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THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR ALTHEA PITTMAN, EDITOR MAURER LAW FIRM, P.A.

SUITE 100 COURT SQUARE BUILDING

200 EAST LEXINGTON STREET BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202

 

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

BALTIMORE, MD. PERMIT NO.7532

 

THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.

 

Althea Pittman, Editor The Braille Spectator Maurer Law Firm, P.A.

Suite 100 Court Square Building

200 East Lexington Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202

January, 1985

 

ORGANIZATIONAL OFFICERS

James Omvig, President

364 Marydell Road

Baltimore, Maryland 21229

Marc Maurer

First Vice President  Judy Rasmussen, Secretary Al Maneki, Treasurer

9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, Maryland 21045

 

 

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 cassette, 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.

 

 

1984 MARYLAND CONVENTION

The 1984 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland took place the weekend of October 12, 13, and 14 at the Ramada Inn in Hagerstown. Convention activities began with a Parents Seminar on Friday afternoon, October 12, ably conducted by our state affiliate Secretary, Judy Rasmussen. A more complete report of this seminar will be found later in this issue.

Saturday's activities included a report from Blind Industries and Service of Maryland. about its programs to provide blind Marylanders with sufficient orientation training so that they may lead productive lives. Of course, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland operates one of the few workshops in America which pays the minimum wage. We heard a report from BISM President, Ralph Sanders about the operation of this workshop to provide blind Marylanders with meaningful and remunerative employment.

The director of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped reported that plans are underway to expand the library significantly. The organized blind movement will be included in these plans.

Dr. Ralph Pacinelli, the Regional Commissioner for Region

III of the Rehabilitation Services Administration told us about the history and prospects for the federal/state rehabilitation program from the federal level. Mr. Richard Batterton, the Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for the State of Maryland spoke about the prospects for rehabilitation in our state. Mr. James Gashel, the Director of Governmental Affairs for the National Federation of the Blind, provided balance to their remarks. As Mr. Gashel pointed out, very few people leave the rehabilitation process with a feeling of pride and joy in their accomplishments. In short, this entire process needs review.  Mr. Gashel's remarks will be carried in their entirety in a future edition of the SPECTATOR.

Equal treatment under the law was a major theme of the Convention. The Maryland Attorney General's Office reported that it had cooperated with the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in obtaining resolution of a discrimination case in which a blind physical therapist had been denied the opportunity to practice her profession. The Maryland Commission on_ Human Relations informed the Convention that the Human Relations Commission stands ready to assist with discrimination problems. The Convention was informed about the complaint process and the way in which to bring discrimination complaints to the Commission.

State Delegate Elijah Cummings, Chairman of the Maryland Black Caucus, addressed the Convention on the subject of discrimination and equal treatment. He promised us that, as in the past, he would assist with the fight to prevent discrimination. Delegate Cummings and the organized blind combine to bring a particularly blatant form of discrimination to the attention of the public, the press, and appropriate law enforcement agencies. As a result of this effort, blind persons in Maryland have a greater opportunity to participate fully in our society.  Two blind Marylanders had sought the opportunity to exercise at a health spa.  They were denied this opportunity. They now have full and free access (as do all other blind Marylanders) to the health spa in question. To prevent repetition of this discrimination, Delegate Cummings promised to introduce a bill in the legislature to consider revision of antidiscrimination legislation designed to protect the rights of Maryland's blind citizens.

 

At our Convention banquet, we awarded the Distinguished Service Award to Phyllis Shelton of Channel 13 television for her outstanding willingness to listen, to understand, and to take action to make her understanding felt.  Because of the efforts of Phyllis Shelton, the story of the organized blind movement and our program to gain full equality is known throughout the state.

As a highlight of our Convention, we heard at our banquet an inspiring address by Rami Rabby, Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind. Rami was on hand throughout the Convention to provide information and assistance.

The following people were elected to office in the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland:

Marc Maurer, President

Althea Pittman, First Vice President Ted McKean, Second Vice President Judy Rasmussen, Secretary

Al Maneki, Treasury

Members of the Board of Directors are:

Brenda Williams Willie J. Thompson Dick McBee

Al Saile

Carlene McKenzie Pat Winebrenner

 

NFB OF MARYLAND AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

by Al Maneki

The NFB of Maryland awarded two scholarships to blind students for the 1984-85 school year. I am pleased to announce that the winners are Robin Hauck and James Story.

      Robin received the Milton Branch Scholarship for three hundred dollars. Robin finished her rehabilitation studies at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland in June, 1984. She currently attends the Community College of Baltimore. She plans to major in psychology.

James graduated from Gaithersburg High School in June, 1984. He currently attends Frostburg State College. James plans to major in history and political science. He received the John T. McCraw Scholarship for five hundred dollars.

Next year, the NFB of Maryland hopes to award three scholarships for seven hundred, five hundred, and three hundred dollars. We encourage all blind Marylanders who will be involved in higher education during the 1985-86 school year to apply for these scholarships.

       Once again, congratulations to Robin and James. We look forward to joining with you in your many successes.

 

PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NFB OF MARYLAND

By Judy Rasmussen

 

This year, prior to the Maryland State Convention, we decided to hold a seminar for parents of blind children. Parents from several areas of the state attended the seminar which featured a variety of topics including a discussion of the pros and cons of the concept of mainstreaming a child into the public schools.

The conference opened with a greeting from our state President, Marc Maurer, who related some of his experiences as a blind college student. Mr. Maurer said that he had always wanted to be a lawyer.  With the help of the NFB, he fulfilled this dream.

Mary Ellen Reihing presented an informative talk. She said that, as a blind child, she did not wish to associate with other blind persons. This all changed when she became a member of the National Federation of the Blind.  Also, Miss Reihing discussed her methods for clothes selection, her way of handling appropriate hair styles and some of her dating experiences.

Judy Rasmussen discussed the importance of selecting toys for your blind child which will facilitate learning. Judy said that these toys do not necessarily have to be designed especially for the blind. We distributed a resource list of toy manufacturers, booklets for making your own toys and a variety of aids and appliances for blind persons. (This list is printed elsewhere in this issue.)

Sharon Maneki lead a discussion with educators from the Washington County school system concerning the individualized education plan. Sharon pointed out the importance of thoroughly reviewing the plan prior to signing it.  She encouraged parents to come to us for assistance if they experienced any difficulty with a child's education plan.

Patricia Maurer discussed the vital need of teaching your child cane travel as early as possible.  She said that children with low vision should learn Braille.  Mrs. Maurer also related her experiences in the public school without the ability to read print and without the knowledge of Braille.

At the conclusion of the seminar, one of the parents said that he thought it was time for his five year old to begin to use a cane. This comment was only one of many which demonstrated the seminar was very worthwhile.

The article printed below was carried in the Hagerstown Mail on October 18, 1984. It, too, demonstrates the value of the Parents Seminar.

 

PARENTS OF BLIND TOLD TO EXPECT MUCH FROM THEIR CHILDREN

By Dana Williams

"Blindness is not a handicap, it's just a nuisance," members of the National Federation for the Blind told-parents of blind children at a state convention for the blind held last weekend at the Ramada Inn.

Members of the Federation told the parents at a special seminar that they should expect much from their blind children, and that they should let their children know they are capable of pursuing a multitude of careers.

·"My imagination was much too limited," Marc Maurer, President of the Maryland chapter of the Federation, told the 25 seminar participants.

Mr. Maurer, a lawyer, told parents that when he was growing up, he never knew blind people could go to college. He said that as a boy he knew of only three ways blind people could support themselves--begging, tuning pianos and making cabinets.

Mary Ellen Reihing, who works with the Department of Labor's Job Opportunity's for the Blind program, told parents to beware of praising their blind children too much for ordinary activities and accomplishments. She said that excessive praise damaged her self-esteem as a child.

"I came to distrust all compliments. The reason I got praise was because people were surprised blind people could do anything. The net result of the super praise for ordinary activity was that I believed that I could do nothing all that well because everything I did was so praised."

Ms. Reihing also stressed the importance of teaching blind children to be mobile.

Get your kids canes as soon as you can get one in their hands. Unless I had someone to go with me, I couldn't go anywhere," she said of her life before she started using a cane to sense obstacles in her paths.

"Help your kids meet blind adults that they would like to be like someday,” she said, stressing the importance of role models for blind children. "Blind adults have a responsibility to blind children."

Another member of the Federation, Judy Rasmussen, told parents how their children could learn through toys.

"Kids need to know what is a square, triangle and circle. You may think that's common sense. It's not. The ideas of shapes and sizes are important," she said. She suggested parents make cards with different textured shapes pasted on them.

Federation members, parents, and representatives from the country           school system also discussed the           advantages                               and disadvantages of "mainstreaming," or sending handicapped children to public schools or schools that are not specially geared toward the handicapped.

 

                  Ms. Reihing told parents that if their child was mainstreamed, “Make sure his teachers expect something of him. Don’t let them get the ‘B for Blind’ grade. Don’t let them get passed along.”

Raymond Faulkner of Cambridge, Md., called the seminar, 11a good experience, except for the crying."

 

Mr. Faulkner has a 5-year old blind daughter.

"This is the first time we've been around blind people," Faulkner said of he and his wife. "My wife and I got tears in our eyes."

Mr. Faulkner said it was helpful to see blind people making it on their own and to hear them talk about their experiences. "We found out that our five-year-old daughter is ready for a cane."

 

TOYS AND AIDS

If you have been looking for toys to be used by blind children or aids and appliances for the blind, here is a list that might be of assistance to you. The list includes a collection of service agencies, businesses, and individuals which sell aids and appliances and adapted toys.

 

RESOURCE LIST EDUCATIONAL TOYS, GAMES, BOOKS AND AIDS & APPLIANCES

Aids & Appliances: The agencies and organizations listed below sell Braille writing aids, travel canes, and other items useful for blind and visually impaired persons.

 

1. NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

2. BLIND INDUSTRIES AND SERVICES OF MARYLAND

3. VIS-AIDS, INC.

4. SCIENCE PRODUCTS

5. INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS

6. AIDS UNLIMITED

7. AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND

1800 Johnson Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

( 301) 659-9314

 

2901 Strickland Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21229

( 301) 233-4567

 

8630 102nd Street Richmond Hill, N.Y. 11418 (718) 847-4734

(212) 847-4734

(212) 441-2550

 

Box A

Southeastern, Pa. 19399

 

11 Commercial Court

Plainview, N.Y. 11803

(516) 681-8288

1101 North Calvert Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202

(301) 659-0232

 

Consumer Products Division

15 West 16th Street

New York, New York 10011

(212) 620-2172

 

8. AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND

1839 Frankfort Avenue

Louisville, Kentucky 40206-

0085

(502) 895-2405

 

Toys, Games, and Books: 

These agencies specialize in games, toys, and books for blind and visually impaired persons.

EDUCATIONAL TOYS FOR CHILDREN & PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS

 

ABLE CHILD

154 Chambers Street

New York, New York 10007 (212) 255-0068

 

RESOURCES FOR ALL KINDS OF BEEPING BALLS

TRAYLOR ENTERPRISES, INC. Box 34483

San Antonio, Texas 78233

(512) 828-0203

 

RESOURCES FOR HANDMADE PRODUCTS FOR BLIND INFANTS & TODDLERS

JK KRONHEIM

523 Ward Street

Newton Center, Massachusetts 02159 SIMPLE FOAM WASHABLE PUZZLES

 

EYE CARE, INC.

523 Eighth Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 544-4700

 

STUFFED ANIMALS WITH HANDICAPS

PEDIATRIC PROJECTS, INC.

P.O. Box 1880

Monica, California 90406

(213) 459-771 0

 

CHILDREN'S TWIN VISION BOOKS (BOTH LARGE PRINT AND BRAILLE)

NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS

88 St. Steven Street Boston, Massachusetts 02115

(617) 266-6160

 

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

CATHOLIC GUILD FOR THE BLIND

180 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60601

(312) 236-8569

 

CHILDREN'S STORIES WITH RAISED PICTURES AND OTHER TACTILE ITEMS

HORIZONS FOR THE BLIND

7001 North Clark Street Chicago, Illinois 60626

(312) 973-7600

 

BOOKS ON TAPE, RECORD, AND BRAILLE

NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

1291 Taylor Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20542

(202) 287-5100

 

BOOKLET OF HANDMADE TOYS

TOUCH TOYS, INC.

301 Richie Highway

Rockville, Maryland 20852

 

BROCHURE DESCRIBING MATTEL TOYS

A GUIDE TO MATTEL TOYS

WRITE TO: Toys for Special Children

Mattel Toys

5150 Rosencrans Avenue

MS 504

Hawthorne, California 90250

 

BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY TAKES OUR MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC

By Sharon Maneki

Recently, the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company sent the following article with the June statement to its customers in the Baltimore area.

 

BLIND DOESN'T MEAN HELPLESS...

The average blind person is a productive member of society. The real problem of blindness lies in the general public's misconception and lack of information about blind people.

The National Federation of the Blind is promoting a positive image of blindness through a program called Job Opportunities for the Blind, an information and referral service for employers as well as unemployed blind people.

For information about the JOB Program, contact:

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND

1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.

Telephone (301) 659-9314 or 1-800-638-7518

 

BGE correspondence

BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

Charies Center P.O. Box 1475 Baltimore, Maryland 21203 Corporate Communications

June 5, 1984

Dr. Alfred P. Maneki The National Federation

of the Blind

1800 Johnson Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Dear Dr. Maneki:

Enclosed are several copies of our JUNE issue of Energy News. This bill insert will reach 875,000 customers in the Central Maryland area with your message on Job Opportunities for the Blind.

We are proud to share your message and wish you continued success with your program.

 

FFJ/lan Enclosures

Cordially yours,

Francis F. Johannsen General Supervisor Communications Services

 

 

BRAILLE INTHE CLASSROOM

By Patricia Maurer

 

There is so much controversy within the school system, within schools for the blind, and among agencies which serve the blind with regard to whether Braille should be taught, that mostly Braille is not taught. This fact has led me to write this article. The article describes my personal experiences.in elementary and high school without the knowledge of Braille.

Currently, I direct the Rehabilitation Division at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. This article will also discuss the techniques used for teaching Braille at this agency. Further, my experience includes teaching Braille to blind children and adults during the last several years.

I was born in a small town in Iowa. My family did not know other blind people. They did not know about services for the blind.  Because I had some remaining vision, it was decided that I could begin in the public school although the decision was made that I would probably later attend the school for the blind.

I began in the public school and learned the print alphabet (both reading and writing). By the time I was in the third grade, it was impossible for.me to see to read most print. I did use some magnification, but reading was very slow.

By the time I reached the fifth grade, most things were read

 to me.  I did use large print books.  In junior high, I began using books on tape and record. My exams were read to me. I did math problems and took notes using a pencil and paper, however, I very often could not read what I had written.

In high school, I found myself spending most every evening, all evening, working with my family and friends on homework. I would spend a great deal of time during the day waiting for someone to have time to read to me. Although I graduated with a fairly high grade point, I believe that there is an easier way for a blind person to get an education.

An option that was not available to me through the public school is, today, sometimes available. Parents can work with the school system to see that materials are available on tape and to see that information is provided through the use of readers. More importantly parents should insist that Braille be taught so that the child has a way to both read and write.

1. When is it appropriate to teach Braille? The concept of the Braille cell can be taught early. The Braille cell has six dots--three on the left and thr.ee on the right from top to bottom. The dots are counted one, two, three down the left and four, five, six down the right side.  As soon as the child can count to six, this concept can be introduced.  The parent can show the child a book containing Braille and explain to the child that Braille is the way he will read.

2. Techniques for teaching Braille: The Braillette board can be used for showing the full cell and for forming_ different combinations of dots making letters.  The Braillette board is a peg board with the holes in two rows of three, forming a cell. Later, combinations of letters and words can be made using the pegs in the holes of the Braillette board.

There are a variety of textbooks written. For example, I am familiar with the textbook entitled: "Beginning Braille for Adults" written by Mrs. Ramona Walhof and Mrs. Mabel Nading, and published by the National Federation of the Blind. There are number of other series used for teaching both adults and children.    The textbook introduces the alphabet, punctuation, contractions, and short form words. In order for a person to read Braille books from the library shelf, he must know grade II Braille, which includes the alphabet, punctuation, short form words, and contractions. When picking a textbook, one should be sure that the material in the textbook matches the reading level and vocabulary of the student�

As mentioned above, the child should learn short form words and contractions. The instructor should be careful to teach the child the spelling for the contracted word.  For example, when the full cell containing all six dots stands by itself it means the word FOR.  The child should learn not only the contraction sign (for), but the spelling of the word.

Children should be taught to read Braille with the index finger.  Use the first finger on the left hand to mark the line and the first finger on the right hand to read the line. As the student gains proficiency in reading, he will learn to read half of the line with the left and half of the line with the right hand. Reading can be done as quickly as 400 words a minute. Braille is not slower than print and is not an inferior means of reading. To gain speed takes practice.

Many people press hard on the dots to figure out what the letter is. They rub hard on the letter moving the finger up and down or in a circular motion. The lighter the touch the better. The more relaxed a person becomes, the easier it is to read Braille. Just relax and enjoy it. If the student gets tired, take a break and go back to it.

3. What techniques are used for writing Braille?  Braille can be written in two ways.          One is by the use of the slate and stylus, and the other is with a Braille writer. The pocket slate has four lines of 27 cells.                              The letters are punched out by pressing the stylus into the proper holes of the cell to make each letter. Writing is done from right to left and the paper is turned over and read from left to right.  It is a good idea to teach a student that, for example, the A is a dot one. In this way, he will not get confused when writing from right to left and reading from left to right.

   The Braille writer is a machine with six keys: one key for each dot position. There is also a line spacer and a carriage return. The Braille writer has a backspace and a forward character space bar. When writing the letter A, the students learn to press the key which prints the dot 1. When writing a B, dots 1 and 2 keys are pressed at the same time.

   The slate and stylus are comparable to a pencil.             Because it is easily carried in a pocket or purse and is a quiet writing implement, the slate is the most convenient. It is also sold for less than $10.00. The Braille writer costs $310.00 and makes some noise when the keys are pressed. The slate is the most useful for note taking in class.   The Braille writer might be used for writing for long periods of time. The student can become a rapid writer on the slate or on the Braille writer. The slate should be taught first for convenience as well as cost reasons.

   When teaching a student to write, simply dictate first, letters, then words, and finally simplesentences. Ask the student to write paragraphs or stories. If the student is working to learn grade II Braille, he might write something which has been given to him in grade I changing the information to grade II. The same exercises can be done with the Braille writer or the slate.

4. Should Braille be taught to children with some remaining vision?         The answer is yes.          Generally, if an individual is considered legally blind, he will have difficulty reading print. Print reading will be slow even with magnification.          Handwriting will be hard to read, and writing itself can be cumbersome if the individual is depending on vision. Very often a proficient Braille user will read and write much more quickly than the legally blind person trying to use print.  There is, of course, no eye strain or headache.   I know of many people who can onlyread two or three pages of print before they must stop because of discomfort.         In other words, Braille may be a more efficient way of reading and writing for a blind person who considers himself visually impaired or partially sighted.

Very often the individual loses more sight as he becomes older. The more one progresses through school, the smaller the print gets in the textbook. The volume which the student is expected to read increases as the student reaches high school. These are all reasons for using the most efficient means of reading and writing.

5. Should the sleepshade (blindfolds) be used when teaching Braille to the student with remaining vision?  Because the student has tried to read using his eyes, he may be tempted to try to read the Braille dot with his eyes.                This will occur when he is frustrated and lacks confidence in his ability to feel the Braille letters.  If print cannot be read quickly with the eyes, then Braille will not be most efficiently read with the eyes either.                           Therefore, teach the student under a blindfold, and insist that the student both learn to read and write without using vision.          The student will become a much faster Braille reader and more competent on the slate or the Braille writer. The student will find that when he depends on his touch and gains confidence in his ability, the sleep shade will make no difference to him.

6. Why is the decision to learn Braille difficult for the parent and the child?  Blind people read Braille.  To learn and use Braille indicates to the individual and to everyone he knows that he is blind.  Blindness means inferiority to the public andto the individual until he learns the positive attitudes aboutblindness.  Blindness need not mean inferiority, and Braille is not an inferior means of reading and writing. Braille is an alternative to print.

   Many of us could read, write and spell today with more accuracy            if   we   had learned Braille at an earlyage. Reinforcement of the words one is learning through reading of the written word means better spelling, better grammar, and better vocabulary.   The better education one receives, the better the chance          he has to compete for educational honors and for employment.             Learning Braille can mean opening the door to reading and learning, and to a good education.

    

COUPLE OFFERS HELP TO THE BLIND

by Nancy Robinson

The Columbia Flier, May 17,     1984

 

The eye is drawn to the coffee table of Maneki living room.   Two tall red candles in

 the immaculate silver holders bracket an elegant red rose carefully placed on a fancy wooden

decoupage of a wedding announcement.

Al and Sharon Maneki were married last September when the strain of a long-distance romance between New Jersey and Columbia got to be too much.                        "All those phone calls and Amtrak trips,” they laugh. And, the romantic remembrance a friend made of their special day pleases them.

But, the couple have not seen it, nor will they ever look upon its loveliness--or each other.

The Manekis are blind.

They met each other, as a matter of fact, at a convention of the National Federation of the Blind.                                           Al, a 42-year-old mathematician of Japanese origin who grew up in Hawaii, and Sharon 37, an East Coast native who taught high school social studies for 16 years, may have been attracted to each other because of differences, as couples often are.

Then again, they had in common their physical condition and their desire to help others who are blind.

Al has been active in the NFB since 1975 and is current treasurer for the state board.

Last fall, the couple formed the Central Maryland Chapter of the NFB, which serves as a support group and a vehicle for public education about the needs of the blind.

County Executive J. Hugh Nichols' official proclamation of National White Cane Week, May 15-21, is one way the Manekis are bringing to the fore their message that "blindness is not necessarily a limiting or handicapping condition." To highlight the group's advocacy role, the chapter also met last Tuesday night with television coordinator Andrew Rogers to discuss local Channel 15 programs where information is only displayed on the screen and not spoken. That practice discriminates against blind people, say the Manekis.

On the other hand, the couple wish sighted people would not discriminate in other ways about the blind and the subject of entertainment.

"Sometimes, people think they shouldn't talk about movies or shows they've seen," says Sharon.  The Manekis enjoy taking in the same sorts of entertainment and "actually, we say we watch TV. II

There are other instances of lack of understanding that are frustrating to blind people.

Getting about in public, for example. Generally, traveling on the street, train or plane is not difficult.  A blind person uses a white cane for information about location and asks questions for directions.

"But people will take you by the arm, whether you need it or not. Sometimes they think you're retarded, too," says Sharon.

"When we need help, we'll ask for it" Al suggests. "If people would come to see blindness as a physical characteristic, not a disability..."

For everyday living, there are relatively few

adaptations the blind really need, even those like the who live independently without other sighted members household.

 

Special Manekis in the 

Al has a very limited amount of close-up vision; Sharon has none. Both have been blind since birth.

For transportation, they use buses and taxis. Al is in a

car pool to get to work.

To shop, they either ask questions about the location of items or are accompanied by a sighted friend. At home they put Braille labels on cans and boxes and determine cooking heat by marked dials on the stove. 

They also label their clothes or depend on the touch of the fabric to match outfits.

They can't read a daily newspaper, but they listen on the cassettes to the reading of magazines like US News and World Report, supplied by a service of the Library of Congress. They wish they could get even more material on tape. The shortage is due to lack of funds, not readers.

They use Braille watches and calculators. A fixture of the living room in their Columbia townhouse is a "talking clock." When it's not convenient, such as during conversation with a visitor, they simply talk louder than the sound of the bongs and the voice saying, "The time is 8, 8:15, 8:30, 9 p.m.

For his mathematical work at the Department of Defense, Al also uses a talking computer, a reading machine that scans print and turns it into speech. "I also talk to people who have the information I need," he says. Asking questions and getting answers are keys to successful living for the blind in a sighted world.

The couple used related techniques when they were both getting their educations.

Sharon earned bachelor's and master's degrees in history in New York City and Al a Ph.D. in mathematics at the Illinois Institute of Technology by recording classroom lectures, listening to information read to them, using Braille typewriters and taking oral examinations or having someone write down their answers.

In 1968, Sharon found a job teaching social studies in a public high school in New Jersey. She benefited from recent changes in laws, in part effected by the National Federation of the Blind, that opened up more jobs for the blind. "In the late '60s, there were requirements in schools that applicants had to have a certain visual acuity. The blind were automatically excluded," Al points out.

Sharon was hired nonetheless. She typed her own papers and used aids to read exams.

"I always moved around in the classroom and called on people. I never had more or fewer problems than anyone else, including things like cheating."

Al, too taught mathematics at North Dakota State University, though he has no illusions about why he was hired in 1970. That was a time when mathematicians and scientists were in short supply. "Very frankly, I was given the job not necessarily because they believed I would be successful but because they needed to fill the position," he says with a smile.

He was able to write some work on the blackboard and used viewgraphs projected on the screen with his lectures.

Teaching, as both Manekis have done, is just one of the occupations the blind can fill. There are blind welders, automobile factory workers, stenographers, physical therapists, lawyers, psychologists, machinists, farmers, hairdressers...

However, the National Federation of the Blind estimates that 70% of those who are able to work do not have jobs; many capable blind persons have never had a job.

The Manekis want to change that situation here by persuading employers to give blind applicants a chance.

"It’s important that an employer not try to think how you can do a particular job.  The important thing is you can figure out how to get things done. What we need is the chance to do it," says Sharon.

"How productive are you should be the question," adds Al. There are about a dozen more blind people employed at his office. But he thinks an open-minded attitude as well as adaptations of modern technology for their employment with the government.

Sharon, for example, would like a management position in training personnel. Since moving to Columbia, she’s tried “lots of places” with “not much response.” 

The Manekis agree that may be due to the  fact that discrimination against the blind is more subtle now. Years ago, applicants were told outright, “We can’t hire you, you’re blind.” Now, they’re told they don’t have the qualifications the employer is looking for.

The Manekis recognize that employers have a legitimate concern about the expense of accommodations blind people may need for the job.

A selling point for some employers might be the deduction for reader service that they can now take on their state income tax.

At the Manekis’  urging, Del. Virginia Thomas introduced the bill, passed in this session of the General Assembly, which allows deductions up to $1,000.00 for such services.

For her job search, Sharon believes, "It's a matter of time.

I have every intention of succeeding."

This attitude of determination is what the Manekis would like to pass on to other blind people.

On the one hand, "We have made progress, but as a minority, we have not come as far as blacks and women because we are not included in the Civil Rights Act.  It should read there shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex, race---and physical handicap," the Manekis say.

On the other hand, the couple want to be role models for younger people and to give heart to older folks, who have recently become blind.                             "We can be corrupted by society’s attitude. We can get the feeling we don't have capabilities. We want to give people confidence that they can find their own way.” For information about joining the local NFB, call the

Manekis at 992-9608.

 

1984 WALK-A-THON FUN AND FUNDS

On September 23, 1984, the Baltimore Chapter NFB of Maryland sponsored our sixth annual Walk-a-thon. Brooks Robinson joined us at the Inner Harbor to greet walkers and others passing by. Many got autographs and spent time talking with Brooks and with us. The Baltimore Chapter presented Mr. Robinson with an honorary membership in appreciation of his help with the Walk-a- thon. 

The day was full of activity. As each walker began at the harbor, he drew for a prize. Many walkers were lucky winners and received some great prizes.

Maryland Attorney General, Stephen Sachs, Chairman, Walk-a­ thon Advisory Committee, arrived to meet walkers. He presented Marc Maurer, President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland with a special Governor's citation.  The citation reads as follows:

 

THE STATE OF MARYLAND

(Seal of the State of Maryland) Governor of the State of Maryland, to

Marc M. Maurer

President of the Baltimore Chapter of The National Federation of the Blind, Greeting:

Be it Known, Because of your demonstration of high integrity and ability, meriting our great trust and respect, we are most pleased to award you the

GOVERNOR'S CITATION

in appreciation of your outstanding services to the citizens of this State

Given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Maryland

this 17th day of September, In the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty-Four

Harry Hughes

Governor

Lorraine M. Sheehan Secretary of State

Our thanks goes to our Attorney General for his continued support of the Walk-a-thon, as well as for support of the programs of the organized blind movement. We have found a real friend in Mr. Sachs.

 

This year's event brought over one hundred walkers. We profited approximately five thousand dollars. Walkers checkpoint workers were tired after working and walking all but it was well worth the effort. We continue to bring in funds and we did have a lot of fun.

 

have and day, the SLIGO CREEK HELPING TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE BLIND

By Lloyd Rasmussen

Sligo Creek Chapter has been working hard to increase membership. We have been contacting all of the churches in the Prince George's and Montgomery Counties to learn about blind persons in the congregation. 

The chapter is handling a new public relations effort. We have spoken to several Lions Clubs in the community.  This will not only teach the Lions about the abilities of the blind; but also, will assist us in finding new members.

Fundraising efforts continue. Last August, we held our Swim-a-thon. This event raised approximately three hundred dollars. Candy sales this fall brought in one hundred fifty dollars. Currently, the chapter is involved in selling nuts. We have sold at shopping centers and at grocery stores. These sales have proven to be good for fundraisers as well as good for public relations.

Members of the chapter will have a chance to talk with educators from the Prince George's County School System. We have invited the resource teacher and the mobility specialist to our December meeting. In this way, we can learn about programs for blind children, as well as suggest ways to improve services.

We have been contacting local legislators in preparation for the legislative day. Members of the Sligo Creek Chapter look forward to working in the next year to help build a better future for the blind.

 

NFB CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER REPORT

By Sharon Maneki

During the past months, the Central Maryland Chapter had two victories that bring all of us a little closer toward equality. Future Social Security benefits were denied to blind workers at the Howard County Workshop because the employer did not withhold or contribute money to the Social Security program. This practice was legal until January, 1984. However, federal law no longer permits nonprofit organizations to ask for an exemption from participating in this program. We informed the workshop of this change in the law. I am pleased to report that these workers have now joined the rest of America and fully participate in the Social Security Program.

Our second victory was with Howard County government. The county recently set up a cable television channel to broadcast local government hearings and community announcements. These announcements were flashed in video on the screen.  We reminded the county that blind people need the same information as any other citizen. Now these announcements are read four times a week.  Our work is not over, but through Federationism, we can and we will succeed.

 

GREATER CUMBERLAND CHAPTER REPORT

By Audrey Hedrick

Thursday, May 10, 1984, the Cumberland Times carried an article about State Senator John Bambacus (R-Allegany, Garrett) presenting a Senate resolution to Georgia Myers of Cumberland. The resolution, passed by the membership of the Maryland Senate, was issued in recognition of Georgia Myers' 10 years of service on the Board of Trustees of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.

June 29, 1984, Ronald Burns took a leave of absence from BISM to attend Allegany Community College. Good luck in your new career.

 

The National Convention, what a convention it was! The Five members who attended were Audrey Hedrick, Ronald Burns, and Floyd, Georgia and Lora Myers. There has never been a convention like this one. Let's all plan to go to Kentucky next year.

The Cumberland Chapter has participated in several fund raisers. The Holiday Hippodrome Show appeared in Cumberland on Monday, November 19, 1984.  This show raised funds for the Federation.

Sharon Wilson is Chairperson of the committee to sell Tupperware as a fund raiser. She is doing a great job. 

We held a legislative luncheon, Delegates and Senators from the Cumberland area attended. This luncheon was on December 6, 1984.

As you can see the Cumberland Chapter continues to be an active part of the Maryland affiliate.

 

THE EASTERN SHORE CHAPTER MOVES AHEAD

By Virginia Glynn

Early months in 1984 were spent by the chapter members in organizing duties and exploring methods to raise funds. Last spring, chapter members visited our National Center. We enjoyed the visit and gained a great deal of information from the trip. Later in the year, we made a return visit to the Center.

The first significant increase in funding came from a yard and bake sale. The membership also participated in selling Atlantic City Raffle tickets, along with all of our fellow Federationists throughout the state. Chapter members participated in a raffle and publicity campaign held at a local shopping center.  One of the local congregations held a Gospel Sing to increase publicity and also raise money for our chapter. Our fund raising efforts resulted in a contribution of $300.00 to the state affiliate. This check was presented during our state convention.

Throughout the year, members were informed about changes in library services, legislative changes, telephone and mailing

regulations, also activities of fellow Federationists throughout the state.

It has indeed been a great year for the Eastern Shore Chapter.

 

SPECTATOR SPECS

 

March On Washington

The annual March On Washington will begin on Sunday evening February 3", 1985.      The march will continue through Monday the 4th, Tuesday the 5th, and finish up on Wednesday the 6th.      We will be staying at the Capitol Holiday Inn at 550 C Street, S.W. The rates are $55.00/singles and doubles, and $64/triples and quads.          We will plan transportation to D.C. each day, returning the same      day.

 

PR Seminar

On February 2 and 3, 1985, in conjunction with the March on Washington, there will be a public relations seminar.

Bus to Louisville

The Maryland Affiliate has chartered two buses to Louisville. We must fill these buses. The ride will be forty dollars per person. One bus will leave on Friday, June 28, and the other on Saturday, June 29. Payment should be made by March 1.

 

Virginia Thomas Receives Legislative Service Award

At the November meeting of the Central Maryland Chapter, Delegate Virginia Thomas was presented with the 1984 Legislative Service Award.  The award was presented for assistance in the passage of the Tax Credit Bill and her help with our Minimum Wage legislation. With tears of joy, Delegate Thomas spoke of her plans to work with us in the coming year on needed legislation.

 

Student Chapter Officers

The Student Chapter met during our state convention in Hagerstown. At the student luncheon, Robin Hauck was elected President. Other officers include: James Story, Vice President; Gail Litfin, Secretary; and Marla Miller, Treasurer.

Hagerstown Hospitality

Everyone  agrees that the Hagerstown Chapter did a great hosting the state convention.  Special thanks go to the of the Hagerstown Chapter for their help in making ours enjoyable convention.

 

Frostburg Fundraiser

job of members a most

A notice for cooks--the Mountain City Chapter is selling mitts. One Pair is $3.00. This has proven to be a fundraising project.

 

Annapolis Day

By oven good

This year we traveled to Annapolis to visit Delegates and Senators on January 15, 1�85. During the day we discussed our legislative proposals with our legislators.                                In the evening, we hosted a reception from 5 to 8 at the Annapolis Hilton.

Many chapters sent large delegations to Annapolis, and we achieved our goal of reaching every delegate and senator.

Happy Anniversary

On November 5, 1984 we gathered, we discussed accomplishments and plans, we ate a very nice dinner, and we celebrated the first anniversary of the Mountain City Chapter. We're growing, and we're on the move in Frostburg, Maryland.

 

1984 Resolutions

 

RESOLUTION 84-01

 

WHEREAS, the educational programs provided to blind children in Maryland, whether in the residential setting or in the public schools, are grossly inferior to similar programs for sighted children; and

WHEREAS, in a very real sense, blind students are lacking many basic skills that sighted students are presumed to have acquired; and

WHEREAS, too many blind persons lack basic reading and writing skills, a problem which has been exaggerated by the fact that blind youngsters with some vision are encouraged to use print even when Braille would be a more efficient means of reading and writing for them; and

WHEREAS, the perception, held by many special education teachers, that Braille is inferior to print is reinforced by the fact that they usually learn to read Braille with their eyes instead of with their fingers, thus leading them to offer minimal instruction to their blind students; and

WHEREAS, blind children are not given instruction in the use of a white cane at an early age, nor are they expected to travel as independently as their sighted peers; and

WHEREAS, the experience of progressive professionals in the field of special education establishes that early white cane travel training, and emphasis on the use of Braille increase the likelihood that legally blind students will grow up to be successful, independent adults; and

WHEREAS, blind children in education that is as rich and provided to sighted children;

Maryland are entitled to an meaningful as the education

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Convention assembled in Hagerstown on October 13, 1984, that this organization call upon the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland School for the Blind, and the public school districts throughout the state to restructure the educational system for the blind to incorporate the following standards and goals:

1. Every blind student should be guaranteed the same standard of education provided to sighted students;

2. Every blind student should be guaranteed the opportunity to read and write;

3. Every legally blind student should be taught to read and write Braille;

4. Every blind student should be expected to achieve the same competence in reading, writing, and all other academic areas that sighted students are expected to achieve;

5. Every blind student should be required to Braille or type answers to essay tests such as the writing competency examination required for high school graduation;

6. Every legally blind student should begin white  cane travel training in the first grade;

7. Every blind student should be taught with the aid of blind adult role model, that it is respectable to be blind;

   AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization urges the Maryland State Department of Education to update its list of resource materials for the handicapped to include the professional literature by the National Federation of the Blind.

    

RESOLUTION 84-02

WHEREAS, Representative Clarence Long has, for many years, expressed an active interest in promoting the well-being of the blind; and

WHEREAS, Representative Clarence Long has demonstrated this concern through the following practical actions:

1. He is the prime sponsor of the minimum wage for blind bill.

2. He has, in the past, introduced bills identical to our disability insurance for the blind reform bill.

3. He has always been with us on the civil rights barricades, striving to establish the fact, in law, that the blind and disabled are first class citizens having all the rights and responsibilities that this entails.

4. He has been strongly supportive of efforts to reform and update the Javits, Wagner, O'Day Act.

5. He played an active role in our successful campaign to convince the federal government to terminate federal funding of the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped, unless and until it begins to play a constructive role in the field of work with the blind.

6. He is always ready, willing, and able to assist constituents, and he has helped blind individuals energetically and effectively even though some who came to him for assistance were not residents of his district.

   NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in convention assembled in the City of Hagerstown this 13th day of October, 1984, that the members of this organization commend Representative Long for consistently, courageously, and tirelessly working with us to improve the quality of life for the blind.

    

RESOLUTION 84-03

WHEREAS, Delegate Virginia Thomas and Senator Dennis Rasmussen introduced bills into the 1984 session of the Maryland General Assembly providing for a tax deduction to cover the cost of reader services used by the blind in direct connection with employment; and

WHEREAS, the legislature passed this bill; and

WHEREAS, there are devices such as the Optacon, Visualtech, Braille and talking computers, etcetera, which can enable the blind employee to handle print material encountered on the job independently, thereby increasing the employee's versatility;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Convention assembled in Hagerstown this 13th day of October, 1984, that we commend Delegate Thomas and Senator Rasmussen for their work in establishing the existing tax deduction bill; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this organization will with members of the Maryland General Assembly to expand existing tax deduction to cover the cost of reading devices by the blind in direct connection with employment.

\

 

RESOLUTION 84-04

work the used

WHEREAS, discrimination in insurance based on blindness continues in the face of state prohibitions and a policy of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to make such discrimination unlawful; and

WHEREAS, with few exceptions, the insurance industry has

failed to cooperate with the states in voluntarily banning discrimination against the blind; and

WHEREAS, Representative Jim Bates, of California, and Senator Charles Mathias, of Maryland, along with many of their colleagues in the House and Senate of the United States have recognized that states alone are not capable of preventing insurance discrimination based on blindness; and

WHEREAS, companion bills introduced by Mr. Bates and Mr. Mathias in the 98th Congress, H.R. 4642 by Mr. Bates, and s. 2775 by Mr. Mathias, call for a federal ban on discrimination against

the blind in insurance; and                    

WHEREAS, this is needed legislation to supplement state enforcement of the non-discrimination policy in insurance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Convention assembled in Hagerstown this 13th day of October, 1984, that this organization urge Congress to enact the Bates-Mathias Fair Insurance Coverage Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we commend Representative Bates and Senator Mathias for their steadfast support of the nation's blind and for the effort they are making with us to end insurance discrimination based on blindness.

 

RESOLUTION 84-05