to become involved in other 
	clubs, outside the Federation.  This will provide you with a sense 
	of duty, pride, and belonging and will help the members of the 
	organization you join to see that the Blind and Visually Impaired 
	can and should be integrated on the basis of equality into all 
	aspects of a predominantly sighted world.  Carol exemplified this 
	by presenting at the Belleville Lions Club annual dance the 
	Dummy Copy of the book.  Her comments on how her publication 
	got off the ground follow.


THE BELLEVILLE LIONS MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE
by Carol Castellano

	In September of 1995, my daughter Serena and I went to the 
Belleville Lions with a dream.  It was a dream to publish a book that 
would help parents and teachers of blind children bridge the gap 
between print and Braille.  We knew that parents wanted to find out 
how to teach their blind child the alphabet and show them how to write 
1+1=2.  They wanted to be able to help with the homework and check 
the spelling.  They wanted the assistance that would enable them to 
just be ordinary parents to their blind children.
	
	We presented the Lions with a modest plan.  We needed enough 
money to finalize our manuscript and print one hundred books.  The 
proceeds from the sale of the first hundred would fund the printing of 
the next hundred.
	
	The Belleville Lions must have liked our idea, because three days 
later we had a check in hand for the full amount we needed!  We were 
able to go forward with finishing the manuscript and planning for the 
printing of one hundred books.  As we went on with the project, we 
realized that we would need more than one hundred books and we 
were planning to print two hundred.  Right now, decisions are being 
made about printing five hundred or even a thousand!

	None of this would have been possible without the support of the 
National Federation of the Blind, the National Organization of Parents of 
Blind Children, and, of course, our friends, the Belleville Lions!

	Here is what the back cover of the book has to say:
	The Bridge to Braille:  Reading and School Success for the 
Young Blind Child, by Carol Castellano and Dawn Kosman, is a 
practical, step-by-step- guide that will show parents and teachers how 
to help blind children progress from early literacy experiences all the 
way to full participation in the classroom.  The authors answer the 
basic questions -- How can I teach my preschooler the alphabet? and 
How do I show my child how to write 2+2? -- as well as questions that 
come up further down the road -- How does a blind student take notes 
for a science report?  and When should my child get a talking 
computer?  With sections like Adapting Materials, Doing Math in 
Braille, and Independence in the Classroom, this book demystifies 
the education of blind children and enables parents to give ordinary 
help with spelling, homework, reports, and projects to their child who 
happens to be blind.



















Editors Note:  Cindys determination at the age of 14 was a 
	premonition of future success to come her way, no matter what 
	field she chose to pursue.  She served as Student Division 
	President of New Jersey and has attended Washington 
	Seminars.  She is a graduate of Rutgers University where she 
	received both a Bachelors and Masters Degree.  She attended 
	NYU law school and graduated with honors in May of 1996.  
	Cindy has recently passed both New York and New Jersey bar 
	exams.  Cindy hopes to specialize in disability law later on, but is 
	currently pursuing a professorship at William Paterson college in 
	New Jersey.  

LEARNING THE ROPES
by Cindy Simon

	As of recently, I have had occasion to go on a few job interviews.  
One, in which I was being interviewed for a professors position, 
included questions about how I would know what was going on in my 
classroom and how I would know how my students were responding to 
my teaching.  In another interview for a position as a lawyer in an 
agency that deals with individuals with disabilities my interviewer, 
knowing that I possessed some degree of visual disability, informed me 
that lawyers were expected to have their own cars so they could get to 
court and visit clients who are unable to come into the office.  There 
was a time when both of these interviews would have resulted in double 
negative outcomes.  The first negative would be that I would not receive 
an offer.  The second negative result would have been the disservice I 
would have done for future blind professors or lawyers seeking 
employment where I had.

	That time, thankfully, is in the past.  I was able to confidently and 
successfully respond to both interviewers.  Whether they hired me 
would be based on my background and qualifications for the job, not on 
how well I could see my students or what method of transportation I 
used to get to court or anywhere else.

	Where I learned to be a professor and lawyer is not where I 
learned to answer the above interview questions successfully.  
Ironically, where I learned my professions, I did not even learn that 
these questions had acceptable answers a blind person could give.  
After all, how would a blind person see her students or get to a court in 
the middle of nowhere?

	When I was little I ignored my blindness for the most part.  The 
only consequences of my blindness that I could not ignore were that I 
was kept out of organized sports and that I was picked on an awful lot 
for being different.  My mother solved the sports problem by letting me 
join a swim team.  As for being picked on, my classmates grew up.  
Instead of making fun of me, some have learned to understand 
blindness and others have discriminated because of it.

	As I got older I realized there was more to life than organized 
sports and avoiding being picked on by my classmates.  There was a 
whole world out there and I wanted to be part of it even if I couldnt see 
it all that well, and even if I couldnt drive myself around it.  My mother 
did not have all the answers now and time would not change the world 
as it had my classmates.  I tried to ignore these realities by focusing on 
school and what I could do.  I also kept dreaming, and missing 
opportunities to pursue my dreams not because I was blind, but 
because I had rather bad mobility skills and little faith in what I could 
do.  

	Shortly after the most upsetting and one of the more blatant acts 
of discrimination I had experienced, I would begin to learn firsthand that 
blind people could be successful in my chosen field as well as almost 
any other, and I would begin to learn how to be a successful blind 
person.  The act of discrimination occurred when I sought the position 
of student government secretary.  One of my fellow student 
government members said I could not be secretary for obvious 
reasons, I was blind.  No other member in a body that was considered 
one of the schools most liberal student governments even suggested 
that this comment was wrong and misguided, not to mention 
discriminatory.  I was upset and unsure what to do.  I had no great 
dream of being student government secretary, although I would 
eventually hold that post.  I did dream, however, of being an elected 
official.  How could I win an election in a district where most people 
would not have personal contact with me if I could not even get one 
person in a body I had served in for a year to say I was qualified to run?  
I was heartbroken, but fate was on my side.  A couple of weeks later, I 
was notified that I had won a scholarship from the National Federation 
of the Blind.  The only catch was I had to come out to the convention by 
myself.  I needed the money, I had never been to Colorado and I am 
always up for going to a new state.  So I went.  In spite of my poor 
mobility skills, I made it to the hotel in one piece and quite relieved.  At 
this convention, I learned of Homer Page and other blind elected 
officials.  I learned that I could succeed and I started to learn how.

	The scholarship money I received in 1989 and again in 1995 from 
the National Federation of the Blind and the scholarship money I 
received in 1988 and 1995 from the National Federation of the Blind of 
New Jersey helped me pay for school, but the requirement that I attend 
the conventions gave me my freedom.  For your assistance, both 
financial and in freeing me, I thank the NFB and the NFBNJ.
************************

	The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey sadly 
announces the passing of one of its newest, but most inspirational 
members.  Douglas Burroughs died in his parents home in 
Merchanicsville, Maryland on Sunday, September 1 from a severe 
attack of cancer at age 27.  Doug, a graduate student at Trenton State 
College of New Jersey, attended state and national conventions, spoke 
to children in hospitals, did a weekly blues radio show, played the 
guitar, and countless other activities despite battling cancer for most of 
his adolescent and adult life.  Dougs scholastic achievements earned 
him the NFB of New Jerseys top academic scholarship in 1995.  His 
deeply personal and moving remarks about pushing forward in the face 
of adversity and being ones own best advocate truly exemplified the 
ideals of the Federation and served as a model by which we can all 
measure our own efforts.  Starting in 1997 the New Jersey affiliate will 
award a scholarship in Dougs honor to a worthy academic recipient.  
Though Doug is no longer with us in body, his tremendous fortitude 
and serene, good-natured sense of humor in even the toughest and 
most painful times will always give the rest of us strength to persevere 
no matter what obstacles life may throw in our way.  He will be missed.  
Additional donations to the Doug Burroughs scholarship fund can be 
sent to NFBNJ 69 Prospect Place Belleville, NJ 07109.  Make checks 
payable to NFBNJ, in memo portion please note DOUG FUND.

Editors Note:  Agnes Allen, Secretary of the Garden State Chapter, 
	and a member of our Braille Mentoring Program has devoted 
	much of her life to providing literacy to the Blind and Visually 
	Impaired.  Agnes deserves commendation.

BRAILLE LITERACY DAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1996
by Agnes Allen

	On Monday, November 11, 1996 (Veterans Day), several 
members of the Garden State Chapter of the NFB of New Jersey met 
at Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to honor Braille Literacy 
Day.  Those members who participated were Harrison Burton, Al 
Dowdney, Ever Lee Hairston, Christina Gountas, Aleni Gountas, 
Cortney Osolinski, Cheryl Osolinski, Lee Roberts, myself, and Carolyn 
Cresson, a non-member but a most interested person and enthusiast 
for Braille.

	Braille demonstrations, distribution of NFB literature and lively 
interaction between chapter members and the general public 
highlighted the day.

	The two children, Cortney and Christina, were particularly hard at 
work at the Braillers, transcribing names for people who stopped at our 
table.  Much information was disseminated about the National 
Federation of the Blind which will hopefully benefit persons who would 
not otherwise learn of the NFB and its philosophy, purpose, and goals.

	Formerly, Braille Literacy Day or Braille Awareness Day was held 
on or about the birthday of Louis Braille, i.e. January fourth.  The 
reason why the November date was chosen this year was that the 
holiday, Veterans Day, would motivate more people to shop at the mall 
for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations; 
consequently, presenting a greater opportunity for us to bring Braille to 
the attention of more people.

	We are planning to make Braille Literacy Day a semi-annual 
event taking place at the various shopping malls in South Jersey.  
Thanks to all of you who made it happen on November 11, 1996.

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE THIRD ANNUAL REGIONAL 
CONSUMER FORUM SERIES HELD BY THE NJ COMMISSION 
FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN CONJUNCTION 
WITH THE REHABILITATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RAC)
by Jamie Hilton

	We need your input!  Your concerns and comments are 
extremely important to the RAC and will be used in making 
recommendations to the Commission for the improvement of services 
to individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who are blind and 
visually impaired.

	We hope you will participate!  The following list provides 
information on the date, time, and location of each regional forum, along 
with the name and phone number of a contact person.  In order for the 
necessary seating and refreshment arrangements to be made, we ask 
that you please call and advise us of your participation as soon as 
possible, preferably two weeks before the scheduled date of the forum 
in your region.

	Dont let transportation problems stop you!  We encourage you to 
contact your countys para-transit office if you need their services.  
Consumers who will not be accompanied by a sighted-guide, are 
unable to travel to the forum using the available public or para-
transportation and require assistance should call their regions contact 
person as soon as possible.

	We are looking forward to having you join us!











FACT SHEET

FORUM LOCATION AND CONTACT:

CENTRAL REGION - Toms River Office - Hunterdon, Mercer, 
	Middlesex, Ocean, Union and Somerset, Monmouth Counties
CONTACT:  Edward Gorczyca (908) 255-0900 or (908) 255-0720
DATE:  Wednesday, April 2, 1997
PLACE:  Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center
	130 Livingston Avenue
	New Brunswick, NJ
TIME:  3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

METROPOLITAN REGION -  Newark Office - Essex and Hudson 
	Counties
CONTACT:  John Reiff (201) 648- 4780 or 2111
DATE:  Saturday, May 3, 1997
PLACE:  Robeson Hall (part of Rutgers Newark Campus)
	350 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark
	(Between Warren and Bleecker Streets)
TIME:  10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

NORTHERN REGION - Paterson/Newark Office - Bergen, Morris, 
	Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties
CONTACT:  Mary Sirera (201) 648-7504 or 7897
DATE:  Monday, March 24, 1997
PLACE:  Bergen County Freeholders Public Meeting Room - Rm. 301
	21 Main Street, Hackensack
TIME:  4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

SOUTHERN REGION - Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Salem, 
	Atlantic, and Cape May Counties
CONTACT:  Vito DeSantis (609) 757-2506 or (609) 757-2815
DATE:  Thursday, March 27, 1997
PLACE:  Camden Office
	101 Haddon Avenue
TIME:  12 p.m. - 3 p.m.


Editors Note:  Mike Marrazzo is a very active participant in the blind 
	community.  He is a member of the Lions Club and he chairs the 
	Lions statewide cane committee.  Additionally, Mike has served 
	on numerous state Lion committees and project committees and 
	he chairs the rehabilitation advisory council for the Commission 
	for the Blind.  He has been involved in this for three years, from 
	1993 to 1996, and is currently a member.  Mike Marrazzo serves 
	on the State Human Services Advisory Council.  Also, he is a 
	REC liaison for the Board of Trustees and the Founding 
President 	of the Network of NJ Organizations for the Blind.  Mike is 
	involved in 	so many worthy activities he is truly an inspiration to 
	us all.


	BLIND EDUCATE LEGISLATORS
	BY: Michael T. Marrazzo, President 
	Housing and United Services, Inc.

	On the morning of December 4, 1996, the New Jersey Network 
of Organization for the Blind held their first Legislative Breakfast at the 
Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center, New Brunswick.  The purpose of 
the breakfast was to inform New Jersey Legislators of the service 
needs of people who are blind or visually impaired.  Further, Legislators 
had the opportunity to see the only Rehabilitation Center specifically 
designed for the training of persons who have become blind or visually 
impaired.

	The Breakfast honorary Chairman & Host was New Jersey 
Assembly Speaker Jack Collins.  Along with the Assembly Speaker 
and his aide, there were these participants from the legislature: Senator 
Joe Kyrillos, Assemblyman Leonard Lance, an aide for Assemblyman 
Richard Bagger, and an aide for Assemblyman & Congressman Elect 
Bill Pascrell, came to listen and left impressed as well as supportive of 
the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired.  

	The program began with a welcome from Eileen Goff, President 
of the Network and lead into Formal Introductions by Herbert Miller, 
Administrator St. Joseph's School for the Blind, Keynote by Assembly 
Speaker Collins and from this point Herbert Miller would moderate to 
the completion of the program.  The program included five panelists 
who each spoke for five minutes on their experiences in receiving 
training of many different types which has made it possible to live a full 
life with the loss of eyesight.  One of the panelists was a parent of a 
multiply impaired blind child who gave a realistic picture of the struggles 
parents face in planning their child's future, and the frustrations in 
learning about or obtaining enough services to fill their needs.  The 
other four panelists were individuals who have lost their sight at 
different points in their lives as well as under different circumstances.  
Each of the panelists spoke on the services which they received such 
as training to walk with a white cane, Braille and other communication 
skills, training for the ability to work (all of the panelists are employed), 
and any other types of training needed to help them become active, 
productive participants in society as individual people who just happen 
to have experienced the loss of eyesight.  They brought to the attention 
of the legislators that the main provider of such services is the NJ 
Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired here in New Jersey, 
however there are other nonprofit organizations that provide services 
and/or expand on the services already provided by others.  Throughout 
the discussion and comments, it was clear that the legislators 
developed a new understanding of the needs of people who are blind 
and visually impaired.  Further, they understand the clear need to have 
a state agency such as the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually 
Impaired and to keep it a free standing agency in state government.  
And, they now know and understand what services are and how they 
relate to the lives of real people thus additional budget reductions will 
have an effect on people who are trying to become independent with 
the loss of eyesight. The members of the panel were Kim & Mikayla 
Resh (parent & daughter), James Simmons, David DeNotaris, Ed 
Lucas, and Ed.  In completing the program, Michael Marrazzo provided 
wrap up remarks and then there was some time for comments from the 
legislators and those in attendance.  Assemblyman Leonard Lance, 
Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, as part of his 
comments, said that he hopes to see all in attendance at the State 
Budget hearings to tell of the needs of people who are blind or visually 
impaired.

	Here are some of the organizations which attended this event; St. 
Joseph's School for the Blind, Enrichment Center for the Blind, NFB of 
New Jersey, NJ Commission for the Blind Board of Trustees & RAC, 
NJ Camp for Blind Children, Eye Institute, NJ Council of the 
Blind(ACB), Recording for the Blind, A.E.R., NJ Assn. of Deaf Blind, 
Parents of Blind Children, Sussex office of Disabled, Housing and 
United Services, 10 parents or grandparents with their blind or visually 
impaired children, and Lions.

	With all that has been accomplished at this event, our work to 
inform the legislators is far from done.   After all the tours of the Joseph 
Kohn Rehabilitation Center were complete and all in attendance went 
back home, or to school, or to work, it was important to realize that out 
of 120 legislators in New Jersey 4 attended.  We all need to realize that 
these 4 legislators now know service for the blind and  visually impaired 
better than they did on December 3, 1996.  In addition, they can put 
faces to described service needs either by the NJ Commission for the 
Blind and Visually Impaired or by some of our consumers testifying at 
budget hearings.  We, as individuals who are blind or visually impaired, 
need to get to know our local legislators and further educate them as 
well.  In New Jersey, there are approximately 140,000 people who are 
blind or visually impaired and as many of them as possible need to 
communicate their needs to their local legislator.  Legislators listen 
longer, harder, better, and with more interest to people in the 
Legislative District which they represent.  This is a job for all of us as 
individuals and our organizations can help with information and 
materials.

	Here are a few tips that you may consider in the next month or 
so:

1.  The Governors State of the State address was on January 14, 
1997.  You say you missed it?  Well, then call the State House at 1-
609-292-6000 and ask for a copy to be sent to you.  You may even 
consider asking for a copy in Braille, large print, or cassette as a 
means of educating such needs to the Governor. However, they may 
tell you that they cannot supply such a request of a special media they 
just have regular print.  Ask why and then take the print.

2.  On January 24, 1997, the Governor will give her Budget address 
and submit her budget to the Legislators. Well, the same as the State 
of the State message, the Budget and Budget message is available to 
the public by calling the State House at 1-609-292-6000 and then do 
the same as above.

3.  In March and April, there will be public hearings on the State Budget 
and the Network will have a representative testify as to the general 
needs of the Blind.  In order to back up the Network testimony, the 
Legislators will need to hear from organization representatives, and 
individuals as well.  As organization representatives, all you need to say 
in your testimony is that you agree with the Network's position on 
enhancing the Commission for the Blinds budget and offer your own 
thoughts or ideas. As individuals, you just need to say that you agree 
with your organization's positions on the Budget and if you have a 
positive story to tell about a service which you have received that made 
a major impact on your life then by all means tell your story as briefly 
as possible.  You must sign up in advance to testify at a public hearing; 
to do so you will need to call NJ Legislative Services at 1-609-292-
8030, and ask for Ernest Hagans.  Ask Mr. Hagans to place you on the 
mailing list for notices of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.  
The more people who are blind or visually impaired that testify at these 
hearings the more important our need will become in the eyes and 
minds of the legislators.  Therefore, we can have a real impact on the 
budget and meet the Commission's goal of each client receiving service 
once a week from field workers as opposed to the current situation of 
field workers seeing clients once every four weeks or longer in some 
cases.

	The Network will be meeting on March 10, 1997 at the Joseph 
Kohn Rehabilitation Center at 1 p.m. and at that time they may map out 
other objectives or steps that we can take to support the NJ 
Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide the services 
which will fill the needs of people who are blind and visually impaired 
here in New Jersey.  This may be a long and hard job but we can do it 
because we all want to accomplish more in life.  Let's start now!



MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually 
Impaired is to promote and provide services in the areas of education, 
employment, independence, and eye health through informed choice 
and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their 
families, and the community.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

We at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 
believe that people who are blind and visually impaired can succeed in 
education, in careers, in the home, and in the community.  The 
information we dispense and the services we provide is based on our 
positive beliefs about blindness.

We further believe that:

- the consumer is the most important part of the process.

- the skills of blindness are essential to independence, education, and 
employment.

- the pursuit of independence, education and employment by people 
who are blind and visually impaired is of primary importance and is to 
be valued, aided, and encouraged.

- the promotion of positive attitudes toward blindness by the general 
public, by employers, by Commission staff and by consumers is a key 
factor leading to independence, education, and employment for people 
who are blind and visually impaired.

- since each person is an individual with different strengths, interests 
and aptitudes, planning for and provision of services must be specific 
to the individual's needs and desires, with respect for cultural 
differences.

- education and rehabilitation is a cooperative venture between the 
Commission and the consumer and should be accomplished in an 
atmosphere of mutual respect, mutual responsibility, and informed 
choice.

- communication among consumers, Commission staff, organizations 
of the blind, and the community is essential to developing effective 
agency programs, policies, and procedures.

- a highly qualified staff which operates with professionalism, integrity, 
open-mindedness, sensitivity, and responsibility will contribute to the 
consumer's success.

- involvement and support by the consumer's family and the community 
increases success.

- research and development of assistive technology should be 
encouraged and supported to ensure that people who are blind and 
visually impaired can be competitive in independence, education, and 
employment.

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1
The Commission will provide timely, effective, high-quality services.

Objectives
- Determine eligibility for services within 30 days of referral.

- Begin services within 30 days of eligibility determination.

- Analyze and streamline the intake process.

- Undertake consumer satisfaction surveys and follow-up interviews, 
and act upon recommendations.

- Provide resource information as appropriate, needed or requested.

- Maintain and build a staff of highest competence.

Goal 2
The Commission will increase competitive employment.

Objectives
- Network with employers to establish an informed public as to the 
abilities of persons who are blind and visually impaired in the work 
place.

- Develop access to computerized job banks.	

- Upgrade formal and informal training for Commission staff to be 
relevant to current market trends.

- Provide, in partnership with employers and in keeping with the 
provisions of ADA, technical, and adaptive assistance at the work 
place.

Goal 3
The Commission will work towards excellence in the education of 
students who are blind and visually impaired.

Objectives
- Work toward age-appropriate concept development, early literacy 
experiences, and grade-level achievement for students who are blind 
and visually impaired.

- Provide education services and adaptive equipment that will promote 
integration and enable students who are blind and visually impaired to 
function independently on an equal basis with their peers.

- Promote positive attitudes among school staff regarding the abilities of 
students who are blind and visually impaired and the skills of blindness.

- Keep parents informed on a regular basis of the scheduling and 
content of lessons and the student's progress.

- Develop partnerships for the purpose of sharing information among 
parents, Commission staff, classroom teachers, and advocacy groups 
regarding trends, changes, new ideas, and different approaches in the 
education of children who are blind and visually impaired.

Goal 4
The Commission will work to decrease the incidence of blindness or 
significant vision loss through eye health programs.

Objectives
- To increase public awareness of eye safety and the causes and 
treatment of vision loss by publicizing the Commission's prevention 
services and conducting education and detection programs.

- Provide blindness prevention services such as eye disease detection 
screenings and medical intervention.

- Target high-risk populations for prevention and eye health services.

Goal 5
The Commission will actively promote equality and full inclusion into 
society.

Objectives

- Work to promote abilities and dispel misconceptions about blindness 
and visual impairments.

- Work to promote positive attitudes through a variety of community-
based activities.

- Advocate for the rights of the population served.

- Build a collaborative network of consumers, blindness organizations, 
other disability groups, service providers and interested individuals to 
facilitate consumer empowerment.

- Encourage consumers to advocate for themselves through blindness 
organizations, government, community, in school, and on the job.


Goal 6
The Commission will work in partnership with consumers.

Objectives
- Work with the individual to choose a direction which will enable him or 
her to achieve desired goals.

- Develop an individual blueprint for achievement that will clearly define 
expectations and responsibilities.

- Review service plans annually as developed between case managers 
and consumers.

- Conduct routine compliance reviews to ensure the delivery of 
consumer services.

- Seek consumer input through committees, forums, public hearings, 
etc.

Goal 7
The Commission will encourage positive attitudes toward blindness and 
visual impairments by consumers and their families.

Objectives
- Develop a mentoring program.

- Implement a program of socialization and interpersonal skills 
appropriate to various age groups.

Goal 8
The Commission will expand service delivery to historically underserved 
populations.

Objectives
- Analyze targeted populations to determine appropriate service needs.

- Expand outreach activities.

- Increase services to these populations.

- Conduct annual reviews.

- Review and revise Commission literature and communications.

Goal 9
The Commission will promote the development and use of assistive 
technology.

Objectives
- Maintain up-to-date information on assistive technology.

- Develop a training program for Commission staff.

----
Goals Committee Members
Linda Behr-Weinberg
Donald Carugati
Carol Castellano
Michael Cassels
Mary Darden
David DeNotaris
Pamela Gaston
Vibert George
Oscar Herrera
Jamie Hilton
Joel Lindh
Carolyn Lucas
Leroy Nash
Ralph Robinson
Joseph Ruffalo
Cindy Simon

----
Jamie C. Hilton
Executive Director
(201) 648-2324

Seymour Shlakman
Deputy Executive Director
(201) 648-2311

LETTERS

November 1, 1996

Mr. Joseph Ruffalo
National Federation of the Blind
69 Prospect Place
Belleville, New Jersey 07109

Dear Mr. Ruffalo,
	
	I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your 
cooperation with arranging our assembly program to sensitize students 
to those who are visually impaired.  Dr. Lewinson was excellent with 
our students and fielded some difficult questions.  In addition, I 
appreciated the set of books which you donated to our library.

	The entire program was a very positive experience for our 
students.

							Sincerely,

							Robert D. Ostrove
							Principal
							Lakewood Middle School














							November 2, 1996

Dear Joe,
	
	Thanks for arranging to have Ed Lewinson speak at Lakewood 
Middle School.  It went really well.  The kids asked questions until the 
time ran out!  Everyone loved Hooper, of course, and he put on a little 
show rolling and scratching during the talk.  I think everyone, teachers 
included, learned quite a bit.

							Thanks again, 

							Linda Halm
							Parent
							Lakewood Middle School


September 11, 1996

Dear Mr. Ruffalo,

	We have been subscribers of The Sounding Board for a couple 
of years now and have been very pleased with the articles in it.  The 
whole staff should be commended for it.  Youre all doing a good job!
	
	A recent article (fall/winter) regarding Katie Maunder, Blind 
student finds her niche with music caught my attention.  My daughter 
Alexandra is 8 years old and in third grade.  Katie and my daughter 
have a lot of things in common.  My daughter studied playing the piano 
when she was two-years-old.  She was born blind and has perfect pitch 
and rhythm.  She sings and takes voice lessons.  She plays the piano 
in nursing homes, in church, and won honors from the New Jersey 
Music Teachers Association for two consecutive years.  Alexandra 
loves music so much, that she could play on the piano whatever song 
she hears on the radio.  She spends most of her free time singing and 
listening to music.

	It would be very exciting for my daughter if she could write to 
Katie and they could share their talents.  And maybe they both could be 
friends and play piano together too!

	If you could please provide us the address of Katie Maunder, my 
daughter and I would appreciate it very much!  Thank you!

							Sincerely yours,

							Jennifer and Alexandra Acain

Editors P.S.:  We have provided Alexandra with Katies address and 
	they are acquainted better now.  If you have a comment, 
	question, concern, or request, please contact us as Jennifer and 
	Alexandra did, we will be happy to respond.



				February, 1997

Dear Colleagues:

	As you know we have been working very hard to develop 
additional sources of income for the National Federation of the Blind 
during the past few years.  Although income for our most recent years 
has been good, we must maintain a constant search for diversified 
sources of funding.  One of our most recent involves participation in the 
American Communications Network.  This company presently sells 
long distance and paging services and it will be entering the cable 
television market quite soon.  Additional services will be available before 
the end of 1997.

	By this letter, I am urging you to consider participation in the 
American Communications Network.  Of course, each of us can 
purchase long distance services through this company, and these 
purchases benefit the National Federation of the Blind.  In addition, 
those who want to try their hands at selling these services can become 
part of the company and make some money for themselves.

	If you want to participate in the company or buy its services, you 
may contact those who are now a part of the American 
Communications Network within the National Federation of the Blind.  
Keep in mind that a percentage of the money which is paid for services 
comes back as a contribution to the Federation.  The percentage is 
determined by the volume of business.  It may range from 1 and a half 
percent to eight percent.

	Those in the National Federation of the Blind who are 
representatives for the American Communications Network are:  David 
DeNotaris (160 Gordonhurst Avenue, Apartment L1, Montclair, New 
Jersey 07043-1754, (201) 239-8884), Marie Cobb (1800 Johnson 
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, (410) 659-9314), Connie Leblond 
(15 May Street, Portland, Maine 04102-3710 (207) 772-7305), Susie 
Stanzel (11905 Mohawk Lane, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66209-1038 
(913) 339-9341), Richard Edlund (6734 Montana Court, Kansas City, 
Kansas 66111-2351 (913) 299-3201), Joe Polizzi (6 Marbella Court, 
Palm Coast, Florida 32137, (904) 445-5454), and Ken Stitley (618 
Faulkner, New Smyma Beach, Florida 32168 (904) 427-9043).  This 
program provides low-cost service to individuals while it benefits our 
organization.  It will work if we make it work -- as I am sure we will.

				Cordially,

				Marc Maurer, President
				NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND













						November 14, 1996

Joseph Ruffalo, President
National Federation of the Blind of NJ
69 Prospect Place
Belleville, NJ 07109

Dear Joe:

	I am pleased to inform you that your proposal to the Fund for the 
New Jersey Blind, Inc. has been approved in the amount of $2,000 to 
be applied toward the purchase of a Braille embosser.

	The funds will be available through October 1, 1997, and cannot 
be released without an accompanying invoice.  If you are unable to 
utilize your grant prior to October 1, you must notify the fund of the 
delay and request an extension.  If we do not hear from you by that 
time, your grant will revert to the fund.

	If you have any questions concerning your grant, please contact 
me at (201) 648-2324 or Sandra Hobson at (201) 648-7069.

	With every good wish,

						Sincerely yours,

						(Mrs.) Jamie C. Hilton
						Executive Director












Editors Note:  The following is an entry to the Newspapers in 
Education Young Columbus Readathon and Essay Contest sponsored 
by The Star Ledger and Parade and React magazines.  Over one-
thousand students in two age divisions (grades 7-9 and grades 10-12) 
entered the contest.  The requirements were that each student was to 
read 200 articles and then write an essay on the subject below.  
Rachael was the winner for the state of New Jersey in grades 7-9.  She 
will be traveling to Ireland April 8-17 with the 100 winners from 80 other 
affiliated newspapers from around the country as her prize.  There will 
be an upcoming article in the nationally distributed React magazine 
about her affiliation with The Sounding Board.  As you read the 
following essay, keep in mind the effect Newsline has on you by 
allowing you to access the same information as your sighted peers in a 
way that is comfortable and convenient for you.  Immediately following 
Rachaels essay you will find the application form for Newsline.


What would be the effect on your community if newspapers no longer 
existed?

by Rachael Degenshein

	Each day Larry Smith awakens at 7:00.  After showering and 
dressing he groggily makes his way down the stairs into the kitchen to 
drink his morning coffee and read the newspaper.  Being the busy bee 
he is, this is one of the only times Larry has to become informed about 
current events, controversies, and politics.  This morning as Larry sips 
his coffee, he feels about the table groping for his newspaper.  When 
he cant locate it, he becomes irritated, but turns on the radio instead to 
listen to the news and he hears this horrid report, All newspapers have 
been discontinued, repeat, all newspapers have been discontinued.  
Stay tuned to 1010 Wins for all the latest news.  Click.  Larry angrily 
shuts off the radio.  He dislikes radio and television news.  He does not 
want processed news; he wants to digest it himself and formulate his 
own opinions.



	There are thousands of people in West Orange, and millions 
throughout the country, who, like Larry, would sooner go uninformed 
than watch or listen to the news.  Radio and television news make their 
audiences adjust to some unwritten schedule, whereas the newspaper 
offered the freedom to skip articles that were uninteresting, or read the 
articles and sections in an order that was comfortable to the reader, 
and best fit his or her needs.  Without this daily dose of knowledge, 
these people would be under-equipped to face the world at large or 
complete their tasks competently.  In addition, the thousands of people 
associated with newspapers in the state of New Jersey would be 
unemployed.  This includes everyone from paperboys, to newsprint 
manufacturers, to editors.  These people would become part of the 
unemployment rate statistic, and could cause the economy to plummet.  

	Of course, for some people, the effects would be positive.  News 
and radio news shows would have increased audience due to less 
competition.  Their stocks would rise and people in our community who 
work in those fields would benefit.

	However, the community as a whole would suffer.  Everyone 
deserves an opportunity to inform himself or herself about the world 
and happenings that are pertinent to a knowledgeable, meaningful 
existence.  If newspapers were obliterated, we would be denied this 
right directly.  Sure, if we wanted to we could be informed, but that is a 
change that we would not want to make.  Whereas other news media 
inform us, by way of newspaper, we inform ourselves.  We read the 
articles.  We formulate the opinions.  We decide what to do from there.  
It is this independent characteristic which has motivated people to buy 
and read newspapers all these years.  That sense of accomplishment 
when we read a newspaper all the way through and now understand 
the Health Care issue.  That feeling of pride when we make an 
educated decision on which political party to become affiliated with later 
in life based on an analysis of both sides and an evaluation of which 
better fits our specific needs.  A newspaper is an aid to educated 
decision-making, not a crutch.  But still, without one, many people 
would fall.





1997 spring/summer       THE SOUNDING BOARD                page1


