Summer, 1994
Buckeye Bulletin
a publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
Eric Duffy, Editor
2405 Adams Ave.
Columbus, Ohio  43202-3053
1-800-396-NFBO
Sylvia Cooley, Production Editor
Barbara Pierce, President
237 Oak Street
Oberlin, Ohio  44074-1517
Phone/Fax: (216) 775-2216The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is a 501 (c) 3
consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people
committed to changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness
is still all too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know
from our personal experience that with training and opportunity
it can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance. We work to
see that blind people receive the services and training to which
they are entitled and that parents of blind children receive the
advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up to
be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class
citizenship means that people have both rights and
responsibilities, and we are determined to see that blind people
become first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying
their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most
serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision
than with discrimination based on the public's ignorance and
misinformation about blindness. Join us in educating Ohioans
about the abilities and aspirations of Ohio's blind citizens.
     The NFB of Ohio has eleven local chapters around the state,
a chapter for at-large members, and special divisions for
students and parents of blind children. This quarterly newsletter
is produced in large print and on cassette. To receive more
information about the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio,
to make address changes for the newsletter, or to be added to the
mailing list, call 800-396-6326.

                           Contents

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
SUMMER REMINDERS
BRAILLE IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF MY LIFE BECAUSE...
by Jana Schroeder & Jason Perry
NFB OHIO CONVENTION 94 by Eric Duffy
LETTER FROM A FOUR-FOOTED CORRESPONDENT by Tressie
TIPS FOR GUIDE DOG USERS AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION
by Sarah Morgan
REFLECTIONS OF A FIRST-TIME CANE USER
by Angelique Turner
BILL WOULD MAKE BRAILLE TEXTBOOKS MORE ACCESSIBLE
by Crystal McClain
OHIO LEADS THE NATION IN CONTEST PARTICIPANTS
VIDEO SERVICE LETS BLIND IN ON THE ACTION by Deborah Kendrick
DVS IN ITS PROPER PERSPECTIVE by Eric Duffy
NEW GUIDE DOG SCHOOL COMING by Sarah Morgan
PARENTS AND BLIND CHILDREN ENJOY DAY OF FUN
by Deborah Kent Stein
VOLUNTEERS, GOD BLESS THEM!
CURRENT ATTRACTIONS
CHAPTER NEWS
PERSONAL NOTES
CALENDAR           FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

     Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio have
been shocked and distressed to learn of the death of Miss Jill 
Reidy as the result of being struck by a car very early on the
morning of Friday, May 13. At this writing the Columbus police
have not yet released the accident report because their
investigation is still going on. 
     This much does seem certain. Jill, who was in her early
twenties, had recently begun working for NFB member Chris Johnson
at the cafeteria serving the Rehabilitation Services Commission.
Jill's dream had always been to enter the Business Enterprise
Program, and she was delighted with her current opportunity to do
so. She had received a good deal of cane travel training and was
a competent and confident traveler. She was living at the Vision
Center apartments on Livingston. At the very early hour of the
morning when Jill was starting for work, the traffic light at the
intersection of Livingston and Barnette was flashing yellow
rather than alternating red and green. 
     As far as we have been able to ascertain, Jill was crossing
the street at a cross walk when she was struck and killed. Though
she died of head injuries, she also suffered other massive trauma
of a kind that some have pointed out is inconsistent with an
accident in which the  car is traveling at under thirty-five
miles an hour. The driver has not yet been charged, and there is
a good bit of anxiety that no charges will ever be brought. 
     According to Ohio's White Cane Law (Ohio Revised Code
4511.47), A blind person carrying a white cane is considered to
have the right-of-way at all times. This would suggest that
whatever the specifics of this case, Jill had the right-of-way.
But it seems to me that, if blind people behave in irresponsible
ways, they have no more right to the protection of the law than
anyone else, and the Federation should not fight for the
punishment of a motorist involved in an accident in which a blind
person was obviously behaving in an irresponsible way. But Jill
was clearly behaving responsibly. It seems obvious from the
information currently available that the blind community must
stand together in support of Jill's right to travel safely in her
community. The position of the National Federation of the Blind
is that blind people must be prepared to assume all the
responsibilities of citizenship, if we expect to receive the
rights of that status. Jill clearly hoped and dreamed to take her
place as a full member of society. It is our responsibility to
see that she does not become a victim of society's impulse to
excuse those who impose on our rights. We will watch this case
carefully to see that Jill Reidy has not died in vain. 


                        SUMMER REMINDERS

     With warm weather finally at hand, you may find it difficult
to concentrate on schedule details. Here are several reminders
that may apply to you.
     At the center of the print edition of this newsletter you
will find a copy of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
scholarship application form. You are welcome to duplicate both
sides of it and pass it on to those who can use it. You will
notice that the deadline is October 1, so we will be circulating
the forms to institutions of higher education in the fall. If you
would like to be sent a copy of the form, please call 800-396-
6326.
     Parents of blind children should note the Family Retreat
being held June 24 to 26 at the Ohio State School for the Blind.
Joanne Wilson, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind,
will keynote that conference, and Barbara Pierce will address the
group on the challenge of helping blind youngsters to establish a
healthy social life. The conference promises to be useful and
lively. For more information about attending the program, contact
Eric Duffy.
     The Braille Literacy Act is now available in its final form.
If you would like a copy, contact Eric at the 800-number above.
     Chapter presidents and those who have attended leadership
training seminars at the National Center should take note of the
Presidents' Seminar scheduled for August 5 and 6. The event
begins with late dinner at the Pierces' home on the 5th and ends
with dinner on Saturday, the 6th. Please contact either Eric or
Barbara as soon as possible to make sure that you are counted
either in or out. The seminar is important for the growth of the
affiliate, and it is also lots of fun.
     Speaking of fun, remember the bus to convention on June 30.
It now looks as if one bus will begin in Columbus and swoop over
to pick up folks in Cleveland before heading north to Detroit. If
you have made a reservation, you will be hearing more details
about times and pick-up points. There may still be a little space
on the bus by the time you are reading this. If you are
interested in making a reservation, be sure to call Eric
immediately.


       Braille is an Essential Part of My Life Because...
                by Jana Schroeder and Jason Perry

     Editors Note: What follow are essays that were written by
the winners of our Braille writing contest. The contest began
during the first week in January and ended on the first of March.
Contestants were required to write an essay of no fewer then 500
words telling why Braille is an essential part of their lives.
The essays had to be written using the slate and stylus. There
were two categories, one for secondary students and one for those
at the post-secondary level. Jason Perry was the winner in the
former category, and Jana Schroeder was the winner in the latter.
Here is Jana's essay:
 
     I was born with extremely limited vision to a family with no
prior experience with blindness. It was the early 1960's, and we
lived near Dayton, Ohio. Looking back, I recognize that I was
lucky to have been born in that place and time and into a
sensible, loving family. Without that fortunate combination of
factors, my life might have been very different.
     My family did a lot of reading aloud. From my earliest days,
I assumed that I would learn to read when I went to school just
as my sighted brothers had. 
     I began my education in a public school that included a
resource room for blind students. These students were assigned to
a classroom where we spent most of our time, but we went to the
resource room for part of the day to learn the skills of
blindness. I understand that Dayton was one of the first cities
in Ohio with a public school program for blind children,
beginning in the 1950's. 
     In the first grade, when reading lessons began in earnest, I
was encouraged to read print. Various magnifiers were tried, but
the only thing that worked for me was to put my nose against the
paper and hope the print was big and dark enough. This worked
fine with first grade primers. However, I quickly read all the
big print picture books at the local library. My mom and I soon
discovered that in second and third level books the print quickly
diminished in size to the point where I could not distinguish the
letters. 
     My mom believed, like most sighted people (at least those
who are not blindness professionals), that blind people read
Braille. Sensibly, she insisted that I be taught Braille.
Fortunately, the resource room teachers agreed. I cannot be
certain that it would be so easy if I were in school today. I
believe that very few blind students in the Dayton area today are
taught Braille. 
     I had heard my mom and other adults read quickly and
fluently, and I assumed that I would read like that myself. I was
never told that Braille was slower or harder than reading print.
I simply accepted that I was learning to read with my fingers
while my sighted classmates learned to read with their eyes. 
     One of the best things about the school I attended was that
it had a Braille library. Never since then have I had access to a
library where I could browse to my hearts' content. I took home a
different book almost every night. My favorites were biographies
and the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
     On the forty-five minute drive to and from school I would
often read aloud to Mom. She endured a lot of stumbling and
mispronunciation with patience and good humor. From those
earliest days I received a lot of praise from my parents,
grandparents, and other people for my reading and writing
ability. I knew that I read as well or better than most of my
classmates, and this knowledge helped lay a solid foundation of
self-esteem that has served me well when faced with new
challenges. 
     In the fifth grade a significant challenge came along in the
form of the slate and stylus. By this time I was attending school
in my own district with an itinerant teacher who came to work
with me a couple of times a week. She told me that I needed to
learn to use the slate and stylus because I would soon be going
to junior high, and I couldn't lug a heavy, noisy Brailler with
me from class to class. 
     I absolutely hated the slate. My e's and i's were inevitably
transposed, and I invariably put the paper in crooked. I pretty
much refused to practice, so my itinerant and classroom teachers
got together and decided that I would be required to take
spelling tests using the slate and stylus. I always did well on
my spelling tests, so I wasn't very happy with this new
development. Gradually, however, I didn't have to reverse each
letter consciously before writing it. My speed picked up, and my
diagonal lines became horizontal. Since then I have written
thousands of pages with the slate and stylus. 
     When I was in high school, closed circuit televisions began
to become affordable and popular. It was very exciting to be able
to read things that were only available in print like the covers
of my record albums. I spent one whole summer reading a 500-page
novel that I could have read in about three days in Braille
because that was what all my friends were reading. 
     I knew, however, that the CCTV was no substitute for
Braille. I'm almost glad that the CCTV was not available when I
was in first grade because I don't know if Braille would then
have been emphasized in my education. During my first two years
in college my sight gradually decreased to the light perception I
have today. Although I had to make some adjustments, already
having well-developed Braille skills helped immensely. 
     In high school nearly all of my textbooks, including
advanced math and French, were in Braille. In contrast, all of my
college texts were on tape. By this time, though, I was familiar
with spelling, punctuation, and the Braille literary and math
codes. I took copious notes while listening to the texts and
studied these at exam time rather than having to re-skim the
entire book. 
     I have read that ninety-one percent of employed blind people
know Braille. I am not at all surprised by this statistic. I am
only surprised that so few educators and counselors of the blind
seem to recognize the importance of Braille to employment. I
cannot imagine being competitive without Braille. 
     Today I direct the Dayton criminal justice program of the
American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization. My
activities range from leading workshops and presentations in
prison and the community to advocating for criminal justice
reform. I  use Braille every day to keep track of phone numbers,
file away relevant statistics, make outlines for talks, draft
articles, and much more. 
     Like most non-profits, we have a very small staff in our
office. For the most part we do our own filing, typing, and
minute-taking. My independence is greatly enhanced by the use of
a scanner and other adaptive computer technology, but I don't
think it would be possible for me to do my job at all without
Braille. At meetings, workshops, and presentations I always have
my slate and stylus ready. Although prison officials sometimes
worry that my stylus could be turned into a weapon, I always have
my Braille notes with me and have given several impromptu Braille
lessons to interested prisoners. 
     Since those early days Braille has opened many doors for me.
Reading is a source of great pleasure as well as information and
education. Braille writing allows me not only to keep track of
personal information but also to articulate and craft my thoughts
into written communication that can be shared with others. I
cannot imagine my life without Braille. 
     I am currently studying to become certified as a Braille
transcriber and proofreader. I am deeply concerned by the lack of
Braille skills among the blind today and the shortage of
qualified Braille teachers, both for blind children and for
people who become blind later in life. Perhaps someday I will
have the opportunity to put my love of Braille to good use by
teaching others to read it.

     For her efforts Jana received a Braille 'n Speak 640.
Although she was unable to attend the Spring meeting of the NFB-
Ohio Board of Directors, she did send a thank-you letter to the
board. She said in part: "I received my Braille 'n Speak on April
15. I have begun going through the manual and am amazed at the
power and versatility that have been built into a computer that
weighs less than a pound. While it's not going to replace the
slate and stylus or Brailler for me, I can already see how
helpful it will be in my frequent work-related travels to
Columbus, Philadelphia, and elsewhere." 
     Jason Perry also demonstrates his understanding of the real
value of Braille and makes clear his commitment to its use in his
essay. Here it is:
     
     Braille is an essential part of my life for five main
reasons. First, it allows me to do my schoolwork efficiently and
independently. Braille is a big help in all subjects, especially
math and science. These two subjects would be very difficult for
a blind person to understand without knowledge of the Braille
code because both of them involve charts, tables, and graphs. A
person could probably make do with taped books, but it would be
troublesome in some situations. For instance, it is extremely
time-consuming to do math problems that involve a graph using a
taped book because it is difficult to rewind and fast-forward the
tape. As a result, keeping up with the rest of the class would be
nearly impossible. 
     Second, it has helped me learn and become literate in the
English language. For example, if I just listened to taped books
and people talk, I would be illiterate and have poor public
speaking and writing skills. My education would be limited, and
my grades would suffer. As a result, finding a good-paying career
would be nearly impossible. 
      Third, Braille is the main key to the exciting, fascinating
world of literature for the blind. For example, my English class
is currently reading an exciting novel called To Kill a
Mockingbird. If I did not know how to read Braille, the story
would not be nearly as exciting because I would have to rely on
other people to read it to me. Braille is not only good for class
reading, but it provides fun leisure entertainment as well. It
would be very tedious if I could not read, because it is one of
the things I enjoy most. It is a pity that so many blind people
are missing out on all the excitement that Braille has to offer. 
     Fourth, Braille enables me to read the menu in some
restaurants. I could probably have the menu read, but this gives
me a helpless feeling. In addition, it also disturbs other
people. Being able to read the menu makes it easier and much
faster for me. Every restaurant should have a Braille menu
because blind people have the right to read it too.
     Fifth, Braille makes it much easier for me to keep my tapes,
books, cooking equipment, and other important items in order. For
example, it would be very hard for me to locate my George Jones
tape if it was not labeled. I would just have to try all my tapes
until I found It. A Braille label, however, makes things a lot
easier. I can quickly read through all the tapes and pick out the
right one with little or no trouble at all. Another great example
is my Braille measuring cups. They help me measure more
precisely. As a result, the quality of my food has improved.
     Without Braille things would not be the same. The reason for
this is quite obvious. Life would be much harder because I would
have to trust other people for just about everything. Taking all
the great things Braille has to offer into consideration, it is
essential that every blind person learn how to read it.

     Jason attended the Spring meeting of the Board of Directors
and received his Braille 'n Speak shortly after the lunch break.
He said,  "This is a day I will remember for the rest of my
life." The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio can be proud
of these winners and of all those who entered this contest. Let
us hope that we can continue this program in the years ahead. It
would be rewarding to assist more fine Braille readers and
writers.


                     NFB OHIO CONVENTION 94
                          By Eric Duffy

     It is now mid-May, and I suspect that some of you have not
yet made your reservations for the national convention. I hope
you will do so immediately. It may seem that July is taking its
sweet time in getting here, but it is not too soon to begin
thinking about our state convention in the fall. This year's
convention will take place during the weekend of November 11 to
13, at the Dayton Airport Inn. 
     This is a splendid hotel. The meeting area is spacious and
therefore allows us some flexibility. There will be no other
groups meeting in the hotel during our convention. Though a few
contract rooms will be occupied by airline personnel, the hotel
will virtually be ours. The room rates are what Federationists
have come to expect--$45 across the board. This means that you
will pay $45 plus 12.5 percent tax for a room whether there are
one, two, three, or four people registered. 
     At its January meeting the Board of Directors voted to
conduct its convention meeting on Thursday evening, November 10, 
this year in an attempt to provide a little more free time for
committee meetings and hospitality on Friday. This means that
November 10 will be the date for the Board of Directors meeting,
and convention rates will be in effect for that night as well as
for the next two.
     A seminar for parents of blind children, sponsored by the
Parents of Blind Children Division of the National Federation of
the Blind of Ohio, has come to be expected by parents and
professionals from throughout the state. Kathy Arthurs and other
members of the division are already thinking about this year's
seminar. 
     Last year's Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) seminar
was such a huge success that we could not get away with
eliminating this activity if we wanted to. But of course we do
not want to. We know that, when it comes to educating the public
about the capacities of the blind, we must be the ones to do it.
Therefore, we use this seminar to educate blind people about
their ability to work and to encourage employers to hire them. 
     Many exciting things will occur at this year's convention.
You will not want to miss a moment of the excitement, so make
your plans now. It is not too soon to make your reservations. To
reserve a room at the convention hotel, call 1-800-543-7577. This
number rings directly into the hotel and is good from anywhere in
the state.
     Every year I ask myself how our conventions can continue to
get better, but somehow they always do. I believe that this one
will be bigger and better than any that we have had in quite some
time. It is certainly one you will not want to miss.


             LETTER FROM A FOUR-FOOTED CORRESPONDENT
                           by Tressie

     Editor's note: Tressie is usually seen, but not heard, in
the near vicinity of Ken Velkovich, President of the Cincinnati
Chapter and Chairman of the Guide Dog Committee.

Dear Fellow Guide Dogs:
     My name is Tressie, and I wanted to pass on some compliments
all of us received from the management of the Hilton Inn North at
the 1993 National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Convention.
Specifically, we were commended for being well behaved, well
groomed, and accident-free.
     Let us all do our best to maintain our record of excellence
at the upcoming NFB Convention in Detroit. Who knows, maybe the
management of the Westin Hotel will put in a good word for our
users as well.
                                                     Best wishes,
                                                          Tressie


       Tips for Guide Dog Users at the National Convention
                         by Sarah Morgan

     Editor's note: Sarah Morgan is my secretary and an
experienced dog trainer. In the following article she offers some
practical tips for guide dog users to keep in mind while
preparing for and participating in the National Convention. Here
is what she has to say:

     Several problems guide dog users may find at the convention
are common and can be averted. Doggy distraction, unfortunate
potty habits, and general noisemaking can be corrected if the
right steps are taken by dog handlers who are consistent and
understanding. 
     If your dog has not worked around other dogs much, he will
probably be distracted and lead you right to the first dog he
sees when you walk in the door. Be prepared for this by being
ready to correct the dog for this behavior. Better yet, arrange
to have your dog work around other dogs before the convention to
make sure he understands that you expect him to continue working.
Other dogs may cause your dog to be curious, submissive, or
aggressive. Be ready for any situation because your dog may react
to different animals in different ways. It is a rare dog that can
be relied upon never to be distracted. Curiosity is the easiest
of these problems to overcome because a few simple corrections
usually convince the dog that he needs to mind his own business.
If a dog is too submissive, showing fear around other dogs
(urinating, crouching, whining, and exhibiting avoidance), then a
correction is not in order. It will make the fear response worse.
The dog will be afraid, not only of other dogs, but of you as
well. Repeated exposure to dogs who are friendly and who are not
showing aggression will eventually correct the problem, but be
patient. 
     The most difficult and dangerous problem to deal with is
aggression. Some dogs never get over aggression, which usually
stems from poor puppy socialization. But regardless of the cause,
a handler can make the problem worse without realizing it. Make
sure you are not anticipating your dog's aggression before he
gives any sign of it and correcting him whenever he is around
other dogs. Your dog will learn to associate other dogs with
being corrected and will therefore be more aggressive whenever he
sees them. Also, if you are nervous when another dog approaches,
your dog may think you are afraid of the dog and behave
defensively. It is better to tell your dog he's good whenever
another dog approaches so he associates another dog's advances
with praise rather than his defensiveness and your aggression. If
possible, pet the other dog so that your dog will know you like
it and that he shouldn't hurt it. These are ways you can help to
reduce aggression and other problems, but they should be taught
well before convention time.
     What about the potty?  For many reasons potty training often
goes down the toilet during convention. The presence of other
dogs has much to do with this. If one dog submissively urinates,
this can start a chain reaction of dogs marking territory, and
then it's all over the place. Plain excitement can cause dogs to
do the dirty deed more often than usual, too. One way to combat
this problem is to allow your dog to relieve as soon as you
arrive at the hotel so that he will know where to want to go the
next time. To establish a totally new environment as a place to
live and therefore keep clean as part of the "den" takes time. To
help with this idea, put your dog's bed and water and food dishes
out as soon as you get to your room so he knows that you are
staying and that this is his spot. Just as they do when they are
puppies, dogs keep the bed clean first and will go as far as they
think their territory extends to relieve. If your dog thinks only
the room is his living space, he may wait to relieve until after
you get to the convention hall. Well, that's a start, but instead
of going straight to the meeting area, go outside first, as soon
as you leave the room, and, after he relieves, you can spend some
time in the auditorium so the dog realizes this is living space
too. 
     Another way to keep the waste down is simply to feed less
and to feed a more highly digestible food that produces less
waste. Your healthy dog will be fine if you cut his ration by
half the first day and by maybe a quarter the second day. (Always
have fresh water available, however. Dogs don't drink more than
they need.) Make sure your dog is healthy by making an extra trip
to the vet and taking a stool sample to check for worms. Dogs can
pick up worms from a walk around the block. While you're at the
vet, make sure his inoculations are current. Only the rabies
vaccine is good for more than a year.
     If all else fails and your dog just isn't that great at
remembering where to relieve, more frequent trips outside when in
a new environment will work wonders. If you know when your dog
goes, praise the heck out of him even if you think he will never
lose this good habit. You'll wish you had praised more when you
have to carry dog poop in a bag out of a restaurant.
     Another problem sometimes observed in large groups is
barking, whining, and general noisemaking. Generally these
problems arise simply because the dogs are excited by each other
and because they are in new surroundings. If this is the case,
simple corrections usually work. Rather than using a leash
correction for this behavior, sometimes grasping the skin of the
dog's face (the same way you would grab a man by the lapels) or
the entire muzzle can be more effective. Accompany this with a
verbal correction. The direct contact on the dog's face/mouth
makes the difference because this is a dominant gesture on the
part of the handler. 
     Even though we expect our dogs to behave perfectly, no one,
human or canine, behaves perfectly all the time. Don't expect
miracles. If you can't remember which way the restaurant is,
don't expect the dog to "find the restaurant," especially if he
hasn't been taught the word "restaurant"!  There is nothing wrong
with talking and saying "find the restaurant" and praising when
you get there. This is one way of teaching a new concept, but
part of effective training is to show the dog the restaurant
first (once you know where it is). A correction is never in order
if your dog has not been taught the concept first.
     Remember, anticipate problems that might occur around other
dogs, make frequent trips outside, and correct your dog for
making excessive noise. But remember that your dog is a dog and
needs a little time to settle in, too.


              Reflections of a First-Time Cane User
                       by Angelique Turner

Editor's note: Angelique (Angel) Turner, received a 1993 National
Federation of the Blind of Ohio Scholarship. She is also the
President of our Student Division. She has put a great deal of
thought into the article that follows. Read it carefully and see
what you think.

    I attended my very first Washington Seminar in February of
this year. While there, I was asked to put my impressions of the
event in writing. This seemed an easy request with which to
comply. After all, I was experiencing a great many firsts. For
example, I purchased my very first long white cane and began
using it on the long trek from the hotel to Capitol Hill. Much to
my surprise, however, when I sat down to write about my many new
experiences, the words simply were not there. So many things had
happened that I could not decide what to write about. But my
writer's block was short-lived. It ended suddenly and
dramatically with an incident that took place shortly after I
returned from Washington. 
    During the weekend immediately following the seminar, I felt
that some time for relaxation was definitely in order. Therefore,
I got together  with some friends to attend a student production
of The Pines of Rome, and I decided to take my newly purchased
NFB white cane along for the trip. Since I am a new cane user,
this was not an easy decision to make, but my friends supported
me in my endeavors to  explore my blindness  more fully and
thought the cane was "cool." However, as we started to leave my
room, one young woman, who had evidently missed the whole point
of the conversation leading up to the decision to take my cane, 
innocently commented, "You're not going to carry that thing
around with you, are you?"
     I will omit the initial remark that popped into my head, for
I did not say it to her. However,  I feel certain that it was
written all over my face. After a brief recovery, I innocently
replied, "Sure. Why not?" And then with cane in hand and a smile
painted brightly on my face, I walked out the door to enjoy the
show.
         That incident combined with others that had occurred
during the Washington Seminar and on the trip home made me think
more and more about the societal attitudes and stereotypes that
many people in the blind community have incorporated into their
own thinking. Many blind people with some residual sight hinder
their well-being and progress by rejecting the alternative
techniques of blindness because of the negative attitudes and
stereotypes associated with being blind. For example, a person
who fears that a cane makes him or her look blind is unlikely to
use it. If one feels that Braille makes one look blind, one will
not be eager to learn or use it. Our  attitudes toward blindness
begin to take shape when we are very young. I can remember hating
the coke-bottle glasses I owned when I was six because everyone
called me "four-eyes" and "blind bat," etc. I did not have blind
adults to serve as role-models for me. For that matter, there was
no one to teach me that it was okay to be blind. In retrospect I
remember how many kids  came to school damning their parents
because of the "brace-face" brand seared into their little egos.
These were usually the kids that picked on the special ed kids
and others like me. Perhaps it is well for us all to recognize
that every child gets called names along the way.
     But many parents and professionals in the field of work with
the blind keep the negative attitudes and damning stereotypes
alive. We in the blind community know all too well the harmful
effects of sight-saving classes with their emphasis on audio
tapes and their discouragement of independent travel. Yet to many
parents and professionals the fact that a blind child has to be
taken to the bathroom or have her food brought to her or that she
must cling to the corridor wall for direction is not particularly
worrying, as long as she doesn't have to use a cane. It doesn't
seem to matter that, even with large print a half inch from his
nose, a bright college student can read only ten print words a
minute or that he has to stay up all hours of the night reviewing
five or six lecture tapes simply to prepare the notes for the
course, let alone study for the exam he has the next day. And he
thinks it is worth all of that not to look blind.
      I am now struggling in college as a result of the so-called
sight-saving classes and attitudes I was subjected to when I was
a child. I am still dealing with my blindness in all senses of
the word, and, as a new state student chapter president, I find
it difficult to give guidance to others when I am still
searching. While at the Washington seminar, however, I received a
great deal of support from other students and leaders in the
Federation, and, though I struggle, I know that I will always
have my Federation family to provide me with a gentle nudge or a
swift kick to keep me going in the right direction. I sincerely
hope that the students of today's NFB will aim more and more to
set positive examples for the youth that are fighting society's
stereotypes. I will certainly try.


        BILL WOULD MAKE BRAILLE TEXTBOOKS MORE ACCESSIBLE
                       by Crystal McClain

     Editor's note: The following article, written by Crystal
McClain, first appeared in the Forum section of the Bellefontaine
Examiner. Crystal is an active member of the Parents Division of
the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. She and her husband
Marc, who is a member of the division's Board of Directors,
intend to see that their daughter Macy lives a full and
productive life. While they're about doing that, they will
educate the public as well. With parents such as the McClains in
our movement we cannot fail in our effort to achieve first-class
citizenship for blind people. Read what Crystal has to say, and
you will agree. 

     In the Bellefontaine Examiner recently there was a small
Associated Press article about adding days to the school year
because of inclement weather. One line of the article mentioned
that Bill H.B. 164 also addressed Braille.
     I believe the public should realize that House Bill 164,
known as the Braille bill,  was the original bill and that the
inclement weather policy was attached to it, not vice versa. This
bill is a huge success for blind children of Ohio and their
parents. As the parent of a blind child, this means a great deal
to me.
     The Braille Bill provides for all legally blind children and
those low-vision children who will not be able to use print
effectively to have the right to learn Braille. The expectation
is that blind children will achieve at the same level as their
sighted peers who read print. The second part of the bill
provides for textbook producers to make textbooks available in a
machine-readable or ASCII format so that they may be more easily
transcribed into Braille.
     Hopefully this means that Braille students will no longer
have to wait sometimes six to eight months to get their textbooks
in Braille. The third section of this bill provides for
competency testing of those teachers certified to teach the blind
and visually impaired. These teachers will now have to
demonstrate a minimal level of competency in reading and writing
Braille. Just think of what the world would be like if elementary
school teachers were not required to be competent in reading
print. Until now that is how it has been for Ohio's blind
children. 
     I feel this bill is vital to my daughter's education and to
the education of all blind children. I'm proud that Ohio is the
twenty-second state of the Union to pass a Braille Bill. I
believe it deserved more than one line in the paper. And now I've
given it the recognition it deserves.


          OHIO LEADS THE NATION IN CONTEST PARTICIPANTS

     Once again, Ohio was unmatched by any other state in the
number of contestants fielded in the Braille Readers are Leaders
Contest. The 1993-1994 contest, co-sponsored by the National
Organization of Parents of Blind Children, a division of the
National Federation of the Blind, and the National Association to
Promote the Use of Braille, had eighteen participants from the
Buckeye state. They were Amanda Abrahamson, Donny Boggs, Debbie
Conley, Jessica Culley, Clinton Davie, Tiffany Ferris, Brian
Hess, Michael Moore, Levi Nichols, Joe O'Connor, Jason Perry,
Jason Rothermel, Barbara M. Stahl, Thomas Solich, Denise Waits,
Jacqueline Ware, Jennifer Warner, and Tyler Williams.
     Brian Hess and Thomas Solich deserve special recognition
because they were winners in the Most-Improved-Readers category.
We hope to see them at the top of their respective reading
categories next year.
    We in the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio offer our
congratulations to everyone who participated in the contest. You
have sent a message to the rest of the nation. You have made it
clear that Braille is alive and well in Ohio. A special word of
thanks is in order to the teachers and parents who sponsored the
contestants. You too have sent a message to the rest of the
nation. Through your sponsorship you have said that you believe
in the value of Braille reading. For this we commend you, because
we know that Braille readers really are leaders.


            VIDEO SERVICE LETS BLIND IN ON THE ACTION
                       by Deborah Kendrick

     Editor's note: Deborah Kendrick is a veteran columnist. Her
biweekly column on disability issues can be found in the Columbus
Dispatch. I enjoy reading her columns. She is a provocative and
stirring author. Here is what she has to say about Descriptive
Video Services:

     My grandfather lived with us awhile when I was a little
girl, and every afternoon we watched American Bandstand together.
At 7, I had a record collection that was the envy of every teen-
age baby sitter my mother hired--every Ricky Nelson, Frankie
Avalon, and Everly Brothers 45-rpm record was in my room--and
American Bandstand represented the ultimate fantasy fix.
     "Those kids sure can dance," Grandpa would say, and, as much
as I loved the music, the stars, and the beat you could dance to,
I couldn't share that part of the fascination. I  couldn't quite
imagine what "sure can dance" looked like.
     A few years ago, the world of television and movies took on
an entirely new dimension for kids and adults unable to see the
screen. Descriptive Video Service, a division of WGBH-TV in
Boston, launched the concept of adding narration to programs to
describe action, gestures, clothing, and characters themselves
for visually impaired viewers.
     DVS now provides description on eleven different Public
Broadcasting Service series (about forty broadcasts a month). In
response to requests from visually impaired consumers, DVS Home
Video was created two years ago and now offers more than fifty
titles. Instead of wondering what's happening when there's no one
else around, I can throw a DVS movie--such as Pretty Woman,
Sister Act, or Terms of Endearment--in the video cassette
recorder and enjoy it with or without company, because a voice
unobtrusively fills me in on the visual details.
     It all has been very wonderful and has made me impatient for
more description. I want DVS on all the networks, not just PBS. I
want it on cable and newscasts and made-for-TV movies. A
videotape of President Clinton's inaugural with DVS added brought
tears to my eyes. It was so lovely to know when the Clintons or
the Gores were hugging family members or to learn when President
Bush was smiling. Schmaltzy maybe, but when you're used to having
no clue about such details, acquiring them can be luscious fare
indeed.
     But somehow somebody in the U.S. Department of Education got
a very wrong idea. Instead of growing rapidly, as it should, DVS
is now under threat of being dramatically diminished. The
department's Media and Captioning Branch has been a major source
of funds for DVS, just as it has been for its closed-caption
predecessor for hearing-impaired audiences. In its proposed 1995
budget, however, the department would keep closed captioning at
its current $13 million, while slicing the smaller $1 million
support for video description by a third.
     Like so many things initiated to help people with
disabilities, both of these media-access solutions are showing
payoffs for others as well. There's evidence closed captioning
also helps children with reading and immigrants with English.
Similarly there are indications that video description is
beneficial to kids with learning disabilities and attention-
deficit disorder. In one experiment description was found to
increase the comprehension levels of people with visual acuities
ranging from 0 to 20/20.
     And that only makes sense. If you can hear the dialogue
being spoken and you then see it on the screen as well, you are
getting more information. If you can see the screen and then hear
someone describing one aspect of it, you can more readily choose
where to focus and then glean more understanding from the dual
input.
     What doesn't make sense is to exclude eleven million people
from the world of television--not when we have the technology to
provide the missing visual elements. Hearing-impaired children
now have captions for everything from Power Rangers to Barney,
and blind kids deserve description for those programs, too. A
little blind kid today shouldn't have to wonder what "sure can
dance" really means.
     Before the Department of Education budget is finalized next
week, someone will remember that it's just as important for blind
people to have access to TV programming as it is for their deaf
neighbors--and everyone else around them. 


                  DVS IN ITS PROPER PERSPECTIVE
                          by Eric Duffy

     This article was written for the last issue of the Buckeye
Bulletin. However, as editors must on occasion, I found myself
having to cut something out because of space shortages. Unlike
many editors, I had the luxury of cutting my own material. Less
risk of upsetting anyone, or so I thought at the time. In any
case, in no way is this article intended to take anything away
from the opinion expressed by Ms. Kendrick in the previous
article. It is, however, intended to bring another perspective to
the subject.

     When I was a boy, I enjoyed television, movies, and the
theater every bit as much as the next guy. That is why I was
somewhat perplexed when I began hearing about Audio Description
and then Video Description. I must confess that, when these
services began to be popular, I thought: here we go again--
another one of those brilliant ideas that are going to be forced
on the blind, whether we like it or not. I envisioned a time when
the proprietor of a theater would greet me at the door and say,
"You will have to come back another time; Descriptive Services
are not available tonight." I was also afraid that advertising
for such services would be far more melodramatic than it has
been.
     I experienced Descriptive Video Services (DVS) for the first
time at last summer's NFB Convention in Dallas. The movie, Field
Of Dreams, was one that I had seen before. I found that, although
the description was not a distraction, it did nothing to make the
movie any more enjoyable for me. I then watched True Grit, which
I had also seen before. Again, DVS did nothing to enhance the
movie. Finally, I watched Star Trek V. I have to say that DVS did
make that movie more enjoyable.
     As far as I am concerned, DVS is one of those I-can-take-it-
or-leave-it services. I survived for at least two decades before
I ever heard of any sort of descriptive service. Lest anyone
think that I spent two decades in a state of deprivation or that
I just don't know a good thing when I see it, read on. My brother
Charley is particularly good about describing television action.
After a time he developed a knack for knowing when I might want
extra information, and he gave it automatically. All of my
brothers and sisters wanted to do their part to make sure that I
wasn't missing anything on television or at the movies. However,
it seemed to me that Charley had one up on everyone else when it
came to description. He understood one thing better than anyone
else: he was able to determine when the audial information would
suffice and when he needed to give me more information. Most of
the time he recognized that the information provided by the
soundtrack was sufficient. When he moved away from home, I did
not stop watching television or going to movies. His ability to
describe action and to know when description was necessary was
nice, but I have gotten along quite well without it in the years
that have elapsed since it was available to me.
     All of this seems particularly relevant because I have
gotten a number of calls from individuals asking why the
Federation is not working harder to see that more DVS videos and
television programs are available. Rather than answering this
question directly, I provide these callers with some information.
Thirty-one percent of blind children are considered to be
non-readers; seventy percent of working-age blind people are
unemployed; many blind employees in sheltered workshops are
making less than $3 per hour while their sighted counterparts are
doing the same job and receiving the guaranteed minimum wage.
Because we are blind, we are told that we may not ride certain
amusement rides, enter some businesses accompanied by our guide
dogs, sit in certain seats on aircraft, etc. Given these facts,
do you still believe that we should be devoting more of our
resources to DVS? Without hesitation the answer is usually no.
     The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio has always been
clear in its purpose. As a rule it is much easier for the general
public to understand why the blind might enjoy DVS and other such
services than it is for them to understand why we want to be
literate, to have good jobs, and to have the same basic civil
rights afforded to others. To those without jobs DVS videos are
unaffordable and insignificant. Like the average sighted person,
the average blind person dreams of holding a good job, owning a
home, and having a family. Give us the opportunity to earn the
means to buy the television, the VCR, and the video; and we will
take care of the rest.


                   NEW GUIDE DOG SCHOOL COMING
                         by Sarah Morgan

     Editor's note: It seems to me that the world is full of
guide dog schools. Is there really the need, or for that matter,
room for another one? This is what I asked myself when I began
hearing about Sarah's vision of Shepherd Sight. Sarah and I have
discussed this question and many other issues related to guide
dogs while traveling to various parts of the state. Whether or
not another guide dog school can grow and flourish in the midst
of those that already exist remains to be seen. However, one
thing is certain: if there is anyone with the drive and
determination to make it happen, it is Sarah Morgan. Here is what
she has to say about her project:

     A new guide dog school, Shepherd Sight, is on the horizon. 
The staff respects blind people and will recognize that as an NFB
member you are a capable person who has ideas about what, when,
and which dog is best for you. Shepherd Sight was founded by NFB
of Ohio member Sarah Morgan and is currently beginning a German
Shepherd breeding program. The dogs will be owned by their blind
handlers and will be of top quality, physically and mentally
sound. They will be raised in a home environment to eliminate
kennel dog problems. More than three years have gone into the
continuing selection of breeding stock. The puppies are carefully
raised in the home of the trainer and socialized in many new
situations as they pass through the important formative months of
puppyhood. All the dogs are checked for genetic problems, and
when necessary pups are eliminated from the breeding program.
Shepherd Sight will not release unhealthy dogs.
     Not only are the dogs physically and mentally sound, but
they are from show stock as well. The dogs in the breeding
program are excellent representatives of their breed and winners
in the show ring. Since so much effort has gone into the
selection and breeding process, we have decided to limit our
program to one breed. Researching and understanding the
bloodlines of more than one breed and maintaining quality are
beyond the scope of the current small organization.
     Despite their belief in the German Shepherd as a great guide
dog, the trainers at Shepherd Sight realize that one breed will
never be satisfactory to all people. Therefore, the trainers are
willing to help a blind person choose another breed and train a
pup beginning with puppy socialization, assist in the selection
of an adult dog at the right age to begin training, or help
choose a puppy to be raised from puppyhood by the blind person.
     Guide dog users can now be confident that reasonable needs
and concerns will be met and discussed with complete honesty. If
any problems occur, they will be discussed openly, not left to
solve themselves, frequently resurfacing later.
     We expect to be awarded non-profit status soon, and at that
point we will be able to accept donations. Like most new
organizations, Shepherd Sight needs funding and the help of
interested people to fund-raise and to do public relations work.
Any interested parties? If you have questions, call Sarah Morgan,
614-261-6656. A presentation will be made at the national
Association of Guide Dog Users meeting in Detroit this year, and
NFB members will be asked for advice and assistance.


           PARENTS AND BLIND CHILDREN ENJOY DAY OF FUN
                      by Deborah Kent Stein

     Editor's note: The following article first appeared in the
Braille Examiner, the publication of the National Federation of
the Blind of Illinois. Although the work of the Federation is
serious and cannot be delayed, we must also take the time to have
a little fun. Perhaps after reading this article, Ohio Parents
will create a little fun of their own. Here is what happened in
Illinois:

     For eight-year-old Lindsay Sloan, the best part was the
supermarket. It was just like Jewel Foods, where she shopped with
her mother. But here the carts were child-sized, the shelves were
all within easy reach, and the fruits, vegetables, and meats were
made of plastic.
     The miniature supermarket was just one of the intriguing
displays that parents and children explored at the Kohl
Children's Museum in Wilmette, Illinois, on May 15, 1993.
Everywhere there were new toys to discover and musical
instruments to play. Children could climb aboard a wooden sailing
ship or unearth artifacts in a simulated Egyptian desert. Twelve-
year-old Greg Skrzesinski had his moment of glory as a rock star,
dancing before TV cameras to the beat of recorded music. Another
twelve-year-old, Tiffany Weber, tried her hand at playing the
guitar. Kelsey Grau, age three, became fascinated by an enormous
Egyptian-style statue, and repeatedly asked to go back and "sit
on toe."
     It was Kelsey's mother, NFBI Parents Chapter board member
Amy Grau, who conceived the idea of the museum outing. "We've
held workshops and seminars and things," she pointed out at a
meeting in January. "Why don't we try something different? 
"Let's plan something fun."
     In all, nine blind children and their families gathered at
the Kohl Children's Museum on the appointed day. Several of the
families were newcomers, who had never taken part in a
Federation-sponsored activity before. In the safe, child-friendly
environment of the museum, kids explored freely while parents got
to know one another. Afterwards, over lunch at a nearby pancake
house, there was time to share experiences and resources.
     By the end of the day many old ties had been strengthened,
and new friendships had a chance to be born. Some parents seemed
to catch the Federation spirit right away. "This is the best day
we've spent since our son was diagnosed," said Karen Brooks, the
mother of nine-month-old Jordan. "It's wonderful to know we can
meet blind people of all ages and find out what he's likely to
experience at all different stages of his life."
     There will always be a place for workshops and seminars. But
it's wonderful to know we can get so much important work done and
have so much fun along the way.


                   VOLUNTEERS, GOD BLESS THEM!

     Editor's note: The following poem and article first appeared
in the Blind Missourian, the publication of the National
Federation of the Blind of Missouri. Patricia Morrow is the
Editor of that newsletter, and her words ring with truth. Put
them to the test:

     The lady next door brought me this poem, which she
discovered in a church publication. Whether or not you approve of
the humorous parody of theology, you may find that it reinforces
the following article in curious ways.

     Many will be shocked to find, when the day of judgment
          nears,
     That there's a special place in heaven set aside for
          volunteers,
     Furnished with big recliners, satin couches, and footstools,
     Where there are no committee chairmen, no group leaders, nor
          car-pools,
     No eager team that needs a coach, no bazaar, no bake sale.
     There will be nothing to staple, to fold, or to mail.
     Telephone lists will be outlawed, but a snap of the fingers
          will bring
     Cool drinks and gourmet dinners and treats fit for a king.
     You ask, "Who'll serve those privileged few and work for all
          they're worth?"
     Why, all those who reaped benefits, and not once volunteered
          on earth.

                       Why Be a Volunteer
                       by Patricia Morrow

     During the past few months I have attended several district
meetings of my religious denomination. One of the topics we have
discussed is how to get people really engaged in a voluntary
organization--that's what sociologists call organizations or
institutions which you do not have to affiliate with or attend.
Church is obviously one. The National Federation of the Blind is
another. Each one of us voluntarily pays the five dollars charged
for dues in our state affiliate. Most of us contribute
considerably more money and especially time to the organization.
Why do we do this? Why should we do it? Why should others, with a
little friendly persuasion from us, do this?
     Probably not for rewards in the afterlife. That's where the
well-meaning theology in the verse above is perhaps a little
suspect. Surely there are rewards from volunteering. Just as
surely we don't have to wait until we get to heaven to experience
some of those rewards.
     Of course the first thing that comes to mind is that people
together can accomplish something they find valuable. They can
raise money; they can talk to legislators; they can develop
programs which they know to be worthwhile. This can be done
because volunteers can put aside individual differences and learn
to set goals and then work to advance those goals.
     Beyond that, one immediate reward is the friendship often
formed. One never gets to know, to understand, and (it is hoped)
to trust another person so quickly as when one is working with
that person to achieve something of value to both. How often have
you found that the person who talks most about what he or she can
do, and so impresses many, does not live up to the promise when
it really comes to putting forth the sustained effort to get
something accomplished? And how often have you discovered that
the quiet soul in the back of the room shows a sense of humor, a
willingness to do all kinds of things that don't get such public
notice, and much ingenuity in working through prickly situations?
How many times have you made a friend because you worked with
someone and the time and the situation allowed you to cut through
first impressions and learn what that person was really like when
push came to shove?
     The reverse of this is that people get to know and to be
able to measure your interests and abilities as well.
Understanding this, most people tend to try to live up to their
highest concepts of themselves. And what better way to become the
person one wants to be?
     Did you know you can learn new skills through volunteering?
Most people volunteer to do something they are already good at
doing; that is quite understandable. In fact, it's a good place
to start. But, if you are on a committee which is supposed to
provide food for an event, for example, because you have a
reputation as a cook, you may find yourself handling the budget
for the event--even if you have never been able to balance your
own checkbook or make the money last to the end of the month. But
you find that you can learn how to construct and follow a budget-
-often with a little help from your friends.
     There are probably better instances of learning than this
one. As an example take the totally disorganized person who has
managed to pull his or her own projects off because he or she
works well under a deadline and can reconstruct mental notes
(often illegible to the maker and always illegible to others). If
that person is heading a project that involves other people, he
or she has to lay out some kind of organized plan. What needs to
be done at what time, and who is to do it? Meetings must be
called. Problems must be anticipated and, if possible, headed
off. Everyone has to come together at the end with everything
done. That disorganized person has learned a great deal about
organization.
     And what about that aptitude that everyone seeking
employment says he has, the aptitude of "being good with people"?
You have to become sensitive to people's needs, their talents,
their potential, and even their fears if you are going to work
with them. You have to learn when to put on the pressure, when to
take risks by trusting people with jobs you're not quite sure
they can do, when to take the reins into your own hands again,
when to allow creativity to take everyone off in a direction that
nobody anticipated. None of this is easy; all of it is necessary
for someone who really wants to work with people. The only way to
learn is through experience, and getting that experience will
probably mean that you will make blunders. So you come to listen
well to what others say--and do not say--to you. And remember
that they are in the same position as you are; they are getting
experience.
     So, besides achieving a worthwhile goal and giving you a
chance to challenge yourself, volunteering can present you with
several specific rewards. You can make friends you never would
have known otherwise; you can become the kind of person you would
like to be--that is, one who is valued as a friend. You can
master skills that you never had before, and you can become a
person who is adept at working with people; you might even become
skilled enough to evolve into a leader.
     But, believe it or not, I think there are further
compensations for volunteering with the NFB, compensations that
give you even more than you have contributed. I was reminded of
this a few weeks ago when a friend, an active Federationist,
wrote to me that she owed for her newsletter subscription. I
repled that I was certain she had paid her dues and that they
covered the newsletter. Actually, it costs more than the five
dollars for state dues to print or record and mail the
newsletter, so one gets more than one has paid for. But that is
true with many things in the NFB: the Braille Monitor, Future
Reflections, Slate and Style, the state and national conventions;
all of these cost more and give us more than we ever pay for
them. That doesn't even comprehend the improvements in
rehabilitation training and the agencies that provide it, the
passage of state Braille bills for the teaching of children, the
assurance of Social Security benefits, the understanding that
blind people may go into any career they have the nerve and the
alternative means to master. All of these things rest in one
degree or another on the efforts of the National Federation of
the Blind. And if you believe that none of the improvements
mentioned touches you directly, remember that whatever affirms
the competency and well-being of the blind in general affirms and
strengthens you as a person.
     So don't just sit there. Usually you will be asked to do
something--at least in an active organization like the NFB. But,
if you aren't asked, find someone who can use a little help with
a project and offer yours. Or take a risk. Look around and find
something that needs doing. Then speak up. Suggest that it be
done and that you do it. Find a goal, an element, or activity
that you really value. And don't just sit there reading somebody
else's moralizing about the value of volunteering. Get going!


                       CURRENT ATTRACTIONS
     Two divisions of the National Federation of the Blind
publish quarterly magazines of great interest to many
Federationists and others with specialized interests. We have
been asked to publish in each issue of the Buckeye Bulletin the
tables of contents and subscription information for the current
issues of these publications. Please do what you can to encourage
those who could benefit from reading these magazines to subscribe
to them.
     Future Reflections is available from the National
Organization of Parents of Blind Children, a division of the
National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore,
Maryland  21230, commercial cassette and print for $8 per year.
This magazine is indispensable for parents and educators of blind
children or anyone concerned about the problems that face them.
     The Table of Contents for the Winter, 1994, issue:
Snapshots from the 1993 NFB National Convention
Michigan: Host of the 1994 National Parents Seminar and National
Federation of the Blind Annual Convention
Reflections from Home: Report on the 1993 National Convention of
the National Federation of the Blind, Dallas, Texas
Through the Screen Door
NFB Recognizes Outstanding Individuals
Gift of Independence: Teacher Helps Blind Find Their Own Way
1994 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
Childhood on the Lower East Side
Meeting the Needs of the Deaf-Blind Child
1993 Gus Gisser Memorial Braille Readers Contest Report
Chesnee Girl Wins Braille Award
The Scholarship Class of 1993

     Voice of the Diabetic Table of Contents of the Spring, 1994,
issue:
Talking Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems
Medicare Pays for Diabetic Footwear
National Federation of the Blind 1994 Legislative Memorandum
The Diabetic Foot
Tightrope
A Parent's Perspective
Justice Department Says No to Diabetes Discrimination
Ask the Doctor
Wound Care and Prevention of Foot Problems
Caring for Your Feet
Letters to the Editor
Recipe Corner
When Sugar is Okay to Eat
New Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Diabetics
What You Always Wanted to Know But Didn't Know Where to Ask
Peoplepops and Peopledrops
Convention 1994: Make Plans for the Biggest and Best
Food for Thought
     The Diabetics Division of the National Federation of the
Blind membership fee has recently been eliminated. This means
that there is now no cost for a subscription to the Voice of the
Diabetic, though contributions are gratefully accepted. However,
the production cost per annual subscription of the Voice is still
about $15. For this reason we must charge all institutions $15
for an annual subscription. Non-members who wish to receive the
magazine free may make arrangements to do so, but, unless they
either join the division or pay the subscription fee, their names
may be removed from the circulation list at some time. Send check
or money order in the appropriate amount to Ed Bryant, 811 Cherry
St., Suite 306, Columbia, MO  65201.


                          CHAPTER NOTES

     Jim Conner from the NFB of Cincinnati writes as follows: 
My name is Jim Conner, and I am a member of the Cincinnati
Chapter. The chapter has asked me to keep you informed of events
going on in Cincinnati. I would like to take this opportunity to
talk about outreach.
     I have lost most of my vision in the last couple of years
and found out about most areas of aid and help by accident. I
found out about the Federation when I was in Louisville,
Kentucky, in a rehabilitation program. I was invited to a social
meeting of the local chapter. I met Betty Nicely and some other
great people. To make a long story short, I want to urge everyone
to keep in mind that the knowledge and expertise we have can be
of great help and benefit to people like me that have no idea
where to get help and how to cope with blindness. I am still
finding out things and welcome any and all helpful hints and
sources of aid. Do not assume that, because you know something,
others do also.
     These are things that we strive to keep in mind as we are
working to build our chapter. Everyone would do well to remember
them when talking with new members of our Federation family.
     I also want to report that our chapter had the pleasure of
having Eric Duffy and Sarah Morgan attend our March meeting. We
very much appreciated their contributions to the meeting.


     Tom Anderson, president of the NFB of Mahoning Valley,
writes as follows: I now serve as a voluntary ADA consultant to
the Mahoning County Department of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Services. I will advise the department about policy issues
related to clients and staff.
     On Tuesday, March 1, 1994, Kay Klammer spoke about blindness
and the National Federation of the Blind to eighteen students in
a special education class at Youngstown State University. She
also passed out NFB literature and Braille alphabet cards.

     The forty-eighth annual banquet of the NFB of Mahoning
Valley was held on Sunday, April 24, 1994, at the Wick Pollock
Inn. Our guest speaker was Congressman James Trafficant, an
eight-year Associate Member of the National Federation of the
Blind.

     John Smith, President of the National Federation of the
Blind of Southeast Ohio, sent the following report:
                       News from the Oasis
     At the last meeting of the NFB of Southeast Ohio, one of our
guest speakers referred to our region as "a waste land of
resources." She then referred to us as "an oasis of opportunity." 
We are proud to be the oasis of information in Southeast Ohio,
and we are committed to spreading the gospel of Federationism
throughout this region. So what has been happening down here?
     On May 4 we held the first NFB Colloquium on the campus of
Ohio University. I want to thank my fellow Federationists--Bob
Eschbach, Dave Robinson, Kathy Arthurs, and Pat Eschbach--for
service above and beyond the call of duty. They provided physical
and emotional support and were wonderful participants in the
colloquium. We owe them a great debt, and they truly upheld the
spirit of Federationism. 
     In my comments that night, I said that the letters "NFB"
stood for the fact that we were "no longer willing to be second-
class citizens, that we were fighters and that we were about the
business of securing equality and opportunity for the blind of
Ohio and the nation."  I further contended that we were
nurturers, one big family, and that we were builders. I concluded
my comments that night by assuring the O.U. family that "as long
as I have breath, the NFB of Southeast Ohio will be a viable
entity in this community."
     On Thursday, May 5, I was asked to participate on a panel
which would disseminate information about a variety of so-called
disabilities. My message was clear and to the point: "We are
people first, and as such we should be treated with respect." I
found it quite interesting that many of the comments that I had
intended on making that night were made by other panelists. It
seems that people in general treat individuals with visible
disabilities in the same ridiculous manner.
     On May 10 I was asked to speak to a university music class
about blind people and the arts. I delivered the same message,
and I stressed the need to avoid the stereotypical thinking that
all blind people are Stevie Wonders or Tom Sullivans, etc. I
enjoy participating in these kinds of activities because they are
opportunities for me to spread our Federation philosophy
throughout Ohio University and Southeast Ohio.
     Now I would like to introduce you to two members of our
Federation family. I know that you will enjoy meeting them.
Brenda Blake, our Vice President, lives in Logan with her husband
Kenneth. Brenda lost her sight in 1989 because of a brain
aneurysm. She has very limited sight in one eye. The Blakes have
two grown children, and for sixteen years they owned and operated
a meat supply store. Brenda came to the last Board of Directors
meeting with me, and I know that she has been, and will continue
to be, a positive force in our chapter.
     Tom Sagar, our treasurer, is a sophomore at Ohio University.
Tom and his guide dog, Roxanne, are very popular on the campus
and in their dormitory. Tom lost his sight in a tragic car
accident in 1990. After two years of hospitalization and
extensive rehabilitation, Tom decided to return to school. He is
doing quite well and has even applied for one of our
scholarships. Tom was a member of the May 5 panel, and his
response to a question was truly the stuff of Federationism.
"Aren't you bitter about what happened to you?" was the question,
"Yes, sometimes I get mad, but what can I do about it? It
happened, and now I must get on with the rest of my life, so here
I am!" was his response.
     These two members epitomize our commitment to chapter-
building in this area. When you think about it, life in the
desert isn't so bad, if there is an oasis.

     Tracy Duffy, President of the Capital Chapter offers the
following news:
     On Thursday, April 28, our chapter hosted a dinner to honor
blind graduating high school seniors from throughout the state.
Although this dinner is for seniors from across the state, it has
traditionally been attended solely by the students and staff of
the Ohio State School for the Blind. This year was no exception.
     Each student talked about a memorable moment or an
outstanding personal achievement that occurred during his or her
time at the school. They also discussed their plans for the near
future.
     Of course, the evening would not have been complete without
some discussion of Braille. We asked Mr. Bowling, the Principal,
whether or not he intended to ensure that his students who are 
Braille users know how to use the slate and stylus. He said that
a new supply of slates has been ordered and that he is working to
see that students will begin learning to use them next year. I
believe that this change can be directly attributed to the work
of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. We received
several thank you notes following the dinner. Here are two of
them:

Dear NFB:
     I am writing you to thank all of you for the delicious meal
and warm hospitality I received from your group. I also enjoyed
talking with you and finding out what the NFB is all about. It is
really nice to know that we have someone to talk to when I need
to talk. Thanks once again for your consideration.
                                                       Sincerely,
                                                    Michael Annon

Dear NFB:
     Thank you for the senior dinner that you had for us last
Wednesday. The food was good, and I enjoyed the dinner very much.
I also appreciate everybody involved with the NFB that shared
their feelings concerning their blindness. It was very helpful
and worthwhile.
                                                       Sincerely,
                                                 Korina Underwood


                         PERSONAL NOTES

     The following poem was sent to Barbara Pierce by Betty Kurl,
a resident of the Philomatheon home in Canton. Ms. Kurl describes
herself as a committed Braille user. Here is the poem:

                       Thoughts on Braille
               My hands are more than hands to me,
                 As they march across the page.
                  They lead me to a bygone age,
                    Or fly me to yon galaxy.

               They are at once my guide and key,
                  My companions and my friends.
                 With them adventure has no end,
               My hands are more than hands to me.

     Tom Anderson received the 1994 Volunteer Service Award from
Who's Who in Youngstown. This award was presented to Tom for his
work as Second Vice President of the National Federation of the
Blind of Ohio. The night of the presentation he and Louise were
taken to the presentation dinner in a limousine and otherwise
honored during the evening. We are proud of Tom and grateful to
him for all his hard work.

     Congratulations to Tracy Duffy on completing the business
enterprise training program. She is now a licensed vendor.

     We are pleased to report that Annette Anderson has been
appointed to the Cuyahoga County advisory committee for people
with disabilities. Congratulations to Annette and good luck.

     Long-time readers of the Buckeye Bulletin know that I have
on several occasions written about my experiences while growing
up as a blind child. I have revealed some very personal and
painful things that were not always easy to talk about. In so
doing, I hoped that parents of blind children would learn from
these experiences and not repeat some of the mistakes my parents
made. No parents are perfect. Inevitably they make mistakes
raising their children. When the parents of a blind child are not
actively involved in the National Federation of the Blind, the
mistakes made can be devastating. When I was growing up, my
parents knew nothing about the Federation, and our relationship
suffered because they didn't. My family's poor attitudes about
blindness resulted in a broken relationship between my parents
and me. Now there is no chance of repairing part of that
relationship, for on Saturday, April 30, my mother passed away.
     I loved my mother very much and deeply regret the fact that
we did not have a better relationship. Most of our differences
were due to our beliefs about the inherent capacities of the
blind. My mother was extremely over-protective, and this caused
many problems for us even after I became an adult. Today I wonder
how different our lives would have been had we known about the
Federation. I will miss my mother very much. While she lived,
there was some hope of repairing our relationship, and now that
hope is gone. Therefore, the greatest tribute I can now pay her
is to strengthen my commitment to the work of the National
Federation of the Blind. I will do everything I can to prevent
poor attitudes about blindness from dividing other families as
mine was.


June 20: Deadline for convention room cancellation deposit
reimbursement
June 24-26: OSSB Family Retreat, keynote speaker, Joanne Wilson
June 30: NFBO bus departs for National Convention
July 1-7: 1994 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind
August 5,6: NFBO Chapter Presidents Seminar
August 15: deadline for submission to the Fall issue of the
Buckeye Bulletin
September 17: Meeting, Board of Directors, Dayton Airport Inn
November 10-13: NFBO Annual Convention, Dayton Airport Inn