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A publication of the
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.
Spring 1979
Volume III, 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 HavenDr.
Baltimore, Maryland 21207
(301) 521-3107
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 news items, articles and letters to the editor.
FROM THE EDITOR
Opposition to the Md. Services for the Blind Bill was vocal but came largely from outside the blind community.
We were aware for quite some time that the D.V.R. and the Md. School for the Blind were actively opposing our bill.
Rick Welsh, superintendent, Md. School for the Blind, expended much of his energy complaining about the inadequacy of provisions in the bill to deal with the multiply handicapped blind. For whatever reasons, he conveniently overlooked provisions for the multiply handicapped blind established by federal laws and ignored B.I.S.M.'s excellent record of serving the multiply handicapped blind. (We have it on good authority that the school judged several of its multiply handicapped students incapable of learning braille. Upon being referred to B.I.S.M. these same students were taught braille as a part of their pre-vocational training.)
Dr. John Cobun, Assistant State Superintendent in Vocational Rehabilitation, D.V.R., did his best to downplay the vendors’ problems. He denied that federal vendors will be dropped from B.I.S.M.'s pension plan as of July 1 and minimizing the inefficiency of administering separate state and federal vending facility programs as ordered by H.E.W. He also argued that transfer of funds from D.V.R. to Maryland Services for the Blind would not be adequate for the new agency to handle the total rehabilitation program for the blind. If this were true, then figures provided by the D.V.R. as to the cost of rehabilitation for the blind would not be correct. In effect, D.V.R. is claiming that it spent more on rehabilitation of the blind than it had revealed. Generally, Dr. Cobun attempted to portray this bill as illegal and unconstitutional.
At the hearing before the House Appropriations Committee, Dr. Cobun went out of his way todeny any involvement in the scandalous article a bout B.I.S.M. and the N.F.B. that had appeared in that morning’s edition of The Sun. Yet no one had accused Dr. Cobun of anything!
However, for poor Gene Spurrier, Director of the Blind Division, it was a different story. He had no denials to offer, as he was one of the members of Dr. Cobun's staff circulating the document" Some Facts You Ought to Know About The National Federation Of The Blind and Blind Industries and Services
Of Maryland, “together with Dr. Cobuns written testimony.
The document claimed to support charges of wrong doings
by the N.F.B., but in fact contained no more than allegations, most of which appeared previously in the Des Moines Register. Curiously "Facts You Ought to Know" was compiled by parties who were unwilling to attest to its authorship, as it was signed merely "Friends of the Blind. .
At the House hearing, Gene Spurrier testified on behalf not of the D.V.R., but on behalf of Maryland Council for the Blind. As he portrayed it, this was another of many consumer organizations representing the blind. Only the A.C.B. and N.F.B., he claimed, were supporting the bill. To attempt to pass this bit of deception on to the committee, one must assume a certain lack of comprehension by each of its members. Who are the officers of the Maryland Council for the Blind? Why were they not at this hearing? Conventional political wisdom dictates that an official of a state agency should not represent a consumer group on a matter affecting that state agency. There is no record of the Maryland Council for the Blind's involvement in restructuring services to the blind up to the day of the hearing. If this organization is as large and active as the N.F.B., as Spurrier would have us believe, where was its membership on February 28?
A series of articles written by Timothy M. Phelps, Annapolis Bureau, critical of our bill appeared in The Sun. Mr. Phelps' line of reasoning was that our bill was the work only of Mr. Sanders and B.I.S.M., to gain control of programs for the blind in Maryland. Phelps apparently distained to consult officials of the N. F. B. of Maryland. Anyone of us could have told him of our involvement in reorganization long before B.I.S.M. became involved and of that agency's close cooperation with consumers as soon as it had committed itself to this task. Mr. Phelps' behavior indicates to us that he does not believe in the ability of ordinary blind people to speak for ourselves. Instead, all blind people must have a common spokesman such as the director of an agency. (Isn't it remarkable that this spokesman happens to be blind) We can understand that Phelps needs to be educated about blindness and blind people. The fact that his incorrect notions and attitudes might have been the cause of his inaccurate reporting is so very sad.
An error filled in the editorial in The Sun of March 3 sneers,
"Senator McGuirks insensitivity is tasteless enough but the potential harm he does the sightless makes it outrageous." From where The Sun gains its perspective on services
to the blind? If it researched the facts as thoroughly as
it should have, then The Sun must have disregarded reports of the Senator's long association with the blind and concern
for our problems. In short, Senator McGuirk sponsored our bill because we asked him to.
The same editorial states correctly that the companion measure in the House was "sponsored by a fleet of delegates," but
the Sun would have it's readers believe that this was not the result of the many hours blind people have spent with our delegates.
Not surprisingly, no one could find substantive issues against or bill; no one could really question the legitimacy of placing the responsibility of rehabilitation of the blind
under a single agency. Allegations, "name calling”, and emotional appeals for maintaining the status quo are inadequate defenses against the call from the blind community of Maryland for reforms not only in programs and structure, but reforms also in the attitudes and perceptions held by too many administrators and subordinates.
Our opponents have just cause for fearing the reintroduction of our bill next year, for the burden of producing evidence
and establishing credibility will bear more heavily on their shoulders than it will on ours.
LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
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Maryland Services for the Blind Bill, HB-866, S-442:
Initially defeated in the House Appropriations Committee.
Senate Finance Committee amended by removing all portions relating to Maryland Services for the Blind and including declaration that all vending facility managers in Maryland are to be considered employees of BISM. The General Assembly passed this bill,
II. S-960:
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The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s bill would have given DVR licensing authority for non-federal vendors while leaving open the question of who would administer the vending program. Defeated by Senate Finance Committee.
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Expanded Vending Facilities Bill, S-530: Withdrawn at our request.
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SSI Supplement, HB-623, S-979, S-439:
$50.00 state supplement to SSI adopted by General Assembly, but no provisions for funding in budget.
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Other bills;
Del. Rubin's Braille on Public Elevators Bill, HB-1432, tax exemption for guide-dog users bill, property tax exemption in crease bill were defeated.
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Ron Metenyi reminds us: every Federationist is duty-bound to keep in touch with his or her Senator and 0elegate during the off session. Now is the time to establish personal rapport and educate them to the point of appreciation the underlying issues. If we expect them to pass our bills in 1980, we must make sure· that our legislators know who we are, both collectively and individually.
A LETTER FROM TRISH MILLER
(Ed. Note: Trish Miller is chairperson of the National Members-at Large Committee. We are publishing portions of a letter which she has written to members of her committee, because of its relevance to the entire issue of the individual members' responsibility toward financing our national efforts. As is the case with all the material which appears in this newsletter, comments from readers are always welcome.)
January 5, 1978
Silver Spring, Maryland
Dear Associate Committee Members:
Happy New Year! I recently attended a seminar at which the NFB's financial situation and our various fundraising alternatives were discussed. It has inspired me to write in order to spur us on to work more effectively and to do some collective thinking.
Since October 1, 1978, a total of $3831.20 has come into the national treasury through associate contributions. Each month we have been improving; the associate income in October was $470, in November was $1,078, and in December was $2283.20. Congratulations to some of us for working hard!
It is a good sign that some of this income comes from Federationists who had not previously procured an associate contribution and from Federationists who are not state or national officers or leaders. This means that in at least several chapters in the nation, someone has convinced ordinary, rank and file members to go out and get members at large. Yet in this area of working with chapters we have not been successful, for-most of the associate income comes from those few Federationist leaders who had been getting members at large previously. This data will be printed in the Monitor sometime this early spring.
While Dr. Jernigan was in Michigan for the state convention, he visited his brother and asked him to become a member at large of the NFB and make
a donation. He did so. But Dr. Jernigan did not stop there. He talked about how much the NFB meant to him, said that our financial situation is acute, and asked his brother to go get associate contributions. He left a pile of forms. In the last several months Lloyd Jernigan has sent in 15 associate contributions totaling $208.00. His factory traditionally passes around the hat for a charity chosen each year. This year Lloyd Jernigan persuaded his co-workers to pass around the hat for the NFB.Now you may think that because Dr. Jernigan is so talented and brilliant and articulate he has unusual relatives and that we would not be successful in asking our relatives to do the same. Yet Steve's father, Len Machalow, who is a decent human being and a truck driver in New York City, had been doing the same thing.
Anna Kathering Jernigan has been writing to her friends, acquaintances, and family and has brought in at least $190 in the past several months by this method in associate contributions.
She asks people to return the form and the check to her instead of sending it straight to Dick Edlund - a more effective method. If she does not get a donation, she writes again.
Joanne Guidicessi had not gotten any associate contributions until the last several months. She had been appalled at the idea of asking anyone for money but gritted her teeth and left the associate committee meeting held at the NAC demonstration in Chicago determined to find a way to make it easy and painless. Joanne has brought in 17 associate contributions totaling $225. The story that is being told in Maryland is that Joanne
got one of her contributions by approaching the owner of the restaurant at which a group of Federationists were eating. She said, "See all these blind people? These are my friends. We're all members of the National Federation of the Blind. We're bringing our business to you tonight and you'll see us in the future. Now I would like you to make a substantial
contribution to the NFB. It is tax deductible and will help blind people." She got the donation.
The associate contributions were pouring in from Jonathan May before he died. He will be missed in many ways. He got contributions from such places as the South End Package Store, Gardiner's Market, Lanata's Market, and Richard's Service Station.
As in the Bible, that which is last is first in importance. At the seminar it was discussed that a lot of chapters and state affiliates have sizable bequests, but they don't consider giving the money to our national organization. This is because they still think in terms of a confederacy. Thus, they encourage Federationists or community people to give money or leave money in their will to the state organization but not the national organization. The major reason that Colorado has poured so much money into the national treasury is that Coloradoans are convinced that every chapter is very much a part of the national NFB. Visitors to Colorado are amazed that when chapter meetings are convened, what is enthusiastically convert-
ed -.is a meeting of THE NFB - not a chapter of the state organization which is affiliated with the national organization. At the state convention,
chapters compete to proudly announce that they have raised the most money for THE NFB. (The state organization is also adequately financed.) Congratulations, Colorado! What is your secret?
Colorado's secret clearly relates to that which could determine our success in getting associate contributions. Coloradoans have the smarts to realize that, with very few exceptions, every dollar of $10,000 in the national treasury can be used much more effectively to help blind people than the same dollar or $10,000 sitting in local treasuries. Every $10 associate contribution which goes to the national treasury is ten times more effective than the $10 donation to the local organization. Why? There is no $60,000 more effective than that which we spend on the Washington office. The small amount of money it took to fly Dr. Jernigan to deliver his superb speech about sheltered shop conditions to the international meeting of the
Teamsters this fall and the money it took to fly Federation leaders to testify before the National Labor Relations Board about reasons why workshops should fall under Labor Department jurisdiction could NOT have been better spent for blind sheltered shop workers in the U.S. If each state wrote, printed, sheltered, and mailed out its own literature to educate the public, the cost would be astronomical. We need to convince ourselves and other Federationists that every dollar in the national treasury is a dollar most effectively spent, for we win the most battles when we fight them as a national organization. Of course, chapters and state affiliates must have sufficient money in their treasuries to be financially secure and to continue our very important local activities. It is simply that we must be enthusiastic about local fund-raising activities which procure money straight for our national NFB.
What do you think? Let's see if we can get these ideas across to Federationists in our areas.
Sincerely, Trish Miller
CHAPTER NEWS
Sligo Creek Chapter By Lloyd Rasmussen
Sligo Creek Chapter has begun to prosper and grow during the past few months. Membership has nearly doubled, and new fund-raising methods are being tested. Steve Machala and Trish Miller have done an outstanding job selling NFB huggables. Another bake sale is being planned for early September.
A record eleven members participated in our legislative work in Annapolis, January 31. The April meeting was a seminar for new members.
Our future activities may be focused on the needs of our newer members: older, newly blinded people who are getting the leftovers from our efficient service delivery system. We are also looking forward to hosting the state convention of the NFB of Maryland near the end of October.
Salisbury Chapter By Knowles Hovington
The Salisbury Chapter held a meeting on February 3, 1979. We had several suggestions and ideas on how to raise money for our treasury, as follows:
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Raffle tickets ($.50 ea. or 3 for $1.00)
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Baby Contest
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Collection Box or $1.00 Box
Drop in $1.00 and your name each week and at the end of the week, we have a drawing and the name drawn wins half the contents of the collection box.
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Yard Sale
We are having a yard sale on April 21, 1979, at BISM in Salisbury.
Greater Baltimore Chapter By Mary Freeman
The Baltimore Chapter has been on the move in many areas these past several months.
A variety of fundraising schemes have been tried, and some are scheduled on a continuing basis. Each month we invite the Baltimore Community to play bingo. We have recently started a 50/50 raffle which takes place at each meeting. Also, we have found that selling hot dogs before the meeting brings in a few bucks. Some fun ways of fundraising are bake sales, Chinese auctions and collecting "a mile-long" of pennies.
For the past few months, we have been selling NFB candy, and for those without a sweet tooth there are NFB note pads. And of course, a very important means of financial support is that of the PAC pledge given monthly at the meeting.
The Baltimore Chapter is growing by leaps and bounds. Since October, we have enrolled 13 new
members and there are guests at every meeting.
This legislative year has been a very busy one. Many members have spent a great deal of time in Annapolis, writing letters, making phone calls and doing whatever is needed to be done.
Anotherimportant area for all of us to constantly work in is that of public relations.Jean Agin attended a seminar in Columbia dealing with methods of getting more and better-quality media coverage for minorities.
In February several of us attended a Lions' Club oyster fry where we gained numerous signatures for the MSB bill. On Wednesday, March 14, Don Morris and Jim Omvig were guests on the Tommy Thompson Show - an evening talk show on WBAL radio.
Also,ateach meeting the very informative and important presidential release is heard and discussed.
Vendors' Chapter By Pat Capuano
In February of 1978, the Vending Chapter began meeting quarterly.
The emphasis, the president decided, would be on vending problems and how our organization would be effective in solving these problems. This and all future meetings would be luncheon meetings.
The first meeting of this kin in February 1978 at the Hilton Hotel in
Baltimore was very successful, attracting 5 new members for a total of 25. Many subjects were discussed includinglegislation as it affects our vending programs.
The next meeting will be held in May this year at a hotel restaurant in the D.C. area and we hope that we will be able to attract members from that area.
Specs
* On March 21, President Thompson, Betty Main, Bill Munck, Marla Williams, Steve Machalo, Jim Fox, Judy Sanders, Ray Lowder, and Joe 13yard met with the ComplianceReview Team which is investigating the Maryland School for the Blind's compliance with regulations of the Office of Civil Rights.
President Thompson and thecommittee expressed our concerns about thequality of education provided by the school. The committee decided that it will request that the school give us a copy of its self-evaluation (we understand that most of the NAC standards are in violation of O.C.R. regulations, Sec. 84.4B)
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Make plans now to attend the National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida. The Baltimore Chapter is chartering a bus to Miami Beach. Plans for bus trip: leave Greyhound Terminal, Baltimore, Friday 29 June, 7p.m. Arrive Miami Beach, Saturday, 9p.m. Leave Miami Beach, 7 p.m. Friday,6 July. Arrive in Baltimore on Saturday, 9 p.m. Fare is $85.00, round trip, and must be paid by 9 June. Checks made out to Baltimore Chapter NFB of Maryland should be sent to Raymond Lowder, 5420 Force Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21206. If you have not made hotel reservations, you should make them as soon as possible. Check the Monitor for details of the hotel reservations. A group rate air fare is being considered. Contact President Thompson or Raymond Lowder • if you are interested.
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NFB of Maryland has a new telephone number: 521-3107, which connect9 you to President Thompson at his home.
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The affiliate has two fund-raising projects planned for the fall. The walk-a-thon will be held in Baltimore on Sunday 23 September.Ray Lowder and Bill Munck are co-chairmen of the planning committee. Details to be announced later. A twelve-to-fifteen-mile route through Baltimore is anticipated. Everyone is asked to solicit pledges and participate in the walk-a-thon. The annual dinner dance will be held on Friday, 16 November.
Music provided by the Tim Omvig Combo.
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From BISM: Now available - volunteers to read or record material. This
J
program is designed to accommodate the individuals requirements. For de-
tails, contact Ed Lynch at BTSM (J01) 2JJ-4567, ext. 61.
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BISM still needs Perkins Braillewriters. If you have one to donate, please call Mrs. Pat Maurer at BISM ( 301) 233-4567.
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Various aids and appliances for the blind (watches, canes kitchen items, etc.) are now being sold at the Baltimore facility, 2901 Strickland St.
Items may be purchased in person or by telephone. Call Betty Desimone at (301) 233-4567 for details.
Bingo Night: The Greater Baltimore Chapter sponsors a Bingo Party on the first Saturday of each month (starting time 7:00 p.m.) in the BISM cafeteria. Proceeds revert to the Greater Baltimore Chapter. A great way to spend an enjoyable evening and support
the chapter's treasury. Everyone is invited.
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Raymond and Bernice Lowder are the proud parents of a baby boy. Raymond McCraw Lowder was born Thursday, April 26, weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. Mother and baby (and daddy) are getting along fine.
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President Thompson and the legislative committee wish to thank the Federationists and the many non-Federationists who expended considerable energies on behalf of the Maryland Services for the Blind bill. Without the concerted efforts of all consumers significant improvements in services to the blind
would be unobtainable.