The Newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
CALENDAR
Saturday, May 18, 1991: NFB of Maryland Board of Directors Meeting, National Center for the Blind, Baltimore, Maryland, 9:30 AM.
Friday, May 31, 1991: Deadline for 1990-91 Associates Contest.
Sunday, June 30 - Sunday, July 7, 1991: Fifty-first Annual Convention, National Federation of the Blind, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Saturday, July 27, 1991: NFB of Maryland Board Meeting and Picnic, Centennial Park, Columbia, Maryland, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Lunch $5.00 per person. Call 992-9608 for reservations.
Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27, 1991: Twenty-fifth Annual Convention, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Dunes Manor Hotel, Ocean City, Maryland.
Wednesday, July 31, 1991: Deadline for articles to appear in the next issue of the Braille Spectator.
BLIND PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BEGINNING JULY 1, 1991
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
by Sharon Maneki
From the view of the organized blind, the 1991 session of the Maryland General Assembly was a very successful one. We made significant progress on our three major legislative objectives.
- The right-of-way for blind pedestrians has been clarified in Maryland law. The General Assembly passed HB 459, (introduced by Delegate Pauline Menes and cosponsored by delegates Gordon, Perry, Thomas, Hixson, Preis, Krysiak, Madden, Tignor, Harkins, Craig, Blumenthal, and Proctor) and SB 453, (introduced by Senator Decatur Trotter). These bills remove archaic language from the Annotated Code of Maryland, concerning blind pedestrians and crosswalks. This change in the law became necessary when two blind pedestrians were struck and killed by an automobile in 1987. The offending driver could not be charged with a violation of the White Cane law since the blind victims were not in the crosswalk. As of July 1, 1991, the law will read: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to: (1) a blind or partially blind pedestrian carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by a guide dog...; (Article-Transportation Section 21-511). This legislation was signed by Governor Shaefer on Tuesday, April 30.
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- The passage of SB 770, introduced by Senator George Della, is an important step toward our goal of enacting a "Maryland Randolph Sheppard Act." Although blind vendors have operated facilities on some state and municipal locations for many years, there is no law which guarantees the priority of state and local vending facilities to the Maryland Vending Program for the Blind. In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of vending locations available to blind persons. SB 770 ensures that state buildings under the jurisdiction of the Department of General Services must give priority to the Maryland Vending Program for the Blind when setting up cafeterias or other vending facilities. Further legislation will be necessary to cover all state, county, and municipal buildings.
- Our complaints about the unfairness of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's appeals procedure prompted many delegates and senators to ask pointed questions of the DVR and its practice of hiring former employees to serve as judge and jury for client appeals. Thanks to the concerns expressed by the General Assembly, DVR has agreed to mend its ways. DVR appeal hearings will be heard by the Office of Administrative Hearings, as of July 1, 1991. The Office of Administrative Hearings is a new office that was created in 1989 to handle all administrative hearings for all state agencies, ranging from the Department of Motor Vehicles to the Department of Social Services. We hope that this change will provide greater objectivity and fairness to DVR clients.
The opportunity to organize rehabilitation services for the blind into a single identifiable agency, one of our long-term goals, unexpectedly presented itself when Governor Shaefer proposed a massive reshuffling of the executive departments to the General Assembly (HB 487 and SB 295). Of greatest significance for the blind in this 250-page legislation was a minuscule section calling for the transfer of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The NFB of Maryland responded by offering an amendment to these bills to transfer rehabilitation services for the blind from the DVR to the administration of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. (See the next article in this issue for testimony supporting this amendment.) While this legislation died from lack of action in the House Rules Committee, we anticipate further attempts at the reorganization of executive departments by the Governor in the near future.
The following actions were not sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, but are included here because they are of interest:
Once again, legislation (SB 2) protecting the rights of blind and deaf persons to serve on juries failed to pass the General Assembly. In the past, this legislation was passed by the Senate. This year it was killed by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 228 and HB 444, changing the name of the Governor's Office for Handicapped Individuals to Governor's Office for individuals with Disabilities.
The power of the Maryland Human Relations Commission was strengthened by the adoption of HB 357, giving the authority to assess civil penalties on owners of certain public accommodation who are found guilty of discrimination. This act applies only to those public accommodations regulated by the Maryland State Department of Licensing and Regulations. However, it covers discrimination on the basis of race, creed, sex and disability. Fines up to $500 can be raised and are paid to the state, not to the victim who suffered the discrimination.
The General Assembly enacted SB 303, enabling persons whose vision can be corrected to 20/100 with the use of bioptic telescopic lenses, to obtain Class D drivers licenses.
Rules governing the suspension or expulsion of handicapped students were relaxed by the passage of HB 622. According to this bill, "a handicapped student may not be removed from the student's current educational placement for more than ten school days each school year ...," (Article-Education, Section 7-304 (e).)
I wish to thank the many Federationists who assisted in our legislative efforts this year. Your letters, phone calls, attendance at hearings, and personal contacts were most helpful. We had a very good year with the Maryland General Assembly.
REORGANIZING REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
The following four statements in support of the NFB of Maryland's amendment to transfer rehabilitation services for the blind from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to Blind Industries and Services of Maryland were submitted to the Maryland General Assembly. Three of these four authors, Don Morris, Kenneth Jernigan, and Thomas Saquella are well known to Spectator readers. The fourth author, Nell Camey, is Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
What is the Maryland Vending Program for the Blind?
BY DON MORRIS
The Maryland Vending Program is a State and Federal partnership wherein qualified blind persons are licensed to operate small businesses on state and federal property. Maryland's Vending Program provides employment and earning opportunities for approximately 80 blind Marylanders. Through this Program, we are permitted to work and earn and strive for our piece of the American dream.
What is the Maryland Committee of Blind Vendors?
The Maryland Committee of Blind Vendors is elected by Maryland's 80 blind Vendors who are licensed by the State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The committee is mandated by federal legislation, the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 USC Section 107). The purpose of the Committee of Blind Vendors is to actively participate with DVR, the State Licensing Agency (SLA) in significant Program policy and administrative decisions. At the February meeting of the Committee, we discussed S.B. 295 and the amendment which will be described in this and other testimony. The Committee authorized me to appear before you in support of S.B. 295 with this amendment.
What is the Purpose of S.B. 295 and Its Amendment?
S.B. 295 is an administration Bill to reorganize an important part of State government. It will move all Vocational Rehabilitation Services from the State Department of Education to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The amendment we support will move Vocational Rehabilitation of the adult blind, from general rehabilitation to Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM).
Why Should Rehabilitation of the Blind Be Separate?
The vocational rehabilitation needs of blind persons are sufficiently unique from the needs of others that it makes most sense to provide these services in an agency specifically established to meet these special needs. BISM is such an agency. Since 1907 BISM has provided training and employment services to blind Marylanders. BISM has a history of success in fulfilling its mission. BISM has a professional staff which is well qualified to work with blind persons delivering vocational training specifically required by the blind. BISM is served by a Board of Trustees, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
What About the DVR Staff Now Serving the Blind?
Each of the employees at DVR who currently work in blindness programs, would be transferred to BISM along with the responsibility to continue such services to the blind. Fringe benefits and salary levels at DVR and BISM are comparable.
If Blindness is Separated, Won't Other Groups Want Separate Agencies Too?
Congress recognized the special needs of the blind and therefore specifically permits a separate agency for the blind. No other disability group has been so authorized. Federal funding is available for separate agencies for the blind. No other disability group is authorized to receive such individual funding.
What About Duplication of Service?
With all rehabilitation services for adult blind situated at BISM, there will be no such duplication of service. In fact, BISM, as a separate agency for the blind can utilize its current administration and facilities to perform the responsibilities which will be transferred to it.
Who Benefits From the Single Agency For the Blind?
There will be many beneficiaries from the transfer proposed. The group I represent, Maryland's blind vendors, will benefit from having our business program transferred to an agency with a business orientation. BISM now produces products and generates millions of dollars of income from sales to federal and state government as well as private industry. BISM understands business as well as blindness. Other blind Marylanders will benefit from the single agency in that they will receive required services from this single agency instead of going from pillar to post trying to arrange the specific assistance they require. The taxpayers of Maryland will also benefit in that a separate agency for the blind has proven to be the most efficient means of delivering rehabilitation to the adult blind. Across the country, services to the blind are generally most effective and efficient in those 26 states that have availed themselves of the provisions of federal law, which permit establishing a separate agency for the blind.
Why Not Permit the Reorganization of S.B. 295 and Then Consider a Separate Agency Sometime in the Future?
The time to establish a separate agency is NOW. For several reasons it is most logical to make this change during the same time as the reorganization of general rehabilitation. By moving blindness programs to BISM at once, the beneficiaries can start realizing the gains immediately. The expense and effort of relocating blindness programs within DHMH, only to move them later will be eliminated. The non-blind clients of DVR will be better served by the extra attention which can be focused on them by the new DHMH/DVR agency.
What About Cost?
Many advocates of the separate agency for the blind believe that the cost of vocational rehabilitation for adult blind persons will diminish. The amendment proposed for S.B. 295 will transfer all of the responsibility and programs from DVR to BISM. It will likewise transfer the funding now committed to those programs. For the reasons described above, it is my belief that costs will either decline or the quality and volume of service provided will increase with the more efficient delivery of service through a single agency for the blind. We have a WIN-WIN situation.
How Do We Achieve These Benefits For Maryland?
The adoption of S.B. 295 with its reorganization and the inclusion of an amendment which will transfer all vocational rehabilitation of adult blind programs to BISM, a separate agency for the blind, will let Maryland take advantage of this special provision of federal law.
It is important that Maryland receive the maximum benefit from the tax dollars it spends for rehabilitation of the blind. By transferring adult blindness programs from DVR to BISM the maximum opportunity is achieved to do the best for most people with the least dollars.
Members of Maryland's General Assembly have long advocated for their blind constituents. The legislation we have discussed today is the most significant opportunity you will have to improve the quality of life for blind Marylanders.
Please support S.B. 295 with this very important amendment.
Statement BY KENNETH JERNIGAN
Mr. Chairman, I am Kenneth Jernigan. I am the executive director of the National Federation of the Blind. My address is 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230; telephone (301) 659-9314. Thank you for the opportunity to appear at this hearing.
First, I would like to say a word about the National Federation of the Blind and about myself personally. The Federation is a nationwide membership organization of blind people with over fifty thousand members, affiliated organizations in all states, and local chapters in most sizable population areas throughout the United States. It is also significant that Maryland is the home of our national headquarters. That has been the case since 1978. Several members of the General Assembly have visited our headquarters buildings in South Baltimore. I am sure that most of you have seen our large lighted sign, which is visible on the right from Interstate 95 as you exit the Fort McHenry tunnel going toward Washington.
The work we are doing here in Maryland serves as a model for the nation-and, in fact, the world. The national presence of the Federation in our state makes Maryland the focal point for virtually all of the new and exciting developments in the blindness field now happening in this country. As an example, we have recently opened the National Braille and Technology Center for the Blind, the only facility of its kind ever to be established in the world. We have in operation every computerized Brailling device that we know about now produced anywhere in the world. The most expensive item (and we do not sell these things) is called a Braillo 400, which sells for $80,000.00
The least expensive, by the way, cost just under $1,700 and is produced right here in Maryland. Our purpose is to display, test, and demonstrate whatever is available. As with all of the Federation's other existing programs, the new National Braille and Technology Center for the Blind is directed by blind persons for the benefit of blind persons.
Personally, I have been honored and challenged by the opportunity to serve as the principal national leader of the organized blind movement in this country for a number of years. As part of that effort, I directed all programs for the blind in the state of Iowa for twenty years, beginning in 1958. The success of the Iowa experience shows that services for the blind work best through a unified approach-one that is backed by a partnership which includes the blind of the State, the State agency established to serve the blind, and the responsible state officials-especially, the General Assembly and the Governor. Such an approach appears to be evolving now in Maryland. If we can act together to foster this partnership, conditions are right for Maryland to emerge as the preeminent national leader among the states in providing responsive and cost-effective services to the blind. We should not lose the chance for this to happen.
Governor Schaefer's reorganization plan for state government (S.B. 295 and H.B. 487) presents the opportunity to achieve unparalleled organizational efficiency and effectiveness in state-supported efforts to serve the blind. Referring to the health article, beginning on page 176 of the bill, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) would be administered by the State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. DVR would become the Rehabilitation Services Administration and be transferred from the Department of Education. DVR provides some services to the blind, but these are not mentioned specifically. By implication it would seem that the services for the blind provided by DVR would be transferred to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with DVR. However, another (and, in fact, a more logical) scenario is possible and desirable.
Maryland already has one agency devoted exclusively to serving the blind. I am speaking of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM). In this respect, Maryland is similar to many other states which have created identifiable agencies specifically to serve the blind. However, Maryland is unlike these other states in that the vocational rehabilitation program for the blind is not combined with other related rehabilitation programs for the blind. Both fiscal and programmatic considerations argue strongly for eliminating this separation.
Twenty-six states have established specialized programs and services for the blind with federal funding provided through vocational rehabilitation. This federal authority is found in section 101 (a) (1) (A) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 USC Section 721 et. seq.). Exercising the prerogative given to the state by this section, vocational rehabilitation services to the blind can receive the full benefit of federal funding when services are provided by an agency established under state law to serve the blind. BISM is the type of agency which can provide vocational rehabilitation services to the blind as contemplated by the federal act.
Mr. Chairman, let me be clear about what I am saying. We favor (in fact, we strongly favor) the Governor's plan to include DVR in the reorganization of state government. We support the transfer of DVR to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. However, we are asking you to take a different approach with respect to services for the blind. Those services (including vocational rehabilitation services) will be more responsive and efficiently administered by a single agency. BISM is an already existing agency with an exclusive mandate to serve the blind. The transfer of vocational rehabilitation services for the blind to BISM would rationalize the organizational structure and streamline the delivery of services.
The amendment to transfer vocational rehabilitation services for the blind to BISM is technically a simple matter which could be of enormous benefit to the blind residents of our state. This amendment will also be cost-beneficial to the taxpayers, and I do mean that there will be actual savings in real dollars. Let me deal with these points.
The first point is technical simplicity. It is not necessary to create a new agency. Under the circumstances, it would not be desirable to do so. BISM has a board of trustees, appointed by the Governor and responsible for setting broad program policies. BISM also has a full-time paid administrator and staff capable of providing the necessary administrative services. BISM's current program includes significant training and employment services for blind individuals. Adding the services now provided to the blind by DVR would be entirely consistent with BISM's program.
The blind of our state would benefit from this transfer. Fragmentation of services leads to lost opportunities. Blind people are literally sent from agency to agency, looking in vain for someone who can respond to their needs. Buck passing becomes a common practice when responsibilities are shared. It is clear from our experience across the country, Mr. Chairman, that blind people receive consistently better and more complete training services when one agency is responsible for the entire package of services to the blind. The agency's staff and resources are more focused on a manageable set of problems. We know from much experience that blind people can be as productive as any other segment of our society, but opportunities for them to do so are lost every day in Maryland due principally to the lack of a targeted, well-defined program.
It is true that the blind are real losers under the current fragmented structure, but so are the taxpayers. BISM annually receives a state appropriation of about one and a quarter million dollars. Most of this money is used for expenses that could be chargeable to vocational rehabilitation. Eighty percent of the funds used in the vocational rehabilitation program are federal dollars, not state dollars. In terms of leveraging and using the federal money, it would be most beneficial, from the standpoint of state appropriations, to link the vocational rehabilitation program for the blind with BISM's already existing, state funded, programs. By doing this the state would be able to achieve the maximum use of the federal dollars available. Keeping the programs separate means that essentially all of BISM's rehabilitation expenditure (including the cost of administration and overhead) must be met by state appropriations only. Combining the programs as proposed in the amendment would make virtually all BISM's activities eligible for federal funding and significantly reduce the exclusive reliance on state appropriations.
Mr. Chairman, I want to emphasize that what I have said here is not a matter of opinion or speculation. What I have said is a matter of fact, proved by years of experience. There is no doubt, based on what I know about the field of blindness and my observations of national trends, that programs for the blind in our state can flourish if they are grouped together in a single agency, with a single governing board, and with a full-time administrator and staff assigned exclusively to serve the blind. BISM can be such an agency. There is no mystery in how to provide well-placed and responsive rehabilitation services to the blind. There must first be an identifiable agency with responsibility for all of the major programs affecting the blind. Support for that agency must be felt and shown by the blind themselves. Finally, responsible elected officials must be committed to the effort and truly feel that the state programs for the blind can be a source of pride to show that state government really works.
In light of all that has been said, Mr. Chairman, I hope that this committee will approve the amendment to unify all of our state's vocational rehabilitation programs for the blind. There will probably not be another opportunity soon for the General Assembly to address this issue. We urge you to approve the Governor's plan for reorganization of state government and to improve programs for the blind in the process. This can be done by amending the bill as we are requesting. Thank you for the opportunity to give you my views.
Statement BY THOMAS SAQUELLA
I am writing in a personal capacity to support the amendment to House Bill 487 that would transfer the vocational rehabilitation services for blind adults to Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM). My interest in this matter results from my almost five years as a member of BISM's Board of Trustees including almost three years as chairman.
The amendment would provide a focal point for services to the adult blind. Transferring these programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would merely transfer them from one bureaucracy to another bureaucracy. As chairman, I was often frustrated by the delays in making program changes because of the bureaucracy.
BISM already conducts similar programs to those of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The amendment would enhance coordination and avoid duplication.
The Committee should also be aware of the strong professional interest in a single agency for rehabilitation services for the blind.
One of my most challenging tasks as chairman was hiring a new president of BISM. A number of outstanding applicants, especially in the area of training and rehabilitation, were not inclined to work for a division that was part of a larger agency. There was a strong preference for a separate agency devoted exclusively to adult blind services.
Much of what BISM and DVR do is to prepare blind adults for employment and to be full participants in our economic system. Clearly, BISM, through its Industries and Vending Programs, can provide a much better bridge to the private sector.
One final point, which I came to appreciate during my years on the BISM Board, is the very strong and growing desire of the blind to achieve economic independence. They want the same opportunity as sighted people to fail or succeed in our social and economic system. I sometimes had the feeling that DVR had a difficult time fully appreciating this desire for independence.
Statement BY NELL CARNEY
Thank you for your letter of March 1, 1991, which indicates that the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is an agency under consideration to administer under a Federally approved State Plan, a Vocational Rehabilitation Services program to serve individuals who are blind. Staff at RSA have reviewed your inquiry along with the portion of the Annotated Code of Maryland that you furnished.
Specifically, you inquire whether the Rehabilitation Services Administration, in light of the State agency requirement in section 101 (a) (1) (A) of the Rehabilitation Act, would "recognize BISM as the designated agency established under State law to serve the blind", and whether State statute contains requirements "which would bar BISM's designation as the vocational rehabilitation agency for the blind"? Section 101 (a) (1) (A) permits, if authorized under State law, a State agency for the blind or any State agency that provides services to the adult blind to be designated as the sole State agency to provide VR services to the blind.
Our review of the materials you have provided fails to disclose any impediment to BISM's designation as the State agency to administer a vocational rehabilitation service program for the blind as long as State statute is amended to so allow. We would be happy to review a draft State statute and will be prepared to offer technical assistance to State officials during this process should they make a request. Section 101 (a) of the Act contains the criteria on which our review and technical assistance would be based.
I WORK FOR A BLIND EXECUTIVE
by Bernice McLaren
Delivered at "Making the Connections: A Seminar for Employers and Blind Job Applicants" held Friday, November 9, 1990, Annapolis, Maryland.
Good afternoon, my name is Bernice McLaren. Presently, I work as an administrative assistant at the Wilmer Vision Research Center at Johns Hopkins University.
I have had the opportunity to work with two blind executives-Eileen Rivera and Jim Gashel. I have found that it is not any different than working with sighted professionals. Also, I've learned that blind persons, as individuals, have different styles of working. They use the methods that are the most effective for them.
My first exposure to blind people was through the National Federation of the Blind. I still remember accepting the job on a Thursday and flying out to Iowa that Sunday with Mr. Gashel. Talk about baptism under fire! Never having known a blind person, I didn't know what to expect or what would be expected from me.
James Gashel is Director of Governmental Affairs for the NFB. As an expert on the laws which affect the blind, he works on civil rights cases and helps blind vendors who have been given unfair treatment. We traveled across the country with documents and a computer. I served as a reader and secretary for him. I retrieved, typed, and distributed documents. During a regular workday, we routinely reviewed mail. I would sort it and then we would review it together. He dictated responses or action plans. Mr. Gashel uses lots of Braille references on the job. He also writes Braille. But sometimes we used the computer to generate larger Braille documents and speeches.
Now, I am an administrative assistant for Eileen Rivera. She is the administrator of the Wilmer Vision Research and Rehabilitation Program at Johns Hopkins. Although Ms. Rivera is also blind, she makes efficient use of what residual vision she has. Eileen composes a lot of her work at her computer, which is specially modified. At other times, she dictates letters to me. I then proofread them and put them into final form. In assisting her with reading, I help when there is a significant amount of reading which requires skimming. I also drive her to meetings when it is inconvenient to use other transportation.
Most of what I do is take care of the day-to-day detail work of managing the Research Center. This entails such tasks as purchasing equipment, delegating workflow, overseeing facilities maintenance, and problem solving under Eileen's direction. I also work one day a week as clinic coordinator. So, with all of my duties, only about 20% of my work week is spent directly assisting Ms. Rivera with visual tasks.
One of our goals at *Wilmer is to teach the clinicians about the abilities of the blind. Kathy Burnside, a totally blind woman, who is in the audience today, volunteers 4 days a week as a Resource Information Liaison at the Research Center. She is now looking for a job. (Kathy, would you please stand). Ms. Burnside manages eight phone lines answering all incoming calls. She answers questions about the program and directs calls to the appropriate parties. She is very professional, and patients love her. Kathy types messages and puts them in the faculty and staff mailboxes which are marked in print and Braille. Each week, Kathy confirms all of the appointments for the low vision clinic. She does xerox and mass mailings and works on special outreach projects for Eileen. She is a tremendous help to our Center.
In closing, I would like to stress that in working with blind persons, my experience has been very positive. Blind people can successfully work in all types of executive and clerical capacities. Using the methods that best work for them, they do their jobs as well as sighted persons. Thank you.
PSC OFFICIAL DENIES TAXI FIRMS' REQUEST OF FARE INCREASE
by Michael K. Burns
Reprinted from the Baltimore Sun, March 30, 1991
For many blind persons, taking a taxi is a necessity, not a luxury. All too often, our jobs and our daily activities are adversely affected by poor taxi service. Was it possible for the largest organization of blind consumers in Maryland to compel the taxi industry of the city of Baltimore to improve its services? We first brought our taxi problems to the attention of Rick Page, the Public Service Commission's Director of Transportation, at our last state convention. In December, the NFB of Maryland became party to the rate case for the Baltimore City taxi industry. Only after the PSC's denial of the rate increase did the taxi companies take our plea for improved taxi services seriously. The rate increase has now been granted with the explicit understanding that a plan for improving the services will be developed through a new case brought before the PSC within the next three months. We were successful in convincing both the PSC and the taxi companies that any rate increase must be tied to improved services.
Deploring the service provided by city taxis, especially for disabled customers, a Public Service Commission hearing examiner has turned down a 19 percent rate increase request by cab companies.
In an unusual decision issued Thursday, Examiner O. Ray Bourland III rejected a proposed rate increase that has been agreed to by the PSC staff, the people's counsel and the cab companies.
The financial earnings of the cab companies, after the emergency 10 percent rate increase granted for higher fuel costs in November, are "within the lower zone of reasonableness," Mr. Bourland said.
"I have also found that service is poor enough to warrant this action," he said, noting the unreliability of call service for taxis. Raising rates without a taxi company commitment to improved service would not be proper, Mr. Bourland said.
The PSC official said that it is easy to get a cab at major stands and the train station, but difficult to get a cab with a phone call. The difficulty of hailing a cab on the street is unclear, he added.
Mr. Bourland suggested raising the phone call service surcharge from the current 25 cents to $1 or $2, providing economic incentives to attract cabbies to the underserved portion of the market.
The rate proposal rejected by Mr. Bourland would have raised the cost of an average five-mile cab ride to $6.80 from the current $5.70 rate.
Mark L. Joseph, president of the Yellow Transportation Co., said yesterday that he would appeal the examiner's decision to the five-member Public Service Commission, which he expects to approve the requested fare increases. He reiterated cab operators' arguments that higher rates are needed to attract more drivers to provide the service demanded by customers.
People's Counsel John M. Glynn, whose office represents consumers before the PSC, said he was surprised by the decision because the case appeared to center purely on cab economics.
"I give him credit, he took an aggressive posture toward improving service," said Mr. Glynn, even though cab reliability has never been guaranteed. "I think the commission should have the authority to cut rates for poor service, but the PSC has not been willing to do this."
Mr. Bourland was clearly influenced by the testimony of 10 cab customers, nearly all of them blind, who told horror stories of unreliable taxis and an unresponsive cab radio dispatch system.
One blind woman told of waiting more than five hours at a shopping mall for a cab to pick her up, despite her repeated calls and promises from the dispatcher. She finally had to pay a mall employee to drive her home that night. "Waits of an hour, or two hours or even more are common," Mr. Bourland said. "These delays cause many problems in their personal and professional lives."
His proposal for higher phone call surcharges was adopted in large part from the proposal by James Gashel, who advocated a pre-registered customer program for individuals who must rely on taxis for transportation. Mr. Gashel, governmental affairs director for the National Federation of the Blind, suggested a $2 surcharge for phone customers that would be paid if the cab appeared within 15 minutes of the specified pickup time.
Many drivers have said they would welcome this kind of safe, dependable, pre-registered customer and the chance to earn the surcharge, said Mr. Gashel. Under the current system, he added, fewer than one in three taxis appear within 15 minutes of the agreed pickup time. Mr. Joseph said a higher phone surcharge would discriminate against poor customers. But Mr. Gashel said cab companies now give priority service to business "accounts" that are regular customers.
"Obviously, this is a victory in determining the relationship between service and what we pay for a taxi ride," he said.
GREATER BALTIMORE CHAPTER PLANS WHITE CANE WEEK ACTIVITIES
by Lorraine Rovig
Every year, Preakness Week hit and the race was run on the third Saturday of May. And every year, local Federationists shuddered to think of getting through the traffic to the National Center for the monthly chapter meeting. Then, in 1990, we got smart. IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, ADVERTISE TO 'EM.
Preakness Week runs parallel to National White Cane Week, so we started a White Cane Week Committee. Its task was to come up with ways to bring our Greater Baltimore community to a clearer understanding of the rights of blind persons-whether crossing a street or entering a public place. In addition, we wanted to take advantage of the big crowds to do some fund-raising. Ably chaired by Shirley Trexler, members of the White Cane Committee of the Greater Baltimore Chapter came up with the following ideas:
CHOCOLATE ROSES. May 9, 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., Charles Street Subway Station downtown-We need help selling Chocolate Roses with long, green wire stems. "This yummy fund raiser comes just in time for Mother's Day." reminds salesman Barry Hond (evenings: 484-5193).
THE PREAKNESS PARADE. Friday, May 10, 4-8 p.m. March with the NFB and Mayor Schmoke. Gather together at 4 p.m. at the National Center to form our NFB Marching Unit. Call Shirley Trexler (301-528-8899) if you need details. All NFB members are welcome to join us. Wear your NFB t-shirts or wear your Sunday best; bring your cane or your dog guide but come and put your best foot forward. This year's parade is being dedicated to our troops. Our NFB unit is entitled: "Walking Alone, Marching Together."
"THE CELEBRITY MILE" Arthur Segal and Carol Dobak have gathered up some local luminaries, political and otherwise, to join us in marching the last mile of the parade route. Mayor Schmoke will marshal the unit. Contact Mr. Segal (528-8899) if you have a luminary to offer.
THE FIRST ANNUAL NFB FROG FROLIC. May 14, Tuesday, 1-4 p.m. Bring your kids, your friends, and those you are educating about blindness. For the second year in a row, Mr. Braille, will jump in the Annual Preakness Frog Hop. Everyone is invited to meet the Chapter's green, athletic, literary mascot. We'll hold our Froggie reception at the National Center for the Blind in South Baltimore. Join Mr. Braille for cookies and a cup of green punch (Thanks, Mrs. Cobb!), along with a lot of Braille demonstrations, games, and surprises. Of course, a hopping contest will be held for the younger set. Call Mrs. Maurer (days: 659-9314) if you can help with this grand event.
THE NFB 1991 BUS DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD. Contest rules have been drawn up by law graduate, Carol Dobak. Every local member can nominate a driver to the selection committee chairperson, Doris Johnson (947-3249), and join in the applause as we make the big presentation of plaque and prize at the Frog Frolic. (See elsewhere in The Spectator for the contest rules.) The MTA management is pleased to help us honor one of their team. They have posted the contest rules and will later print a story about the winner in their company magazine, and of course, will be at the Frog Frolic to meet their blind customers.
What makes an exceptional bus driver? What should we encourage all MTA drivers to do? How about a driver who announces all the stops, or encourages you to sit where you want, or is unfailingly courteous?
THE ANNUAL PREAKNESS FROG HOP. May 15, noon SHARP, down at the Broadway Market. Frogs of every size will be in the circle ready to hop on their way to momentary glory. Wear your NFB t-shirt with your NFB cap and join NFB Frog Trainers Doris Johnson and Lily Waldon in the Mr. Braille cheering and singing section. What a photo opportunity!
THE 1991 NFB WHITE CANE WEEK BUMPER STICKER. We think "What the world needs now" is more reminders to give blind pedestrians the right way at intersections. Local chapter president, Eileen Rivera, is working on this task in conjunction with the graphic artists at MTA.
WHITE CANE WEEK DISPLAYS. Will your neighborhood library, grocery, bank, or other public place accept a display? Ask them, then contact Miss Lerdahl (days: 659-9314) to obtain a display.
The White Cane Committee of the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the NFB of Maryland invites every member to help us educate the public. The busy week of Preakness in Baltimore is a great time for us to reach a large segment of the public in fun, non-costly ways. Let's do it!
MEDIATION-RESOLVING CONFLICTS THROUGH SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES
Reprinted from "HCARC NEWS," January/February 1991, Published by the Howard County Association for Retarded Citizens.
Occasionally, educators and parents disagree over the educational evaluation, placement, or appropriateness of special education services a student is receiving. When this occurs, communication becomes difficult and often the parties find themselves at an impasse.
The primary avenue available to address conflicts between parents of handicapped children and educators has been a due process hearing. A new option is now available.
Mediation is a voluntary, alternate form of dispute resolution offered by the Maryland State Department of Education. Its goal is to protect the student's interest while helping parents and educators reach a mutual decision. During the mediation process, all discussions are confidential, allowing all parties to openly express their views and concerns as they work toward resolving the conflict.
The project uses state trained mediators who have completed 45 hours of professional training in special education law, special education programs and services, and conflict resolution. The mediator's role is to encourage discussion, make suggestions, and help the parties decide. It is important to the process that mediators are viewed as impartial third parties who carefully listen to, identify, and clarify areas of agreement and conflict. A mediator is not a judge and will not decide for the parents and/or educators.
Mediation cannot deny or delay a parent's right to a due process hearing; it can be scheduled prior to or concurrently with a request for a hearing. If either party is not satisfied with the progress of mediation, s/he may terminate the session and request a hearing, if desired.
Any mediation agreement reached will be put into written form and signed by the participants; its implementation is the responsibility of the parties. The only record kept of the mediation session is the agreement.
For information, call or write: Dr. Jean Hebeler, Mediation Administrator; MD University; Benjamin Building Room 1308C; College Park, MD 20742. (301) 405-6480 or Jackie Launder, PEAP Coordinator, at the HCARC offices (730-0638).
SPECKS
The officers of the BISM Board of Trustees for 1991 are: Chairman, Fred Puente, Salisbury; Vice Chairman, Loraine Raffel, Baltimore; Secretary, Bill Hadlock, Baltimore; Treasurer, Don Morris, Emmitsburg. Two new members were appointed to the board of Trustees. Mr. James Berens, Baltimore, is an executive with Maryland National Bank. Mr. Jimmie Flanagan, La Valle is recently retired from the Kelly Springfield Credit Union in Cumberland. We welcome these gentlemen to the BISM Board. Their business experience should be helpful to BISM. The other BISM Board members are Walter Brown, Andrew Gaskins, Skip Sharpe, and Joe Roeder. One Board position remains vacant.
The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has expanded its hours of operation. The Library is now open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Patrons who wish to order books should call the Library, 301-333-2668, during these hours.
Congratulations! Dr. Betsy Zaborowski began private practice as a clinical psychologist in December. Her practice is titled Metropolitan Psychological Associates....Jearl Conrad was recognized by the Governor's
Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities at the annual banquet of the Motivation Group for the Physically Handicapped in Cumberland last November Eileen Rivera received the 1991 Merit Award from the Governor's Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities. Her achievements were recognized at the Committee's annual awards banquet held on Friday, April 26....Sylvia Matthews and Stephanie Brown will receive bachelor's degrees from Towson State University....Linda Davis will receive a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland....Samanthe Robison and Darren Lee Robey were married on March 23. Samanthe, the granddaughter of Georgia Myers, is an active member of the Greater Cumberland Chapter and has attended many state and national conventions.
Attention blind vendors, merchants, business owners, managers, business counselors, administrators, people interested in business, people interested in self-development! The National Federation of the Blind Merchants Division will present two seminars conducted by Ronald A. Yudd at the Hyatt Regency, New Orleans, Sunday June 30, 1991. Mr. Yudd is a nationally known author, speaker, and instructor for the National Restaurant Association. In addition to lecturing in the U. S. and Canada, he operates fourteen businesses with annual gross sales in excess of $5 million. Learn the How To's of leadership in business, managing and motivating for profit, "whole heartedness" the key to success, making life happen for you-not to you. For more information, call Don Morris, 447-6380 home, 447-2795 work.
Dog guide users and potential dog guide users are invited to join the National Federation of the Blind Dog Guide Division. Division members will receive a subscription to "Harness Up," the Division's newsletter. To join, send check or money order to Priscilla Ferris, 56 N. Main St., Room 202, Fall River, MA 02720. Articles for the newsletter may be sent to the editor, Bill Isaacs, P. 0. Box 332, Bourbonnais, IL 60914. You may also phone Bill at 815-939-1839.
New members who join the NFB Diabetics division by July 15, 1991, will receive a one-year free subscription to the "Voice of the Diabetic," the Division's quarterly publication. For more information, call Ed Bryant at 314-875-8911, or write to Diabetics Division, NFB, 811 Cherry St., Suite 306, Columbia, MO 65201.
A commemorative agenda will be issued at the NFB of Maryland's Twenty-fifth Annual Convention in Ocean City in October. Individuals and organizations may purchase space (page, half-page, quarter-page, line) for commemorative and congratulatory messages. Charges for agenda space will be announced in the next issue of this newsletter. In addition, limited space will be made available for essays, poems, and song lyrics to celebrate the NFB of Maryland's twenty-five-year history. Items for inclusion in this agenda should be submitted to the editor of the Braille Spectator by September 1, 1991.
THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND PRESENTS
THE FEDERAL MUSIC AND VIDEO CLUB, INC. HOW THE CLUB WORKS
Federal Music and Video Club members receive a coupon book which contains twenty Super Discount Coupons redeemable for one album, cassette tape, compact disk, or blank video tape "FREE" with the purchase of another selection of equal, or greater value. Prices of albums, cassette tapes, and blank video tapes range from $6.98 to $9.98 and compact disks from $12.98 to $21.98. The Federal Music and Video Club offers its members savings of up to $200.00 and more!!!
Federal Music and Video Club members can redeem coupons at any time. There is no obligation to redeem any coupons at all. Members select any recording listed in our Hot Hits Catalogues or any selection that is available in a retail store. "If it's sold in a record store, we offer it, too." Each coupon book has easy to follow ordering information in the inside cover.
By using the Frequent User Certificates awarded for each member coupon used, Club members receive these great awards:
- For two certificates-free 35mm camera certificate and coupon good for Kodak film.
- For ten certificates-free 3-piece designer luggage set.
- For fifteen certificates-prepaid lodging vacation certificate to the Bahamas, Mexico, or Florida.
- For twenty certificates-two prepaid airfare vacation certificates to the Bahamas, Mexico, New York City, or Florida.
Membership in the Federal Music and Video Club may be purchased from the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland for $10.00. (Checks should be made payable to NFB of Maryland.) Membership in the Federal Music and Video Club purchased through the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will assist the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland with its programs to promote greater opportunities for blind persons.
Thank you for helping the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.
Enjoy FABULOUS SAVINGS when you buy
RECORD ALBUMS CASSETTES COMPACT DISKS VIDEO CASSETTES
from the FEDERAL MUSIC AND VIDEO CLUB
For each album you buy get one free.
. "If it's sold in a record store, we offer it, too."
Earn great prizes each time you order from the Federal Music Video Club.
One-time no-obligation initial membership fee of only $10.00 benefits the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, 9736 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, MD 21045, phone (301)992-9608.)
d Video Club Membership Application
Yes! I support the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and its programs to help blind persons by joining the Federal Music and Video Club.
Name:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Phone:
Payment of one-time membership fee of $10.00 is enclosed. (Make check payable to NFB of MD).
THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR
Al Maneki, Editor
Spring/Summer 1991
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is a non-profit organization of blind people whose purpose is to promote equal opportunities for the blind. We provide advocacy services for the blind, special training programs for parents of blind children, job referrals and placements for the blind, public education programs, scholarships to blind students, and help the newly blinded to acquire special techniques for maintaining productive lives.
Please address inquiries to:
NFB of Maryland
9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, MD 21045
phone (301)992-9608
Please send donations to:
NFB of Maryland 11909 Coronada Place
Kensington, MD 20895
The Braille Spectator is published quarterly for members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and others who share an interest in the work of this organization. The recorded edition, available on cassette, can be obtained from the editor upon request. Cassettes may be returned to the National Center for the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.
Changes of address and additions to the circulation list should be sent to the editor. Address all news items, articles and letters to the editor.
Al Maneki, Editor The Braille Spectator 9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, MD 21045
Officers: Members of the Board of Directors:
Sharon Maneki, President Columbia, Maryland
Eileen Rivera, First Vice President, Baltimore, Maryland
Barry Hond, Second Vice President, Baltimore, Maryland
Debbie Brown, Secretary, Rockville, Maryland
Judy Rasmussen, Treasurer Kensington, Maryland
Leroy Bagwell, Salisbury, Maryland
Jean Faulkner Cumberland, Maryland
Fred Flowers Baltimore, Maryland
Blanche Payne, Baltimore, Maryland
Par Winebrenner, Frostburg, Maryland
Brenda Williams, Baltimore, Maryland
THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, MD 21045
Spring/Summer 1991
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage Paid Baltimore, MD Permit No. 7532
Address Correction Requested