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A Publication of the
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.
OCTOBER, 1977
VOLUME 1, No.5
Alfred P Maneki, Editor
The Braille Spectator
9736 Basket Ring Road
Box 17
Columbia, Maryland 21045
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
EDITOR'S LOG
The inevitable has finally happened! After repeated warnings from our national leadership, the solicitation of funds through the mail has been discontinued, due to changes in local fundraising laws. Ultimately, fundraising had to come to reside within the organized blind movement itself and the hastening of this day will in the long run help rather than hinder its progress. From philosophical considerations, there is no doubt that the total membership should assume the financial responsibilities. On tactical grounds, the dependence on external sources for the major portion of operating capital is now the only vulnerable spot in the Federation’s fortifications for enemy forces to attack. As to the question of this organization’s actual capability of self-sufficiency today, the answer is a most resounding affirmative.
Unfortunately blind people are as selfish, unconcerned, unmotivated, and as slow to resort to action as sighted people are. The response to date from the membership to the carefully layed plans of our elected leaders and their call for immediate action has been far from complete. But this response has been growing steadily and proves that the adequate funding can be maintained if only members in greater numbers will make personal contributions and seek additional contributions from friends and relatives, and if chapters and affiliates will undertake expanded fundraising activities.
It appears to us that it is not at all unreasonable for a membership of 50,000 to raise at least $1 million per year. This is merely a matter of simple arithmetic.
If 50,000 of us each raised $20 we would have $1 million! If 20,000 of us, less than half our membership, each raised $50, we would have $1 million! If 10,000 of us, one in five, each raised $100, we would have $1 million! If 2,000 of us, less than the attendance at our last national convention, each raised $500, we would have $1 million!
Now let us ask, exactly how much effort does it require to raise $20? Two $10 contributions, four $5 contributions, or twenty $1 contribution---each of these sum to twenty dollars. Or, for fifty dollars? Ten $5 contributions, or twenty-five $2 contributions sum to $50. The numbers are only slightly larger for raising $100 or $500.
How many of us can immediately think of ten personal contacts from whom we can seek contributions? How many of us can think of twenty? How many, fifty? Or of one hundred? The burden is small, the task is simple, the effort is painless if all of us would assume our responsibility. None of us can any longer make the excuse that “fundraising is just not my bag” or “I’m not on that committee”. A huge financial entity composed of many small parts – each as vital and important as the other - this is the make-up of a "grass roots" movement; this is the make-up of our organization ' the blind acting and working collectively in our own self interest.
The time has come for each member to examine within the privacy of his conscience the importance and value of maintaining an evergrowing organization of the blind, of maintaining a strong effective consumer voice in the nation's capitol, of having future landmark court cases to assert
equal rights, and of continuing to change public attitudes towards blind people. We must reexamine our commitments to Federationism and ask if we are
doing all that we possibly can. After all of this "soul searching", surely the collective decision will be that we can never go back to the time when the National Federation of the Blind had not yet come of age.
The editor participated in the latest NFB leadership seminar presented by Dr. Jernigan in Des Moines, Iowa over the Labor Day weekend. The course of study was extremely demanding. For three days, sessions began promptly at 8:00 a.m. and lasted until well after 10:00 p.m. and continued for most of the morning on the final day. Breaks were kept at a minimum. Dr. Jernigan maintained an informal setting throughout, and encouraged us to speak openly and candidly. The net result was that all of us left the seminar with respect for and trust in each other as well as a deeper understanding of this organization.
As a prerequisite, we were asked to read just about every piece of literature published by the NFB, more than enough for the average one semester college course. As a part of the seminar we visited the facilities of the Iowa Commission for the Blind, and learned of the Commissions philosophy on blindness and attitudes toward blind people--positive factors which account for its highly successful and nationally acclaimed rehabilitation programs. We toured the nation's largest library for the blind (also maintained by the Commission) in awe, yet keenly and sadly aware of its inadequacy when compared with major community and university libraries. 1•je became familiar with our national headquarters in the Randolph Hotel Bldg., all of our meetings were held there. We studied the history and current status of rehabilitation programs and library services for the blind throughout the nation, and of the institutions and agencies administering them.
Of course, most of the time was devoted to the study of this organization--of our organization--The National Federation of the Blind. We studied every facet of the organized blind movement thoroughly--the early years when Dr. ten Broek and a handful of visionaries struggled for recognition and credibility; to the decade of growth and progress in the fifties; to the time of discord and disastrous civil war; in the sixties, renewed growth and more progress; and finally today, the huge corporate structure and the hordes of Federationists working throughout the land. We gained an insight into the vast array of tasks confronting the national leadership, and learned of the many ways in which we can be of assistance. As the seminar progressed we began to understand, as we have never understood before, the true meaning of the word
Federation; that there are no separate entities “we”(local) and “they”(national), but instead, only one entity “we”(all of us), the organized blind.
This seminar afforded us a marvelous opportunity to acquaint ourselves with Dr. Jernigan. We were challenged and motivated by his supreme intellect--by his total grasp of philosophy, history, literature, politics, and his understanding of human nature. Most strikingly, he is a man filled with compassion. Despite the many battles and crises he has faced, he has never forgotten that people are the essence of this movement, and that if this essence is forgotten the movement has no basis for existence. If a greater measure of his compassion were all that we took with us, the seminar would have been a success.
However, the participants--this editor, Joe Bardari, and over thirty others--left the seminar with so much more, it is important that we share our newly inquired insights with others, that they can work
more effectively. We will carry out the dull tasks and the difficult tasks with greater zeal because we now know of the real sacrifices that others have made. Perhaps our feelings can be most accurately reflected by saying that the seminar changed our lives for the better.
LAST CALL FOR DINNER DANCE by Wilnetta Sutton
Last call! Last call! You still have time to purchase your tickets for the “Annual Dinner Dance” to be held at Martin's Champagne Room, 2701 West Patapsco Ave., Baltimore, on Friday, Nov. 18, 1977, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
As you know, the modest $15.00 cost covers a fun-filled evening of dining, drinking, and dancing.
For tickets, contact Azalee Thompson 521-2564, Connie McCraw 355-
6308, or Wilnetta Sutton 435-8236. Make all checks payable to NFB of Maryland, and mail to Azalee Thompson, 3435 Lynn Haven Dr, Baltimore, MD, 21207.
You won’t want to miss this annual event of fellowship and fun.
NFB OF MARYLAND HOLDS LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
About 30 Federationists from Maryland convened at the Lord Baltimore Hotel August 27-28 for extensive review of Federation philosophy and detailed study of services to the blind. Plans for the legislative campaign and for the National Convention to be held in
Baltimore next summer were also discussed. Terry Carney’s article on
Rehabilitation Services and Al Maneki’s article on Legislative Activities (which follow) derived from this seminar. An article on planning for the National Convention will appear in a future issue.
Seminar discussions were conducted by Ralph Sanders who shared with us his perspective on agencies for the blind and consumerism in the organized blind. He had much to offer us in his capacity as president of an agency and as president of the NFB. The general discussion was quite lively and the participants benefited immensely from all seminar activities.
For maximum effectiveness the number of participants had to be kept at a minimum. To accommodate other equally deserving
Federationists other seminars will be held in the future. It is hoped that members will be eager to participate in these future gatherings. Those who attended this one believe that the experience we have gained enables us to participate more effectively in NFB activities.
STRATEGY FOR ’78 CAMPAIGN
By A.P. Maneki
From the Legislative Committee:
Extensive preparations are being made to secure passage of legislation. Improving services to the blind of Maryland in the upcoming session of the General Assembly.
Next February 1 has been scheduled as the NFB’s Day at the Capitol—1978, when members will be visiting with all legislators to discuss the issues and ask for their supporting votes on relevant bills. The Day’s activities will be concluded with the legislative banquet to which all delegates, senators, and their guests are cordially invite. Extensive media coverage is also being arranged. All members of the NFB of Maryland should make plans to be in Annapolis on Feb. 1, 1978.
Members have already been visiting their representatives and senators to talk to them about the NFB, the Maryland affiliate, and about our upcoming legislative activities. Those members who have not yet made appointments to meet their legislators should do so immediately. Elected officials are always eager to hear from their constituencies, and personal contacts which are established now will greatly assist our efforts during the legislative session.
Formal invitations to the legislative banquet on Feb. 1 and to the banquet at our National Convention in Baltimore next July have already been mailed to the 188 delegates and senators. Members are reminded to extend personal invitations to both banquets when they visit legislators.
Additional information about legislative activities, including the bills to be supported, will be published in the December issue of this newsletter and will be discussed thoroughly at all chapter meetings.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION & THE CONSUMER OF SERVICES
By Terry Carney
Vocational rehabilitation services are available to any blind person in any state or territory without regard to residence. In the state of Maryland these services are provided by the Dept. of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In each state a program of Vocational Rehabilitation for blind persons exists under varying organizational structures. The structure ranges from a separate Commission for the Blind, providing services exclusively to the blind, to Departments of Public Welfare and Depts. of Education. Traditionally, separate agencies for the blind have provided an array of services in addition to those customarily provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Services offered by separate agencies for the blind may include: library services both residential and non-residential services.
In this article we will discuss Vocational Rehabilitation Services dealing with such questions as who is eligible, what kinds of services are available, and what to do if you are denied Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Since Vocational Rehabilitation is primarily a federally funded program, the majority of rules and regulations governing this program are federal in scope with certain options left to each state.
States may elect different approaches to Vocational Rehabilitation depending upon state law. A type of contractual agreement is entered into by each state Vocational Rehabilitation Agency with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. This contract is known as the state plan. A state plan of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is developed in keeping with federal guidelines by each state. The state plan must be approved by the attorney general, the governor’s state planning office, and the head of the department in which the Vocational Rehabilitation program is established. Most states currently have an Administrative Procedures Act in effect which gives any citizen the right to comment on such a plan, and to publicly review such plans and to have a copy of the same. A state plan is submitted annually to the Dept. of HEW, Rehabilitation Services Administration through the regional office of HEW in Philadelphia. This plan would generally be submitted in the spring or summer of each year. A consumer of Rehabilitation Services who has questions about the state agency policy should be allowed to consult the state plan. In addition to the state plan a consumer of services should become familiar with Public Law 93, (The Rehab Act of 1973). In addition to being familiar with the law, there is a set of regulations developed by the Dept. of HEW based upon the law which gives greater detail as to the interpretation of the law. The Rehabilitation Services Administration manual which provides further guidelines to state agencies in the interpretation of the law. In addition to this material, which is required or produced by the federal government, each state develops a policy manual which is placed in the hands of each rehabilitation counselor and supervisor to delineate procedural matters and state policy and guidelines. All of this information should be made available to any consumer of services who may have procedural or policy questions.
Having dealt with these resource documents, let's move on and discuss who is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Federal law and regulations discuss two points of eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. They are: 1-there must be a physical handicap that interferes with an individual's employability; 2- the services provided by vocational rehabilitation must assist in achieving a stated vocational goal. While this is not an exact quote it is the sense of the law and regulations concerning eligibility criteria. Whether or not blindness in the case of each individual constitutes an employment handicap either in terms of getting a job, maintaining a job, or moving into "suitable" employment is an issue left to the discretion of the vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Therefore, since the greater part of the eligibility criteria is discretionary, no blind individual should accept a denial of Vocational Rehabilitation Services without a reason. Each situation must be looked at separately, therefore, in some cases an individual who is denied Vocational Rehabilitation Services may wish to consult individuals knowledgeable in this field. If a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is in doubt about the second point of eligibility he may provide Vocational Rehabilitation Services in what is termed an “extended evaluation status” for a period of eighteen months. The purpose of the delivery services during this eighteen month period is to determine whether or not by providing Vocational Rehabilitation Services an individual can enter into gainful employment. NO individual can be denied the opportunity to apply for services. An individual may be evaluated as ineligible for services once he/she has applied; should this occur the individual should ask for the reasons he/she has been denied and if he/she is not satisfied with those reasons he/she should request the appropriate forms to appeal for a fair hearing.
A general statement would be that Vocational Rehabilitation Services can provide almost any service that can be related to assisting the individual to achieve the Vocational Objective. General categories for the provision of these services includes: vocational training, guidance and counseling, placement, training tools and equipment placement tools, training and employment maintenance, physical restoration, diagnosis and evaluation, tuition and reader services, books and supplies, initial stock for the establishment of a business, and other goods and services. The areas in which individuals generally experience the most difficulty in obtaining services is in the area of expensive training such as college and expensive equipment. An individual wanting to take advantage of Vocational Services should first remember that all services should be related to his/her obtainment of a vocational objective which is suitable in terms of ability of or the retaining of a current position which will be threatened should services not be provided. However, there are certain vocational objectives used by Vocational
Rehabilitation that are not commonly known to the public at large. Such vocational objectives include a homemaker and an unpaid worker: these vocational objectives are not remunerative in terms of dollars and cents but according to Vocational Rehabilitation philosophy enables someone else in the home or family to engage in gainful employment, or the earnings are in terms of good services rather in cash. Therefore, it would be the rare exception rather than the rule that an individual should be denied Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Should such services be denied and you feel that your request is fair and reasonable in light of this information, I would strongly urge you to get in contact with an individual who is familiar with the field of Vocational Rehabilitation.
This article will be concluded in the next issue.
BISM: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND SERVICES
By Gary Mackenstadt
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, a successor to the
Maryland Workshop for the Blind, was created in 1973 by the Maryland State Legislature. Originally, the legislature mandated the establishment of the Maryland Workshop for the Blind in 1908. The name change was necessary to better reflect the services being offered to blind Marylanders.
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland has three divisions- Rehabilitation, Vending, and Industries. There are three facilities located in Cumberland, Salisbury, and Baltimore, with administrative functions being housed in the Baltimore facility.
The Rehabilitation Division is responsible for upgrading the skills of the individual in order that he or she will be more socially and economically independent in this society. Programs have been developed to provide blind persons with instruction in travel, cooking, typing, braille, and other communication skills. Vocational training programs have been designed to prepare the individual for competitive employment.
The Vending Division administers a program in which blind persons manage snackbars and dry stands in federal, state, and local locations throughout the state. To be successful in this program requires the same qualities as does any successful small business. Blind Industries and Services of Maryland strongly believes that a positive attitude towards blindness is necessary as well as the manager's being proficient in those skill areas necessary to be a successful manager, including the use of alternative techniques.
The Industries Division has manufacturing centers at all three facilities. Blind Industries and Services of Maryland believes that the Industries Division provides an opportunity for vocational training and interim employment while preparing for competitive employment. However, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland recognizes that long term employment is necessary for some blind persons, who happen to be blind and otherwise handicapped, and those blind persons who, because of long years of denied opportunity for competitive employment. Products manufactured by the Industries Division include paper writing pads, soap, medical wrappers, aprons, and tool bags.
In later issues of the Braille Spectator, more articles will appear describing in more detail the functions of each of the three divisions. It is important to remember, however, that the same philosophy pervades all three divisions. This philosophy is based upon a belief in the capacity of blind people. In other words, with the proper training and opportunity, blind persons can function normally in this society.
Affiliate Affairs:
On November 14th, 15th, and 16th, 1977 somewhere within the environs of Phoenix, Arizona, the National Accreditation Council (NAC), an agency accrediting those agencies serving the blind and visually handicapped) will yet again attempt to meet in a "sub-rosa" rendezvous. It does not matter, however, to what extent NAC seeks to thwart us, we the aggrieved legions of the organized blind movement, will, with our never tiring perseverance, follow them, making ourselves demonstratively visible and taunting them to reform or be destroyed.
Before disclosing the plans for the upcoming demonstration against the NAC, let us recapitulate the history of demonstrations and the ever mounting successful effect of our eternal vigilance.
In 1971, a small band of Federationists, members of the NFB of New York, defied the policy of exclusion the NAC had assumed and aggressively sought to enter their closed meetings. Initially, this intrepid group of consumers, the NFB, failed in their strategy to have meaningful input into the formulation of meaningful standards and achieving real representation on the NAC’s board of directors, by the largest group of organized blind people in the world. Issuing from this early skirmish, the NFB was able to wrangle from NAC the "privilege” of having two silent observers of our organization sit in on their heretofore closed meetings.
In 1972; at the Prince George’s hotel in Manhattan; in June of
1973, near the O’Hara airport and in the loop in downtown Chicago; in
1973 at our National Convention in New York City, Federationists, 2,000 strong, marched to the headquarters of NAC, transporting in a casket, an effigy of NAC; in December of 1973, again at the Prince George’s hotel; in late spring of 1974 near the airport in
Cincinnati; in November of 1975, in Little Rock, Arkansas; early in 1976 at the Roosevelt hotel and at the cradle of NAC's ignominity, the headquarters of the AFB, in Manhattan, and, in July of 1977, in Portland, Oregon, we, the undaunted phalanx of Federationists, have taken to the streets and unpaved roadways, overcoming many deliberately contrived physical obstructions in order to carry to the public and to the media the deplorably demeaning behavior of the NAC.
We have gained two significant victories which mitigate, to some degree, the continuing frustration growing out of NAC’s continuing shabby performance. They are: (1) early in 1975, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare succumbed to the urging of the organized blind and terminated all federal funding of the NAC, and, (2) on July 8th, 1977, at the morning session of the NFB, in convention assembled in New Orleans, it was announced that the Office of Education, Department of H&W, had turned down NAC’s application for a grant-- a grant, had it been awarded, would have wrought irreparable damage to blind children in diverse educational settings all over the country, our herculean, unflagging efforts effected these landmark triumphs.
Now, let's get to the project at hand. A representative number of us will be with NAC in Phoenix in November, and on November 14th, a task force, headed up by Ted Young, president of the NFB of Pennsylvania, will journey to NAC's headquarters in Manhattan and farther downtown. A group of us will sally forth to harry NAC's philanthropic puppeteers, the American Foundation for the blind,
Those of you wishing to join with us on the barricades in New York; contact Ralph Thompson--945-5771; and stand ready to assault the bastions of regressive, paternalistic, custodial demagogues who assert that they know what is best for us, we will demonstrate to the NAC and their mangy confederates, that we do, indeed, know who we are, where we are going and that we will never turn back.
Affiliate to Hold 11th Annual Convention.
All is in readiness for the 11th Annual Convention of the NFB of
Maryland to be held at the Sheraton Fontainbleau, Ocean City, November 4-6, 1977. Over 150 Federationists from Maryland and surrounding states are expected to participate in programs offering timely topics for serious consideration, as well as to engage in fellowship and camaraderie.
Following usual custom the Executive Committee will meet Friday evening, invited public officials will be on hand Saturday, the convention banquet will be on Saturday evening; and Sunday will be reserved for a general business session. Dick Edlund, NFB treasurer, will be in attendance to represent the material leadership.
Guests to appear at the Saturday session include John Cobun,
Assistant Superintendent, State Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; James Murray, Director, State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; S. James Campbell; Chairman of the Board, Maryland School for the Blind; Kirk Walter, Acting Superintendent of Maryland School for the Blind; Richard G. Dunne,
Director, Governor's Committee to Study the Needs of the Handicapped;
Dewey Dodds, Regional Director, Office of Civil Rights, DHEW;
David Dawson, Equal Opportunity Officer, Office of Civil Rights,
DHEW; Edwin Abel, Program Operational Officer, Social Security Administration; and representatives of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.
Special features will include the viewing of the new film “We Know Who We Are" and a discussion of plans for the National Convention to be held in Baltimore next July.
All signs point towards an action packed program and many lively discussions.
Chapter News
Greater Cumberland Chapter by Georgia Myers
The members of the Greater Cumberland Chapter voted to go on the PAC plan.
Jearl Conrad attended the seminar in Baltimore and gave a report on it at the September meeting. He said he thought all members of the NFB should sit in on a meeting like this and maybe one could be held in Cumberland someday.
Convention in Ocean City: We have six members signed up to go.
A visitor at the September meeting: Debbie Smith. She has shown interest in joining our chapter. She also said she would like to go to the Ocean City convention.
Mr. Charles Hice is leaving the Cumberland BISM plant. All members of the Greater Cumberland Chapter wish him the best of luck in his new job.
Reports were given by the following fund raising committees: Scissors, Lepley Dance Revue, and White Cane Letters. Georgia Myers reported that the White Cane Letters were still coming in. Also that she would write personal "thank you” letters to each person, club and association.
The recipe of the month in the Braille Monitor was great. It was the ripe tomato relish, by Clyde Friend of Freeport, PA. If you didn't try it, you really missed something, so says Georgia Myers. She has given the recipe to lots of people in the tri-state area and Cumberland. They have all told her it is the easiest and best recipe for relish they have tasted. That recipe was in the August issue.
Eastern Shore by Knowles Covington
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State Convention: As of September 18; there are six members attending the November convention, we don't have any prizes yet; but we are planning to get them soon.
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Legislators: I haven't made any contacts with the legislators.
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Dinner-Dance Tickets: I have some tickets but haven't made any sales.
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Fundraising: At the present we are having a fifty-fifty raffle. We are still in the process of organizing bingo games.
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Pac Plan: We have two members in the PAC plan.
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Membership: At the present time, we have forty-two (42) members in our chapter.
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Vendors Convention: No one from this chapter will be attending the convention.
Greater Hagerstown Chapter by Mary Georgia Norford
I do not have much to report this time because we did not have any meetings during the summer. We had our first one in September. All of our members were present, but one. We did not do much at all.
We do not have any funding going at this time. We all had a pretty nice summer, and I am hoping to get things started in the future.
Now about Ocean City, as far as I know, there are three of us who want to go.
I received Al’s letter and I will be glad to contact our legislators if I can have copies of those bills telling which we want passed and which we do not. Also, Al has the one senator wrong. Jack Cordiman has been made a judge here and Mr. Victor Cushwa has been named to take his place. This just happened lately.
I am sorry that I did not get to the Seminar but I will try to do better next time.
McCraw’s Travels
Our State President will be the National Representative at the
Michigan Convention Oct 21, 22, 23. Next he will attend California Convention in Los Angeles Oct 28, 29, and 30th. From there he will attend the N.I.B. in D.C. on Nov. 1 & 2. And by no means least (although last) the Maryland State Convention November 4,5,6.
******Spectator Spec’s******
On Sunday, September 25 the “Pauline Brooks Boutique”, 3225 Mondawmin Mall, Baltimore, MD, celebrated their 25th year in business. This was done in the form of a champagne luncheon and fashion show held at the Blue Crest North.
Recognizing Mrs. Pauline Brooks Amis for her many achievements and success as a minority business, Mayor Schaeffer decreed September 25, 1977 as “Pauline Brooks Day” in Baltimore, Maryland.
Her love of people and her desire to help minorities achieve equal opportunity for security was demonstrated by her donation of the proceeds from this event for the National Federation of the Blind. On hand to witness this gala affair and generosity was a table of Federationists from New York and MD.
Enclosed is a check in the amount of $1450.00 of which the credit is equally shared between MD and NY states in our national treasury. As her nephew, I very proudly present this to you on behalf of Mrs. Pauline Brooks Amis, to be used toward the good of all blind persons.
Sincerely, Sterling France
President, New York State
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Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is interested in purchasing Perkins Braillewriters. Interested persons should contact Gary Mackenstadt between 8:00 and 5:00, 233-4567.
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The Radio Talking Gazette, formerly aired on WEAA-FM, has been discontinued.
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Mr. Ralph Sanders representing the National Federation of the Blind and Mr. Don Morris representing Blind Industries of Maryland were guests of Mary Carol Reilly on the Summer Show, August 15.
Mr. Sanders talked about NFB goals, triumphs, discrimination, and philosophy. Mr. Morris spoke about blnd people working and the goals, triumphs and discrimination that occur. Topping off the interview with heavy emphasis on philosophy of the public as well as blind people.
(Good Show, Gentlemen!)
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Mr. Ralph Thompson will be notifying us of exact date when BINGO will begin. The plan now is to have it at BISM in the cafeteria with prizes, food, and a good time. Also earning some money for the NFB.
Watch for additional information about BINGO.
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Starting October 31, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Baltimore will provide Braille Service that was previously provided through the Library of Congress, so says Al Miller.
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THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR
John T. McCraw, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Inc.
Alfred P. Maneki, Editor
9739 Basket Ring Rd. Box 17
Columbia, Maryland 21045
(301) 992-9608
Shirley Morris-Associate Editor
Beth Schuster-Associate Editor
Doris Samuels, Typist Denise Mackenstadt, Typist
ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
S. Morris
109 Enchanted Hills Rd #202
Owings Mills, MD. 21117
This newsletter appears every other month beginning in February. Material to be considered for a particular issue should be received by the editor on or before the first of the publication month.