The Braille Spectator: Fall 1991 | National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

The Newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

LONGER PUBLIC HOURSAND MORE LIBRARIANS: STUDY COMMITTEE ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LBPH

Maurice Travillian, the State Department of Education's Assistant Superintendent for libraries, appointed the Services Enhancement Committee in early 1990 to develop recommendations for the improvement of the services provided by the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH). It appears that this committee was created largely in response to Resolution 89-03 (adopted at our Ocean City convention), calling for specific improvements in library services for blind persons in Maryland. The committee issued its recommendations this past spring. Upon reviewing the final report, it is clear that the committee agreed with most of the recommendations in Resolution 89-03. We are unable to reprint the report in its entirety. Only the recommendations are reprinted here.

The Services Enhancement Committee members were: M. Sue Baughman, Chief, Public Libraries and State Networking Branch, committee chairman; Pamela Lecompte, Administrative Coordinator, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland; Gail Birdsong, Branch Manager, Baltimore County Public Library, White Marsh Branch; Jim Partridge, Specialist, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; Barbara Cheadle, President, Parents of Blind Children, National Federation of the Blind; Fidela Simmons, Media Specialist, Maryland School for the Blind; Nancy Choice, Head, Administrative and Borrower Services, Anne Arundel County Public Library; J. Linda Williams, Specialist, School Library Media Services Section, Division of Library Development and Services; Lance Finney, Regional Librarian, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. We thank the members of this committee for a job well done. By their good work, they have taken a critical step in the direction of improved library services.

The recommendations of the LBPH Services Enhancement Committee are as follows:

Staffing

Recommendations for Present Services:

Increase the number of staff including professional and support staff by four Librarians (Staff Specialists), one secretary, and two clerical support staff.

Recommendations for Future Services:

Increase the number of staff including professional and support staff as the number of patrons increase according to the guidelines. (Revised Standards and Guidelines for Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 1984, call for one professional librarian for each 2,500 readers or fraction thereof and one Reader Advisor for each 1,200 readers or fraction thereof. This means that LBPH should have eight librarians in order to service the current 7,000 patrons. In addition, these guidelines call for three support staff for each 2,500 readers or fraction thereof. This translates into nine support staff. LBPH should have a staff of seventeen. Currently, the staff at LBPH includes three professional librarians and eight support staff.)
Designate and train a librarian as a Braille Specialist
Reorganize the responsibilities of the librarians (Staff Specialists) to make more staff available for public service
Reduce the public service desk hours of the Service Supervisor and Administrative Specialist
Designate a full time Volunteer Coordinator

Increase the number of public service hours from 40 to 54, including two evenings and Saturdays
Support the purchase of microcomputers and other office equipment for staff
Volunteers
1. Designate a full time Volunteer Coordinator
2. Develop a full time and full service volunteer program that includes the following elements: (1) recruitment interviewing and screening; (2) orientation procedures; (3) training; (4) job descriptions; (5) recognition;
3. Recruit and train volunteers to accomplish the following: (1) recording and duplicating books; (2) entering data on the computer; (3) reaching out to senior citizens, the homebound and residents in nursing homes; (4) editing and proofreading of audio tapes and braille; (5) demonstrating the use of equipment; (6) signing for the deaf; (7) using technology to transcribe print-to-braille; (8) reading aloud or recording books.
Collection Development and Utilization
1. Develop a Maryland collection in audio, braille and large print format
2. Expand the braille collection for all levels of materials, i.e., new braille readers, age levels, etc.
3. Develop and produce bibliographies for specific subject areas and booklists and audio tapes of popular but older titles in all formats
4. Provide a full inspection and repair of returned materials
5. Take full advantage of the XESS Program offered by NLS
Information/Reference
1. Assign two Staff Specialists to be responsible for information and reference service
2. Develop a database of materials owned by other agencies and organizations serving the blind and visually impaired and a system for sharing these resources
3. Tie into the statewide Information and Referral File database
4. Facilitate through a FAX machine the exchange of information with other libraries and agencies
5. Establish priorities for service to individuals and institutions, including scope, length, and types of referral
6. Emphasize order of service as: (1) reader's advisory subject requests;-(2) referral; and (3) specific information requests
7. Utilize online reference sources and CD Rom technology for public access
8. Provide patron and staff access to LBPH materials via an online database with print-to-braille and voice synthesis capabilities
9. Provide patron and staff access to state library networks with print-to-braille voice synthesis capabilities
Children's Services
1. Assign one Staff Specialist III to program area
2. Expand the collection development philosophy to include a variety of formats
3. Supplement the educational resources of children by providing materials for school assignments
4. Participate in the networking system with other agencies who are providing children's services and materials
5. Offer a variety of activities for children such as story times
6. Provide consultant services and technical assistance to agencies offering children's services, i.e. school and public libraries, hospitals
7. Provide consultant services and technical assistance to educators
Outreach and Public Awareness
1. Assign one Staff Specialist III to be responsible for programming and public relations
2. Develop an awareness program that focuses on these prioritized areas: (1) public libraries; (2) elementary and secondary teachers and school library media specialists; (3) parents of school aged children; (4) college, vocational and ABE students; (5) seniors in nursing homes and residences; (6) government social service and support agencies serving the handicapped; (7) general public.
3. Present programs in the library and in the community on available services, and general information needs
4. Provide consultant services and technical assistance to other agencies on programming for clients with special needs
5. Establish vehicles for regular communication of policies, procedures, and services with users

Production of Materials
1. Create a service area in the library for the duplication of materials in a variety of formats: audio, braille, large print
2. Develop priorities for the duplication service area: (1) materials for students and employed patrons with work related material needs; (2) materials for the general collection, such as items relating to Maryland or items that will strengthen weak areas in the collection (children's or young adult); (3) other patron needs.
3. Purchase additional equipment to keep up with patron demand and current technology
Circulation
1. Upgrade the existing circulation system to address the operational needs of LBPH: (1) patron tracking; (2) statistics; (3) machine inventory; (4) inventory control of collections for weeding and ordering; (5) circulation of materials including loan periods, overdues, and reserves; (6) maintenance of materials records;
2. Develop a circulation policy focusing on overdues, reserves, and a loan period
Instructional Resource Center
1. Develop a database of materials located in the public schools, at the Maryland School for the Blind and other agencies in the country
2. Support the creation of an Instructional Resource Center by working with the Division of Special Education, Maryland State Department of Education

BRAILLE READERS ARE LEADERS

We congratulate the Maryland contestants in the 1990-91 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest: Reina Brown (Waldorf, grade K, 144 pages read), Annette Harvey (LaPlata, grade 4, 23 pages read), Paul Jackson (Baltimore, grade 4, 336 pages read), Jennifer Karns (Baltimore, 242 pages read), Olivia Norman (Takoma Park, grade 2, 323 pages read), Arnjeb Shaker (Baltimore, grade 7, 141 pages read), Christina Shorten (Gaithersburg, grade 5, 1,629 pages read), Denise Smith (Baltimore, grade 12, 123 pages read), Qi Liang Zhu (Baltimore, grade 5, 173 pages read).

Christina Shorten received the National Contest Prize for "Most Improved Braille Reader." Maryland's contest participants were recognized at the Greater Baltimore Chapter's Frog Frolic, held at the National Center for the Blind last May, in conjunction with National White Cane Week and the Preakness festivities.

Braille Readers Are Leaders applications for the 1991-92 contest will appear in the next issue of Future Reflections, the magazine for parents of blind children. The 1991-92 contest period begins on November 1, 1991.

DIABETICS PLAN INTERESTING PROGRAMS FOR FALL MEETINGS

The Diabetic Committee of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has a fall agenda of meetings packed with information to help diabetics cope with the various complications faced by diabetics. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:15 to 9:00 PM., at the Ames United Methodist Church, 9 Walker Avenue, Pikesville. All interested persons are invited to attend these meetings.

Judy Boggs, a diabetic educator at Edwards and Anthony Pharmacy, will be the guest speaker at the August meeting. She will discuss glucometers and other devices that diabetics need for self management. Dr. David Spector, a nephrologist at the Francis Scott Key Medical Center, will be the featured speaker at the September meeting. In October, Marie Leinhaas, a social worker at the Wilmer Vision Research and Rehabilitation Center of Johns Hopkin's University, will discuss the use of partial vision. Doctor Bruce Sindler, a diabetologist and endocrinologist, will discuss and answer questions concerning neuropathy at the November meeting. For further information, call Diabetic Committee chairman Donna Goodman at (301)730-9430.

MY FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION

by Carol L. Dobak

Carol Dobak received a BA degree in political science from Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. She graduated from the University of Maryland's law school and passed the bar examinations in the summer of 1990. She has been a member of the NFB since February. Carol Dobak is presently searching for employment.

As a newcomer to the Federation, having joined the Baltimore Chapter in February of this year, I attended my first national convention in New Orleans. I looked forward to the trip with great anticipation, as I was told by other Federationists what an unforgettable experience one's first NFB convention could be. Yet, I was not sure what to expect. While I knew, in general, of the various events and activities that would occur--the President's report, speeches by public figures, the banquet, division meetings, etc.--still I was apprehensive. Would my first convention truly be the extraordinary event I had been promised? As it happened, my fears of disappointment were unfounded. From my journey to New Orleans, I gained a greater understanding of the Federation, myself and my role in this organization.

Upon arriving in New Orleans and throughout the initial days of the convention, I was impressed at first not only by the sheer number of people gathered there, nearly 3,000 in attendance, but also by the diversity of the Federation's membership. I encountered students studying such diverse subjects as math and engineering, French, education and theology. I met lawyers like myself, teachers, businessmen and other professionals, persons from urban centers and rural towns, young and old people both. While one may find it simple to note that any large, nationwide organization, such as ours, naturally would be comprised of persons of all types from many varied backgrounds, what may not be as easily discernible is the unity and strength amongst such diversity. However, the Federation has accomplished this goal by making individual members feel part of the greater whole, a fact which I witnessed constantly during the convention. Through all the division meetings and seminars catering to differing career orientations and interests, the convention truly did offer something for everyone.

The unity of the NFB was readily apparent to me through numerous votes on resolutions taken on the floor of the convention, some of which were nearly unanimous. I also found a unity of thought when speaking with individuals about Federation philosophy and their beliefs about blindness and the full abilities of independent blind persons. This is not to say that I did not hear members express differing opinions and I was impressed equally by the latitude individuals were given in explaining their opposing viewpoints and the patience with which they were heard on the floor of the convention. Again, the strength of the Federation, stemming from this unity of purpose, was obvious to me upon listening to the various high-ranking public figures who addressed the convention, including the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and numerous congresspersons and other government officials. An organization which can command the attention of such persons is most certainly a powerful force in the lives of the blind. Nothing could be clearer to me after attending my first convention.

However, the aspect of the Federation which I learned the most about and the one which made the greatest impression on me is the deep-rooted supportive nature of the organization itself and its individual members. I learned of this on many occasions during my stay in New Orleans. The President's Report given by Mr. Mauer enumerated numerous instances in which the NFB had been of assistance to its individual members during the past year, including battling Social Security and other government agencies to right wrongs done them or to obtain services owed. During the meeting of the National Association of Blind Lawyers, I heard of other cases in which the NFB and its members had acted to assist other Federationists in their struggles with discrimination based on blindness. In addition, I observed countless occasions during which Federationists gave their advice freely, shared job information, gave spontaneous cane travel lessons and discussed their personal experiences with blindness with others, all in an effort to help and support fellow members. I must admit that I was on the receiving end of much of this support.

Nonetheless, I do not mean to suggest that the Federation is in the business of coddling its members. On the contrary, I learned that to be a Federationist is to be challenged, both personally and as a member of this organization. This is an aspect of the Federation of which I was not fully aware until my first convention. I believe that Dana Elkar, a blind actor, expressed this sentiment quite clearly and eloquently when, during his presentation before the convention, he described an incident in which he was encouraged by other Federationists to use his cane to find his way to his hotel room on his own for the first time. I too was challenged to receive my first cane travel lesson with sleep-shades, a somewhat disconcerting experience, but one for which I am grateful. Once again, I witnessed numerous other instances in which this scenario was played out, Federationists challenging fellow members to become more independent blind persons. However, I realized to a greater extent than before the convention that this is not the full scope of the challenge. I learned that being a Federationist means using what the NFB and its members have given me in terms of support to contribute, myself, to the organization and other members. This was certainly the single most significant impression made on me during my stay in New Orleans.

I understand that everyone's first convention experience is, generally, very rewarding and exhilarating, but I know also that on a much more personal level the experience of each is entirely his or her own. For me I realized a greater sense of independence and a desire to become more actively involved in an organization which, up to this point, has done so much for me. For others, I am sure that their first conventions have meant something altogether different to them. However, I hope that the impressions which I have related above have helped some readers to better understand the worthwhile experience which one's first convention can be and, perhaps, I have encouraged them to attend their first in Charlotte, North Carolina next year.

LIFE AT A "BOOT CAMP" FOR THE BLIND

by Tina Blatter

Tina Blatter completed her training at the Colorado Center for the Blind in June, 1991. She now makes her home in Lafayette, Colorado where she has purchased a home and is successfully performing the tasks confronting all homeowners. She is pursuing her interests in art and presenting public education programs on blindness. Blind Marylanders will continue to seek training out of state as long as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation continues with its substandard offerings. The most recent to flee is Stephanie Brown who left for the same Colorado Center for the Blind on August 12.

Last year, I remembered reading Kay Monville's article which appeared in the Spring 1990 Braille Spectator. She had written about her experiences at the Louisiana center for the Blind as a student there. I was especially interested in her article, because I was exploring the possibility of attending the Colorado Center for the blind. I remember reading with excitement and anticipation all that she said about her experiences. I was imagining what it would be like to attend the Colorado Center. At about this same time, I began talking to everyone I could that had information about what the NFB centers were like. (This included meeting with CCB staff and students at the National convention). I knew my rehabilitation needs were not being met in Maryland. I also realized that I would have to fight the bureaucratic system if I was to get what I needed. Sharon Maneki worked with me diligently to prepare for the hearing that took place in late summer. We had excellent testimonies from many witnesses, including Homer Page from the CCB Board. Although I did not win that hearing, I was determined to get the training I needed, so that I could get on with my life. I made arrangements to move to Colorado and began training in Late October of 1990.

Now, over seven months later, I am completing my program at CCB. And what a time it has been. I must say it has been the most challenging thing I have ever done. I have no regrets about any of it and would do it again. The struggles were very apparent in the first few weeks and months. But as I slowly got more confident, I began to see progress and things seemed to make more sense. There was certainly a lot of support and encouragement

from both staff and students. All our programs were individualized and tailored to our own needs. This was especially helpful and made learning easier for me.

My most challenging area was travel. Traveling with sleep shades was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I had to confront fears and draw from an internal strength that I had not known was there. I slowly learned new ways of perceiving my environment and became quite fascinated with echoes sent out by my cane. I learned to trust my cane much more and rely on what information it was giving me. I can now travel quickly and confidently in unfamiliar areas and feel I can go anywhere I want to go. My life and attitudes are very different than they were a year ago. My confidence level has grown tremendously. I have many new options to choose from, which have freed me from many struggles with my blindness. I feel much more comfortable as a blind person and know that I can do anything that I set my mind to.

Another area which has helped to develop confidence, physical stamina and problem-solving skills, has been rock climbing. This sport is both thrilling and scary. It brings up a lot of different emotions. You have to be communicating with others on the ground with this recreational activity. When you are up on the rocks and, tied in, you know you only have so much energy and need to plan your strategy for the next move. You will get some verbal directions, but you really are on your own a lot to figure things out. When you finally get back to the ground there is a great sense of excitement at what you have accomplished. For me, it was exciting to think that I had done something so difficult and had gotten to the top. For others, with much more experience, a number of difficult climbs was not uncommon in a day. (Diane McGeorge, CCB's director, had done three climbs and was ready for a fourth climb). You may wonder what rock climbing has to do with travel and feeling confident as a blind person. Well, the more you do it, the more you understand.

Having a good attitude and believing in yourself are critical to succeed. There have certainly been times that I had to rely on the encouragement and support of the CCB staff-to move forward. Those early days were indeed very humbling for me. At times, I still have to focus on what I have not yet learned, instead of remembering how far I have come. There will always be ongoing challenges in my life. I know that the blindness skills training, my problem-solving skills, confidence level, and ability to network will allow me to accomplish anything I put my mind to.

I remember talking with Horner Page about the changes I had made and how he equated it all to be like the layers of an onion. It was the most difficult and intense at the beginning. Although there have been continuous challenges, I am better able to handle them because of my experiences here. And now, that my program is almost over, I know that I will need to evaluate life's situations layer by layer. I can be sure that there will always be those new challenges and triumphs.

A LETTER FROM NORTH CAROLINA

Is it worthwhile for any of us to take the time and spend our money to attend our national conventions to renew friendships, to make new friends, to discuss issues, to try to encourage others, and to be encouraged by others? You bet it is! We received the following letter from Kathy Kannenberg shortly after we returned from the New Orleans convention. We are reprinting it with her permission. In her letter, she provides an excellent example of the valuable work that is accomplished by individual contacts at our national conventions. Her letter and Carol Dobak's article (printed elsewhere in this issue) vividly illustrate the strength of our movement and explain why so many of us return to these conventions year after year. The National Federation of the Blind is more than a collection of local chapters and state affiliates.

Raleigh, NC, July 9, 1991

Dear Sharon and Al: This convention was so crowded and busy that I wasn't able to find you when I had the time to look! This is Kathy Kannenberg--I was a scholarship winner last year. We met and spoke only briefly at the first scholarship meeting of the week.

Well, I had hoped to find you and thank you in person. The two of you left me with such a positive, enthusiastic impression that I often thought of you this past school year as I was trudging through my graduate level math classes on my way to a BS.

I am proud to report that I will be student teaching this fall and will be graduating in December. I am beginning to look out-of-state for a teaching position. North Carolina isn't exactly the best place to teach, even if your field is math.

My work in the Federation has been progressing nicely. I am student chapter president and on the state board. I am very active and I spend a good deal of time getting and keeping others involved and discussing philosophy.

It was wonderful to see everyone in New Orleans. The masses of people were overwhelming! I was able to bring one other student from North Carolina with me, and if the convention touched anyone this year, it was her! She had always been very timid and insecure about traveling, but after only a few days of roaming the hotel, the mall, and the French Quarter with me, she took off on her own and I felt lucky to see her in the mornings as we got ready for general sessions.

Well, I'll close now--thank you again for the inspiration you have provided me. I hope to catch the two of you next year. Sincerely, Kathy

STARTING A PRIVATE PRACTICE

by Betsy Zaborowsky

Reprinted from The New Image, newsletter of the Human Services Division, National Federation of the Blind, Summer 1991.

A dream is a wonderful thing; a magical way the brain begins to create reality. For me the dream of planning and running my own private psychology practice has led to an opportunity to express my clinical skills and creative potential. About 2 years ago I began to think seriously about starting my own practice. At that time I was working for a large group practice as a private contractor. As a contractor I was provided with autonomy to establish my own hours and client load while having all the business end of the practice taken care of by the group practice's central office. This was a good experience for the two and one half years I worked in this capacity. But I needed more.

Prior to finishing my doctorate in 1985, I dreamed of my own psychology service. In those days grandiose fantasies of fame and wealth filtered through my dream but as time went by, I began to shape a dream which structured itself around building stages. It was clear to me that knowing myself and gathering information about the business end of private practice was essential. First, I began by assessing what I was good at and under what circumstances could I best express my skills. Secondly, and probably most critical to any business, is knowledge of the market.

The practice of clinical psychology has changed much in the past ten years. There is a need to market services and be increasingly more aware of all the managed care systems operating.

Being a blind person who has worked in the field of psychological services for over 20 years I have dealt with a number of potential roadblocks to success. But usually, these situations were limited to a small number of co-workers or fellow students who needed a new view of blindness. Now as I begin this new private practice, I face a more diverse group of colleagues. The business community, allied professionals, and several other referral sources, are now colleagues to which I must sell my expertise and generally present a convincing image of myself as worthy of their recommendation. I don't particularly enjoy mingling in a crowd of strangers at a business or professional meeting but when starting a new business, activities like this are necessary. We blind people use other cues beside vision to work a crowd and once comfortable with asking for information or simply assertively introducing yourself to others, initial anxiety can be brought under control. Involvement with my colleagues in the Maryland Psychological Association has been very valuable. I advise anyone thinking of their own business to begin as soon as possible with your Professional Association.

I began with the women's committee of the Maryland Psychological Association which was new at the time. This fit well with my specialization in women's issues. Sure there were the typical beginning logistical and prejudicial attitudes to deal with. But in order to accomplish my goals I had to find a way of travelling to a nearby city which had virtually no public transportation. Although I was treated with a great deal of courtesy it was clear some were uncomfortable with my blindness. Most of this discomfort disappeared once I became involved and took on work tasks related to our many projects. It was important for me to be seen as an equal even though many people tended to project on to me either an ideal or deficient identity. I found if I paid attention to details the time it took for colleagues to reach a comfort level with me was greatly diminished. For example, I found it very valuable to make it as convenient as possible for an individual who was driving me to a meeting and gracefully reassured others that I will not need any special assistance.

Another example of presenting yourself professionally may mean answering questions some may have a hard time asking. Referral sources have asked me if I want them to tell potential clients who are being referred to that I am blind. My response to this has been that this should be like other information we give or withhold from a client. The determination of whether or not they are told that I am blind should be made in response to what would be most helpful for the client and the therapeutic relationship. Thus, at times if it would help the client be more comfortable, they should be told but in cases where the referral source is somewhat uncomfortable with a blind therapist and wants to make sure the client would not be offended by being referred to a blind therapist, the information should be withheld. Blindness is another characteristic which should not be given added importance.

The process of running my own business will continue to be a challenge but the rewards so far outweigh the cons. Please feel free to write or call if you would like to discuss this matter further.

A KEY TO THE FEDERATION FAMILY

by Barry Hond

Reprinted from The Associate Raiser, Publication of the National Federation of the Blind, September-December

1990.

Life is precious and family is so very important. This is why we must get Associates. They provide a means for our brothers and sisters in the Federation to improve the quality of life and to keep the Federation family alive and well.

You say, "How is this so?" The answer is these dollars provide the funds to fight injustice to the blind, keeps the JOB program going, as well as the publications to inform us as to what is happening to our Federation family. So go out and get Associates to keep life and family well.

SPECKS

Condolences.

Mary Cook died Friday May 10, 1991. She was an active and long-term member of the Greater Baltimore Chapter. Grace Sanchez died in May 1991. She was employed at Blind Industries and Services of

Maryland for many years and was one of its first blind supervisors. Eunice Williamson, wife of Hezekiah Williamson, died recently. The Williamsons have been members of the Greater Baltimore Chapter. May they rest in peace.

New Babies.

Sarah Kuforiji was born on May 25, 1991. Sarah and her parents (Kay and Mary Kuforiji) are doing well. Amber Bayliss was born on May 1, 1991. Amber and her parents (Bryan and Kim Bayliss) are doing well. Bryan Bayliss is vice president of the Baltimore County Chapter. Congratulations to all.

Congratulations!

Ron Burns graduated from Frostburg State University with a B. S. degree in political science in May 1991. Al Saile was elected to a one-year term as president of the Gaithersburg Lions Club in June 1991. Sarah Edwards started working as a computer programmer for the Social Security Administration in July 1991.

JOB Number.

The toll-free number for Job Opportunities for the Blind, a job information and referral service operated by the National Federation of the Blind in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Labor, may now be used within Maryland as well as throughout the rest of the nation: 800-638-7518.

Spreading the Word.

An article, "An Employee Shares His Special View," by Ken Silberman appeared in the Spring, 1991 issue of THE NSSDC NEWS, the newsletter of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's National Space Science Data Center. Ken Silberman reported on the presentation he gave at the JOB seminar in Annapolis last November. At the NSSDC, his two tasks consist of providing customer support for the International Ultraviolet Explorer and developing and managing a database for the Infrared Astronomical Satellite. His job requires expertise in computer science, astronomy, writing and management. In this article, Ken Silberman did an excellent job of explaining how his Federation activities have helped him with his work at NASA. The NSSDC News is circulated worldwide, including the USSR, Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Walking Alone and Marching Together.

The following letter, dated February 8, 1991, was sent to Sharon Maneki by Penny Catzen, Acting Head Librarian, Maryland Historical Society. "Enclosed is the most recent issue of News and Notes, the Maryland Historical Society's bi-monthly newsletter. The article about your presentation, on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, of Walking Alone and Marching Together to the library's reference division is on the back page under "News From the Library ... ". Once again, we wish to thank you for this fine gift. Also, we want to congratulate you on the newspaper photo of one of your members presenting this excellent book to Barbara Bush. We are delighted to be in such good company!"

Best Bus Driver.

Oliver Askew was recognized by the Greater Baltimore Chapter as Baltimore City's Bus Driver of the Year for 1991. He received his commendation and plaque at the Baltimore Chapter's Frog Frolic last May. The Baltimore Chapter plans to present this award annually to Baltimore City's outstanding bus driver. Congratulations, Oliver Askew.

White Cane Safety Day.

Tuesday, October 15. Special educational events planned by NFB of Maryland and local chapters.

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

1991 Convention and Donation Form

Please complete and return this form by October 7, 1991, even if you do not plan to attend the 1991 Convention or if someone else is reserving a room for you. Donations are appreciated. This is the only opportunity that we have to ask for donations from most of you.

Mail completed forms and checks to Shirley Morris, 16547 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. A pre-addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience. Do not contact the Dunes Manor Hotel for reservations. No reservation will be confirmed without the total payment of your room.

Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone:

☐ I would like to receive the Braille Spectator (quarterly publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland). (I am not receiving it now.)

☐ Print ☐ Cassette

☐ I would like to receive the Braille Monitor (monthly publication of the National Federation of the Blind). (I am not receiving it now.)

☐ Braille ☐ Disk ☐ Cassette ☐ Print

I wish to make a donation of$ to the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. My check is enclosed. (Make check payable to NFB of Maryland.)

☐ I will ☐ I will not

attend the 1991 Convention to be held at the Dunes Manor Hotel, Friday, October 25 through Sunday, October 27, 1991.

TRANSPORTATION AND ROOM RESERVATION

Transportation from the National Center for the Blind to the Dunes Manor Hotel will be available on Friday, October 25, and returning on Sunday, October 27, departure times to be announced. Please check below if you or any members of your group need transportation.

☐ I wish to reserve a room in my name at The Dunes Manor Hotel. Special room rate starts Thursday night: $53.00 per night single and doubles, $57.00 per night triples and quads.

Arrival date: Departure date:

Number of persons in room:

$ Payment in full for room reservation for nights (due by October 7).

List names of all people, including yourself and any children, who will occupy the room with you:

Check if Needs

under 18

Transportation?

Click or tap here to enter text.