The twenty-second annual Convention was held during the weekend of September 9-11 at the Sheraton Towson Conference Hotel in Towson, Maryland. The convention was a tremendous success because of the excellent participation of Federationists from across the state. We were pleased to have Allen Harris, Treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind, as our national representative. Allen's lively national report and inspiring banquet address added to the success of the convention. Friday evening hospitality starring DJ Fred Flowers with music of the 50's and 60's and the many door prizes handed out during the convention added to the fun and excitement shared by everyone.
The convention began on Friday afternoon with an interesting and informative seminar conducted by Karen Mayry, President of the Diabetics Division of the National Federation of the Blind, and her husband Marsh. We learned how diabetics who become blind can do their own blood tests and take insulin independently while leading active productive lives. The seminar was also exciting because many health professionals and blind persons learned about us for the first time.
It is clear that we have much work to do in Maryland to ensure that blind persons receive equal opportunities. We were encouraged by the positive responses of some key officials who addressed the convention on Saturday afternoon. For example, Mrs. June Kleeman, Chairperson of the Friends of the Library Committee for the Maryland Library for the Blind and Handicapped, took copious notes during Mary Ellen Reihing's presentation on consumer needs, and she promised to try to implement our ideas.
Dr. Claude Kitchens, Deputy Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education, was a refreshing change from the uncaring bureaucrats that we usually have to deal with from DVR and Special Education. He pledged to find out why DVR is not following the new vending regulations, and agreed to investigate the department's lack of a fair hearings procedure. Dr. Kitchens was as displeased with DVR statistics on case closures as we are. In fiscal year 1986, DVR served 633 blind persons, of which 445 cases were closed. Of these 445 cases, only 124 cases were closed successfully and 321 cases were closed unsuccessfully. The breakdown of the 124 successful closures is
64 homemakers, 53 competitively employed, and 7 in sheltered employment. In fiscal year 1987, DVR served 606 blind persons, of which 460 cases were closed. Of these 460 cases, only 145 were closed successfully and 315 were closed unsuccessfully. The breakdown of the 145 successful closures is 64 homemakers, 68 competitively employed·, and 13 in sheltered employment. Dr. Kitchens said that the Department is seeking ways to place more blind persons in competitive employment. There is certainly much need for improvement in DVR services and placement activities for blind persons.
What a contrast between Mr. Dewberry's performance at our convention last year and the dialogue between the organized blind and some of the members of the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland Board of Trustees at this year's convention! On Sunday morning, four Board members--Chairman Thomas Saquella, Vice Chairman Stanley Penn, Treasurer Carl Feldman, and Constance McCraw--participated in a panel discussion with Mr. Gashel on "Blind Industries and Services of Maryland: Its Relationship with the Blind Community." Mr. Saquella also attended our banquet. Mrs. Mccraw attended the entire convention. We are cautiously optimistic about the BISM Board's willingness to work with the
organized blind.
(Several Board members are scheduled to visit the National Center for the Blind on October 17. At the September Board meeting, the Board said they would listen to input from the NFB for part of their meeting once a quarter. The first opportunity for' input will be at the November meeting.) Perhaps this convention will be a turning point in our relationship with BISM.
As is customary, many awards and prizes were handed out at the banquet. Dr. KennSth Jernigan won $100 for recruiting the greatest number (161) of associates in Maryland. Congratulations to Dr. Jernigan! Jean Faulkner won the drawing ($100) from all the names of associate recruiters. We also congratulate Jean Faulkner for receiving the 1988 Barbara Johnson award ($50), as the NFB member and industrial employee at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland demonstrating outstanding leadership in fighting for the rights of blind persons. Certificates of appreciation were given to the legislators who served on the White Cane Task Force and to friends who rendered valued assistance to our cause.
Our cash raffle fundraiser was very successful. The winners, drawn at the banquet, were as follows: Buddy Wheatley (Cambridge), $50; Kenneth Maybin (Baltimore), $50; George Gouzoulis (Germantown), $100; Joe Byard (Baltimore), $300.
The following officers and board members were elected for two year terms: President, Sharon Maneki; First Vice President, Althea Carter; Second Vice President, Barry Hand; Secretary, Mary Ellen Reihing; Treasurer, Judy Rasmussen; Board Members- Al Carter, Carleen McKenzie and Brenda Williams. The three remaining members of the Board are Benny Bagwell, Patricia Mayweather, and Patricia Winebrenner.
As we left the convention on Sunday, our spirits were high and we were ready for the challenges that await us.