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March 1981
VOLUME IV, NUMBER 4
THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.
MARY FREEMAN, Editor
P.O. Box 4422
Baltimore, Maryland 21223
(301)525-2488
ASSOCIATE EDITORS:
Marc Maurer
Willard Freeeman
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
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
Since the last issue of the SPECTATOR, many exciting things are underway.
Most importantly, a committee to plan our upcoming National Convention in Baltimore has met, and work is underway to make the 1981 Convention our biggest and best. All of us can take part in this, and I will be calling on individual members at a later date, in order to outlay specific assignments.
Our Fashion Show Committee has been hard at work planning our Second Annual Fashion Show for this spring and looks like it will be even more successful than last year. It is reported in more detail elsewhere in this issue.
The Walk-A-Thon committee has started planning for our Third Annual Walk-AThon and has formed an Advisory Committee with Baltimore City Council President, Wally Orlinsky, serving as Honorary Chairman. The Advisory Committee consists of many prominent Marylanders and will be a real asset in encouraging greater participation in our Walk-A-Thon.
Our legislative program has been presented to the General Assembly in Annapolis, and our hearing on the Consolidated Services Bill has been held in both houses. A more detailed report appears elsewhere in this issue.
An affiliate board meeting will be held Saturday, April 11, 1981 at the National Center for the Blind in Baltimore. There will be detailed discussions regarding our National Convention, and it is important that as many of us as possible attend this meeting.
I hope to see you all there.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Marc Maurer
Two bills now before the Maryland General Assembly are strongly supported by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. These are the bills to create a Division of Consolidated Services for the Blind, Senate Bill #1001 and House Bill #1810, and the bill to provide a fifty dollar ($50) supplement to blind SSI recipients, Senate Bill #701.
We oppose Senate Joint Resolution #56 and House Joint Resolution #96. These Resolutions have been introduced by legislators at the request of persons from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Maryland School for the Blind. What our opponents want, is a committee to study services and the blind. Never mind that services for the blind have been studied before, or that there is a crying need for a consolidation of services for the blind,
so that good rehabilitation can be achieved. The effort clearly is to further delay any change in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as it is now structured.
Partly, the agency officials who asked that these Resolutions be introduced achieved this result. They intended to cloud issues and to confuse the legislators about the needs and views of the blind. An excellent example of this confusing and illegitimate representation by agency personnel is the testimony of Rick Welsh, Superintendent of the Maryland School for the Blind. Mr. Welsh said that the NFB is against having blind people use all of their talents and abilities. He said that we oppose the use of accreditation to achieve quality services. In addition, he asserted that the Maryland School for the Blind had a good cooperative relationship with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland before 1976. He said that now, Blind Industries and Services and the Maryland School for the Blind cannot work together for good programs for the blind.
The testimony presented by Rick Welsh is only one example of the inaccuracy and misrepresentation of the agency officials' testimony this year. The testimony presented by John Cobun, Eugene Spurrier and other staff of the agencies for the blind was filled with inaccuracies and apparently intentional misrepresentation of the facts. The lies that these officials tell are an indication of the desperation that they feel when we of the NFB expose the ignorance and irresponsibility practiced in the programs for the blind.
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland should oppose these Joint Resolutions, because they will not help to provide quality services to the blind. Rather than change the structure so that all services can be provided in a single integrated package, these Resolutions would assume that services should be provided in the same way as they are now. In other words, the bad services that can be gotten from Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will still be as bad as they always have been. Those services from Blind Industries and Services of Maryland will continue to be the excellent services that we have come to expect, but the scope of Blind Industries and Services programs will remain limited.
If the Resolutions pass, the Maryland School for the Blind will be folded into the structure. In addition, another layer of bureaucracy will be added to this already top-heavy system. There will be no change at all; except an additional layer of bureaucracy. Such a change will, of course, make a cumbersome and inefficient system even more cumbersome and less likely to provide good services.
At this writing, the Division of Consolidated Services for the Blind Bill has had a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee and in the House Committee on Constitutional and Administrative Law. While the committee members were friendly to us, they are confused by the testimony of staff members of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Maryland School for the Blind and the Maryland State Library for the Blind. While the final decision on our bill to streamline programs for the blind is not yet made, again this year, our attempt to change the structure so that blind people will have the opportunity to receive top quality services, appears to be unsuccessful.
On the bill to provide a supplement to blind SSI recipients, the Senate Finance Committee gave a very short answer.Any proposal that costs money in this legislative year of 1981 will be viewed unfavorably.
Our reception in Annapolis this year has been more friendly than it has been for some time. Delegate Curran introduced our National President, Dr. Jernigan, to Governor Hughes and joined with Dr. Jernigan in asking Governor Hughes to support our bill to create a Division of Consolidated Services for the Blind.
The bills in which we are interested did not get a favorable hearing, but our legislators are coming to recognize the National Federation of the Blind as the largest representative organization of blind people.
The cordiality of the legislature must be attributed to the good work that we have all done in bringing our message of independence of the blind to our Senators and Delegates. The large turnover of federationists at our Legislative Breakfast and at the legislative day in Annapolis helped tremendously in bringing our presence as an organization to our legislature. In looking at the work that must still be done to pass these much needed pieces of legislation, all of us can be proud of the good foundation that our activities this year have laid.
IS THE WORD GETTING OUT?
Jean Agin
On January 17, 1981, the Public Relations Committee of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland met at the National Center to discuss the goals of the committee. The committee consists of members from throughout the state; Jean Agin (chairperson), Mary Freeman, Brenda Williams, Willnetta Sutton, Judy Vandervinne, Cherry King and Dorothy Fox. At this meeting, Miss Agin outlined the role of the committee, and plans for getting the word of the NFB out were made.
Many committee persons volunteered to undertake the various tasks which the committee agreed to work on. One way to get the word out is by publicizing through the media, the time and location of each chapter meeting. Someone was assigned from each chapter to send these notices to radio and television stations and to newspapers in the area, whenever a meeting is scheduled. A few meeting notices have been sent out, and we are pleased to say that they were in newspapers and heard on both radio and television stations.
It was felt by the committee that the Public Services Announcements sent out by the National Office to all radio and television stations throughout the country last summer should be distributed again to the stations in Maryland. These recordings have been sent out with a letter expressing the importance of using these announcements and encouraging the station to play them. It would be helpful and useful if any one of us hears a meeting notice or a Public Service Announcement, would call the station and thank them for helping us get the word out.
Also, the committee will be sending materials about the National Federation of the Blind and blindness to every library in the state. It is hoped that in the future, each library will purchase other research materials published by the NFB and use them in their resource sections.
The committee has made a lot of plans and is already accomplishing some of them, but there are still many things to be done. The committee will meet again at the National Center on April 11, 1981, before the State Board Meeting. Of course, we all know that public relations is a responsibility of each and every one of us, and with your help, we can accomplish the goals of the National Federation of the Blind.
A FASHIONABLE FUND RAISER
Azalee Thompson
On Sunday, April 26, 1981, the Baltimore Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is sponsoring our Second Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at the new Convention Center, Charles and Pratt Streets, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. For a donation of sixteen dollars ($16), you will be able to enjoy an entertaining afternoon with Mr. Travis Winkey and his elegant fashions. Mr. Winkey attracts audiences that include the entire family.
Those who have seen Mr. Winkey are looking forward with spirited excitement to seeing his show again; those who will be seeing him for the first time can anticipate a delightful afternoon.
You may secure tickets by calling Azalee Thompson, chairperson, at 521-3107. This is an activity you would not want to miss.
MARYLANDERS PARTICIPATE IN MARCH ON WASHINGTON
Ron Metenyi
During the first four days of February, more than two hundred Federationists from thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia converged upon Capital Hill for the National Federation of the Blind's Ninth Annual March on Washington.
More than thirty Marylanders participated in presenting our legislative programs to our Senators and Congressmen of the Ninety-Seventh Congress.
On February 1, many of us attended a lengthy and comprehensive briefing session. In the course of that session, we learned that we would be meeting with Congressional leaders to urge support for the appointment of Dr. Andrew Adams as Under-Secretary of Education in charge of Special Education, and Mr. Harold Hall as Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Jim Gashel reports that Congressional leaders, for the most part, responded favorably when these proposed nominees were discussed. These Presidential appointments have not yet been made.
Briefly, these are our national legislative proposals: 1) Minimum wage for all production employees in sheltered workshops for the blind. Congressman Phillip Burton (Democrat from California) has already introduced House Bill #852, which would affect this. 2) Inclusion of the blind and disabled under the protection of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Bills are also being introduced to do this, that in effect will say "It is an unlawful practice to discriminate in employment based upon race, religion, sex, national origin or handicapping conditions." 3) Our Disability Insurance for the Blind proposal would reduce the number of quarters of covered employment required before a blind person can qualify for SSDI, and removing the earning limitation.
The bill has been passed seven times by the Senate and four times by the House, but never in the same session.
Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation generally reacted positively towards us and our proposals, but more work needs to be done. We have several friends within our state delegation and it is safe to say that if we expect them to do a good job legislating for us, we must do a good job of communicating with them.
John Kennedy once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." This march on Washington constituted a strong stride in the right direction, but we will not complete the journey soon, unless we each do our part.
Every one of us should make it his/her business to become acquainted with Senators Sarbanes and Mathias and with our Congressional Representatives. We should do this through letters, mail grams, telephone calls and personal visits. We should be prepared to participate in letter writing campaigns when specific bills are being considered. As many of us as can, should plan to attend hearings on legislation that affects us as blind people. Above all, let us remember that making the system work for us requires a lot of work from us.
Our Congressmen and Senators must know about the National Federation of the Blind, they must know that James Gashel is our National Representative, and we must bring the message.
STUDENTS AND THE ORGANIZED BLIND MOVEMENT
Brenda Williams
The Student Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland held a seminar on March 7, 1981, in Silver Spring.
Throughout the day, information was shared about services available to blind and visually impaired students in Maryland.
Our National President, Dr. Jernigan, started the seminar with a dynamic speech entitled "Students as Part of the Organized Blind Movement." He explained how important it is for us, as blind college students, to visit campuses and have contact with other blind students, in order to get them involved in our organization and to let them know their rights under the law.
During the seminar, there were panel discussions to inform students about available services to insure that quality services can be provided.
There are several non-profit volunteer organizations providing specialized services for the blind and visually impaired, such as taping and Brailling.
Also, Braille writers can be rented for a twenty-five dollar ($25) deposit. For information concerning this service, contact Ms. Kathy Couch, 4405 EastWest Highway, Bethesda, Maryland. 20014 or telephone (301) 652-4347.
Mr. Duane Gerstenberger shared information about library services for the blind in Maryland. He said that "we should attend the library often and let them know that services must be improved." For example, better selections of books in Braille and on disc and cassettes. Mr. Gerstenberger also informed us about the Job Opportunities for the Blind· (JOB) Program.
Concluding the seminar, our Director of Governmental Affairs, Mr. James Gashel, talked about responsibilities of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to blind students.
In preparation for this seminar and to encourage involvement in the NFB, members of the Student Chapter have visited numerous colleges and universities in Maryland to make contact with other blind students. This is an ongoing effort and a never-ending project.
The next Student Chapter meeting is scheduled for April 18, 1981, at 10:00.AM at the National Center for the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore. For more information on our Student Chapter, contact President, Brenda Williams, at (301) 523-8069.
MARYLAND MERCHANTS PREPARE FOR CONVENTION
Pat Capuano
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Venders Chapter is busily preparing for our National Convention, to be held in Baltimore this summer.
Besides purchasing door prizes for the Convention, we are selling 50-50 raffle tickets for one dollar ($1) each, with the winning ticket to be drawn at our meeting at the National Center on June 20, 1981.
The proceeds from this raffle will help to cover the costs of a Merchant Division Hospitality Suite to be used during the Convention. Several members of the Vendors Chapter have also personally contributed to this effort.
There is also a free luncheon planned for Convention attendees, scheduled for Monday, July 6. This Chapter is hard at work assisting in the logistical planning and in getting food and beverages donated.
We are also working on the possibility of a trip to Atlantic City, immediately following the Convention.
I will be attending a National Conference of the NFB Merchants Division the weekend of March 27, 28 and 29 in Lansing, Michigan. I will speak to the Conference on the Vending Program in Maryland.
I am sure that the information shared at this Conference will be useful and beneficial to all participants.
If you would like more information concerning the Vendors Chapter or any of the activities we are involved in, please call me at (301) 256-8053.
JOB: THE WORK GOES ON
Ramona Walhof
The Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) Program is operated by the National Federation of the Blind, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor. JOB is a listing and referral service for blind job applicants.
Besides producing and circulating the JOB Bulletin "Applicant's Edition" on cassette to blind applicants for employment, JOB produces an "Employer's Elite" in print to help prospective employers learn about blindness and blind people at work. There is also a "Deaf-Blind Edition" in Braille available.
Three JOB Applicant Seminars have been held in different parts of the country, to inform blind job seekers of their rights and to assist and encourage their search for work. The next Applicant's Seminar will be held in Baltimore on July 11, 1981, following the Convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
The volunteer coordinating for Maryland is Mr. Donald Stiffler. If you need information or assistance, you may contact Mr. Stiffler at (301) 233-4567 or contact the JOB Director, Mr. Duane Gerstenberger, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, phone (301) 659-9314.
GETTING TO KNOW THE NFB
Debbie Koester
The Membership Committee of the Greater Baltimore Chapter held a seminar for new members prior to the January Chapter Meeting. This seminar was designed to familiarize new members with some of the goals of the organization and to acquaint them with other members.
Several committee members discussed their reasons for joining the NFB. Marc Maurer discussed the legislative proposals to be presented this year at the legislature by the Maryland affiliate. Also, literature was made available for any one interested.
Because of the success of this seminar, plans are being made to hold future seminars. We believe that such seminars allow new and prospective members a valuable opportunity to ask questions and learn about the NFB.
“POET’S CORNER”
EDITOR’S NOTE
The SPECTATOR’s editorial staff has been asked if poetry about blindness and the blind could be included in our publication. We recognize the creative spirit of our members and want to encourage our poet laureates.
This month, the “Poet’s Corner” was created in honor of the Doggeral written by James Gashel and published in the January, 1980 issue of the BRAILLE MONITOR. We note with pleasure that James Gashel is the contributor to the “Poet’s Corner” for this issue of the SPECTATOR.
A miner official named Spurrier,
Who wasn’t much more than a courrier,
To no one’s surprise
Told lawmakers’ lies
And helped make Blind Services blurrier.
-James Gashel-
NEWS BRIEFS
Beginning with this issue, the BRAILLE SPECTATOR will be available on cassette. Anyone wishing to receive our newsletter in this form should contact Mary Freeman by writing or calling - P.O. Box 4422, Baltimore, Maryland 21223, or phone 525-2488 or at BISM, 233-4567.
There will be no charge for the cassette. Donations to cover the cost of the cassette and mailer ($1.50) would be appreciated and help to make the continuance of the cassette version possible.
Maryland is #1 in PAC contributions to the NFB. However, we are not #1 in the number of people contributing on the PAC Plan. We need contributors; we need money. Join the PAC Plan today. For more information, call Marc Maurer at (301) 644-0179.
Associates help. There are only two ways to get money into the NFB – from us and from other people. Besides, if you work hard, you can win $1,000! Get out there and sign up your doctor, your lawyer, your grocer! This pays for our programs. For more information, contact Trish Miller at (301) 588-5376.