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NOVEMBER 1981
VOLUME V, NUMBER 4
THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.
MARY FREEMAN, Editor
P.O. Box 4422
Baltimore, Maryland 21223
(301)298-4234
ASSOCIATE EDITORS:
Marc Maurer
Willard Freeman
READER (cassette Version): Connie McCraw
ORGANZATIONAL OFFICERS:
WILLIE THOMPSON, President
3435 Lynne Haven Drive, Baltimore, Maryland. 21207
(301) 521-3107
JIM OMVIG, First Vice President
TED MCKEAN, Second Vice President
LLOYD RASMUSSEN, Secretary
AL MANEKI, Treasurer
9736 Basketring Road
Columbia, Maryland 21045
THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR is published quarterly as a newsletter to 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 cassettes, can be obtained from the editor upon request.
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.
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Willie Thompson
Happy Holidays! Seasons Greetings! Merry Christmas! And Happy Hanukkah! We are coming to the final days of 1981. As we participate in holiday festivities, it is a time to reflect on the accomplishments of 1981 and make plans for the year ahead.
The spirited Maryland convention was attended by over 100 enthusiastic Federationists. We are really on the move. The unity and purpose generated at this convention will carry us through the Legislative season and well into next year.
We must work together to improve services to the blind in our state. The primary focus on this activity is our legislative effort. This year the legislative work will begin with our annual Legislative banquet to be held at the Annapolis Hilton on January 19 at 7:00 p.m. Preceding the banquet will be a social hour and all Federationists must pitch in to make 1982 the year for consolidated services for the blind.
With hard work, with unity, with concern for each other and with the purpose to further our independence and gain our freedom, 1982 will be the best year for the blind of Maryland that we have ever had. Enjoy the holidays. I am looking forward to the work of the year ahead.
15th ANNUAL CONVENTION
The 15th Annual Convention of the NFB of Maryland was hosted by the Cumberland Chapter in the City of Grantsville during the weekend of 10/30 – 11/1/81.
Friday evening the Resolutions Committee met and dealt with 8
Resolutions. Both the attendance and participation was high as Marylanders dealt with organizational policy and tradition.
Saturday morning the Convention was officially called to order by
President Thompson. Our national President and fellow Marylander, Dr. Jernigan brought us up to date on the activities of our national office.
Of particular interest was the negotiations between the National Federation of the Blind and the AFB-NAC combine. It became increasingly clear that as these negotiations continue, the NFB is getting on the scoreboard while the AFB-NAC people are losing ground.
We had hoped to hear from Dr. Richard Batterton, the Administrator of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend and offered to send in his place Mr. Ross Bierly, who Federationists will recall, walked out on our Convention several years ago, when faced with the prospect of listening to the very people he is employed to serve, the blind of Maryland. We respectfully declined to have Mr. Bierly insult us again.
Mr. Stenke of the Division of Special Education talked with us about the education of blind children and the concept of mainstreaming. When Mr. Stenke was informed that our national office has several publications on educating blind children we told him that he would have those publications the following week.
This positive step can only help to provide better education to blind children in the future.
During the lunch break on Saturday the Vendors’ Chapter as well as the Student Chapter held meetings. Both Chapters elected officers.
Ralph Sanders, President of BISM, brought us up to date on the only agency for the blind in Maryland that is responsive to the needs of the people it serves. Mr. Sanders spoke of BISM’s accomplishments, and at the same time pledged to continue the quest for a residential rehabilitation center which is the utmost importance in providing better rehabilitation services.
Our own first Vice President, Jim Omvig gave a most informative overview of the Social Security Administration and its employment practices. Of particular interest was Mr. Omvig’s announcement that there may be openings for claims representative positions, with training classes held in Dallas, Texas. Those interested should contact Mr. Omvig.
We also heard from Senator Ed Mason and Delegate Cuminsky, both of Western Maryland and, perhaps more importantly they heard from us.
As is tradition, the highlight of this year’s convention was the
Saturday evening banquet with Ralph Sanders serving as Master of Ceremonies.
Mrs. Diane McGeorge, our national representative from Colorado gave a stimulating banquet address.
The Barbara Johnson award was presented to Mr. James Daughton, a production employee at the Baltimore facility of BISM.
The winners of this year’s Associate Membership recruiting contest was announced at the banquet as well with Don Morris winning first prize and Trish Miller winning second prize.
A total of $1,700 in cash and pledges were contributed at the banquet in fine Maryland tradition to benefit our state treasury.
Sunday morning, being the business session, was full of activity and decisions. We passed resolutions which are presented elsewhere in this issue.
Al Saile of Sligo Creek and Knowles Hovington of the Eastern Shore were elected to the Board of Directors.
A motion was made by Debbie Robinson and passed by the Convention that we nominate Marc Maurer for the outstanding Young Marylander of Prince Georges and Montgomery County.
Although the Convention adjourned at noon on Sunday, Federationists left Grantsville with a renewed spirit to continue our efforts until our goals are met.
Note: The following is reprinted from the Cumberland News,
Saturday, October 31, 1981.)
BLIND OF STATE AIRING PROBLEMS
Public education and heightened social awareness are goals of this weekend’s state convention of the Maryland Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind being held at Grantsville
Holiday Inn, according to Jim Omvig, First Vice President of the State branch.
Omvig said programs open to the public throughout today will focus on the types of services offered for blind people through the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, a facility that Omvig says is part of the State Department of Education, as well as discussing types of services still needed by blind citizens throughout the state.
The Federation’s National President, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, whose office is also in Baltimore, will give a report at about 9:15
a.m. on his organization’s aims and pertinent issues facing blind people throughout the country. A program on rehabilitation of blind adults and children will follow.
In the afternoon, Omvig will discuss employment for blind people and programs of the Social Security Administration affecting those citizens. A representative of the Colorado Chapter of the National Federation will speak at the evening banquet.
Omvig said the Federation will advocate separate rehabilitation of blind persons as opposed to dealing with their handicap in conjunction with other disabilities.
The chapter vice president considers his own case an example of a general social feeling about blindness.
Omvig, who has been practicing law since 1966, said he became blind at the age of 16 years. He said he lived in Iowa at that time and attended that state’s school for the blind for the last three years of high school, where he said he learned what are considered traditional trades for the blind.
He said that for eight years after graduating from high school in
1953, he did nothing. Omvig said he encountered the National Federation of the Blind in Iowa in 1961 and realized that a change of attitude was what he needed to become able to accomplish what he has at this point.
Omvig said he acquired an undergraduate degree at Drake
University in Des Moines, Iowa, and his law degree at Loyola University in Chicago, Ill.
He said that through his involvement with the Federation, he hopes to help other blind individuals, as well as organizations intended for their benefit, to change attitudes and improve programs for persons with sight handicaps similar to his.
COME! TAKE A WALK WITH THE BLIND!
Ramona Walhof
That was the invitation of the Baltimore Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland on October 11, 1981, and the response to the invitation was most gratifying.
This was the third annual walk with the blind to be held in
Baltimore. The President of the Baltimore City Council,
Walter Orlinsky, was our honorary chairman, and Gino’s Restaurants co-sponsored the event, provided free Coca-Cola products to all walkers at the check points. Leonard Irving arranged that Marlin Corporation and Luskins would donate a large and beautiful television set as a prize. The Baltimore Colts also donated a number of T-shirts and autographed footballs to be given away as prizes at the Walk-a-Thon.
We began to set up tables, signs, public address systems, etc., about 7:00 a.m. on a cloudy, chilly Sunday. The temperature did not increase much, but the spirit was warm, enthusiastic and rising. The first group of walkers set out at 8 o’clock sharp and group after group, they kept coming to the Inner Harbor and set out on the twenty kilometer hike. Student Chapter members were posted at two points along the route with candy bars for sale. Baltimore Chapter members were posted at four Gino’s Restaurants that served as check points. The party atmosphere continued until mid-afternoon when all the walkers had completed the route.
Tonya Sydnes was the lucky winner of the television set. She is a 13-year-old junior high student from North Baltimore, and she was thrilled. Check points maintained radio communication with each other throughout the walk-a-thon so that we were able to inform the walkers shortly after their names were drawn for prizes. Miss Sydnes had just begun when her name was called, but finished
the route before returning to see her trophy. When we delivered the television set to her home the next day, she was truly the star of the neighborhood.
After the walk-a-thon, there was another job to be done. Walkers and workers must collect the money pledged to them. At the time of this writing in mid-November, more than 6,300.00 dollars has been turned in and this is less than 50% of the amount that we anticipated raising. Many thanks to all who helped! Congratulations to all who won prizes! And a special invitation to everyone to come join us in 1982 for a walk with the blind!
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HAGERSTOWN
Edna Buehlig
The Greater Hagerstown Chapter of the NFB hold their regular meeting the first Thursday of each month at Walnut Towers in Hagerstown.
President McBee is organizing a Membership Committee to increase the membership.
In addition to the business session at our August meeting we had a delightful picnic enjoyed by all.
The Chapter was well represented at the National Convention of the NFB that was held in Baltimore in
July, as well as the State Convention in Grantsville.
STUDENTS RECRUITING STUDENTS
If you are in school now or have considered improving your opportunities to enter into the competitive world of works; the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Student Chapter is ready, willing, and able to help you find your way.
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Student Chapter, met in Grantsville, Maryland and had a fantastic meeting. We made great plans. These plans included selling candy and all-occasion cards.
With the money raised we hope to send two students to the National Convention and turn over some funds to the state treasury.
The Student Chapter gave 5 door prizes to the State Convention. We are planning a seminar during the month of February, and will be having a fund raising project for the spring. Officers were elected for the year of 1982. They are: President, Brenda Williams; Vice
President, Althea Pittman; Secretary, Rosalee Gossard; Treasurer, Judy Sanders. Also, there were three committees appointed and they are: Membership Committee, Judy Sanders, Chairperson; Fund Raising
Committee, Rosalee Gossard, Chairperson, Ruth Stewart,
Nancy Painter and Mark Planta; Seminar Committee,
Althea Pittman, Chairperson, Doris Johnson, Judy Rasmussen, and Brenda Williams. Please come and help the Student Chapter recruit new students. For further information contact Rosalee Gossard, Secretary, at 789-2060.
Brenda Williams, President, at 523-8069 after 6:00 p.m.
AS YOU’LL LEARN TO BE HUMBLE
Marc Maurer
Twenty-two enthusiastic members participated in the 1981 fall meeting of the NFB Committee on Standards and Accreditation Council which took place on the sidewalks of Atlanta, on November 13, 14 and 15. As we have done in the past, the NFB took positive steps to improve the quality of services for the blind. There were two major items on the agenda. First, the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC) was again laying plans to dominate the lives of blind people. We the blind decided that a strong protest against this unethical behavior must be made. Second, the Atlanta Area Services for the Blind exploits blind people by paying sub-minimum wages. Again, we decided that positive steps must be taken to bring appropriate public attention to this exploitation.
We, 21 hardy Federationists rode all Thursday night to get to Atlanta. Our vans pulled in shortly before 8:00 a.m. With a short break for ablutions and breakfast, we were at a planning meeting by 10:00 a.m. and on the streets in front of Atlanta Area Services for the Blind by 11:00. Throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 300 NFB members in attendance from 33 states brought our message to the public loud and clear. Blind people will be independent. We will no longer permit our lives to be dictated by the unprincipled and egotistical staff members of NAC.
Our message was heard clearly. All branches of the press covered our demonstration and reported our progress. The message even penetrated the ivory tower of NAC. For many years we have been saying that NAC accreditation has no meaning. In Atlanta, NAC agreed with us at least in part. NAC considered two resolutions to limit the scope of NAC accreditation. One resolution proposed that NAC not accredit dog guide schools because of “lack of interest.” The second said that NAC should examine the value and benefits of its accreditation.
The spirit to be free blossoms on the picket line. Many of our NFB songs were written to the sound of picketing feet. This year brought three new songs into the repertoire. These are: “NAC You’ll Learn to be Humble,” (written by our own Maryland contingent riding through the night); “So Long to NAC and the Council” and “Good-Bye Houston.” “NAC You’ll Learn to be Humble” is featured in the Poet’s corner.
After a long spirited and uplifting weekend, the vans headed north to Baltimore. Tired, but cheerful in the knowledge of a job well done, the weary Federationists arrived home on Monday morning. The fall 1981 meeting of the Committee on Standards and Accreditation was over. It was time to begin a new week. We turned our attention from accreditation to other activities. It will be time enough to worry about accreditation again at the next meeting of the Committee on Standards and Accreditation. Join us then and we will take one more step toward the top of the stairs.
WE ARE HARD AT WORK
Dave Robinson
The NFB of Maryland is active and growing in southern
Maryland through the efforts of the Sligo Creek Chapter. This fall has found the chapter dealing with some local issues, initiating our nut sale, sponsoring one of our members in the Marine Corps Marathon and holding a Legislative Reception.
On November 1, the chapter raised more than $100 by securing pledges per mile for Al Maneki, who made his first attempt at running in the Marine Corps Marathon. At the same time, many of our members actively participated in the State Convention in Grantsville. We had enough members attending to fill a van and look forward to filling a bus next year.
November also found us beginning our fall nut sale. We are selling a variety of nuts and dried fruits. If you want to support the Federation and at the same time enjoy some tasty fresh nuts, you may call 310577-1913.
Our most recent event was our Legislative Reception on November 19. Knowing the importance of getting acquainted with our Legislators and Making them aware of our concerns, we held a reception for our state Senators and Delegates from Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties. We discussed our need for a separate agency for the blind, had a presentation from our President, Steve Machalow, heard from our state Legislative Chairman, Marc Maurer and showed the film “The Blind and Emerging Minority.” This reception was well received, and we look forward to it bearing fruit in the upcoming Legislative session.
In closing, I would like to report that we have made some inroads with the local JC’s. Marc Maurer was awarded a plaque from the JC’s in this area recently, and we would like to congratulate him.
From BALTIMORE
Mary Freeman
The Greater Baltimore Chapter has really been on the move these past several months. We have been raising money through a variety of ways, speaking to groups of all kinds, increasing our membership and electing new officers and board members. During the next several months our chapter will be doing work in the Legislature along with the rest of our state chapters, and we look forward to working closely with all of you in this area.
A number of fund raising methods have been used to increase the treasuries of our National, State and Local movement. We sell food at our chapter meetings, and this has been successful in raising a few dollars each month. In August we held a cabaret; this was a very sociable fund raiser. Occasionally, auctions are held for items donated by members. Recently we held our third annual walk-a-thon, and since then we have undertaken selling nuts. All of these methods are good ways of raising sane money, but we would be appreciative of any new ideas.
Many of our members have participated in speaking engagements throughout this state for a variety of groups. During September, we took part in an Awareness Fair at Hartford Mall. There have been a number of radio and television talk shows which we have had the opportunity to appear on. We have also been talking at schools and to Lions Clubs. Marc Maurer was invited and spoke at a seminar held for teachers in the field of work with the disabled. These kinds of opportunities will benefit the blind throughout the country, in that all of this is done in the guise of public education.
As is the question in our chapter, we elected a new slate of officers and board members at our October meeting. This year we put into office the following: Althea Pittman, President; Marla Miller, First Vice
President; Raymond Louder, Second Vice President;
Ramona Walhof, Secretary; Marc Maurer, Treasurer; and
Board Members - Ron Metenyi, Viola Johnson, Margaret Thompson and Mary Freeman. These people are hardworking and serve well in their positions.
The Legislative session starts soon, and the
Baltimore Chapter is gearing up for it by having a get together with our Legislative Delegations. We will be inviting them to spend the evening of December 7 with us at our National Center. We hope to see many of our chapter members there – taking the opportunity to get to know their Senators and Delegates.
The work of the Federation is long and hard, and it is appreciated by all whenever members do what they can. But, because of the tremendous amount of work that needs to be done, we are always looking for new members.
THE POET’S CORNER
Hard to be Humble
(Editor’s Note: This song is sung to the tune of “O Lord It’s
It was written by a contingent of joyous Federationists from Maryland riding through the night to a NAC demonstration in Atlanta. It demonstrates the fierce and unclenchable determination to be free.)
O NAC YOU’LL LEARN TO BE HUMBLE
O NAC you’ll learn to be humble While falling apart at the seams.
We’re glad to give you trouble By ruining all your schemes.
To know us is to fear us;
We get more determined each day; Our NFB is a winner, the blind are here to stay.
NEWS BRIEFS
At our State Convention we voted to support Marc Maurer in a context for the Outstanding Young Marylander of Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties. This award was granted to him on November 17, 1981 at a meeting of the Prince Georges Jaycees.
Marc is now a contestant for the statewide award.
Dave Robinson, Area Director for a new company called Aids Unlimited, and with Maryland as part of his territory, would like to take this opportunity to inform all readers that Aids Unlimited is now in operation and has for sale Braille paper, magnetic can hold labels, file cards, and a brand new tape eraser. We hope to be adding many new items soon, and all products sold will be at or below competitive price.
Additionally, I am looking for sales representatives to work with me in various parts of the state. If you are interested please contact me at 301-577-1913.
Jean Agin, Director of Community Relations at BISM, announces that anyone interested in receiving the “White Cane” (BISM’s newsletter) in the print or cassette should contact her.
The Braille Monitor is available from the NFB in print or on disc. Members are invited and non members are requested to pay a $15.00 subscription fee. Those wishing to receive the Monitor should call or write the National Center for the Blind at 301659-9314, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.
Soon to be available from the National Office is the new Sharp talking calculator for the lowest price ever of $56.00. To order one, contact the National Center for the Blind.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE 1981 NFB OF MARYLAND CONVENTION
RESOLUTION #8101
WHEREAS, the 97th Congress is debating the extensions of the Voting
Rights Act of 1965;
WHEREAS, in many jurisdictions of our country, the voting rights of blind persons are jeopardized by election policies which require supervision of blind voters by election officials;
WHEREAS, this practice infringes upon and violates the right of every blind person to cast a secret ballot – a right which is recognized and guaranteed for all other Americans of voting age;
WHEREAS, the right to cast a secret ballot can best be preserved and safeguarded for blind voters by allowing them freedom of choice in obtaining assistance in the polling booth, without supervision of election officials;
WHEREAS, this practice has proven to be satisfactory wherever it is in use in our country, yet Federal election laws remain silent on this point; and
WHEREAS, amending the Voting Rights Act to provide blind persons the right to a free choice in obtaining voting assistance is a desirable national solution to the problem: Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of
Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of
Grantsville, Maryland, that we urge Senator Charles (Mack)
Mathias, Chief Senate Sponsor of S895, Voting Rights Act Amendments to include protection of the rights of blind voters in this bill when it is considered in the Senate.
RESOLUTION # 8102
WHEREAS, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland ( BISM) is affiliated with National Industries for the Blind ( NIB) and, for the past few years, has
paid over $ 200,000 annually to NIB for the right to participate in Federal contracting under the Javits Wagner- O’Day Program;
WHEREAS, payments to NIB from BISM’s Federal contracts are made for alleged purpose of providing NIB with the working capital necessary to help the blind
by means of obtaining more Government and industry contracts for organizations across the country, such as BISM;
WHEREAS, instead of helping the blind, NIB has diverted the proceeds derived from BISM’s Federal contracts and those of other organizations into a campaign
of litigation and public relations against the blind;
WHEREAS, specific elements of this campaign include ( 1) intensive lobbying in Washington, D. C. and in several states to prevent the passage of minimum
wage laws for the blind people who work in the NIB system; ( 2) public relations efforts to cover up the sweatshop conditions in several leading NIB affiliates,
excluding BISM; and ( 3) litigation against blind workers in two NIB workshops who have voted to be represented by labor unions;
WHEREAS, by these acts NIB is failing to be accountable to its affiliates, such as BISM, and to the blind workers at BISM, whose labors produce the proceeds
which are being diverted by NIB into a campaign against the blind; Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of Grantsville, Maryland, that
we deplore NIB’s disregard of the rights of blind workers and its misuse, against the blind, of funds derived from the work of the blind.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization seek assistance from all members of the Maryland Congressional delegation in calling for a thorough investigation
of NIB’s misuse of funds from BISM and other agencies across the country.
RESOLUTION # 8103
WHEREAS, William Lehman of Florida has introduced the Disability Insurance for the Blind Amendments ( HR. 3607) in the 97th Congress and Senator Spark
Matsunaga of Hawaii has introduced the same legislation in the Senate ( S1514);
WHEREAS, the provisions of these bills represent the long- sought objectives of the blind to fashion a more appropriate and responsive social insurance
system which supports the desires of the blind to work in the mainstream of our national economy; and
WHEREAS, the current Social Security Law is repressive inasmuch as it extends benefits to the blind who are then required to remain outside of the work
force:
Now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of Grantsville, Maryland, that
we urge all members of the United States House of Representatives from Maryland to co- sponsor HR3607 and our members of the Senate to co- sponsor S1514
in order to reflect the solid support of the citizens of Maryland behind this meritorious legislation.
RESOLUTION # 8104
WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced by Representatives Phillip Burton and Mario Biaggi, calling for at least the minimum wage to be paid to all blind
workers in our country;
WHEREAS, the blind of Maryland support the minimum wage principle and are proud that Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is a leading agency among
those progressive industries programs for the blind who are showing that the blind can earn the minimum wage and more; and
WHEREAS, the exemption from minimum wage under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act ( 14C), represent outmoded thinking and prevent the blind, as a class
from achieving economic equality with the sighted: Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of Grantsville, Maryland, that
this organization urge all members of the House of Representatives from Maryland to support and speak out for minimum wage for the blind by co- sponsoring
this legislation in the 97th Congress and in all other possible ways.
RESOLUTION # 8105
WHEREAS, despite recent advances in changing the generally held image of the helpless and incompetent blind, many myths still persist;
WHEREAS, these myths are translated into denial of employment opportunities for the blind who, nevertheless, are qualified and able to work on terms of
equality;
WHEREAS, such practices which limit the blind are unjustified and discriminatory acts which have the practical effect of placing us in conditions of second-
class status;
WHEREAS, legislation ( HR1919) to address these forms of discrimination has been introduced in the U. S. House of Representatives by the Honorable John
Moakley of Massachusetts; and
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of Grantsville, Maryland, that
we urge the members of the House of Representatives from Maryland to add their names as co- sponsors to HR. 1919; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Senator Sarbanes and Senator Mathias are also urged to join in a bi- partisan effort on behalf of this legislation by introducing
it in the U. S. Senate.
RESOLUTION # 8106
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the District of Columbia ( Marion Berry) has proposed that all handicapped and elderly residents of the District be eligible to ride
free on the Metro Public Transit System;
WHEREAS, a common misconception about the blind is the belief that we need special concessions such as free public transit services;
WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has adopted a long- standing policy, declaring that blind individuals must have equal opportunity
in all areas, which also means carrying equal responsibility; and
WHEREAS, providing free public transportation for the blind violates this principle of equality by preventing blind persons from assuming financial responsibility
for obtaining the services they need, thus perpetuating the misconception that blind persons are second- class: Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of Grantsville, Maryland, that
the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland condemns and deplores Mayor Marion Berry’s irresponsible proposal and commends the National Federation
of the Blind of the District of Columbia for outstanding leadership in opposing this ill- conceived plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a more appropriate policy for Metro would be to adopt an aggressive program of employing blind persons through an affirmative
action program rather than giving us free rides on buses and subways, when few of us have jobs to go to in the first place.
RESOLUTION # 8107
WHEREAS, given the opportunity for adequate rehabilitation services, blind people can compete on terms of equality in the work- force;
WHEREAS, despite our capacity to be active and productive in our communities, the State of Maryland Department of Vocational Rehabilitation ( DVR) has
never provided adequate services to promote the full integration of the blind on terms of equality;
WHEREAS, this is further aggravated by DVR’s recent elimination of 204 positions and a $ 5 million budget reduction for rehabilitation services;
WHEREAS, a further deterioration of services to the blind in Maryland occurred with the reduction in Title XX assistance, forcing Blind Industries and
Services of Maryland to close its Rehabilitation Program in Bethesda, thus abandoning the residents of Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties;
WHEREAS, a report issued by the Office for the Maryland Attorney General shows that DVR has disregarded the mandate of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by
failing to give priority for rehabilitation services to the “ most severely handicapped.”
WHEREAS, the percentage of rehabilitation funds allotted for services to the blind of Maryland is lower than almost any other state in the country: Now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of Grantsville, Maryland, condemns
and deplores the policies of DVR which perpetuate inadequate services to the blind.
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the members of the Maryland General Assembly to make the administrative and structural changes necessary to provide
consolidated rehabilitation services which will be more cost effective and will permit blind persons to achieve first- class status, as taxpayers, rather
than wards of the State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ( provided that meaningful reform can be achieved such as a specified percent of regular Federal and State rehabilitation appropriations
for direct services to blind persons and a requirement that regular Federal and State rehabilitation funds be available to permit the blind rehabilitation
client to purchase equivalent services from any facility or organization of his or her choice anywhere in the nation) we call upon the U. S. Congress to
provide sufficient funding for the purpose of operating needed rehabilitation programs.
RESOLUTION # 8108
WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has, for many years, followed the practice of maintaining a fixed rotation for determining the
location of conventions;
WHEREAS, a fixed rotation of conventions results in higher costs to participants because it greatly reduces the ability of the convention chairperson to
negotiate with prospective hotels;
WHEREAS, eliminating the fixed rotation does not mean that the convention ill not continue to move about the state; and
WHERAS, a non- fixed rotation for convention will enable the President and the Board to put the convention in a location which best meets the needs of
the affiliate: Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland assembled this 1st day of November, 1981, in the City of Grantsville, Maryland, that
the fixed rotation of conventions be discontinued as of 1981, and that the location for future conventions be determined by the President with the approval
of
the Board of Directors.