Maryland Federationists began to arrive early Friday evening, October 26, in College Park for this affiliate's Thirteenth Annual Convention.This Convention was typical of that kind of convention that Marylandershave come to expect - an agenda filled with many interesting items, an inspiring banquet program, and fun-filled parties well past the midnight hour. We summarizehere the major Convention highlights.
Friday evening: At the traditional Board meeting whichcommences Convention activities, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of an Associates contest similar to the national contest
with prizes to be announced later.
Saturday morning: The morning session was devoted primarily
to a panel discussion of agency representatives and a panel discussion of blind consumers - with a common topic, The Future of Services to the Blind in Maryland. Theheated exchange between blind consumers and agency representatives, especially the representatives of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and theMaryland School for the Blind, clearly indicated thedifficulties encountered by blind consumers in dealing reasonably with the majority of officials responsible for services tothe blind.
Saturday evening: The banquet was attended by Congresswoman Spelman and a host of members of the General Assembly. President Jernigan delivered a superb banquet address - its theme, "Whatever became of Amos and Andy."
Sunday morning: The Convention adopted a new constitution. This being an odd-numbered year, two members were elected to the Board of Directors - Ralph Thompson and Al Saile. The Convention adjourned promptly at noon.