  












BLIND WASHINGTONIAN
WINTER 1994/1995


A PUBLICATION OF THE NFB OF WASHINGTON


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


Blind Washingtonian subscriptions cost the Federation about five
dollars per year.  Members are invited, and non-members are
requested to cover the subscription cost.  Donations should be
made payable to National Federation of the Blind of Washington and
sent to:  National Federation of the Blind of Washington Post
Office Box 2516 Seattle, Washington 98111


Gary Mackenstadt, President
Post Office Box 2516
Seattle,  Washington 98111
(206) 823-6380                          

Albert Sanchez, Editor
East 707 Garland
Spokane, Washington 99207
(509) 487-0809


The Blind Washingtonian is available in print braille and cassette. 


Address changes, requests for editional coppies of this
newsletter, and articles should be sent to the Editor.EDITOR'S CORNER
by Albert Sanchez

     Well, another year has come and gone!  That means that another
State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington has taken place.   (see Convention Report later in this
issue.)  Also in this issue of the "Washingtonian" we will have a
Scholarship Committee report, Resolutions, and much, much more, so
HAPPY READING!

     One of the things that took place during this year's
Convention was the election of officers.  As you will see in the
Convention Report, one of the newly elected persons is in the
position of Secretary.  As many of you know, I have, for the past
twelve years served in that capacity.  This year, I decided not to
allow my name to be submitted for that position.  I want to thank
you all for the support you have shown me.  It is because of your
support and help that my job was made easier.  I am confident that
you will give to our new Secretary, and, all of our elected
officers that same kind of support.

     I am sorry to have to let you know that on Wednesday, November
23rd, Kim Hrubes passed away appearantly due to a massive heart
attack.  Those of you who attended our Convention in October will
remember Kim as the guy who won all the doorprizes!  At the time of
his death Kim was an active member of our Spokane chapter.  Kim was
only 31 years of age, and is survived by his parents and one
sister.  A Memorial Service was held for Kim on November 29th.  In
spite of the bad weather (snow and wind), quite a large number of
Federationists from the chapter attended, as well as several
members of an A.A. support group in which he was active.

     On a much happier note, we are pleased to announce that Denise
Mackenstadt was recently appointed by the Governor to a three-year
term on the Board of Trustees of the Washington State School for
the Blind.  Congratulations to Denise!

     The Greater Seattle chapter recently held elections.  The
newly elected officers are:  Mark Noble, President;  Rita Szantay,
1st vice-president;  Noel Nightingale, 2nd vice-president;  Annee
Hartzell, Secretary;  Gary Dieter, Treasurer;  Ben Prows and Moe
Pierce, Board members.

     During its December meeting, the Clark County Chapter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Washington elected the
following officers to serve during the coming year: President, Mike
Freeman; Vice-president, Kaye Kipp; Secretary, Joan Brungardt and
Treasurer, Nancy Martin.

     In closing this column I want to take this opportunity to wish
you all the best of Holiday Greetings!

FALL CONVENTION:  A SIGN OF GOOD THINGS TO COME
by Bennett Prows


     The 1994 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington is now history, and its vibrado and repurcussions will
help move us in to a harmonious and growing future. We are moving,
and people are recognizing the NFB as the vital force in work with
the blind.  

     Dick Edlund was the national representative to this year's
convention.  He is well known to Federationists in Washington
State, but this year he brought something new and exciting to the
meetings.  Since 1990, he has been a legislator in the Kansas State
House of Representatives.  He was therefore able to lend a
perspective to affairs of state that we have needed here for some
time. The most important message he had for us is to keep fighting-
-for Braille literacy, and for all the needed laws to help the
blind in achieving our rightful status as first-class citizens.

     Friday October 14, 1994, the NFB student division held an all
day round table discussion about issues of employment, financial
aid and student organizing.   New ideas were explored, new students
were introduced to a heavy dose of NFB philosophy, and new members
were recruitted.

     On Friday evening, the Board of Directors of the NFB of
Washington discussed the plans for the convention, plans for future
legislation and general items of interest to the organization. 
Following that, Mike freeman ably chaired the meeting of the
Resolutions Committee.

     The Saturday agenda was packed with reports from state agency
directors and leaders.  Notable among the reports were those from
Jan Ames from the Washington Talking Book and Braille library, a
discussion of agency direction and accomplishments from Shirley
Smith of the Department of Services for the Blind, and a very
interesting presentation and lively discussion concerning the
quality of education for blind children from Jim (Blue) Bickford of
the Washington State School for the Blind.  Dick Edlund provided a
thoughtful and new look at the national scene in his report. Most
striking were the common threads of issues relating to the blind of
Washington and the rest of the nation.

     The Northwest Parents of Blind Children Division hosted a
luncheon, and Barbara Freeman, President of the division organized
an outstanding agenda.  A pannel of blind children stole the show,
as three outstanding students from age six to ten, told us about
their lives as blind students.  Blind adults then discussed their
years growing up, and questions from the audience showed extreme
interest on the part of all present.

     Saturday afternoon was momentous.  Joyce Van Tuyl, State
coordinator for Braille Services at the Talking Book and Braille
Library pushed "Braille for everyone."  She advocated pay for
transcribers, pointing out that sign language interpreters for the
deaf are paid handsomely.  She advocated competency standards for
teachers of Braille, and was pushing the use of Braille for all
blind persons.

     One highlight of the afternoon came when Congreswoman Jolene
Unsoeld from the third congressional district appeared to talk with
us about the atmosphere in the fall election campaign.  We were
able to personally thank her for her work on our national
legislation for Braille. 

     Following an excellent presentation by Toby Olson from the
Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, and the
ADA Compliance project, we were treated to a stirring videotape
about the crisis in Braille, which is available for distribution
through our chapters now.  The tape will be beneficial in our
upcoming efforts to again pass meaningful legislation for Braille
literacy in the 1995 legislative session.

     The Saturday night banquet was all that conventioners
expected.  Representative Edlund's banquet address was thought
provoking.  The 1994 Beverly Prows Memorial Scholarship was awarded
by the committee chairman, Albert Sanchez.  (See "1994 Scholarship
Winner" later in this issue.) 

     Sunday morning was set aside for the business session. 
Bennett Prows gave his wrap-up report as the current President of
the National Federation of the Blind of Washington.  (During the
Saturday afternoon session he announced that he would not run for
another term as President.)  Following several reports by NFB
officers, elections were held.  Gary Mackenstadt was elected
President for a two-year term.  Mike Freeman was elected as First
Vice President.  Second Vice President went to Kaye Kipp. Since
Albert Sanchez announced that he also would not run again for
Secretary, that position was filled by Rita Szantay from Seattle. 
Bennett Prows was elected as Treasurer.  The Board members elected
were Dan Frye and Albert Sanchez.

     Bennett Prows thanked the outgoing board with special
appreciation to Albert Sanchez who had served as Secretary for
twelve years.  Albert was one of the best historians we could have,
and was a loyal and hard working Secretary.  He will be hard to
replace in that position.

     The 1994 convention of the NFB of Washington adjourned on a
very positive note.  President Mackenstadt started right away to
get this affiliate on track for the coming years.  We are on the
move, and we are growing more powerful as time and the organization
march on.  The message is clear.  NFB members will never walk
alone, when we can march together.

Washington State Parents of Blind Children--Presidential Report,
by Barbara Freeman, President
October 15, 1994

     (EDITOR'S NOTE:  Barbara Freeman is the President of the
Parents' Division of the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington.  During the luncheon meeting on Saturday, she gave the
following "Yearly Report".)

     It has been a year since the blind children and parents of
this division formally joined the Federation family.  Everyone here
should be proud of what we have accomplished.  We have made great
strides both in educating ourselves and the community about
blindness and in supporting each other in our efforts to provide
all of our blind children, the gifted, the developmentally
threatened and the multihandicapped with the best posible
opportunities to reach their highest potential.

     The adults of the affiliate have given every help in our
efforts to form a strong, vital organization.  They have generously
provided funding and individual members have given time and
attention to any child who needed a mentor, tutor, or advocate.

     We put on a successful parents' seminar in March for twenty
families.  Our parent division national president, Barbara Cheadle,
attended.  Our student division put on a teenage seminar at the
same time.  The teenagers used public transportation, cooked pizza
and discussed the cost of special privilege.

     For the first time, State Services for the Blind hired a
Federationist to teach their preschool conference.  Joe Cutter, who
had been recommended by the affiliate, put on an unusually positive
seminar on teaching mobility skills to preschoolers. Joe's workshop
was the best-attended preschool conference ever sponsored by State
Services for the Blind.  Record numbers of parents and mobility
instructors from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia attended. 
We affected the lives of hundreds of blind children with that one
seminar.

     We held a family picnic in August that introduced more new
parents to our movement and gave us all a chance to talk with one
another and to admire each other's children.
     Most importantly, we have all grown more comfortable with
blindness and we have advocated for our own children.  Every parent
here has already gone out of his or her own way to come here to
learn how to help his or her child.  Our children can't wait for
society to come around and provide opportunities for them.  We, the
parents, must see to it that we create those opportunities.

     Debbie Day sought out and obtained a private grant to take her
son Tim to our National Convention in Detroit Michigan this summer; 
Carol Linhart took her whole family to the Detroit Convention to
learn about her daughter Haley's needs;  Barbara Weller arranged
for summer tutoring for her son Stewart and also organized our
summer picnic;  Ivy and Frank Jen successfully advocated with their
school district to continue their son's placement in an integrated
preschool;  Melanie Savage has forced her school district to
provide her multi-handicapped daughter with physical and
occupational therapy and pre-braille.  (The school system had
wanted to warehouse her at the age of seven);  Jim and Barbara Call
are in the process of negotiating braille instruction for their
daughter Terra who is losing her sight;  Denise Mackenstadt taught
a little girl from Russia cane travel this spring.  The girl, who
was sponsored by Save the Children, went blind here and had but a
short time until she returned to Russia.

     Many others have also been creating opportunities for their
children.  It is this will to provide the best for our children
that binds us together as a community and overrides differences of
religion and social class.  This will to provide the best for
Washington's blind children also joins us in fraternity with the
adult blind members of this affiliate and the National Federation. 
Together we can provide all of our children with hope, pride and
opportunity.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION
by Albert Sanchez

     One of the last things on the agenda during the banquet on
Saturday night was a surprise presentation by the NFB of Washington
to President Prows.  Mike Freeman, in making the presentation said
in part:

     "...Some people in this organization come to elective office,
some don't;  Some get lots of recognition, some don't--but we all
put our shoulder to the wheel.  It is our pleasure tonight to honor
one such member who has demonstrated the utmost in loyalty.  A
loyalty far beyond that which most of us have been required to
demonstrate.  He has been so loyal that he was in this organization
when it consisted of two members.  ..."  "...I, therefore, have a
plaque to present to our esteemed President, Ben Prows.  The plaque
is black inside a brass frame with a walnut backing.  It reads: 
"BEN PROWS, PRESIDENT.  IN RECOGNITION FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP,
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 23rd 1988
TO OCTOBER 16th 1994"."
     President Prows, who was brought to a state of almost
speechlessness, finally composed himself enough to bring down the
house with the wisecrack "ya know, I heard this said one time,
that, I would cry at safeway openings."  He went on, "...I had no
idea that this was happening!  ... This is a team effort we've got
going here.  And we are going to continue along a path of success. 
And, yeah, I was here when there was two of us, I was here when
there was one of us who recruited the other one.  ...  We have to
remember from our roots to now, that the blind of this nation
wouldn't be where we are without the National Federation of the
Blind.  I always kept that in mind as I went through the hard, hard
times.  Thank you very much!"

1994 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
by Albert Sanchez

     During the Banquet of this years Convention the National
Federation of the Blind of Washington awarded the 4th annual
Beverly Prows Memorial Scholarship of $1,000.  This year the winner
was Yelena Semenyuk.  Yelena is a student at Northwest College in
Kirkland.  Yelena is a transplant from the Eucrane, and is a hard
worker.  She certainly fit all the criteria for this year's award
perfectly.  She is one of thirteen children.  She lost her sight at
the age of four years old.  In July of 1991 she came to this
country with her family.  None of them could speak any English at
the time.  Her major is Elementary Education,  and she hopes  to
graduate from college and work with kids, and maybe do some
graduate studies after that.  Congratulations to Yelena.

     Should you be interested in the 1995 Scholarship from the NFB
of Washington feel free to contact Rita Szantay, Chairman
Scholarship Committee NFB of Washington, P.O.  Box 2516, Seattle,
Washington 98111, or call (206) 823-6380.

SPRING CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENT
by Gary Mackenstadt

     The spring convention of the National Federation of the Blind
of Washington will be held on March 17 and 18, 1995 at the Holiday
Inn Boeing Field, located at 11224 Pacific Highway South, Seattle. 
Everyone is invited.
     On Friday evening, there will be a dinner/board meeting held
at 6:00pm, followed by Federation hospitality.  
     
     On Saturday, March 18, activities will commence at 8:30am. 
Throughout the day, we will be covering a number of topics,
including special education, Social Security and discussion
regarding the blind as a protected class.  James Gashel, Director
of Governmental Affairs for the National Federation of the Blind,
will be representing our National Office.
     
     In the afternoon, there will be a film festival characterizing
the struggle of blind persons to achieve first class citizenship. 
There will be time to view the films, as well as time for
discussion.  
     
     On Saturday evening, there will be a banquet at which  Jim
Gashel will deliver the keynote address.  Come to learn and to
exchange ideas and to participate in Federation hospitality.  
     There will be no meetings on Sunday.  Registration includes
both the Friday evening dinner and the banquet on Saturday. 
Registration at the door will be $28.00.  Pre-register and save
three bucks.  Send your pre-registration of $25.00 to P.O. Box
2516, Seattle, Washington 98111 by March 13, 1995.   For further
information call 206-823-6380.

CONSTITUTION
OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF WASHINGTON
AS AMENDED 1993

ARTICLE I.  NAME

     The name of this organization shall be the National Federation
of the Blind of Washington.

ARTICLE II.  PURPOSE

     The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington shall be to advance the general welfare of the blind of
Washington and the nation; to function as an integral part of the
National Federation of the Blind; to serve as a vehicle for
collective action by the blind of Washington; to operate as a
mechanism through which the blind and interested sighted persons
can come together in local chapters and state meetings to plan and
carry out programs to improve the quality of life for the blind; to
provide a means of collective action for parents of blind children;
to forward the interests of blind students and provide them with a
means of joint action and expression; to promote the vocational,
cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to achieve the
integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality with
the sighted; and to take any other action which will improve the
overall condition and standard of living of the blind.

ARTICLE III.  MEMBERSHIP

Section One--Active Members.

     At least a majority of the active members of this organization
must be blind.  Active membership shall be of two (2)
classifications:  active members who are affiliated with local
chapters or divisions and active members who are not affiliated
with local chapters or divisions.

     1.  All active members of local chapters or divisions shall
automatically become active members of this organization, with the
right to vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor, and hold
office.

     2.  Any person who is not affiliated with a local chapter or
division may become an active member of this organization by
receiving a majority vote of the active members present and voting
at a convention or by complying with requirements established by
the Board of Directors.

Section Two--Supporting Members.

     Any person may become a supporting member of this organization
through procedures established by the convention or the Board of
Directors.  Supporting members shall have all the rights and
privileges of active members, except that they may not vote, hold
office, or serve on the Board of Directors.  Supporting members
shall not pay dues.

Section Three--Disciplinary Action.

     Any member may be expelled; and any chapter or division may be
expelled, suspended, or reorganized for violation of this
constitution or for conduct unbecoming to a member, chapter, or
division of the Federation by a  majority vote of the active
members present and voting at any regular business session of this
organization, or by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. 
The state convention of this organization may reinstate any person
who has been expelled unless such expulsion has been confirmed by
the National Convention or by the Board of Directors of the
National Federation of the Blind, in which event the person may not
be reinstated except by the National Board.  Any person who feels
that he/she has been unjustly disciplined or expelled from this
organization, or any chapter or division which feels that it has
been unjustly disciplined, reorganized, or expelled may appeal to
the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind,
which may (in its discretion) consider the matter and make a
binding decision; but until or unless the action of discipline,
reorganization, or expulsion is reversed by the National Board, it
shall continue in effect.

ARTICLE IV.  LOCAL CHAPTERS

     Any organized group desiring to become a local chapter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Washington shall apply for
affiliation by submitting to the President of the National
Federation of the Blind of Washington a copy of its Constitution
and a list of the names and addresses of its members and elected
officers.  When the National Federation of the Blind of Washington,
either in convention assembled or by action of its Board of
Directors, shall have approved the application, it shall issue to
the local chapter a Certificate of Acceptance.  Annually, on or
before January 1, each local chapter shall provide to the Treasurer
of the National Federation of the Blind of Washington a current
list of its members, their names and addresses, and their state
dues.  Upon request, a local chapter shall also provide the state
President with a list of the names and addresses of the chapter
members and with a detailed financial report of the chapter for the
past year.  The fiscal year of this organization shall be the
calendar year.  As new members enter local chapters, their names,
addresses, and state dues shall be sent without delay to the
Treasurer of the state organization.  No group shall be accepted as
a chapter and no group shall remain a chapter unless a majority of
its voting members are blind.  The President, the Vice President
(or Vice Presidents), and at least a majority of the Executive
Committee or Board of Directors of the local chapter must be blind.

     The President of the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington shall be a ex officio member of each local chapter.  In
the event of the dissolution of a local chapter, or if (for
whatever reason) the local chapter ceases to be a part of this
organization, its assets shall become the property of the National
Federation of the Blind of Washington; and it shall forthwith cease
to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the
Blind, or any variant thereof.

ARTICLE V.  DIVISIONS

     The Board of Directors shall establish procedures for
admission of divisions and shall determine the structure of
divisions.  The divisions shall, with the approval of the Board,
adopt constitutions and determine their membership policies.

ARTICLE VI.  OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

     There shall be elected at the regular annual convention during
each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a
Second Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.  The terms of
these officers shall begin at the close of the convention at which
they are elected and qualified.  Officers shall be elected by a
majority vote of the active members who are present and voting. 
There shall be no proxy voting.  If no nominee receives a majority
vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the
fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees, and a
second ballot shall be taken.  This procedure shall continue until
one of the nominees has received a majority vote from the active
members present and voting.  The duties of each officer shall be
those ordinarily associated with that office.  The President and
the Vice Presidents must be blind.

ARTICLE VII.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     The Board of Directors of this organization shall consist of
the five (5) constitutional officers, and four additional members,
two of whom shall be elected for two (2) year terms at the annual
convention during even numbered years, and two of whom shall be
elected for two (2) year terms at the annual convention during odd
numbered years.  The four Board Members shall be elected in the
same manner as that prescribed for the election of officers.  The
Board shall meet at the call of the President or on written call
signed by any three of the Board Members.  The Board shall advise
the President and shall have charge of the affairs of the
organization between conventions.  At least five members of the
Board must be present at any meeting to constitute a quorum to
transact business.  The Board may be polled by telephone or mail
ballot on any question.  A majority of the Board must be blind.

ARTICLE VIII.  MEETINGS

Section One--Annual Convention.

     This organization shall hold an annual convention, the time
and place of which shall be fixed by the membership or (if the
membership so decides) by the Board of Directors or the President. 
At least fifteen (15) active members must be present to constitute
a quorum to transact business at any annual convention.

Section Two--Special Meetings.

     The President of this organization may call a special meeting
of the body at any time he/she,    or a majority of the Board of
Directors, deems such action to  be necessary.  At such special
meetings at least fifteen (15) active members must be present to
constitute a quorum to transact business, and written notice must
have been sent to the President of each local chapter and division
and to the members of the Board of Directors at least ten (10) days
prior to the date of the meeting.

ARTICLE IX.  COMMITTEES

     The President may appoint such committees as he/she or the
organization deems necessary.  The President shall be a ex officio
member of all committees.

ARTICLE X.  AFFILIATION

     The National Federation of the Blind of Washington shall be an
affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind and shall furnish
to the President of the National Federation of the Blind annually,
on or before January 1, a list of the names and addresses of its
members and elected officers.  A copy of the Constitution of the
National Federation of the Blind of Washington and of all
amendments to the Constitution shall be sent to the President of
the National Federation of the Blind without delay.       The
National Federation of the Blind of Washington shall not merely be
a social organization, but shall formulate programs and actively
work to promote the economic and social betterment of the blind. 
This organization, its chapters, and divisions, shall comply with
the provisions of the Constitution of the National Federation of
the Blind.  Policy decisions of the National Federation of the
Blind (whether made by the National Convention or the National
Board of Directors) are binding on this organization, its chapters,
divisions, and members; and this organization, its chapters,
divisions, and members shall participate affirmatively in carrying
out such policy decisions.  As a condition of affiliation, it is
agreed by this organization that the National Federation of the
Blind (whether by action of the National Convention or the National
Board) has the power to expel or discipline an individual member
and to expel or reorganize a state affiliate, local chapter, or
division.  In the event of reorganization, the assets of the
affiliate and its local chapters and divisions belong to the
reorganized affiliate; and the former affiliate, its chapters, and
divisions shall dissolve and cease to exist.  The name National
Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant
thereof, is the property of the National Federation of the Blind;
and this organization or any of its chapters or divisions which
cease to be a part of the National Federation of the Blind (for
whatever reason) shall forfeit the right to use the name National
Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant
thereof.  The President of the National Federation of the Blind
shall be a ex officio member of this organization and each of its
local chapters and divisions.

ARTICLE XI.  DELEGATES TO THE    NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
CONVENTION

     This organization shall elect each year at least one (1) 
delegate and at least one (1) alternate delegate to attend the
Convention of the National Federation of the Blind.  No person
shall be elected as a delegate or alternate delegate unless he/she
is an active member of this organization in good standing.  To the
extent of the resources of this organization, the expenses of
delegates and alternate delegates to the Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind shall be paid.

ARTICLE XII.  DUES

     The dues of this organization shall be $2.00 per year, payable
in advance.  In accordance with Article IV of the Constitution,
local chapters shall pay the state dues of their members.  Members
who are not affiliated with local chapters shall pay their dues
before or during the annual convention.  A lifetime membership may
be secured for a fee of $100.00.  No person may vote who is
delinquent in the payment of his/her dues.

ARTICLE XIII.  DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

     The funds of this organization shall be deposited or invested
in a bank or other financial institution to be selected by the
Treasurer with the approval of the President and Board of
Directors.   All financial obligations of this organization shall
be discharged by check, issued on written authorization of the
President, and signed by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Treasurer
approved by the membership or the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XIV.  DISSOLUTION

     In the event of the dissolution of this organization, or if
(for whatever reason) it ceases to be an affiliate of the National
Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be given to the National
Federation of the Blind, to be held in trust for a reorganized
affiliate in the state.  In the event that no affiliate is
organized in the state for a period of two (2) years from the date
this organization ceases to be an affiliate of the National
Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the
National Federation of the Blind.       If the dissolution of this
organization should occur and if at that time the National
Federation of the Blind is no longer a tax-exempt organization
under the provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code or if the
National Federation of the Blind has been dissolved, all assets of
this organization shall be given to an organization with similar
purposes which has received tax-exempt certification from the
federal Internal Revenue Service.

ARTICLE XV.  AMENDMENTS

     This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of
this organization by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
active members present and voting, provided the proposed amendment
has been submitted in writing and read at a previous business
session and provided it is in compliance with the provisions of the 
Charter of Affiliation received from the National Federation of the
Blind and with the policies of the National Federation of the
Blind.

ARTICLE XVI.  ADOPTION

     This revised Constitution was approved and adopted by an
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and
voting at the annual Convention on October 17, 1993.
   
RESOLUTIONS 

     (EDITOR'S NOTE:  This year at the annual Convention of the
National Federation of the Blind of Washington two Resolutions were
discussed.  Both passed unanimously, here they are.)

   
RESOLUTION 94-01 
     WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Washington Department of
Services for the Blind is to ensure that  blind participants
receive training in the alternative skills and techniques of
blindness to live competent lives as first-class citizens;  and  

     WHEREAS, the agency has been paying "LIP SERVICE" to the
teaching of braille to blind participants;  and
     WHEREAS, according to the "Placement Reports" issued
periodically by the agency, few if any of the participants have
received even minimal instruction in braille;  and
     WHEREAS, by not emphasizing braille for those participants who
have some vision it creates a situation for a high rate of
recidivism of those whose vision deteriorates in the future;  and
     WHEREAS, it is apparent that most direct service staff at the
agency are not currently proficient in the use of braille;  and
     WHEREAS, this not only sends a negative message about the use
of braille, but encourages the exclusive use of low vision aids and
talking technology to the ultimate detriment and disadvantage of
all participants:  NOW, THEREFORE,
     BE IT RESOLVED By the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington in convention assembled this 16th day of October, 1994, 
in the City of Olympia, Washington, that;
     This organization condemns and deplores the pernicious
practice by agency staff of discouraging defacto the use of braille
by participants by training almost exclusively in the use of
technology rather than teaching techniques of reading;  and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we demand that agency policy,
practices, and procedures be changed to require that all direct
service staff at The Department of Services for the Blind
demonstrate competence and proficiency in the use of braille within
one year from the date of this resolution;  and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if adequate steps have not been
taken by agency personnel to ensure such competence and proficiency
by that time, this organization will take every action necessary,
administratively or legislatively  up to and including the
consideration of passage of the necessary legislation to achieve
this objective. 

RESOLUTION 94-02

     WHEREAS, many informational programs and commercials are aired
on television and cable channels that make use of silently
displayed contact information such as toll free telephone numbers;
and
     WHEREAS, persons who are blind cannot easily obtain this
information: NOW THEREFORE,
     BE IT RESOLVED that the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington in convention assembled this 16th day of October, 1994
in the City of Olympia, Washington; contacts local television
stations and cable companies to inform them of the needs and
concerns of persons who are blind; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Federation of the
Blind of Washington calls on local television stations and cable
companies to strongly encourage the verbalization of information
such as telephone numbers.NFB of Washington
East 707 Garland
Spokane, WA 99207



ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
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