THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR February 1978

 

 

 

NFB ASSOCIATES PROGRAM BEGINS IN MARYLAND

At the meeting of the Greater Baltimore Chapter, held on January 21, NFB treasurer Dick Edlund, (P.O. Box 11185, Kansas City, Kansas, 66111) announced that Maryland is the first state in which the brand new Associates Program is being initiated. Members of the Maryland affiliate are being asked to enroll relatives, friends, and members of the community at large as Associate Members of the NFB.

Mr. Edlund commented that this program affords us an excellent opportunity to inform the public about our organization, and to secure its financial and moral support. He strongly emphasized that the Associates Program can become an integral part of the NFB’s fund-raising operations involving the entire national membership. "Plans are already being made to expand this program to all states,” Edlund said.

BISM President Ralph Sanders, also present at the meeting, expressed his confidence in this affiliate’s ability to "get this program off to a good start," and to show other affiliates just how immensely successful this program can be.

Six types of Associate Memberships, ranging in price from $10 to $1,000, are being offered. Each associate member will receive a membership certificate or plaque, and periodic communications from our national office.

All chapters should be involved in this program by the publication date of this article.

Mr. Edlund visited Maryland in the later part of January to study operations at B.I.S.M. and to learn if B.I.S.M.'s organizational and management structure could be applied to

shops for the blind in Kansas.

 

BLIND DISCUSS CONCERNS WITH LEGISLATORS

On January 25, about 50 members of the NFB of Maryland were in Annapolis to visit individually with members of the General Assembly to ask their support for bills which, if passed, would directly benefit the blind of Maryland (see article below for details of bills.) Appointments were scheduled in advance and each member met personally with representatives from his legislative district. In this manner contact was made with more than ½ of the General Assembly. Members reported generally favorable responses for support from delegates and senators and prospects appear favorable for passage of several of our bills during this session.

 

The NPB of Maryland’s second annual Legislative Banquet, held the evening of January 25, was a huge success, with 175 Federationists, members of the General Assembly, and their guests in attendance. True to form, emcee Don Morris provided the proper blend of humor and fellowship. Several moving testimonials about blindness and public attitudes were offered by Federationists. The banquet program was concluded with remarks by Treasurer Richard Edlund and President Ralph Sanders.

 

LEGISLATION SUPPORTED BY NFB OF MD.

H-910: Expanded Vending Facilities Bill. Introduced by Delegate Gardin, hearings were held before the House Ways and Means Committee on February 8.

 

H-909; H-910; H-911: H-912: The B.I.S.M. Bills. These four bills have been introduced by Delegate Cardin.

S-625: State Supplement of Blind Recipients of S.S.I. Introduced by Senator Mitchell.

S-518: To Prohibit Asking of Questions Concerning Irrelevant Physical Disabilities on Job Applications. Introduced by Senator Lapides. Senate hearings were on February 15.

 

Commission For the Blind Bill: Probable sponsors: Senator McGuirk and Delegate Weisengoff.

Our legislative effort did not end with our activity on January 25. Members should continue to meet with their legislators, especially those who we did not contact on that day. All members can further assist by attending the hearings which are scheduled for these bills. Please consult with chapter presidents or members of the State Legislative Committee for the most current legislative information.

 

1978 CONVENTION, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

The 38th annual national convention of the NFB will be held at the Civic Center in Baltimore from Sunday, July 2 through Friday, July 7, 1978. Attendance, enthusiasm and public attention have increased at each of our national conventions, and this one promises not to be an exception.

All Federationists who plan to attend, even those living in Maryland, should make reservations as soon as possible. Hotel rates are as follows:

Lord Baltimore: $10 single; $12 double

Hilton Hotel: $12 single; $16 double

Holiday Inn: $10 single; $12 double; $14 triple; $18 quad.

Reservations and minimum deposits of $10 should be sent to:

BALTIMORE CONVENTION

P.O.BOX 4422

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21223

Please make checks payable to:

BALTIMORE CONVENTION

Convention plans are proceeding smoothly. As chapter presidents know, Hospitality Committee chairperson Willnetta Sutton plans to visit each chapter before May 1978 in order to co-ordinate hospitality planning. Please pull your ideas together so that we can make the Welcome to Baltimore and the Welcome to Baltimore the BIGGEST WELCOME of any national convention to date.

 

PRESIDENT SANDERS HONORED

On January 11, the opening day of this session of the General Assembly, Delegate F. Vernon Boozer (10th Legislative District, Balti.), introduced, and the House passed, House Resolution #2, which reads as follows:

OFFICIAL CITATION

Be it hereby known to all that The House of Delegates of Maryland offers its sincerest congratulations to Mr. Ralph W. Sanders in recognition to his election to the Presidency of the National Federation of the Blind, the largest organization serving blind in this country. The entire membership extends best wishes on this memorable occasion and directs this resolution be presented on this 11th day of January, 1978.

 

CARNEY APPOINTED TO OREGON COMMISSION

On January 9, J. Terry Carney assumed the directorship for the Oregon Commission for the Blind. Mr. Carney has acquired vast experience in work for and with the blind through many years of service in the state agency serving the blind in Tennessee. In June 1977, he was appointed to the staff of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.

Mr. Carney's commitment to consumerism in programs for the blind and the positive aspects of blindness are beyond question, as attested by his active participation in the organized blind movement. We can now expect the Oregon Commission for the Blind to join the small but growing list of agencies which operate in a climate that fosters total independence and self-respect in the blind.

The Carney's resided in Maryland for only a brief period of time. Yet many in the blind community came to know them as true friends. They will certainly be missed, but everyone can take comfort in the fact they will be doing such good work in Oregon.

 

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION & THE CONSUMER OF SERVICES (PART II)

BY J. TERRY CARNEY

(Ed. Note; This is the concluding installment to Mr. Carney's article published in the Oct. 1977 issue of this newsletter. Details concerning Maryland's Appeals Procedure (discussed in this concluding installment) may be obtained from the editor.)

The end objective of all Vocational Rehabilitation Services is the placement into remunerative employment. This does not mean that Vocational Rehabilitation Services has a list of vacant positions and that an individual can call a Rehabilitation Counselor and ask what jobs are available. The Public Employment Agency in Maryland has lists of job vacancies in the areas they serve. However, it is the responsibility of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to find employment for blind persons through the Employment Office or through whatever other sources are available to the community including direct job seeking activities on the part of the Counselor in behalf of the blind person. Once Services have been provided, the Rehabilitation case cannot be closed unless the individual is suitably employed and is in suitable employment for a period of sixty days. The case may then be closed by the Rehabilitation Counselor and he should notify the blind person that this action is taken. Once the Rehabilitation case record is closed as employed this does not mean the end of services. An individual who has been placed in a job and who continues to need post employment services. These services are available to the individuals who has been closed as rehabilitated but who have continued to experience difficulty in carrying out the duties or responsibilities of his job. Should the individual whose case has been closed as rehabilitated lose his job or be unable to perform his job, a new area of services may be needed in order to    obtain gainful employment for the individual. If this is the case, the case record may be reopened and the eligibility redetermined by the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and the process would begin again.

The case record may be closed by the Rehabilitation Counselor after application has been made and before the case is placed in active status. It may be closed before a program of service is developed, or it may be closed after a program of service is developed whether the individual has been rehabilitated or not. The case record should never be closed without such a program. If you feel that this is an unfair closure you should request the appeals forms and apply for a fair hearing.

Generally speaking, the appeals procedure will provide hearings in services which you have applied for. The first stages of an appeal generally involve discussion with the Rehabilitation Counselor, his immediate supervisor and perhaps other officials at higher levels. If the issue cannot be resolved through informal conference, then a Fair Hearing will take place. Generally, a Fair Hearing is similar to a court proceeding without some of the formalities. An administrative judge or hearing officer is appointed to listen to your views, and the views of the Rehabilitation Counselor, and his supervisor concerning the issues of the appeal. A record is kept of the hearing and a written decision is given. The blind individual appealing to the hearing has the right to legal counsel, or to be represented by a friend, or any one of his choosing. He has a right to bring in witnesses to testify in his behalf relevant to the issues raised. If the individual is still unhappy with the decision reached after a Fair Hearing and he feels that certain rights have been denied, he may obtain legal counsel and pursue the question in court.

In many cases, issues are resolved prior to the time of the actual hearing. The process of appeal forces the Rehabilitation Counselor and the supervisory staff of the agency to rethink their position and to document their decisions in terms of policy regulations and law. Therefore, a good question to ask when denied services is where or what policy law or regulation is the decision based upon - ask that you be read the specific policy or rule, regulation or portion of the law pertaining to the issue at hand.

The best possible advice relative to Vocational Rehabilitation Services is not to accept on face value the answer “NO”. You should question the denial and after due consideration in consultation request a Fair Hearing. You must keep in mind that you cannot delay too long in requesting a hearing. Generally, within 30 days of the time that you are denied services would be the extent of the period you would have.

A guide as to the services that you would be receiving is outlined on what is termed the Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program. This, in essence, is an informal contract between you and the Agency that spells out what services will be provided in order to achieve Vocational Objectives. You should receive a copy of the Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program and use this as a guide in the presentation of    services throughout the Vocational Rehabilitation process. The Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program should be reviewed with your total co-operation and input once each year. After your case has been closed, rehabilitated, you may be contacted by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor a year later to determine your current status.

If you have questions about Vocational Rehabilitation Services, feel free to get into contact with the leadership and officers of the National Federation of the Blind.

 

TESTING THE KURZWEIL READER AT B.I.S.M.

BY RON METENYI

The Kurzweil Reading Machine is a highly sophisticated device which translates print into understandable, synthetically produced speech. Essentially, it consists of a scanner which sees the print and a computer that recognizes particular characters, word, and groups of characters. The computer also determines the pronunciation of words in accordance with 1,000 rules of English grammar and a dictionary of 3,000 exceptions. There is a keyboard containing controls that allow the user to re-read individual words of lines, spell words, vary the reading speed, search for punctuation, mark a particular place on a page, skip ahead – in short, the machine acts like any reader. The machine has a learning feature, enabling it to adjust quickly to handling material printed in various type styles. Currently, it recognizes over 200 different type styles.

Although the seven prototype models now in existence are rather large and bulky, later machines will be considerably more compact. It is hoped that, within five years, the cost per machine will be reduced, resulting in a portable machine possibly as small as a briefcase.

Because of the strong belief on the part of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland in the blind consumer, this agency has been selected by the NFB as one of the sites for the testing and evaluation of the Kurzweil Reading Machine. This is a rare opportunity. Through this research and development project, blind consumers will have real input into the development of the machine and the training manual the NFB is preparing to instruct users in the machine's operation. At last, blind people are being asked to play an active, creative role in determining the design and capabilities of a valuable aid. In the past, manufacturers have decided what blind people need, and can use, based on negative ideas concerning the capabilities of potential users; then produced something meeting their specifications. This will not happen in the case of the Kurzweil Reading Machine provided many blind persons work with the machine and forward their comment to Mr Michel Hingson, the coordinator of the Kurzweil Testing and Evaluation project.

Those interested in participating should contact Mr. Gary Mackenstadt at 233-4567 Ext. 40 or Mr. Ron Metenyi  at 233-4567 Ext. 79 to discuss scheduling.

 

CHAPTER NEWS

GREATER BALTIMORE CHAPTER:

In the December issue of this column we failed to report the election of Ron Metenyi to the     Executive Board of the Greater Baltimore Chapter.

GREATER CUMBERLAND CHAPTER:

New officers were elected at the December meeting of the Cumberland NFB. The officers are as follows: Jearl Conrad, President; Debbie Smith, Vice-President; Albert Gregory, 2nd Vice-President; Georgia Myers, Treasurer; Ruth Twigg, Secretary; and Jerry Neil, Corresponding Secretary.

The Cumberland affiliate had a good turn-out in Annapolis on Jan. 25. Eight members attended (Jearl Conrad, Debbie Smith, Floyd Myers, Georgia Myers, Grace Davis, Ruth Twigg, Ron Hidden and Jerry Neil). The Cumberland delegation visited with all the legislators representing Western Maryland.

Georgia Myers gave a speech at the Motivation Group Inc. about blindness. Her speech included the following topics; attitudes toward blindness, special provisions for the blind, enforcement of rights, social and recreational needs and pending legislation affecting the blind.

 

SPECTATOR "SPECS"

Willnetta Sutton's Convention ’78 Hospitality Corner: Please begin now to recruit new members and remind all Federationists that the national convention will never be closer or more convenient to us this year when it will be held in our own state. The decision to have the convention here is further evidence of the strength of the NFB of Maryland. Most of us know the positive and active enthusiasm of a national convention. Let us share that with as many persons as possible.

Each one - Reach one!! 

Each few - Bring two!! 

More - More – More!!!

 

            Baltimore Chapter To Hold Variety Dinner:

Date: April 8, 1978

Time: 12 noon till food runs out

Place: 3714 Sequoia Ave. Baltimore

Tickets: $3per person, available from Baltimore Chapter members.

Menu: Pigs Feet 

 BBQ Ribs 

 Fried Chicken 

 String Beans

 Candied Sweet Potatoes 

 Cole Slaw 

 Potato Salad 

 Rolls 

 Desserts

 Beverages

         Food and cash donations are now being accepted. Please call Mrs. Connie McGraw (355-6308) or    Mrs. Kathleen Chapman (542-0675) concerning these donations.

President and Mrs. Sanders have moved and now have a new phone number: (301) 837-4620.

All Correspondence to President Sanders should be sent to: P.O. Box 4422, Baltimore, Maryland 21223. This is the same address to which convention reservations should be sent.

Georgia Myers requests that all people who made pledges at the Ocean City Convention make their checks payable to NFB of Maryland Inc. and send them to her at 518 Washington Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. She reports that our State Convention in 1977 was operated at a profit of $375.75.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland offers a variety of social and recreational activities at its facilities at Baltimore, Cumberland and Salisbury. Call the B.I.S.M. facility nearest to you for specific details. A downhill skiing trip at Wisp Lodge, Garrott Co., is scheduled for March 10 & 11. All blind persons residing in Maryland are eligible to participate in B.I.S.M. activities.

Ten Maryland Federationists traveled to Philadelphia to take part in the annual banquet of the Merchant Chapter, NFB of Pa. A good time was had by all.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, President McCraw and a contingent of 12 Federationists participated in a demonstration in front of the new building of the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. The occasion was the banquet to inaugurate the opening of the new facilities.

B.I.S.M. still needs braillewriters. If you have one to donate, please call Gary Mackenstadt at B.I.S.M. at (301) 233-4567.

A regular quarterly meeting of the NFB of Maryland’s executive committee is tentatively scheduled for April 29, 1978 in Baltimore.

NFB of Maryland board meetings are open to all members in good standing.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland announces that various aids and appliances for the blind (watches, canes, kitchen items, etc,) are     now being sold at its Baltimore facility. Items may be purchased in person or by telephone. Call Betty De Simone at (301) 233-4567 for details.