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July 1980
Volume IV, number 2
THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Inc
Alfred P. Maneki, Editor
9736 Basket Ring Road
Columbia MD 21045
Associate Editors:
Beth Schuster
Althea Pittman
Recorded on cassette by:
Connie McCraw
Organizational Officers:
Willie Thompson, President
3435 Lynne Haven Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21207
Alfred Maneki, First Vice President
Lloyd Rasmussen, Second Vice President
Althea Pittman, Secretary
Georgia Myers, 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 new items, articles and letters to the editor.
BALTIMORE CHAPTER FASHION SHOW
On Sunday, April 20, upwards of 300 Federationists and friends
attended the Fashion Show sponsored by the Baltimore Chapter. Held at Baltimore's brand-new Convention Center, this fundraising affair consisted of a fancy dinner catered by the Convention Center and a professionally done fashion show created by Travis Winkey, a nationally renowned fashion promoter. Sylvia Matthews of the Baltimore Chapter, appearing as a part of Mr. Winkey's program, added local interest and attention to this enjoyable program. Three local television stations and six newspapers publicized this function. Profits of $1,920 will be used to fund the legislative and educational programs of the NFB of Maryland.
Thirty-two chapter members sold tickets: Debbi Koester, Connie McCraw, Charles Pittman, Willnetta Sutton, Goldie Thomas, Ralph Thompson, Ramona Walhoff, Raymond Louder, Clara Leatherbury, James Gashel, Johnny James, Jean Agin, Brenda Williams, Mary Ellen Anderson, Sylvia Matthews, John Thompson, Mrs. Gossett, Ralph Sanders, Marla Williams, Dr. Jernigan, Don Morris, Mrs. Gerstenberger, Sharon Omvig, Miriam Charles, Ron Metenyi, Viola Johnson, Al Maneki, Pat Maurer, Willie Freeman, Jack Marley, Pat Capuano, Azalee Thompson.
Other chapter members rendered valuable assistance in making this event a huge success.
Thanks to Azalee Thompson and her committee, and thanks to everyone for their fine support, cooperation and assistance.
BISM REDUCES SERVICES
By Pat Maurer
As of June 30, 1980, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland will lose its Title XX funding. This is a loss of $29,025.00 to this agency. Because of the reduction in funding, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is forced to decrease the staff by three positions. The positions which will be cut are the Community Services Coordinator, the Caseworker in Bethesda and the Instructor/Secretary in Bethesda.
The Community Services Coordinator has, to a great degree, been responsible for our Outreach program, arranging speakers as well as arranging tours of our facilities. The individual in this position has been instrumental in implementing the scheduling and participation of students in our Recreational Activities Program. The Outreach program and the Recreational Activities Program have extended to involve more and more of the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland staff and students. Many of the responsibilities of this position will be taken by the Supervisor of Social services, the Director of Community Relations and other members of the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland staff.
The closing of the Bethesda office will most directly and immediately affect services available to blind persons in the Montgomery and Prince Georges county area. This office has offered Braille, typing, abacus, travel and counseling services. Our information and referral service has worked with many blind persons in the two counties.
From consumer input and results of the information and referral service it is clear that services in Prince Georges and Montgomery counties are not adequate. I feel sure that the blind of the area will voice their concerns to the Governor and other appropriate officials. Blind Industries and Services of Maryland will continue to work with blind persons toward an adequate service delivery system.
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCENE
Marla Williams of the Baltimore Chapter is a program coordinator for blind and visually handicapped students at Catonsville Community College. Through her efforts, NFB President Jernigan was a featured speaker at a staff development seminar, held on February 5, for faculty members of CCC’s three campuses. With his customary eloquence, Dr. Jernigan’s topic, “The Status of Blind Students – Past and Present”, addressed the participants’ apprehensions of having blind students in their classes. Largely due to Dr. Jernigan’s presentation, the participants’ own evaluation of this seminar was that it was the most effective staff development seminar ever held for CCC faculty.
In May, an area-wide meeting hosted by CCC was held for community college coordinators of handicapped students. James Gashel, the NFB representative in Washington, D.C., addressed this gathering on matters concerning student services and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act.
CHANGES IN MARYLAND VENDING PROGRAM
On July 1, 1980 Senate Bill 1011 became law, creating many changes in the Maryland vending facilities program. Licensing of state, county, municipal and private locations, formerly the responsibility of BISM, has now transferred to DVR. The day-to-day management continues with BISM.
The major change in the program, although not apparent in day-to-day operation, is that DVR now has financial responsibility for all aspects of the vending program. This has previously been left to BISM. While the pension and benefit programs will continue to be administered by BISM, the cost of providing these benefits now vests with DVR.
Transfer, promotion, seniority, all issues of great importance to blind vendors, will remain the same as in the past, although now they are subject to direct control by DVR.
How SB 1011 will change the Maryland program may not be known until at least the next session of the General Assembly when budgets again come up for review. Can or will DVR provide adequate funding for the program? This question hangs in the balance.
SPRINGTIME IN WASHINGTON
By Ron Metenyi
During three fine early spring days, March 24 through 26, members of the NFB of Maryland joined 200 fellow Federationists in our annual March on Washington. Our delegation included several members of the newly organized Students’ Chapter who took advantage of this opportunity to be involved in the political process at the national level. Our numbers varied from day to day: on Thursday, when the group was largest, we numbered 13.
On Monday, March 24, we joined Millie Stokes, President, NFB of Delaware, and visited the offices of several Delaware Congressmen. We also joined Ralph Sanders in an interview with Dale Bumpers of Arkansas in addition to keeping appointments made with Maryland Representatives. During the three days Marla Williams took some of us to visit with West Virginia lawmakers.
On Tuesday, March 25, we visited with Representatives Parren Mitchell and Michael Barnes, and with Senator Mathias. We also visited with the aides to several other Maryland legislators. The high point of the day came with our meeting with Representative Parren Mitchell. Channel 13 Eye-Witness cameras were there to give each of us an instant of fleeting fame. The presentation on the evening news that night included a short statement about N.A.C. by Pat Maurer and a more lengthy statement about minimum wage for blind sheltered shop employees by Representative Mitchell.
Our discussions with Senator Mathias were another high point in this busy day. He has co-sponsored the civil rights bill for the disabled, and has always supported our efforts to keep N.A.C. from receiving Federal funds. However, he did have misgivings about our minimum wage proposal.
On Wednesday our numbers declined. In addition to talking with Representative Majorie Holt and an aide to Representative Bauman, we engaged in dialogue with Representative Gore of Tennessee and Representative stack of Florida, as well as aides to four New York Congressmen and three Illinois Congressmen.
On March 25, during lunch break, I had the opportunity to eat with a member of the Republican National Committee. He expressed much interest in our proposals, asking a number of cogent questions. At the end of our talk, he asked bluntly: “What do you think you have accomplished?” I answered him about as follows: “Of course it’s impossible to tell, in advance, what kind of follow-up we’ll have from our representatives, but this I can say for sure – they know who we are, and they are listening to us”. As more of us write to and talk in person with our Congressmen, that follow-up will be more forthcoming. Too many people wring their hands and say, “The Government doesn’t work”. We know that it takes work to make government work and that, just as it is a legislator’s duty to legislate, so it is a constituent’s duty to communicate.
On the morning of Wednesday, May 14, Federationists, including 23 members of the NFB of Maryland an several BISM production employees who are not Federationists but who are concerned about their colleagues in other states, packed the hearing room of the House Subcommittee on Labor to demonstrate support for HB3764. If enacted, this bill would end the granting of certificates of exemption to sheltered workshops for the blind that permit payment of less than the minimum wage to production workers. Currently the Department of Labor is considering a petition that, if granted, would have the same effect.
In testimony before the Subcommittee, Undersecretary of Labor Ellisberg mentioned the Federation petition. The thrust of his testimony was a statement that his department was increasing considerably its efforts to enforce existing regulations protecting sheltered shop employees from exploitation.
Representative Patricia Shroeder of Colorado, a co-sponsor of the bill, spoke eloquently in its behalf, often responding to difficult, even hostile questions from committee members. Representative Barry Goldwater Jr. of California stated that he is commissioning an in-depth study of the problem and that he will make the results of this study available to Congress. Philip Burton, a fellow Representative from California, is the main sponsor.
The roster of opponents and proponents was as one would have expected. Opponents included the national president of Goodwill Incorporated, representatives of National Industries for the Blind, and Joseph Larkin, director of the New York Industrial Homes for the Blind. Mr. Larkin noted that he had the dubious distinction of being a target of investigation by Sixty Minutes and the Wall Street Journal. One may understand his being positively underwhelmed by the honor, for the data presented in the Sixty Minutes spot, and an article in the aforementioned journal revealed that exploitation of blind workers and excessive administrative expenses were features of his operation.
The technical and economic objections to paying minimum wage to all blind production employees of workshops for the blind, as well as the underlying moral-ethical issues, were thoroughly dealt with by NFB witnesses. These included President Jernigan, Ralph Sanders, President of one of the 15 sheltered workshops for the blind now paying minimum wage or better, and Fred Rockwell, a production worker at the Arizona Industries for the Blind. Jim Gashel joined Dr. Jernigan to answer technical questions. A high point came when Dr. Jernigan described two jobs being done by sheltered shops for the blind, displayed the finished assemblies, then asserted that no ordinary human could earn the minimum wage doing these jobs under the relevant piece-rates. No committee member challenged his assertion.
To be fair, one must observe that it was a very good hearing. Both sides laid all their cards on the table and committee members asked searching, penetrating questions. At this point it is impossible to predict what will happen to HB3764.
We in Maryland have a special obligation to work hard on behalf of this bell since Blind Industries and Services of Maryland has shown that many of the technical objections to paying the blind minimum wage are specious. The NFB of Maryland should lead the nation in working for HB3764. We should take these actions:
- We should write to Representative Beard indicating support.
- Each of us should write to or otherwise contact Senators Mathias and Sarbanes and our Representative and urge that they back this vital bill.
Some representatives, e.g. Parren Mitchell, Clarence Long and Gladys Spellman, have indicated strong support for the measure. We need to praise our friends, inform the neutral, and even have a go at converting our opponents.
SPECKS
By Mary Freeman
- In April, we received the following note from Hazel tenBroek: “You can’t imagine what pleasure receiving those back issues of the Spectator gave me. It was good to catch up on all the activities of your busy affiliate. The publication is a whiz, and you are doing a fine job. I like its concise, newsy style. Do keep it coming to me.” Mrs. tenBroek’s new address is: Box 1045, 2000 Center Street, Berkeley, California 94704.
In a letter dated April 24, Delegate Donald S. Robertson, Majority Leader, writes:
“Thank you for your visit to my office on April 1st, on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind, urging support for Senate Bill 1011 pertaining to the licensing of vending machine operators.
As you may know, SB1011 was enacted and awaits the Governor’s signature.
I appreciate your keeping me informed of the views of the Federation and hope you will communicate with me again on matters of interest to you and the Federation.”
- Wedding ceremonies were held in the Johns Hopkins Hospital Chapel for Dorothy Keys and Jim Fox on March 20. Although Dorothy was in the hospital recovering from pneumonia this occasion was a very happy one, with the presence of TV 13 camera and crew, and a small reception put together by hospital staff. We wish Dorothy and Jim many years of happiness.
On April 13 Jim entered University Hospital to undergo a kidney transplant. The transplant was a successful and Jim Is now at home recuperating from surgery.
- In the spirit of being active participants in the political process, Judy Sanders, Willie Freeman and Pat Maurer were candidates for Delegate to this year’s Democratic National Convention, to be held in New York City in August. Through the work of Judy and Willie in the Kennedy campaign, and Pat in the Carter campaign, the Democratic Party in Maryland is more knowledgeable of blindness and the NFB. We regretfully report the defeat of these three candidates but understand that each made a respectable showing against formidable opposition.
- Knowles Hovington, president of the Eastern Shore Chapter, is now at home after a long stay in the hospital. We all hope that he will have a speedy and complete recovery.
- The Baltimore chapter’s Second Annual Walk-A-Thon will be held on Sunday, October 19. Gino’s Restaurants has again agreed to serve as a sponsor, and George Larkins from Gino’s will be working with committee chairman Bill Munck on this project. The length of the route will be 20 kilometers (12 miles). Pledges should be made per kilometer. Final details and pledge sheets should be available in July.
- At its May meeting, the Greater Hagerstown Chapter elected the following officers to serve one-year terms: Dick McBee, President; Georgia Norford, Vice President; Naomi Dennis, Secretary; Eleanor Beck, Treasurer.
The Greater Hagerstown Chapter holds its monthly meeting at 11 AM on the first Thursday of the month at the Walnut Towers apartment building in Hagerstown.
- The Sligo Creek Chapter held annual elections at its June meeting: Steve Machalow, President; Lloyd Rasmussen, Vice President; Nancy Painter, Secretary; Cherry King, Treasurer; Clara Sisselman, Mark Plantz, Al Saile, Board Members.
- Marla Williams, active member of the Baltimore Chapter, was married Friday, June 20 to Michael Miller of Baltimore. Their wedding took place at the National Center for the Blind and Dr. Jernigan had the honor of giving away the bride. All Federationists wish Marla and Mike the best.
- Jean Agin, Willie Freeman, Al Maneki, Bill Munck and Ralph Sanders attended the NFB’s demonstration against NAC, which took place in Boston on Wednesday, June 25. While this was by no means the largest NAC demonstration we have held, many state affiliates were represented by small delegations. NAC knew that we were there to protest; so did the media and the city of Boston.
The next NAC demonstration will be held November 15-16 in Minneapolis when the NAC Board holds its annual meeting. Details will be announced in the fall. We hope that more Marylanders will attend the Minneapolis demonstration.
- The Student Division held a combination garage sale and bake sale at Catonsville Community College’s Community Fair on July 26 and 27. Discards and baked items were donated by the members of the Baltimore Chapter.
- On Saturday, October 4, Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) will hold a seminar at the National Center for the Blind for blind job seekers. Earlier this year, similar seminars were held in Boise, Idaho and Minneapolis, Minnesota. All interested blind persons are invited to attend. Blind individuals anywhere may contact JOB through its toll-free number, 800-638-7518.
- Eighty-eight Marylanders attended the Minneapolis Convention. A good time was had by all, and what a productive convention this was! Confrontation with the local Kiwanis Club, massive demonstration at the Minneapolis Society for the Blind, interesting panel discussions, an inspirational banquet program, parties late into the evening, we did it all!
The 1981 National Convention will be held in Baltimore at the Civic Center, Sunday, July 5 through Friday, July 10. All Marylanders should attend this Convention to help make it a better convention than the one we just had.
- Trish Miller and Kenneth Jernigan are respectively the first and second place winners in the 1979-80 Associates Contest sponsored by the NFB of Maryland. The Maryland contest was identical to the national contest and was held to encourage members of the NFB of Maryland to enroll NFB associates. For details about the Associates program, contact local chapter presidents or any member of the Board of Directors.
- The 1980 State Convention of the NFB of Maryland will be held in Hagerstown at the Sheraton Hotel during the weekend of October 24. Hotel rates and other convention details will be available soon. Althea Pittman is the convention chairman. Reserve the weekend of October 24 to attend this convention.
- President Willie Thompson informs all of his friends that his name has been placed in the hat for possible selection as the winner of Maryland’s $1 million lottery, to be drawn August 19.
President Thompson wrote a letter to AFRO-AMERICAN. It appeared in the June 28 issue and said in part:
“I am compelled to respond to a letter to the editor which appeared on June 10, 1980 entitled “Blind Leading the Blind”. The letter was political by intent, but crass and insensitive in reality.
True, the AFRO-AMERICAN did not write the letter, so it does not necessarily represent the opinion of the paper. However, the AFRO-AMERCAN staff did headline the letter and print it.
How can a paper, dedicated to serving a minority, be so insensitive as to stereotype another minority? Would the AFRO-AMERICAN headline and print material that equated black with evil or that condoned the “Amos and Andy” image?”
The remainder of President Thompson’s letter describes the blind as a minority and the work of the NFB.
- We regretfully end this newsletter on a sad note. Florence Squires, an active member for many years, and former member of the Board of Directors of the NFB of Maryland, died on April 13. Many of us will remember the 1976 State Convention in Cumberland and the pleasure the membership took in awarding Florence an engraved pendant with our special “Thank You” for the generous contributions that she provided through her annual Bingo fundraisers.
Clara Sisselman is an active member of the Sligo Creek Chapter. Her mother died on June 3. The Sisselman family has requested that persons wishing to do so make contributions to the NFB in lieu of flowers.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND
APRIL 27, 1980
The meeting was called to order by President Thompson at 1:30 PM. There were eighteen members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted. The Treasurer reported that the balance as of April 26,1980 was $1,375.68. The report was accepted as read.
Chapter Reports
Baltimore: The profit from the Walk-A-Thon was $3,900, and $3,000 of that went to the National Treasury. The Fashion Show was very successful, but the final balance hasn’t been determined yet. The Chapter will participate at City Fairs and is planning another Walk-A-Thon.
Cumberland: The Chapter is planning to take part in the Heritage Day celebration.
Hagerstown: No one present to report.
Eastern Shore: President Knowles Hovington has been seriously ill.
Sligo Creek: Profits from last summer’s Swimathon and Bake Sale have been sent to the National Treasury and the State Treasury. Chapter members have been writing letters to the Governor’s office to protest the closing of BISM’s Bethesda office.
Student Chapter: Members raised $80 by selling Christmas cards. They are also planning to attend a June 5th meeting between DVR and coordinators of area colleges. A flea market sale is being planned for the month of July.
Legislative Report
Our legislative efforts have gone well this year. The Vendor’s Bill S1011 has passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. An amendment to the state white cane law redefining “controlled intersections” was passed and signed by the Governor. This amendment strengthens safeguards for blind pedestrians. The SSI Bill once again was not passed by the General Assembly. Several legislative committee meetings are being planned and the first one will be held May 3 at the National Center.
National Legislation: On May 13, 1980 there will be a Congressional hearing on HR 3764, minimum wages for the blind. Mrs. Sanders urged us to attend and to write letters stating our opinions by May 7, 1980. There will be transportation leaving BISM the morning of the hearing.
National Convention
It was suggested by our president that the door prizes for the National Convention be money (cash). A motion was accepted that we give $75.00 in door prizes and that we get businesses to donate other prizes. A motion was accepted that we send a check of $500 to the National Treasury toward the pledge we made in 1979 for the ten Broek Memorial Fund and the White Cane fund. A motion was accepted that we do the same for 1980. On June 28, 1980 at 9:00 there will be a seminar on how to strengthen affiliates and plan state conventions.
Old Business
Mr. Freeman stated that September 14, 1980 is the tentative date for the Walk-A-Thon. He suggested that we contact larger companies to urge their participation as walkers in this year’s Walk-A-Thon. Public service announcements have been sent to all radio stations and it is up to us to call and encourage the stations to play them.
Chapters were reminded to send in dues to the State Treasury.
Prizes for the state-wide Associate context were announced - $100 first prize, $50 second prize. Prizes would be awarded on the basis of the greatest number of associates recruited. The winners are to be announced at this year’s State Convention. May 31, 1980 will be the deadline for determining winners.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Althea Pittman, Secretary