THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR April 1980

 

WEBMASTER NOTE: This copy of the Braille Spectator is being made available due to a scanned copy of a print version of the publication. The conversion process may of introduced spelling and formatting issues. In an attempt to prepare the document for the web, Non printable characters were removed and tags were added to make the document accessibly compliant. 

 

A publication of the

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.

 

April 1980

Volume IV, Number 1

 

 

Alfred P. Maneki, Editor The Braille Spectator 9736 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045

 

Address Correction Requested

 

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Inc.

 

 

Alfred P. Maneki, Editor 9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, Maryland 21045

(301) 992-9607

Associate Editors: Beth Schuster Althea Pittman

Recorded on cassette by: Connie McCraw

 

Organizational officers:

Willie Thompson, president

3435 Lynne Haven Dr. Baltimore, Maryland 21207

(301) 521-3107

Alfred Maneki, first vice president Lloyd Rasmussen, second vice preside t Althea Pittman, secretary

Georgia Myers, treasurer

 

THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR is published quarterly as a newsletter to members of the Nation 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.

 

RIGHTS AND  RESPONSIBILITIES  Of NFB MEMBERS

(Reprinted, with permission from the National Federation of the Blind Spokesman in California, July 1979)

It is certainly easy for a member to sit back and level criticism of someone in a position of leadership. A president, secretary, or treasurer has been elected and therefore has responsibilities and obligations to those he serves. On the other hand, those who elected the leaders have certain rights, but they also have responsibilities if they wish to call themselves NFB members.

For an organization to function well it needs members with intelligence and integrity; it needs members who have a firm grounding in the movement's history and a clear understanding of its hopes for the future. It, therefore, follows that a prospective member should be well educated as to the purposes of the movement and he, too, must hold the same aspirations for the future of the organization.

The NFB is a social action movement; therefore, from time to time

 members are called upon to write letters, picket our adversaries, speak publicly, etc. concerning matters pertaining to the blind.

Since we, the blind, insist upon speaking for ourselves, we always have much work to do and little time to sit around and socialize. It is not that we are adverse to chatting and coffee drinking· but our goals are to achieve equality for the blind. This end will only be gained by our untiring work in that direction.

Because of the problems we have had in California during the past year, we all know that it is most important to scrutinize care­ fully the actions and motives of our fellow Federationists. In the future if a member tells you that a national leader or a local member is not capable of carrying out his job, it would be judicious to check with that national leader or fellow member yourself rather than believe second- or third-hand gossip.                We might have circumvented many of our problems in this state had we had done so.

Throughout history gossip has caused countless problems, there­ fore, it is a member's responsibility not to partake in gossip and to chastise those who do. A member has an obligation to do all that he can that will benefit the movement. He might not particularly like selling drawing tickets, candy, nuts, etc. but he must put

 

 

the good of the organization before his personal likes and dislikes. He also has an obligation to help support the organization financially by

contributing to the PAC Flan, for as Dr. Jernigan has said so many times, "There is no such thing as a free lunch.

also has an obligation to seek out and accomplish tasks that need doing many of these jobs he does anonymously for he always keeps in mind that he is working for the good of all the blind, not for the benefit of himself alone.

Along with these same 1ines a member never forgets that he is only one person in a 50,000-member organization in 50 states and the District of Columbia. He does not take the attitude that he works just         for his chapter or his state, but he           works for all the blind of the NFB. It is only when a member can see the entire movement in

its proper perspective that the member truly comprehends the meaning

and the purpose for which the movement was established.

Perhaps in the long run it is harder to be a productive rank and

file member than a productive leader, for if a leader fails at his

task, sooner or  later it becomes apparent: However,        a rank-and-file member can always hide behind the cloak of anonymity. He Can always pass the responsibility or pretend ignorance. Of course, this person lacks integrity and ought to leave the movement for the blind will have trouble progressing with him in the ranks.

Dr. tenBroek, and now Dr. Jernigan have shown that they had and have the courage and unselfishness to lead us to accomplish what no other blind person in the history of the world could. They have

shown the rest of the blind that the blind are free to choose their own destiny. We now enjoy many rights our blind forefathers did not. But if we wish full equality for all the blind, we must never for et all our responsibilities as members of the National Federationof the Blind.

 

BALTIMORE CHAPTER FASHION SHOW

 

On Sunday, April 20, 1980, the Baltimore Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is sponsoring a Fashion Show

and Luncheon at the New Baltimore Convention Center, Charles and Pratt Streets, time: 2:00-5:00 PM, donation: $14.00 (a complete luncheon is included).

Fashions will be shown by Travis Winkey ho presents an elegant and entertaining afternoon with his beautiful models, his detailed commentary and his fashions for all members of the family.

Mr. Winkey's celebrated presentations, and his discrimination taste are a result of his travels throughout the United States and Europe. His personal charm and his years of experience in the field of fashions make him the "roast" of the town. ;-{c  is now publishing a fashion magazine widely acclaimed as the best in the area.

We invite your full participation in this fundraising event.

You may contact any committee member for tickets and information. We know you will have an enjoyable afternoon.

Committee Members (Baltimore city telephone numbers):

Debbie Koester     366-1162

Goldie Thomas Connie McGraw           355-6308

Wilnetta Sutt on       837-1802 / 435-8236

Charles Pittman 485-9064

Ralph Thompson 945 - 5771

Ramona Walhoff 947-5511

Azalee Thompson 521-2564

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

 

The Advisory Committee on Library Services to the Blind and Physically Handicapped met during the month of February to discuss the five-year plan and to bring Committee members up to date on current services provided to the borrowers. Our own John McCraw was long time Chairman of this Committee, Currently, the Committee is chaired by Bill Snyder. Other blind persons present, who are members of the Committee, were Charlotte Selzer and George Keller.

Mr. Ralph Sanders, also a member of the Committee, was not able to attend and asked me to go.

Some things happened there which I thought the Federationists would find interesting. It seems that more and more public libraries and institutions have deposit collections (small collections of talking books and cassettes). Currently, there are subregional libraries in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. A deposit collection of books has been sent to Wicomico County to see if a subregional library would be feasible there.

At first glance, most would think all of this a good idea. If I lived in Salisbury, perhaps I would like to go the library

 and pick out a book just as any sighted borrower would. However, think about it. With small collections all over the State there isn't going to be a wide selection of books anywhere. Wouldn’t it work much better to have all books in a central location with a Watts line number available to any borrower? Jocks could be ordered and mailed. A single regional library can mean a greater selection of books and better service.

 

As Federationists we can really help to see that the library provides the service that we are entitled to have. If you have problems getting the books which you have ordered, you ought to let the library know. If you receive books that you would rather not have, the library ought to know about them. If the post office will not pick up books at your home or will not deliver books to your door, you and the library should deal with the problem. Otherwise, how will we ever get good library service?

 

As the largest organization of blind persons in the State of Maryland, the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland should have more representation on the Advisory Committee. After all, there is no one who knows better what services we should receive th2n

the blind ourselves.

For discussion of the Federation's views on library services, I would like to refer you to information produced by the National Federation of the Blind. The publication is entitled, "A New Day at The Library Of Congress" by Kenneth Jernigan. The article discusses the services that are reasonable to expect from the library for the blind as well as the regional and subregional library system. This publication is available from the National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230.

Sincerely,

Pat Maurer

 

JEARL CONRAD WINS MD. JAYCEE AWARD

(Reprinted from the Cumberland Evening Times, January 27, 1980)

 

Jearl W. Conrad of 416 Woodlawn Terrace was named one of five outstanding young Marylanders by the Maryland Jaycees at the annual award dinner in the Hunt Valley Inn near Baltimore, Friday night.

 

 

The award is presented each year to five men and women of Maryland between the ages of 18 and 35, as recognition for outstanding achievement.

Conrad was nominated by the Greater Cumberland Jaycees after receiving the local organization's annual Distinguished Service Award.

He is the manager of the vending stand operated by Blind Indus­ tries and Services of Marylandat theAlleganyCounty Office Building on Pershing Street. Conrad is the first manager of the operation, which opened early last year.

He and other local people connected with Blind Services were instrumental in starting the operation, which is the first such opened in Allegany by Blind Services in a number of years.

Conrad has been associated with Blind Services for nearly ten years. He attended training courses in Baltimore to learn actions others take for granted such as mobility, bookkeeping, food ordering and preparation, and completion of daily reports.

He opened the 16cal vending stand after finishing in the top ten students in the Food Service and Sanitation course at Allegany Community College. Conrad was the first blind person ever to take the course.

Conrad is active in sports, participating in a bowling league and roller skating. He attended the West Virginia School for the Blind in Romney, where he took part in wrestling, track, basketball and swimming.

While some blind people are taught to live isolated lives, Conrad worked for equal rights through the National Federation of the Blind, which he serves as president of the Greater Cumberland Chapter. He has attended several national conventions to share the problems experienced by blind people in today's society.

Conrad and his wife Leona, who is also legally blind, were married two years ago. Their first child, Kevin, was born last fall. The Conrads recently purchased a home and are doing much of the renovation work themselves.

Conrad will be formally honored by the Greater Cumberland Jaycees at the Distinguished Service Awards Dinner next month at the Cumberland Country Club.

 

 

THE NFB BENEFITS ALL

by Ron Metenyi

 

The National Federation of the Blind is first, last, and fore­ most, an organization and movement of and for the blind. This

is hardly news to members of the NFB of Maryland; what some of us may not be aware of is the leading role the NFB of Maryland has played in establishing the civil and human rights of all disabled persons within the state. We have set the precedents we have pioneered; and where we have led, thousands will follow, including many persons whose specific difficulties are very different from ours.  According to outworn and discredited conventional wisdom, if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the pit. In

Maryland the blind who lead the blind are leading not only the blind, but many other disabled persons out of the pit and into opportunities for full, satisfying and productive lives.

A case in point: In 1971, working with our legislators, the NFB of Maryland secured the enactment of the Maryland White Cane Law - the legal declaration of independence and bill of rights of the blind. It was clear that the law would not permit discrimination in employment, public housing, or public accommodation.

It was not at all clear at the time who would enforce these prohibitions.

Then, in 1974, the General Assembly passed the Abrams-Steers

Bill - legislation forbidding discrimination in all aforementioned areas based upon physical disabilities (later mental disabilities were also included). Although we did not enter any formal

arrangements with other organizations of the disabled, we were on the barricades.

A year later the Baltimore City Council passed an even more toughly worded ordinance outlawing discrimination based upon physical or mental disability. Aside from their wide application, these laws were landmarks because they assigned responsibility for enforcement to the Maryland Human Relations Commission in the case of State law, and to the Community Relations Commission in the

case of the Baltimore ordinance. We worked hard for both legislative proposals, and our efforts benefitted us as well as other disabled persons since the laws of broader applicability had teeth in them. In subsequent years we worked in informal cooperation with the black Caucus, Feminist organizations, and organizations of the disabled to defeat proposed legislation that would have weaker1ed the Human Relations Commission, and to affect the enactment of legislation

that has enabled it to do a better job.

Very recently another example of our setting a vital precedent has come to light. In 1978, working with legislators and Commissioner Verain, the NFB of Maryland pushed a bill through the legislative process which forbids discrimination in the sale of health of life insurance on the basis solely of blindness, unless or until actuarial evidence emerges that could justify such discrimination. In this past session of the General Assembly, legislation was enacted extending this protection to all physically disabled persons,

subject to the qualification regarding actuarial evidence. Obviously, in the case of some physical disabilities, there would be a basis for discriminatory treatment - the intent of the law is to eliminate unwarranted discrimination, discrimination rooted in prejudice.

 

Once again, we broke new ground, and many will follow. Once again, our movement was the pioneering movement - the movement that opened the way for others. We have every right to be proud of the precedents we have set, and of our leadership in breaking down legal and judicial barriers. Once again, we have proven that the pursuit of enlightened self-interests on the part of the blind 1s felicitous to the community as a whole. In short, as we help ourselves, we benefit the entire community - a little reflection should make that apparent. It is also worth noting that we have opened the doors of opportunity for many - the blind who are with us, the blind who are against us, the blind who enjoy a free ride without accepting the exhilarating effort involved in winning our rights, and many other persons who have other disabilities as well.

 

A LETTER FROM TRISH MILLER

 

January 6, 1980

Dear Federationists,

Since June 1, 230 known recruiters have brought in $21,072 from 1155 people who have become members at large of the NFB.

 

Most of these people have not been associate contributors before. In addition, several hundred dollars have come from people making contributions of less than $10, through associate forms.

Compare this with the 8-month contest period of 1978-79, during

which time 195 Federationists got 1,469 associates totaling $29,639. Since June more than 45 Federationists have gotten their first associate. We’re learning how to fund our movement, collectively and individually, and 1980 will be better. Our associate income since June is enough to pay for two issues of the Braille Monitor,both disc and print editions, plus the presidential releases for the year. Or, our associate income has allowed us to authorize our lawyer

to proceed with the CincinnatiandHouston -sheltered shop unionizing cases.

On November 11 an educational mailing went to every person who

had made an associate contribution(of$10ormore) previous to September 30, 1979, IF we had the full and current mailing address and name. This mailing included an associate form, and a letter from Dr. Jernigan, a dog guide pamphlet, and a one-page leaflet written by me entitled "We Are Changing What It Means To Be Blind". Five weeks earlier, these same people had received an educational mailing regarding our court case against the Minneapolis Society and our efforts to improve agency services, including two proxy forms. The November renewal mailing seemed to sit around for several weeks in post offices throughoutthenation and, since the most desirable time of year to raise funds through mailings is November, we will probablysend out the renewal mailing earlier next year. Though the contents were excellent,thereturn was low - approximately 51.

A few forms may still come in January. This means that most of the people you have recruited in the past have not renewed. THE BEST WAY TO GET ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTIONS IS EITHER TO REQUEST THEM FACE TO FACE, OR TO WRITE A LETTER SIGNED BY YOURSELF.Your name

at the bottom of a Christmas card or letter, or note which you

include some educationalmaterial about the NFB will be effective. Though the educationalmailings are useful for building a group of people who truly understand our issues and who can be resources

for our chapters, affiliates,andnational Federation (as with the proxies), we should assume that we personallymust recruit people again each year.

 

Many of us have wondered what George: Russell has been up to since he won last year’s contest, getting 90 associates during the several

months before the national convention,after he joined the NFB that spring. George wishes to express to all of us that he

has been incapacitatedwith diabetic complications since soon after the convention but is now back in good health. He intends to

catch up with everyone by February and leave us trailing far behind. We can learn from his enthusiasm, commitment, and strategies at getting associates.Mostly we can learn from his lack of laziness and hangups about asking people for their money.

At the NAC demonstration,several hundred Federationists showed up at 7:30 AMforanenthusiastic associate· meeting. They clearly recognizedtheimportance of raising funds for our movement. Amid the marching, and educating,anddemonstrating, it made sense to have a fundraising meeting there, for NAC would love to believe that we don't have the resources to fight them effectively and are on our last leg.

At the 1980 convention there will be two workshops on how to get associates. We have a lot to learn from each other about associate­ getting strategiesandabout the integration of effective fund raising with effective public education and improvementoftheimage of blind people. If you have ideas about the workshops or associates, please write.

May 1980 be a great year for each of you and for our movement.

Sincerely, Trish Miller

Chairperson, NFB Committee

on Associates

1911 East West Highway #202 Silver Spring, MD. 20910

 

 

IN MEMORIAM

 

We are deeply saddened by the death of Dr. N. Alan Harris, obstetrician and gynecologist. Alan and Dorothy Harris have been active and loyal Federationists for many years and have attended numerous state and national conventions, including the fabulous New Orleans convention of 1977. Dr. Harris died on Saturday, February 9 after a short illness, and funeral services were held on

Wednesday,February 13 at the Macedonia Baptist Church, 718 West Lafayette Avenue.

The Baltimore Evening Sun (Tuesday, February 12) writes of Lr. Harris:

After Army service as a doctor, he opened a private practice on Payson Street in 1955,                                                                He was one of the founders of the Dukeland Nursing Horne which opened in July 1966.

He was also one of the founders of the Village Medical Center, the first black medical center in Baltimore, at 4200 Edmondson Avenue.

He was treasurer of MEDICIN Inc., a group of owners of

theVillage Medical Center. He served as assistant principal physician for the Kenson Nursing Horne on Arunah Avenue.

Dr. Harris was an attending staff member at Provident Hospital and had visiting staff privileges at Bon Secours Hospital.

He maintained a practice here until his death.

A native of Baltimore, he graduated from Douglass Senior High School in 1937, He attended Howard University

for his undergraduatestudies and medical school, graduating in 1945, During this year, he married DorothyWaites of Jacksonville, Florida.

Active in ROTC, he was commissioned asalieutenant in the Army. He served a two-year internship at the Homer J. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis.

 

FOR HAM RADIO OPERATORS AND COMPUTER programmers

 

From Richard Brock, 15806 Fernway Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio

44120, Phone (216)751-7340:

Two new devices have been developed to help the blind radio amateur with frequency determination:

The first device gives frequency in a synthesized numeric output. It plugs directly into all TEN-TEC transceivers and can be modified to be used with other equipment. The cost is $290,00

andavailability will be February 1980. For more information contact TEN-TEC, Incorporated,Industrial Park, Highway 411 East, Sevierville, Tennessee 37862, (615)453-7172,

The second device gives frequency in Morse Code from S to 20

wordsperminute. The unit directly plugs into all Atlas transceivers. Units are now being designed for use with other transceivers.Prices$150.00

Contact: BJ Electronics, P.O. Box

335, San LuisRey,California 92068, (714)757-6070.

Both devices can easily be installed by the blind operator when used with compatible equipment. This is a big departure from previous aids which required extensive modificationsbysighted friends to the operator's equipment.

 

The following announcement comes from the office of Myrtle Adkins, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (796-8300, ext. 392):

The Division of VocationalRehabilitation, Maryland State Department of Education, in cooperation with various individuals and organizations working toward theimprovement of employment opportunitiesfortheblind and visually impaired, is pleased to invite you to attend a demonstration of an exciting new talking large character computer on February 5-6, 1980, at the Maryland Rehabilitation Center.

This demonstrationwill be the first to display the newest componentsofadvanced technology developed by Peter Duran, of Arts Associates,Inc., a blind mathematician and physics graduate of MIT.

Any computer can use the talking program, which through a voice synthesizerattachment, speaks proper names as well as all other words displayed on the computer screen, at a speed and pitch which may be adjusted by the user.

The large print video terminalthrough a new "window" attachment will allow the visually impaired to read charactersranging in size from the standard J/16" through J/8", 1½", and 3" anyplace on a

normal screen. A Braille option is also available to provide a three-way choice of large print, audio, and Braille capabilities.

This amazing equipment, available at reasonable cost, will allow a significantexpansion of employment opportunities for blind individuals in the field of computer technology.

 

SPSCK S

by Mary Freeman

 

• On Saturday, January 12, the Student Division of .the NFB          of Maryland held a seminar, at the National Center, for blind college students. In addition to the chapter members, eighteenstudents and college pro ram coordinators for the handicapped were in attendance. The participants came from area schools such as the Community college of Baltimore, University of Maryland, Charles County Community college and Prince Georges Community Collece. Federationists participated by leading discussion groups in current services to the blind, Why the NFB, job opportunities for the blind (Hotline), NFB literature, 504 compliance, student-school relations and student responsibilities. Student Division President Althea Pittman states that future seminars are being planned for both college and high school students.

• At its January meeting the Greater Cumberland Chapter elected chapter officers for 1980. They are: Jearl Conrad, President; Audrey Hedrick, First Vice President; Albert Gregory, Second Vice President; Ruth Twigg, Secretary; and Georgia Myers, treasurer.

• At its December meeting the Sligo Creek Chapter voted to allocate $125.oo to the treasury of the NFB of Maryland and $325,00 to the national treasury of the NFB. These funds were profits from last summer's Swim-a-thon and Bake Sale.

Pat Maurer of the Rehabilitation Division at BISM attended the March meeting to discuss services to the blind in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties. The entire meeting was devoted to this topic and the discussion was quite lively.

• Three notable guests attended the March meeting of the Baltimore Chapter. George Larkin of Gino's, Inc., had been invited to receive plaques from the Baltimore Chapter in appreciation for Ginos' sponsorship of the Walk-a-Thon held last October. Columnist Tom Coakley of the Baltimore News American attended the meeting

in response to phone calls from irate Federationists for a piece

he did on a blind beggar in Baltimore. It is hoped that Mr. Coakley will now write a positive column about the organized blind movement. The third guest was Professor Colin Low, of the law faculty, University of Leeds, England. He is also president of the NFB of the United Kingdom and is currently visiting the U.S. to acquaint himself with federal 504 regulations.

Besides the Walk-a-Thon, the Baltimore Chapter has been engaged in some smaller fund-raising projects. In September the chapter held a Stanley Party after the business meeting, and some of the members spent one Saturday at the Columbia Mall selling NFB items. Thus far, chapter members have collected $150.oo in

pennies for the "penny mile". The chapter Christmas party was held at the Hot Air Saloon in Baltimore. The party was open to the public and the chapter received a donation from the management.

 

At the January meeting, Georgia Stevens presented a donation to the chapter from her sister, Minnie Woolford. The members of The Baltimore Chapter takes this opportunity to thank 1viinnie Woolford for her generous gift.

• On Thursday, January 24,                the NFB ofMaryland held its annual Legislative Day in Annapolis. Many Federationists met with Delegates and Senators during the day and the evening: banquet was well attended by                              legislators, despite inclement Weather and a dinner held by

the Governor. Senator Clark arranged for Federationists to meet with the Governor's Chief of Staff, Ejnar Johnson.

• On Sunday, January 27, Ralph and Judy Sanders were inter- viewed on the half-hour weekly program "NEWSMAKERS", shown on

  channel 13 in Baltimore. In their interview Judy and Ralph discussed the services and functions of BISM and the NFB.

• One-minute public service announcements on Blind Industries and Services of Maryland are being shown on channels 2,11 and 1J in Baltimore. These "spots" depict the positive attitudes towards blindness which BI3M attempts to foster in each person who participates inits programs.

• Ralph and Judy Sanders moved home on Frederick Avenue March 1. number are 4227 Frederick Avenue, 646-311). into their grand old restored Their new address and phone

Baltimore, Maryland 21229, phone

• Make your plans now to attend the 1980 NFB Convention, which will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sunday, June 29 through Friday, July 4. For Convention and reservation details, consult the December issue of the "Braille Monitor". Wilnetta Sutton (Salti­ more, 4J5-82J6) has information on airline and bus routes to

Minneapolis. She will assist you in making the necessary travel arrangements. Call her for further details.

The National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC) has scheduled a Board meeting for Wednesday, June 25, 1980, in Boston. As always, the NFB will be there, presenting our message of dissatisfaction with NAC to the public. All Marylanders are requested to participate in this demonstration since it is being held in the eastern region of the country. Special transportation is being arranged for the one-day demonstration, and details will be announced at chapter meetings.

Many Federationists plan to travel to i½inneapolis for our Convention immediately after the NAC demonstration.                                                •

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 given in the next issue of this newsletter. Althea Pittman is the convention chairman.

• As this issue of the "Braille Spectator" goes into its final stages of preparation, we are making plans to participate in the NFB's annual March on Washington to "discuss the issues" with members of Congress. The dates are Monday, March 24 through Wednesday, March 26, with a planned meeting scheduled for 8 PM March 23 at the Executive House 1515 Rhode Island Avenue NW. 

• Items to be included in our discussions with Congress are:

• to sponsor S446, amending Title VII of the Civil Rights

Act of 1964 to cover persons with handicapping conditions.

1. to foster continuing interest in minimum wages for the blind; hearings are to be held before the House Subcommittee on Labor standards sometime during the spring.

2. To seek funding for services to older blind Americans, as provided in the 1978 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act. 

 

• Don Stiffler (BISM, 233-4567) is the volunteer coordinator in Maryland for Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB), a program operated by the NFB under contract with the U.S. Department of Labor. JOB is a listing and referral service for blind job applicants. All blind individuals in the Baltimore area seeking employment or who wish to secure new employment may call Don Stiffler at BISM or Duane Gerstenberger at the National Center for the Blind (659-9314). Blind individuals anywhere may also contact JOB through its toll-free number, 800-638-7518.