THE CANADIAN BLIND MONITOR VOICE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND: ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY VOL. 3 JUNE 1997 The Canadian Blind Monitor is published three times a year. Members of the NFB:AE are invited, non-members are requested, to cover our subscription cost with an annual fee of $10.00. Published by NFB:AE. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission from the publisher. NFB:AE, P.O. Box 5058, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 8T9 (250) 862-8608, (800) 561-4774, Fax (250) 763-4022 E-mail: nfbcan@bc.sympatico.ca Editor: Mary Ellen Gabias Editorial Assistants: Joy Crowther and Helaine Jackson Advertising Co-ordinator: 8278 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5X 3A2 (604) 482-3102 Fax (604) 482-3130 The National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality is not an organization speaking for the blind. It is the blind speaking for themselves. Please specify preferred format: Print, Braille, Cassette, or Computer disk. Produced in Grade Two Braille for the NFB:AE by AJS Braille Service, 707 East Garland Avenue, Spokane, Washington U.S.A., 99207-3027. TEL: (509) 487-8959. FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION The front cover design depicts the general theme of this issue of the magazine--JOBS. Small colourful illustrations show people in the following occupations: newspaper reporter, mechanic, librarian, bookkeeper, data processor, school teacher, minister, bank teller, and homemaker. The NFB:AE logo occupies the upper right hand corner. The logo is a set of scales with a sword in the centre and a maple leaf superimposed on the blade of the sword. Inthe lower right hand corner is an announcement of our upcoming Annual National Convention which will be held in Vancouver February bf --bh, aiih. CONTENTS TITLE...........................................................PAGE EDITORIAL..........................................................1 Getting Beyond The Platitudes: Hiring Blind Workers is a Matter of Attitude...........................................................2 Architects of the Information Age..................................8 Flexibility and Innovations: Don't Overlook Small Business........17 Let That Blind Man Work On My Truck...............................21 Convention Reports NFB Conference, Anaheim, California...........26 MY FIRST NFB CONVENTION...........................................27 Reflections on Anaheim '96........................................30 Convention From A "Techie's" Viewpoint............................33 NFBCCAE Meets in New Orleans June 29 to July 5, 1997..............38 Summer Camp With a Difference.....................................44 The 1997 National Federation of The Blind: Advocates for Equality Scholarship Program...............................................46 Toronto Highlights...............................................53 Guide Dog: Trip Out In The Cold Vacation scuttled at last minute..54 Driver's Licence for the Blind....................................59 Access to Places of Interest--The Royal Ontario Museum............62 The Canadian Transportation Agency Access Will Continue...........64 NFB Comments on Canadian Transportation Initiatives...............66 GRAB BAG..........................................................78 Nuts and Bolts...................................................79 Women to Watch....................................................81 Did YOU KNOW ...".................................................84 NFBCCAE Charter...................................................87 This Braille edition contains the entire text of the Inkprint edition, except for advertising. Questions regarding advertisements should be directed to NFB:AE headquarters. Editorial JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! The 1993 National Election campaign had a particular poignancy for blind Canadians. Everybody was talking about Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! It seemed to many blind people that the slogan was directed to everybody but us. This is not to say that one political party has a better record than another. Our unemployment level has remained consistently high, no matter which party holds the majority in Ottawa. In fact one blind person I know commented, after hearing a documentary about an outpost in Newfoundland with a 70% unemployment rate, "I wish we were doing as well." Why are blind people unemployed in such high numbers? Is the problem inherent in blindness? What role is played by poor public attitudes about blindness? What kind of training is needed for blind people to become employed and where can it be obtained? What kind of jobs do blind people currently hold? What makes the difference for an individual between having a job and being out of work? What can we do to solve our unemployment problems? One issue of a magazine cannot hope to answer all of these questions. We can hope to raise awareness, broaden the discussion, and suggest possible solutions. We are working towards the day when we can be sure that the politicians who talk about jobs for Canadians, are talking about blind Canadians too. Mary Ellen Gabias Getting Beyond the Platitudes: Hiring Blind Workers is a Matter of Attitude by Mary Ellen Gabias She is capable, willing to work hard, and blind. She is also unemployed. Why? What makes it so difficult for qualified blind people to find work? It is tempting to minimize her situation by saying the National unemployment rate hovers around ten per cent. Even highly-qualified sighted people are finding it hard to get employment. The operative word in that statement is "even." The not very subtle assumption behind that "even" is the belief that sighted people and blind people are equal in most things, but that blindness imposes a disability which makes it logical to hire the sighted first. As long as a small proportion of highly-qualified sighted individuals are out of work, a large proportion of highly-qualified blind people have no reason to complain. In other words, blindness is a characteristic which automatically moves people to the end of the hiring line. When there is no competent sighted person available to take the job, the blind will have their day. There is a flaw in this logic. No two individuals are alike. Each of us is a complex mixture of assets and liabilities, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. The same characteristic which is a strength in one situation may be a weakness in another. Blindness is only one among these characteristics usually not the most important one. In other words, blind people do not compete against identical individuals who happen to be sighted. Employers have the difficult task of evaluating a whole range of job applicants' characteristics. Which applicant has the greatest sum of assets for this job? It is a little like comparing apples and oranges. For example, is it more desirable to have an employee with good skills who must maintain a precise schedule in order to meet family commitments, or someone with slightly inferior skills who can work longer hours on a more flexible schedule? The answer will depend on the employer's needs. It will also depend on other factors--including intangibles such as rapport. In other words, hiring is not a precise science. When an applicant is blind or severely vision impaired, the decision process is often skewed. Because blindness is an uncommon characteristic, employers tend to give it much more weight than it deserves. They wonder how they would do a particular job without sight. They assume that the lack of vision always creates problems, reduces efficiency, and tips the balance of the scales in a negative direction. This occurs even though the potential blind employee may have a thorough grasp of alternative techniques to do the job, the skills to perform it adequately, and the personal characteristics the employer is seeking. It is not reasonable to expect employers to become expert on alternative techniques used by the blind. It is reasonable, however, to expect them not to make negative assumptions. If blindness is "no big deal" for the applicant, it should be "no big deal" for the employer. It is the applicant's responsibility to develop any necessary alternative techniques for doing the job. Certainly the employer will want to have a say if those alternatives involve any change in procedure or extra expense. The ultimate test is whether those techniques work. An employer who is too scared or lazy to find out denies opportunity to a blind applicant and misses out on a potentially good employee. Several years ago, a blind woman was applying for a job as a prosecuting attorney. Prosecutors need to be tough-minded individuals. Putting criminals in jail is not for the tentative or the timid. At one interview this blind woman was confronted with a whole panel of lawyers. The first one started to describe the job, "First you read the complaint and when you have read it, based on your reading, you take what you have read and ...". It was very clear that the qualifications of this blind lawyer would never be truly considered. All the interviewers could see was someone who could not read print. It really did not matter to them that she had graduated with honours from university and obtained a law degree--certainly pursuits which required intensive reading. They did not even reach the stage of evaluating her knowledge of the law or her ability to reason or to compose arguments. For them, the fact that she could not read print, was an obstacle which overwhelmed all of her other characteristics and made her an unsuitable employee. She explained all of the techniques she would use on the job, but she knew it was a waste of everyone's time to do so. Her next interview went differently. The interviewer began by asking her how she would do the reading. "Quite frankly," she said, "it is none of your business." She permitted the stunned silence to continue for two seconds and then proceeded politely to explain the methods she intended to use on the job. She finished by saying, "You want a prosecutor who will be tough on criminals. You want someone who will stand up for law and order and community standards without being apologetic. I believe I am tough enough for this job." The employer laughed. She had certainly been tough enough for him. She got the job because she understood how to use these questions about her blindness to demonstrate personal characteristics which would be an asset. If she had been applying for a different kind of job, her response would have been totally inappropriate. What she did worked because she kept her blindness in its proper perspective and helped her future boss to do the same. The task for all of us who care about employment for the blind is to help put blindness in its proper perspective. Blind job applicants need skills to compete on truly equal terms. Employers need to understand that "equal" is not necessarily "identical". Techniques developed for a blind person may be more efficient for the whole organization. For example, a blind secretary might need to take dictation from a dictaphone or face-to-face using a lap-top computer. If people in the office had been used to writing draft documents in longhand for later typing, the change in procedure necessitated by the secretary's blindness would probably result in increased overall efficiency. Drafting documents with pencil and paper is quite time consuming. However, if the employer is not flexible enough to improve office procedure, everyone loses. Hiring blind people requires employers to do what good personnel practice suggests for all employers. It is almost a truism that organizations run best when managers evaluate the individual strengths and weaknesses of employees and, as much as possible, tailor the work-load to suit those strengths. One very successful employer commented that no two people occupying a particular position in the organization had ever had precisely the same job description. Each employee had different strengths. Although the core duties of the job remain the same, some of the peripheral assignments were shifted to take fullest possible advantage of an individual's talents. Effectively dealing with blindness really requires nothing more. Architects of the Information Age by Mary Ellen Gabias From the Editor: Computer programming has been a solid source of employment for blind people for more than three decades. Technology has changed, but the basic ability required for the job has remained constant. The four blind individuals profiled in this article use a variety of techniques. But one reality does not vary. They are all assets to their employers. In the mid-1960's someone came up with the idea of training blind people to program computers. The first alternative techniques were fairly rudimentary. There were no personal computers. Programmers key-punched their instructions on to eighty-column cards and fed them to mainframe computers. It usually took a day or so before the programmer knew whether his or her work was acceptable. The computers spit back reams of paper with error messages that indicated where the programmer had gone wrong. One small typographical error on one punch card could delay the successful execution of a computer program for an entire day. If the error were more complex, more time was needed for "de-bugging". Obviously, a high premium was placed on accuracy. Blind computer programmers competed successfully in this tough work environment from the beginning. They typed their own punch cards without any difficulty. The challenge was to find ways to read the computer output. A very clever programmer discovered that the "period" symbol on the line-printer made a raised dot on the back side of the printout. A program was written that converted print symbols into a series of periods which formed Braille characters. It was a bit crude, but it worked. Blind programmers could read their own output, find and correct their own errors, and achieve results comparable to those of their sighted colleagues. The first genuine Braille computer embossers came on the scene in the mid-1970's. They were expensive, about $15,000 U.S., at a time when the dollar was worth much more than it is today. Still, they were a vast improvement over the make-shift line-printer. Blind programmers did not have to go through an extra step to get their output. They simply went to their own printer and ripped off the paper like everyone else. Their main worry was the frequency with which their Braille embossers broke down. A failure of one dot to function changed the whole printout. It was clear that new solutions were still needed. As the punch card gave way to the video terminal, blind programmers were faced with new challenges and greater opportunities. Probably the two most significant changes in technology for the blind were the development of print-enlarging software and the advent of synthesized speech. IBM was the first major computer company to put significant resources into the development of access technology for the blind. A number of small specialized companies, often owned and operated by blind individuals, also entered the field. By the end of the 1980's it would be fair to say that blind people had achieved parity with their sighted colleagues. The operation of PC's was in the MS-DOS environment. By using a PC and a terminal emulation program, they also had reasonable access to mainframes. There were still some problems, but blind people began to talk of a time when access to the printed word would be as readily available to them as to the sighted. Then the graphical user interface (GUI) came along. Instead of using computer code to print characters on the screen in 80 columns and 25 rows, GUI's permitted the user to design screens which more closely resembled printed pages. Different type fonts and screen configurations became common. Characters were now "painted" on the screen in ways which traditional speech and Braille access programs could not interpret. The computer was getting easier for the sighted to use, but the blind were seeing their hard-won equal access disappear. The situation is changing again. There are now a number of access programs which permit blind people to work in a Windows environment. Still, there are challenges. Elizabeth Coates works as a consultant (computer programmer) for Sygma, one of the Bell Canada companies. She received her training in computer programming at Alternative Computer Training for the Disabled in Toronto. She has worked for the past several years programming mainframes for sales, marketing, and retail tracking. She works with a 386 computer and a 3270 terminal emulator using IBM screen reader voice software and hardware. In addition, she has an Arkenstone scanner for reading manuals and other printed information which is not on-line. Elizabeth's productivity in this job easily equals that of her colleagues. Because of the limitations of scanning technology, she sometimes finds that she cannot read computer manuals with the same efficiency as her sighted colleagues. However, they are quite willing to read her small manual sections or to answer questions about program syntax or other issues. In return, she has become expert at certain aspects of programming and often helps her colleagues with their questions. As she writes program code, she documents her work on her computer. Her colleagues often rely on hand written notes. Elizabeth quickly discovered that her method produces required documentation far more efficiently. By the time her programming work is finished, her documentation is complete as well. Her co-workers often have to go back over their work and re-write their notes in order to turn in proper documentation. The time-lag between the development of programs for the sighted and those for the blind is currently creating major challenges for Elizabeth. Her company would like her to work in the development of Lotus Notes programs. Speech access technology she attempted to use worked with Lotus Notes 3.2. The company was using 4.0. Her program for 4.0 is becoming available, but her company has now moved to 4.5. (Programs for blind people are often two years behind.) Despite these difficulties, Elizabeth has found ways to continue to meet deadlines and produce quality work on time. Her employer is committed to helping her get the tools she needs to stay abreast with the latest technology. As her boss explained to her, "it is a good investment for us to keep a valuable employee on the job." Akhtar Hussain is blind with some vision. He uses magnifying glasses and closed-circuit TV's which enlarge print. His company, Consumers' Gas, purchased an extremely large monitor for him. This permits him to read the computer screen without additional software or hardware. He is responsible for maintaining legacy systems and working with new systems as they are developed. After completing his studies at Alternative Computer Training for the Disabled, Akhtar received a certificate in business programming and business operations from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. He also has a certificate as a data communications specialist from Centennial College in Toronto. Because Consumers' Gas serves its customers twenty-four hours a day, computer problems can happen at any time. Akhtar is expected to be on call at all times to help solve problems. He has company software and a modem at home which permit him to do trouble-shooting. However, the problem may require him to go to the office at any time of the day or night. Because of his flexibility and willingness to continually improve his skills, Akhtar is a valued employee. Phil Wiseman is loosing his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative disease which causes a narrowing of the visual field. Phil had an uncle who became totally blind from RP. His brother has the same condition. It affects each of them differently. His brother still sees well enough to drive a car. Phil's visual field is less than twenty degrees--enough for him to be registered blind--but his central vision is still quite good. Phil is currently able to work without any modifications, but he knows his vision is likely to deteriorate. When he first was hired by the Province of Ontario, he used a large print program called Vista. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with his agency's current computer system. He tried another large print program, but he found it awkward to use. "Through the NFB I have learned that there is a lot more out there to help me than I thought. I know that when I need to do it, I will be able to make the transition to accessing the computer screen with speech. I know that I will be able to continue working no matter how my vision changes." His employers at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing believe in Phil too. He is currently a project leader doing systems design, developing specifications for programs, analyzing user requirements, and maintaining and supporting the computerized financial system for the Ministry. His employer doesn't care whether he sees the screen or listens to speech output; they just care that the work gets done and they know that it will. Wayne St. Denis works as a technical analyst for Intria Corporation. He is part of a team which supports scheduling systems on main frame and mid-range platforms. These are systems which allow users to schedule their application so that the computer is used efficiently and programs do not interfere with one another. Intria Corporation was once a department within the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Although Intria is now a separate corporation, CIBC is still its primary customer. The corporation hopes to do systems management work for other companies and Wayne is excited about the potential opportunities. Wayne uses a combination of enlarged print and speech. He finds speech more efficient for reading large volumes of material--particularly documentation. Because he still has some useable vision, he can read large print to check messages and verify the accuracy of his work when minute details are involved. "I simply have to get more practice with speech in order to feel completely comfortable with it. I like using the vision I have, but I suffer from eye strain and fatigue if I rely on it too extensively." Wayne uses ZoomText and has just purchased JAWS for Windows 95. "I use OutSpoken for Windows 3.1 at home, but it won't work for Windows 95. I'll simply have to learn to use JAWS." Wayne works as part of a team. He found that, although he had taken computer courses, his most useful learning occurred on the job. "When you use something everyday, you retain it. The course work was good for teaching me basic principals, but I learned my job by doing it." His cooperative attitude and willingness to take on new challenges help him fit well in a new corporation. There is no doubt that Wayne's skills will grow as the company which employs him develops. Flexibility and Innovations: Don't Overlook Small Business by Mary Ellen Gabias From the editor: Small businesses should not be overlooked by blind job-seekers. If a small business wants to, it can make necessary changes quickly. Where there is the will to hire, there is the flexibility to develop workable alternative techniques. As the experience of Richard Marion demonstrates, changes made to help a blind employee can be a tremendous benefit to an entire organization. Richard Marion wasn't at all sure he wanted to work in the family business. He entered Douglas College believing that a career in business was the career for him, but he thought he was headed for a job with a large corporation. He spent a summer during high school working in the shop of Triple R Truck Repair, the Marion family business. "That convinced me I didn't want to be a truck mechanic, even though I'm fairly mechanical. I just didn't like the grease and grime and noise". Part way through his business program at Douglas College Richard began questioning his choice. "I thought I might switch to computer programming. I like what the computer can do, but it didn't take long before I knew that programming one was not for me". Student politics captured Richard's attention throughout his college career. He became president of the B.C. Education Association for Disabled Students. He was also elected Vice President of the Douglas College Student Society and served on the provincial board of student unions where he discovered that he really liked advocacy. As his business administration training progressed, Richard found more and more ways he could apply what he had learned to help the family business. He began doing small projects to help his parents and brother. But he faced a significant obstacle. Most of the records for the company were hand-written. Richard has enough vision to read printed material for short periods of time using a CCTV. However, handwriting is often impossible for him to decipher. The more he worked with computerized speech, the more he began to realize what a powerful tool it could be. Richard computerized the company payroll and other accounts. As he automated the system to make it more accessible to him, the advantages for the entire organization became apparent. Payroll, which had previously taken a day to complete, could now be done in a few hours. It was suddenly easy to gather statistics about past performance in order to project future needs. Although he has computerized most things, there are still some documents which come to him in hand writing. "I simply have them read to me. If they are short documents, someone in the office can read them between other duties. I usually schedule reading assistance for a few hours once or twice a week to handle anything which has accumulated". Richard has worked in the DOS environment using VERT, an older speech program. The company is currently converting everything to Windows, so Richard has switched to JAWS for Windows (JAWS stands for Job Access with Speech.) He believes that the time and expense invested in learning a new speech access system is justified because of the greater power of Windows programs. During his final semester at college, Richard decided he preferred the flexibility and variety of a small business. He has been the business manager of Triple R Trucking ever since. In addition to repairing trucks for others, the company also provides trucks and drivers as a sub-contractor for builders. At any given time Triple R trucks might be digging a foundation at one location, hauling waste from another, and ploughing snow from a parking lot in a third. Richard keeps track of the complex paperwork, prepares material for the tax accountant, dispatches drivers, develops business plans, and sees to it the bills are paid and the receivables are collected. He does much of his work on the computer. The telephone is also an indispensable business tool. Richard's commitment to advocacy continues. Last July he was elected president of the lower mainland chapter of the NFB:AE. "In some ways I am between two worlds when it comes to business and advocacy. I could never go to a Chamber of Commerce meeting and support a speaker who says Canada's social programs should be eliminated. I also object to people who seem to think everyone in business is unthinking and uncaring. Our challenge is to build a business and social environment that gives people the skills and the incentive they need to be productive," says Richard. According to him, it's in everyone's best interest to have strong social programs that encourage independence. It is certainly in the best interests of Triple R Trucking to have Richard Marion as its business manager. Let That Blind Man Work On My Truck From the Editor: The NFB in the U.S. has published a series known as the Kernel Books. Intended primarily for the sighted community, these books feature stories by ordinary blind women and men about their lives. In the book: Making Hay, Daryel White tells about his personal journey from helpless newly-blind individual to successfully employed blind autobody repair person. Sadly, the complications of diabetes, which cost him his eyesight, took his life a year ago. They will miss him at Marty's Body Works. The blind community will miss him, too. But his contribution to our faith in ourselves lives on. Here is what Daryel said about himself as reprinted from Making Hay: I am proud to tell you a little about what I do to earn my daily bread. I'll begin by telling you where I was and how I got to where I am today. I'm from St. Louis, Missouri. Approximately five years ago I lost my eyesight. For about six months, I sat and thought I was never going to amount to anything in life. A rehabilitation counsellor came to my home, and by the time he left I was even more convinced that I had no future. Then about six months later a rehabilitation teacher knocked on my door. I said, "Who are you?" It had been about six months since the rehabilitation counsellor had come, and here she was. She asked me a few questions, which I answered. She said to me, "What did your rehabilitation counsellor tell you?" I said, "Well, he looked at me and said I wasn't going to do anything with my life but be what I call a housewife." At that time I didn't know any different. I had just lost my sight, and I thought maybe that that's all I could ever be. This bright young lady really impressed me when she first came into my home. She showed me how to do things that I didn't think I could do, but more than anything else, she told me something I could hardly believe: She said that I could do whatever I wanted to--that I could do what I had done before I became blind. This lady's name was Patty Page. She introduced me to her brother, a man who has taken me as far as I can go in making my life better. His name is Homer Page, and he was President of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado and one of the Boulder County commissioners at the time. I went to meet him while he was visiting at his sister's home. I'll remember this till the day I die; we were sitting at his sister's table, and he asked me what I wanted in life. I told him that I wanted to do what I had been doing when I was sighted--have my own home, have my own job, and live as I was then. He looked at me and said, "You will have that." I said "O.K." but in my mind I thought, "Well, this guy's really lost it." He went over to the phone and made a call to a lady, who in my heart has really become like my mother. I first met her in Denver when I came off the plane from St. Louis. I could hardly even walk. I mean I had hold of this flight attendant like she was my saviour! When I got in to the gate area, this woman came up to me and said her name was Diane McGeorge. Then she took me with her--here I am, totally blind, and she says, "I'll take you to get your luggage." And she was totally blind. I thought to myself, "This lady's lost it too!" But I hung on to her because I was frightened. We got the luggage and went to her home, and then I went to the apartments for students at the National Federation of the Blind's Colorado Center for the Blind. Diane McGeorge and Homer Page had managed to enroll me as a student at the Centre. From that moment on I began building my confidence. I learned how to travel. I had had a cane, but I couldn't even find my feet! The staff helped me with cane travel, Braille, and self-confidence. They also introduced me to the organization that is really my support and backbone today--the National Federation of the Blind. I spent about ten months in Colorado, and toward the end I made some phone calls looking for a job. Even on the day I graduated from the Colorado Center, I made a couple of phone calls and got turned down. But eventually, I got lucky with Marty's Body Works, which is in St. Louis, Missouri. I do auto repair, paint cars, and put fenders and doors on. I even do welding. Now I want to tell you a little story. When I came back from the Colorado Center for the Blind, my confidence level was taller than the highest building that was ever built, so my first job with the public's eye on me was a hard one. I went to work for Marty's Body Works two weeks after I got back from Denver, Colorado. There's a man named Charlie Collins, who owns a big diesel shop in St. Louis. He wrecked his brand new pick-up truck in a front end collision. He had it towed to Marty's. He looked at Marty and he looked at me. Then he said, "I do not, do not want that blind man to work on my truck!" Marty looked at me and kind of smiled, and Charlie went on home. Then Marty said, "Daryel, you're going to do that job." So I brought the truck in and did the job. I put it all together and painted it. I mean, I did a superb job. There was nothing wrong with that truck when I got done. When Charlie came back to pick it up, Marty told him, "Charlie, I don't want you to pay for that job right now. I know how you are; I've done work for you before. You take the truck back to your shop. I want you to check it over just as close as you can for fender and hood gaps." (These gaps are the distance between the pieces of the car you build or rebuild.) He said, "I want you to bring it back tomorrow and tell me if you find anything wrong." So Charlie took it to his shop, and he brought it back the next day. He said, "Marty, that's the most fantastic job I've ever seen!" Marty looked at him, and he looked at me. Then he told Charlie right there, "That is what a blind man can do." Charlie owns two eighteen-wheelers over the road. About two weeks later he wrecked one of his eighteen-wheelers. He brought it back to Marty's, and do you know what his first words were? "Let that blind man work on my truck." Convention Reports NFB Conference, Anaheim, California The 1996 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind, which was held at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel during the first week of July, was the largest gathering of blind people in the world last year. Sixty-four Canadians took an active part in the week's proceedings. There were meetings for parents of blind children, blind lawyers, blind diabetics, guide dog users, beginning computer users, and hard-core "techies". Blind teachers gathered to discuss techniques and strategies for coping with the schools of the 90's. Blind college students also met to discuss educational issues from their point of view. In other words, whether one is interested in raising goats or landing a job at the local bank, the Convention of the National Federation of the Blind is the place to go to gather information and to meet like-minded blind colleagues. One of the purposes of the NFB:AE is to bring together blind persons for just such networking. We were fortunate to be able to assist a number of blind Canadians to attend the Anaheim Convention. Although the 49th parallel separates two very distinctive countries, it's no barrier to the formation of friendship and the sharing of information. The following three articles from Convention attendees give just a hint of the infusion of enthusiasm and know-how brought back to the NFB:AE. MY FIRST NFB CONVENTION By John Goodfellow From the Editor: John Goodfellow is a sighted member of the Toronto Chapter. Although his partner is blind and he has associated with blind people for many years, the Convention of the National Federation of the Blind gave him a new perspective on blindness. This is what he had to say about it. When I arrived at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel, I observed many blind persons waiting to check in. As the days went by, I was utterly amazed at how efficient many blind people were in finding their way around. I was surprised to notice the extent to which small children were able to deal with mobility--and if I do say so myself--much more successfully than most adults. One of the funniest things that I saw was a small blind boy who was about four or five years old. He was playing hide and seek with his mother who happened to be sighted. He would run down the corridor with his white cane, never missing an ark, then stand in the middle of the corridor calling out to his mother "Find me, Mom!" There were a number of guide dogs present, and it was interesting to observe their behaviour during work sessions. There did not seem to be any conflicts or school rivalry! Now to the conference itself ... The sessions were informative. The speakers had done their homework and were well prepared. Afterwards there was an opportunity to ask questions. The delegates paid close attention and had plenty of questions for the speakers. It was quite apparent that they were there to learn and take information back to their chapters. The general assembly sessions were all very well attended by the delegates. Speeches by President Marc Maurer and Dr. Jernigan were well presented and most inspiring. They knew how to hold the attention of a large, diverse gathering of 2,500 individuals. It was obvious that they were no strangers to public speaking and knew their subjects inside out. I feel quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet these two fine gentlemen. The conference was followed by some fun and enjoyable entertainment--setting the tone for informal get-togethers and camaraderie. I found myself making new friends from all over the United States and Canada. Finally came the banquet, drawing this great convention to a close. This also was quite impressive for those who, like myself, had sight. It must be said that the staff at the hotel did an excellent job ensuring everyone was well looked after. I could go on forever, but I will close by saying to the blind "Thank you for accepting me into your family!" Reflections on Anaheim '96 by Phil Wiseman From the Editor: Phil Wiseman is the newly-elected President of the Toronto Chapter. In this article he describes his first NFB convention. As a relatively newly-blinded individual, Phil gained a perspective not available anywhere else. Here is what he has to say about it. During the week that I spent in Anaheim, California, I found many things that impressed me as a participant at the convention. Prior to my arrival I had no idea what kind of experiences lay in store for me, except that I expected to find it both informative and enlightening. I would like to share my impressions with you. My arrival at the convention was a little unnerving as I have never experienced such a "sea of white canes" gathered in one spot before. However, I quickly got over my initial fear and realized that the other blind individuals were no different than me. They were simply going about their business without allowing their blindness to hinder them. There were various division seminars that were taking place simultaneously. The most interesting one for me was the "Computer Sciences Division" session. The number of people who attended was remarkable (over 150). I was quite impressed with the way that people have managed to keep up-to-date with the latest technology using Windows-based applications, graphic user interfaces (GUIs), etc. I know that I, as an individual with partial sight, encounter difficulty using some of the latest tools. It was quite encouraging to hear of some of the devices and ways to use the computer. The session concerning the use of the Internet was quite interesting. The technical aids exhibit showed some very practical low-tech gadgets as well as special computer devices for the blind. The one that impressed me most was from a vendor from California who was showing a computer that produced three dimensional images on a "special" printed canvas. By touching the picture on the canvas, you could feel the indentation and bumps exactly as the image appeared on the screen. It is difficult to explain--you had to be there to see it. It was really something! I was quite inspired by the many young students who qualified for scholarships. I was very impressed to hear of their accomplishments and dreams. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the National Federation of the Blind was encouraging to see. They are the ones who will carry the torch for tomorrow. It was interesting to meet fellow Canadian "Federationists" and to hear from other chapter presidents of activities in their own chapters. It also provided me with an opportunity to make new friends and to put faces to names. To give you a sample of the information I learned, I found that there were "singing" teacups that would sing music if the light in the room was on. When the light was turned off, the music would stop. This was a practical way for blind persons to "conserve energy" in the home. The many contacts that I made with other Federationists in the United States and Canada provided me with some new friendships that I hope will last for a long time. I look forward to seeing them at the 1997 convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am quite thankful that I had the opportunity to attend the 1996 convention in Anaheim. I found that there was a lot of information that I would not have learned if I had not gone. I look forward to New Orleans in 1997 and urge you to join me. Convention From A "Techie's" Viewpoint By Ken Westlake From the Editor: Ken Westlake serves as a Member of the Board of the NFB:AE. From this report, it is easy to see that he is passionate about computers. He has also demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to making things better for blind Canadians. Whether he is talking technicalities with a vendor of the latest computer product, or ferreting out the cheapest place for a Federationist on a tight budget to buy breakfast, Ken does what he can to help. Here's what he had to say: I attended the NFB Convention to accomplish more than one objective. I was asked by President Gabias to attend as a member of the National Board of the NFB:AE. I was also asked to do reconnaissance to find out what amenities were in the immediate area and to help with any problems that arose while the convention was in progress. I expected to learn from the reports and comments of our American brothers and sisters of things that we could do, and pointedly avoid, in working in the Canadian community of blind individuals. I also hoped to meet with many of the Canadians whom I have known only by name. Personally, I wanted to try and find out as much as I could about the current level of technology as it relates to the blind and our society. In regards to President Gabias' request to gather information about the area around the Hotel, I arrived late Thursday night and did some hotel reconnaissance before going to bed. I spent most of Friday checking out the surrounding area and learning of NFB points of interest that I had missed inside the hotel Thursday night. I am proud to say that Canada had more people registered at the Convention than 35 of the American states. We ranked fifteenth in total registration. It would be impossible to describe all of the interesting Convention Programs. Three items stand out in my mind. A doctor reported on progress in kidney and pancreas transplants for people with diabetes. Ted Henter, Chief Executive Officer of the company which created the JAWS speech program for computers, talked about his business and his philosophy of life. Ms. Collinsworth, an actress who re-established her career after becoming blind, described how a vicious attack upon her by a stranger, was the catalyst for the development of a self-defense training program. Ironically, the publicity surrounding the attack was the springboard for her return to professional acting. She had believed that blindness doomed her career. Other items come to mind, but I am trying to keep this report short. I took advantage of chances for meeting with other Canadians, but everyone was so busy that there were not as many opportunities as I would have liked. Before going to the Convention, I took note of pre-Convention meetings listed in the Braille Monitor. This helped me plan my activities for the day before Convention registration began. These meetings included a demonstration of Newsline for the Blind, where I gained a good idea of how it works and how it could be put into use in Canada. Newsline permits a blind person with a touch-tone phone to gain access to newspapers read by computerized synthesized speech. Using Newsline, blind people can read the paper wherever and whenever they please. Readers can skip backwards and forwards through articles, spell unfamiliar words, and skip from one section of the newspaper to another. Blind people have never had such independent access to newspapers before. I sincerely hope we can bring Newsline to Canada soon. There have been some changes to the Newsline-based stations, including the attachment of a “ial channel” that will now allow placement of local notes in addition to the newspaper. I also sat in on Blazie, Mynah, and Internet introduction meetings before the actual start of the Convention. They were geared to an elementary level of computer sophistication, but I still learned valuable information for evaluating the Mynah and the Blazie's Braille Lite. The Internet meeting was unexpectedly geared to the very lowest level of computer users and by the time it got over simple explanations, there was no time left for any really interesting or new items. By comparison, the report of the Committee on Technology Evaluation on Sunday was very interesting especially for a "techie" like me. It covered everything from Compuserve and current technology to the mention of a pure science project by a company called Sensible Technologies. This involves the application of a scientific phenomenon that uses reverse pressure. There is no applied science application at the moment, but the company is looking for commercial support. One possible use could be "virtual" maps. Theoretically, these "maps" could be built to know where you are, respond to your activity or even expand the map as needed for better understanding of detail. This is just a small part of what could be possible. For those interested in the technical details, the computer programming is written in an object-oriented programming language known as C++. Also, there were reports of screen readers available, or soon to be available for Windows NT and N-Windows (opening better doors to UNIX and VMS operating systems) as well as for Windows 95. At the NFB in Computer Science meetings, there were interesting reports. Microsoft has finally come around to recognizing the need for blind people to access Windows. They have actually formed a division to deal with the problems of blind users of Microsoft products. As an indicator, Office 97 will have the new access when it is shipped this fall. There was a demonstration of JAWS for Windows and Compuserve, and much discussion probably too boring for anyone not a "techie" to want to hear about. This is not an exhaustive report of my activities by any means. However, I hope that it will give some idea of what I accomplished at the Convention. If anyone wishes to talk with me, I have kept as many notes as I could from a very full week. Ken Westlake (250) 868-8118. NFB:AE Meets in New Orleans June 29 to July 5, 1997 The NFB:AE is committed to broadening opportunities for blind people through networking, exposure to new technology, connecting parents of blind children with other parents and with blind adult role models. We do a great deal of work through our local chapters, by mail, and by telephone. Nothing we do is more effective than getting together and spending time sharing our ideas, our dreams, our problems, and the solutions we have found. Canada is a vast country with a relatively small population. Blind people are a tiny minority of that small population. Fortunately, we live next door to a country which has a powerful, well-organized, organization of the blind--the National Federation of the Blind. It seems only reasonable that blind Canadians should take the opportunity to get to know blind people within the NFB in the U.S. in order to broaden our base of information and strengthen our ties with the blind community in North America. The annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind in the United States is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. It has something for everyone. There are meetings for blind people with diabetes, parents of blind children, blind computer users, blind computer phobics, teachers, students, secretaries, engineers, bakers, and more. In one week at an NFB convention, a blind person can check out the latest computer technology, talk to other blind parents about their challenges of raising sighted children in a society which still finds blind parents remarkable, talk directly to the people who are attempting to develop a new unified Braille code, and sharpen independent travel skills while exploring a new city. NFB conventions are a time for learning and laughing, discussing and dreaming, and for making friendships that will last a lifetime. The NFB:AE has chosen to hold one of its two annual meetings at the NFB Convention in New Orleans. We will also be meeting in Vancouver in February, 1998. Blind Canadians will be participating fully in NFB convention activities. We will also be holding several Canadian gatherings. We plan to meet all day on Monday, June 30, 1997, and again on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 1997. Other social events for Canadians are also planned. The convention will take place at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, at 500 Poydras Plaza, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70140. It ranks among the best hotels in the world. Hotel reservations are being taken through the national office of the NFB. To reserve a room call the National Centre for the Blind at (410) 659-9314 or write to National Convention, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, and no reservation will be valid unless it has been made through the National Centre for the Blind. When reserving a room, ask to speak with Mr. Cobb. The Hyatt Regency New Orleans cannot confirm reservations for this convention. Do NOT call the Hyatt directly. At this writing, the original block of rooms set aside for the convention has been reserved. Negotiations are under way for additional space in the Hyatt or for space in nearby hotels at comparable rates. It is likely that free shuttle bus service will be provided between the Hyatt and overflow hotels. In order to confirm a reservation, you will need either to send a cheque or money order for $40 U.S. as a deposit or give Mr. Cobb a credit card number. The credit card account will be charged immediately. If a reservation is cancelled prior to June 1, 1997, half of the deposit will be refunded. After that date deposits will not be refunded. Exceptions may be made in certain demonstrated emergency situations. As is always the case, Federation hotel rates for 1997 will be the envy of all who attend conventions. Here they are as follows: one person in a room--$40 per night; two people in a room--$42; three in a room--$44; four in a room--$46. As you can see, these rates are better than the ones we had in 1996 in Anaheim. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax. At the time arrangements were made with the hotel it was 11 percent plus $3 per night. There will be no charge for children under twelve with parents as long as no extra bed is required. If you want to come a few days early, or stay a few days late, convention rates will apply. Here are the convention dates and schedule: Sunday, June 29--Seminars for parents of blind children, blind job-seekers, vendors, and merchants; several other workshops and meetings. Monday, June 30--Canadian seminar and meetings; convention registration; first meeting of the resolutions committee, other committees, and some of the divisions. Tuesday, July 1--Meeting of the NFB U.S. Board of Directors, open to all; division meetings (generally dealing with careers); other seminars; continuing registration. Wednesday, July 2--Opening general session; Canadian meeting; evening gala. Thursday, July 3--General sessions; tours throughout the New Orleans area. Friday, July 4--General sessions; banquet. Saturday, July 5--General sessions; adjournment. The elegant Hyatt Regency New Orleans is located just eight blocks from the French Quarter. The Hyatt features two towers--Poydras, with twenty-seven floors, and Lenai, with eleven floors. In addition to a swimming pool on the seventh floor, the Hyatt also features several restaurants, cocktail lounges, and a large shopping mall. This shopping mall includes a Walden books store, jewelry store, souvenir store, Cafe du Monde--wonderful square doughnuts, Frank and Stein--hot dogs and beer, and many other fast food meals. In addition, Macy's Department Store is adjacent to the Hyatt and is easily accessible. Passing through Macy's will lead to the Superdome, a colossal structure that is home to the New Orleans Saints as well as many other gala festivities. A shuttle service to and from the French Quarter will be provided to hotel guests during the national convention. Registration fee for the convention will likely be $10. The banquet, which is the highlight of the convention, will probably cost $25 to $30 per ticket. A wide variety of door prizes will be given throughout convention sessions. Prizes will be relatively small in size and large in value. Cash is always popular. The grand prize at the banquet will be spectacular--worthy of the occasion. The 1996 grand prize in Anaheim was $1000 in cash. The 1997 grand prize will be equally good. The displays of new technology; the meetings of special interest groups, committees, divisions; the exciting tours; the hospitality and renewed friendships; the solid program items; and the exhilaration of being where the action is and where the decisions are being made--all of these join together to call the blind to the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel in July 1997. Summer Camp With a Difference When you think about kids in camp, most people think of gliding across a shimmering lake in a canoe or singing songs while roasting marshmallows and telling stories around a camp fire. Most people would never imagine that the Hyatt Regency New Orleans could be the jumping off point for adventures in learning. But the Hyatt Regency is exactly where the action is this summer for blind children, their siblings, and the sighted children of blind parents. From June 29 through July 5, the adventures of NFB Camp will be beckoning. Most blind children attend their neighbourhood schools. Many do not know other blind kids and it is easy to feel alone. It is difficult to get a clear perspective on what blindness means when you are the only blind person you know--at least the only blind child you know. What a treat to be in a place where blindness is normal and expectations are high. Sighted children of blind parents can feel alone sometimes, too. Their classmates often wonder what it is like to have a blind parent. It can be frustrating to constantly have to answer questions about how Mummy cooks or how Daddy can walk around by himself. It is also hard to imagine that blind parents were ever blind children. Getting to know blind kids their own age can help the sighted children of blind parents have a better perspective on blindness. NFB Camp is designed to help kids interact with one another and with blind adults. Blind college students are paired with blind kids. A six year old who is just learning to use a white cane can gain immensely from being supervised by a cane-using college student. Blind adults are also available to talk to the parents of blind children, to answer questions, and to act as role models. The program is directed by a blind woman with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She earns her living running a Montessori school and applies sound learning principles to help make NFB Camp exciting and enriching for children. All of the details have not been finalized, but at this writing there are plans for a trip to a children's science museum. Older children will have the opportunity to take a baby sitting class and to learn first aid and CPR. Blind children often have difficulty being given a fair opportunity to succeed in baby sitting classes because others often believe blind people cannot be baby sitters. Many other activities are also being planned. You probably won't see any camp fires at NFB Camp and the canoes will have to wait for another time, but the sense of fun and fellowship and the growth in self-confidence ensure that families will want to make NFB Camp part of their lives each year. Families interested in attending NFB Camp should contact the national office at 1-800-561-4774. The 1997 National Federation of The Blind: Advocates for Equality Scholarship Program Since its founding in 1992, the NFB:AE has awarded grants to blind individuals to help them attend educational seminars concerning various aspects of blindness. The conventions of the National Federation of the Blind come to mind because more blindness-related information is packed into one week of those conventions than could be found in a whole semester of university courses pertaining to blindness. The organization has determined to expand its programs to include awarding students for scholastic excellence. This year's scholarship program will be the first annual students' awards program of the NFB:AE. The scholarship will be formally presented at our annual convention in February of 1998. Assisting the nation's most talented students to fulfil their academic and professional dreams is one of the most effective ways for us to demonstrate our conviction that blind people deserve the chance to enter whatever field for which they show the capacity and desire to succeed. A scholarship will be presented this year to one student who is either in his/her senior year of high school, college or university, vocational school, and/or graduate studies. The award will be $1000 and we will bring the winner as our guest to the 1998 convention of the NFB:AE, to experience first hand the excitement and stimulation of a gathering of the largest and most dynamic organization of blind people in the country today. Every local chapter can help in spreading the word of this opportunity for Canada's blind students. Scholarship applications have been, or soon will be, mailed to financial aid offices in educational institutions around the country, but many of these will be filed away and forgotten when students come to ask about financial assistance. It is very helpful to have local representatives deliver or mail forms to the actual administrator who works with blind students. Being identified with such a valuable national scholarship program gives the local chapter prestige and respect, and the local touch ensures that more blind students will actually have an opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Anyone can order scholarship forms from the National Office of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality Scholarship Committee. These may be copied as long as both sides of the form are reproduced. What follows is the text of the 1997 NFB scholarship application form. National Federation of The Blind: Advocates for Equality 1997 Scholarship Program Each year at its national convention in February, the NFB:AE will give a scholarship to recognize achievements by blind scholars. All applicants for this scholarship must be (1) legally blind and (2) pursuing, or planning to pursue, a full-time post-secondary course of study in the fall semester MEMBERSHIP: The NFB:AE is an organization dedicated to creating opportunity for all blind persons. Recipients of Federation scholarships need not be members of the NFB:AE. MAKING APPLICATION: To apply for NFB:AE scholarship, complete and return the application on the reverse side of this sheet, attaching to the application all the additional documents that are requested. Send completed applications to: Richard Marion, Chairman, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee, #2--3262 Wellington Street, Port Coquitlam, BC, V3B 3X7; (604) 944-1458; e-mail rmarion@mindlink.bc.ca. WINNER: The Scholarship Committee will review all applications and select the scholarship winner. The winner will be notified of his/her selection by telephone by August 1 and will be brought to the NFB Convention in February 1998 at Federation expense. The winner will participate in the entire convention and in the scheduled scholarship program activities. This is in addition to the scholarship grant. All decisions by the Scholarship Committee are final. The first national convention promises to be one of the most dynamic gatherings of blind individuals in Canada. You will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with other blind post-secondary students. Read reverse side of form for instructions and explanations. Form may be photocopied (both sides must be included). To apply for the scholarship, complete this application form and mail completed application and attachments to: Richard Marion, Chairman, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee, #2--3262 Wellington Street, Port Coquitlam, BC, V3B 3X7, (604) 944-1458; e-mail rmarion@mindlink.bc.ca. Form must be received by June 30, 1997. Name (please include maiden name or other names by which you have been known): date of birth, school address, school phone number, home address, home phone number, institution being attended in spring semester 1997, with class standing, cumulative grade point at this institution, institution to be attended in fall semester 1997, with class standing: (Send by separate letter if admitted to school after submitting completed application) List all post-secondary institutions attended with highest class standing attained and cumulative grade point average: High school attended and cumulative grade point, Vocational goal, State your major, Awards and honors (attach list if necessary), Community Service (attach list if necessary): Attach the following documents to completed application: 1. Personal letter from applicant. NFB:AE scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholastic excellence, financial need, and service to the community. Send us a letter which tells us, in light of these criteria, why you, rather than someone else, should get an NFB:AE scholarship. In writing your personal letter and in gathering your other attachments, design your application to put your best foot forward for us. 2. Send two letters of recommendation. 3. Provide current transcript from institution you are now attending and transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions attended. If you have not yet attended such an institution, or have not completed one year of study, send high school transcript. 4. Send a letter from an officer of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality evidencing the fact that you have discussed your scholarship application with that officer. We prefer that you discuss your application with a local chapter president, but a letter from any Federation officer will suffice. Officer's address will be provided upon request. Toronto Highlights On Saturday, January 11, 1996, the Toronto Chapter elected the following officers: President: Phil Wiseman; Vice President: Wayne St. Denis; Recording Secretary: Sharon Neville; Corresponding Secretary: Don Jacobs; Treasurer: John Rae. The Chapter has been involved in a number of fund-raising and advocacy projects. The second annual garage sale raised $292. The Chapter has also been gathering information and promoting accessibility to museums and other cultural institutions. It is currently encouraging the Province of Ontario to adopt an identification program similar to the non-driver's I.D. currently available in British Columbia. The Chapter meets the second Saturday of every month at the Metro Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Meeting Room A, from 2 PM to 5 PM. If you want to keep track of Chapter activities between meetings, the Chapter publishes a quarterly newsletter. Contact Phil Wiseman, 69 New Haven's Way, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 5G1, telephone (905) 881-1109, or e-mail at +pneville¤eptuneon31which Guide Dog: Trip Out In The Cold Vacation scuttled at last minute by Bruce Owen, Staff Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press From the Editor: Canadians are used to seeing blind people accompanied by guide dogs. In fact, access to public places is so taken for granted that many of us have forgotten about the early struggles for acceptance. A comment by Colonel Baker, founder of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, is typical of the early resistance to the guide dog among blind people and the public at large. He called the concept of using a guide dog "undignified". Needless to say, someone with that attitude would not be likely to lead the campaign for equal access. Laws had improved somewhat by the early 1970's, but there were still problems. In 1971, Paul Gabias went with a friend and his guide dog to Place des Arts in Montreal for a concert. He walked past the protesting ushers and took his seat just as the concert began. During the intermission the police came and carried him protesting from the auditorium. It seems that Quebec law permitted, but did not require, access to blind people accompanied by a guide dog. After dragging him out of the service entrance of Place des Arts, the police officers added insult to injury by offering to drive him home. He kicked the cop where it counted! That display of youthful intensity led to a conviction for disturbing the peace. It is hard to imagine that a blind person visiting Place des Arts today would have any problems at all. We have come a long way. But there is still much work to do. In some ways our success at improving attitudes in Canada has contributed to the naive assumption on the part of the general public that everyone operates by "our rules". The following article was in the January 12, 1997, edition of the Winnipeg Free Press. Doreen Demas, a member of the Winnipeg Chapter of the NFB:AE did not get her winter vacation. The travel agency and the tour company, although sympathetic and anxious to solve the problem, demonstrated their lack of experience with blind guide dog handlers when they offered to exchange her tickets to Mexico for a tour of Hawaii. Hawaii, as everyone familiar with guide dog issues knows, quarantines every dog arriving on the islands for six months. The Mexican hotel offered as a substitute for the one she had booked was in a very inconvenient location for anyone without access to a vehicle. We in Canada do not have the power to change the laws of other countries. We do have the power to educate ourselves and to insist that travel agencies and tour companies we use ensure that similar situations will not arise in the future. Doreen Demas was supposed to be relaxing on a Mexican beach today, but her winter trip was scuttled at the last second by a Cancun hotel manager who barred her guide dog from his posh hotel. "I'm really disappointed," Demas said yesterday, "I worked hard for this vacation and I was looking forward to it. I'm supposed to be packing now and it's just sinking in." Demas, who is visually impaired, booked the week-long trip with a friend who is also blind, last September through Thomas Cook and Signature Vacations. Right from the start, the tour company and Continental Plaza Hotels were aware Demas' guide dog, Vixen, would be coming on the trip. Then on Friday, a fax from the hotel manager arrived at the travel agent's desk, saying the black lab wasn't welcome at the four-star hotel. "It was a shock and I felt really horrible about it," agent Elaine Furukawa said. "It's like the manager had no idea what a guide dog is. He didn't understand at all." A rep from Signature Vacations in Cancun was despatched to the hotel to plead with the manager to change his mind, but to no avail. "He didn't budge," Furukawa said. "We tried to find another hotel, but at this time of year, Cancun is all booked up." Signature's director of sales said last night that Demas will get a full refund, and the company hopes to help her plan her next vacation. "To be honest, it's one of the first times we've run into a situation like this, with a seeing-eye dog," said Pat Rachey, adding that some places are not as sensitive to the needs of the handicapped. Another hotel in Cozumel was willing to accept the dog, Rachey said, but Demas turned it down because it wasn't the same calibre of hotel. Now Demas is left wondering if she'll ever get a winter holiday. "This has never happened to me before and I've travelled all over," she said. "I assumed everything would be checked out. Now it seems everyone is just pleading ignorance." Dean Cousens, executive director of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind's Manitoba division, said he was shocked by the hotel manager's uncaring attitude. "My experience is that very, very seldom do you hear these stories. Most people are very accommodating, but there's still an awful lot of work to be done." Driver's Licence for the Blind by Phil Wiseman From the editor: The following article is re-printed from the newsletter of the Toronto Chapter of the NFB:AE. Picture this scenario. You walk into the bank and try to cash a cheque or withdraw money and are asked for your driver's licence by the bank teller. You stand there with your white cane or your guide dog "Charlie" having to explain that you are blind and do not have a licence. You are required to show your citizenship or birth certificate for identification purposes. Has this happened to you? Well, before you rush off to drive your new Porsche or Mercedes, there is hope on the way. Currently, in British Columbia, the Ministry of Transport offers a plasticized photo "licence" issued to blind individuals for ID purposes. This non-driving driver's licence, not yet available in Ontario, is one of the main issues that the Toronto Chapter of the NFB:AE is currently pursuing. The following letter was written to the Hon. Al Palladini, Minister of Transportation, Province of Ontario. The purpose of this letter is to request your consideration for an initiative that can, in our opinion, provide useful service to blind and other disabled citizens of the Province of Ontario at little or not cost. This idea is for a special driver's licence to be issued to persons who cannot drive for identification purposes. A program of this type has been successfully implemented in the Province of British Columbia for some time and is known as a Non-Driver ID. Similar programs are in effect in several states of the United States. For many blind, and other disabled persons, a particular problem has been to provide well recognized identification when needed for such things as opening bank accounts, using credit cards, etc. The most common identification, provided by the majority of the population, is their driver's licence. This type of verification is currently unavailable to blind and other individuals who are unable to drive. A non-driver licence, particularly if accompanied by a photo I.D., would be ideal for establishing a non-driver's identity. In addition, such a program makes use of the existing infrastructure. As implemented in British Columbia, the applicant for a non-driver's "driver's licence" pays the same fees as any driver. We feel that this program would enable you to provide a valuable service to disabled people in the Province of Ontario using an existing system and at little or no cost to Ontario taxpayers. I look forward to hearing your reaction to this idea soon. Yours very truly, Elizabeth Coates, President Toronto Chapter, NFB:AE Letters from blind people in Ontario supporting our position would be most helpful. We will keep you informed of any future development. Please be sure to send me copies of any correspondence on this issue. Phil Wiseman, 69 New Haven's Way, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 5G1 or e-mail: +pneville¤eptuneon31which Access to Places of Interest--The Royal Ontario Museum From the editor: The following information was provided by the Royal Ontario Museum and updated from the fall 1996 issue of the Toronto Chapter Newsletter. The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum, and one of the world's few multi-disciplinary museums. We combine art, archaeology, and science under one roof. The ROM offers visually impaired patrons (who are CNIB card holders), and an escort, free admission any day of the week; guide dogs are also permitted. As well, the Museum offers a special touch-tour, free of charge, that needs to be booked in advance. This special tour is recommended for groups of 3 to 6 individuals. To book a touch-tour, call our Museum Sales Department at (416) 586-5572. The fax number is (416) 586-5792. In addition, the ROM's Discovery Centre offers visually impaired patrons objects to touch, and information in Braille. The Discovery Centre is open the same hours as the Museum except when school is in session. When school is in session, the Discovery Centre is closed from 10 AM to noon on weekdays. Moreover, for a fee, a special hands-on session for the Discovery Centre can be booked ahead of time through our Education Department at (416) 586-5801. The FAX number is (416) 586-5807. The visiting hours of the Royal Ontario Museum are as follows: 10:00AM to 6:00PM Monday, Wednesday to Saturday 10:00AM to 8:00PM Tuesday 11:00AM to 6:00PM Sunday Admission fees are as follows: Adults $10 Seniors (65 years and over) $5 Students (with ID) $5 Children (5-14 years) $5 Family Pass $22 (up to 2 adults and 4 youths 17 years and under) Please note that The George Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is now fully independent of the ROM. Joint admission between the ROM and the Gardiner Museum is no longer in effect. For further information, contact Mabelle P. Ortiz, Visitor Services at (416) 586-5549. The Canadian Transportation Agency Access Will Continue As a result of the new Canada Transportation Act, which became effective July 1, 1996, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has been created. The CTA replaces the National Transportation Agency of Canada. The Act is designed to modernize the regulatory structure of the federal transportation network. Accessibility continues to be a prominent feature of the new legislation. Indeed, accessibility initiatives have been enhanced in the new Act by requiring that all complaints be resolved within 120 days, unless all parties agree to an extension. This measure ensures a speedy resolution of complaints from travellers with disabilities. In an effort to accelerate the establishment of accessibility standards within the transportation system under the authority of Parliament, Codes of Practice are being introduced. These codes will provide the industry with guidance and will also provide a general framework of how the CTA is likely to view a particular accessibility issue should a complaint be received. The CTA will continue to have the power to remove undue obstacles from the federal transportation network through regulatory actions when necessary. Continuing consultation and dialogue with consumers and industry will improve access to transportation services under the new Act. The "On the Move" Series of brochures for consumers and industry will also improve access to transportation services under the new Act. Our program address and telephone numbers have not changed. You may contact us to share ideas, solutions or travel experiences at: Accessible Transportation Program, Air and Accessible Transportation Branch, Canadian Transport Agency, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N9 Telephone: 1-800-883-1813 or (819) 997-6828 TTY: 1-800-669-5575 / (819) 953-9705 Fax: (819) 953-6019 Internet: http://www.cta-otc.gc NFB Comments on Canadian Transportation Initiatives In late 1995 we were asked to participate in consultations concerning barriers to communications faced by blind air travellers. Two representatives of the agency, which is now called the Canadian Transportation Agency, came to Kelowna and talked with NFB President Paul Gabias and Central Okanagan President Chantal Oakes. Before the meeting took place, President Gabias solicited comments from chapters and individual members across the country. He and Chantal spent several hours discussing our point of view with the transportation agency representative. In December, 1996, the Canadian Transportation Agency published Communication Barriers: A Look at Barriers to Communication Facing Persons with Disabilities for Travel by Air: Interim Report, December 1996. It was a compilation of the views expressed to the agency by a wide variety of groups. In addition to dealing with blindness, the agency attempted to identify barriers for the deaf and the hard of hearing and for people with cognitive and learning disabilities. Not surprisingly, such a broad mandate led to a very extensive report. The NFB:AE was asked for its written comments. The national board and chapter presidents met by conference telephone to review the draft comments. Changes were made and incorporated into the final document. It was unanimously agreed that the following comments represent the position of the NFB:AE on communication barriers to air travel for blind people. Kelowna, British Columbia, February 17, 1997 Helene Nadeau Canadian Transportation Agency 25 Eddy, 15th Floor, Hull, Quebec K1A 0N9 Dear Ms. Nadeau: I am writing on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality (NFB:AE). The NFB:AE is a membership organization composed of blind persons and interested sighted individuals. We have members throughout Canada and chapters in Toronto, Winnipeg, Kelowna, and Vancouver. The majority of our members and the entire Board of Directors are blind. So are the Presidents, Vice Presidents, and majority of Board members of each of our chapters. This response is our comments on Communication Barriers: A Look at Barriers to Communication Facing Persons with Disabilities for Travel by Air; Interim Report December 1996. We recognize that your goal is to find barriers and identify solutions to them. However, many blind travellers do not find communication barriers to air travel, and this fact should be clearly noted in your report. We will attempt to comment on the recommendations in detail. The overall tone of the report also deserves mention. In attempting to mention all of the suggestions raised by consumers, your report developed a "laundry list" of accommodations or modifications. It is not easy to tell which requests should receive the most attention. Was the request for tactile markings on terminal floors a whimsical off-hand comment by one individual, or was it a widely expressed priority need of many groups? It is not easy to tell from the report. It also seems that requests that modifications not be made were ignored. For example, there was no mention of a request that airlines refrain from noting a passenger's blindness in the computerized passenger record if the passenger did not request blindness-related assistance. Blind passengers should have the absolute right to choose whether or not their blindness should be noted in their record. Passengers should also have the right to decide whether or not they wish to pre-board. Individual pre-flight briefings should be available, but they should not be mandatory. It is appropriate for airline personnel to ask whether assistance is needed. They should understand clearly that in this context "no" means "no". We believe it is the responsibility of the individual to make his or her needs known. It is not possible to train every airline or airport employee to understand the range of needs blind passengers may have. Even those who have spent years working with blind people are often surprised when they meet an individual with an atypical means of functioning. It is reasonable to expect that those who deal with the public maintain a courteous manner and a respectful demeanour towards those they serve. It is best to have airline personnel who say "I am available to help if you need me. Let me know when and how I can be of assistance". It is often very frustrating to deal with personnel who insist on treating blind people the way some sensitivity training course has said blind people want to be treated. It makes sense for airlines to have a user-friendly help desk to solve problems for all passengers. This should not be a "special needs" desk. It is likely that discussions with randomly selected groups of air travellers without disabilities would raise some of the same issues. Practically everyone finds air travel frustrating and stressful. Blind people should not expect it to be easier for them than it is for the rest of the population. A help desk makes good business sense for the airlines. In fact, most airlines do provide assistance to any passenger requesting it. There are special desks in larger terminals. Personnel at ticket counters can call for assistance when there is no specialized help desk. Although some participants you interviewed asked for itineraries in alternative formats, it is our belief that this information is readily Brailled or recorded. It takes less than two minutes to Braille a flight itinerary. If some passengers want itineraries in alternative formats an enterprising travel agency or airline could probably attract their business by offering that service. There are certainly a number of alternative methods for getting itinerary information. Working with someone to have the itinerary read is an alternative technique which blind people use quite successfully and it should be respected as a viable option. Large bold-faced print with good contrast and symbols would be of benefit to all passengers. Plain language with limited use of codes would also be important to the public at large. The use of a 24-hour clock by airlines is confusing to everyone. Many airlines in North America have recognized this fact and are using the twelve-hour clock with AM and PM. This is an issue which is really not specific to blind people. It makes sense to lower flight information monitors for all passengers. Larger print and improved contrast would also be helpful to most passengers. So would the use of plain language and the avoidance of unnecessary codes. Although tactile maps of all kinds are interesting, a tactile map of the airport would in no way eliminate the need to ask for directions or assistance. Tactile markings at intersections or on posts would be virtually useless, since finding them would be awkward and they would likely be ambiguous to interpret. A blind traveller can not afford to be passive. Although airline staff wish to be helpful, they should not be expected to be responsible for anticipating the needs of blind travellers. If a blind person wants help finding the washroom, it is that person's responsibility to let someone know of the need and to keep asking until the required assistance is made available. If no one has provided boarding information by 20 minutes before the flight is scheduled to leave, the blind traveller should walk to the check-in desk at the gate and ask what is happening. Airline personnel have a great deal to do. Blind passengers are not wards of the airlines. Assertiveness will prevent many problems and solve others. The suggestion that sound cues be made available at intersections and doorways was hard to understand. What would these sound cues be? It is already possible in most cases to hear intersecting corridors and exit doors. One useful sound cue is the announcement that travellers are near the end of a moving walkway. All passengers, whether sighted or blind, sometimes need to have their attention re-focused so that accidents are avoided. This is not a special modification for blind people, but blind travellers find it helpful in the same way that sighted travellers do. The newer section of the Vancouver airport made a very simple, but effective, design choice. The architects chose non-glare floor tile. We do recommend that airport managers consider installing non-glare tile whenever they are replacing airport floor coverings. Many people, particularly seniors with failing vision, have not learned the alternative techniques of blindness and rely on their limited vision. This very simple modification would make it easier for them. Many travellers would probably enjoy audio magazines on the audio channels of airplanes. We would classify this suggestion as "nice, but not necessary". However, many sighted people would probably make use of such channels. They could be a good marketing tool for the airlines, not simply an accommodation for the blind. Many blind travellers have developed a good working relationship with travel agents. Whenever something needs to be read, the travel agent reads it as part of the provision of good service to the passenger. Some blind people also work with readers to get the information they need from brochures. Like most people, many blind travellers "skim" through much of the information they are given and discard it. This is not to say that the airlines should not produce brochures and other material in alternative formats. It is to point out that blind people have a variety of alternative techniques for getting needed information in addition to reading it in Braille, on cassettes, or on computer disks. The suggestion of permitting short-term parking for taxis so that the drivers can help passengers get to the ticket counters is a good idea. Many passengers have more luggage than they can conveniently carry. In situations where carrying luggage is not an issue, blind passengers can generally find the ticket counter by asking other travellers or airline personnel once they are inside the airport. Skycaps or airline personnel meeting passengers at curbside would be helpful for almost anyone. Canadian airports do not provide curbside baggage check-in. The climate makes it impractical during the winter, but it might be a good service for all passengers when weather permits. Again, this is an issue which affects the convenience and comfort of all travellers, not just blind people. The suggestion that textured carpeting be laid from the front door of the airport to the help desk causes several problems. First, passengers might not know what the textured carpeting means or whether it has any meaning at all. Second, textured surfaces create problems for people with high-heeled shoes or wheeled luggage. People are more likely to trip over it. A rope-cueing system is not necessarily a problem for blind travellers because it is easy to ask others in line whether or not it is the correct line. As a general philosophical position, anyone who has questions should simply ask them. It is also important to remember that airports are usually crowded with other passengers who are quite willing to answer a question--provided they know the answer themselves. Confusion in airport terminals is wide-spread. Confused blind people need not feel alone. The report mentions several simple ways in which blind people can keep track of boarding passes and other necessary documents. A traveller can always carry a slate and stylus or a dark marker to make necessary notes. Airline personnel are almost always willing to facilitate the process. Airlines in Canada always mention the row numbers of emergency exits on the public address system during general passenger safety briefings. This is extremely helpful and the airlines should be commended for providing this essential information in such a clearly understandable form. This eliminates the need for a specialized emergency briefing for experienced blind travellers. Inexperienced travellers may still wish to have a specialized briefing. Blind travellers should be asked if they want one or not. Of course, anyone who wants additional information should be able to get it without difficulty. Since washrooms on airplanes are unisex, there is no need for tactile markings on their doors. When a blind passenger receives a Braille safety card, that passenger reasonably assumes the card is an accurate Braille rendition of the information on the print card. Often this is not the case. Airlines should provide the same safety information on their Braille brochures as is provided on the print cards. Since many print safety cards contain diagrams rather than written descriptions, the Braille cards should state the ways in which they differ from the print cards. A number of blind travellers make a point of comparing Braille and print safety cards. If the Braille lacks the information contained in the print document, these passengers' Braille "Warning! Vital life-saving information contained on the print safety card has been omitted from this Braille document." Perhaps the next passenger to receive the Braille safety card which has been marked in this way will be in a better position to insist on getting accurate information. Given the choice between inaccurate and incomplete Braille information and no Braille information at all, most blind passengers would rather have none. At least then they know they need to ask. Of course, this should not be the only choice. Accurate and complete Braille information can, and should, be made available. It is unreasonable to ask that blind people be permitted to carry on baggage which sighted travellers must check. If bags are too big to comply with carry on regulations, it doesn't matter to whom they belong. There is help available to find bags on the luggage carousel. A blind traveller should be responsible for seeing that bags are clearly marked and should be able to give the colour and general description of each bag. Some blind passengers mark the handles or the luggage tags of their bag so that they can verify their identification. We hope these comments are helpful in developing guidelines for the industry. Most blind people have developed alternative methods for doing without sight those things for which sight is ordinarily used. Those techniques work as well in airports as they do in shopping malls. (Incidentally, shopping malls are often more complex than airports, yet blind people find a way to manage without being custodiolized by mall management.) The most serious danger in air travel for blind people is that well-meaning personnel will custodialize blind travellers to such an extent that their opportunity to move freely will be restricted. Blind people have often been told by security gate personnel that they may not proceed independently along the terminal concourse. These individuals were not violating security rules in any way. The security personnel simply believed that blind individuals could not travel without an escort. Whatever is done to facilitate communication for blind travellers will be harmful if it also reinforces custodialism. Very truly yours, Mary Ellen Gabias, Secretary National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality GRAB BAG Measuring spices and keeping track of them can be made much easier with a little advanced planning. If the handles of measuring spoons are bent so that the spoon can be lowered into a wide-mouthed jar with liquid or powdered spices, it is easier to measure accurately and avoid spilling. The spoon can be filled and simply lifted straight out of the jar. Large wide-mouthed jars can be labelled in Braille and print. Spices are often cheaper if they are purchased in cellophane bags. Contents can then be dumped into the jar. It is important to make sure that the jar is large enough to hold the entire contents of the package. Otherwise, you are left with an assortment of half empty bags which are hard to identify independently when it is time to refill the jar. If you have any techniques that you would like to share with others, please send us information about them. Sharing tips will help us all become more independent. Submit your items to: NFB:AE, P.O. Box 5058, Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 8T9 Nuts and Bolts Mary Ellen Gabias I'm writing this on January 7, 1997. The beginning of a new year encourages re-assessment and striving for improvement. My first year as Editor of this magazine has been a learning experience. Our original intent was to publish three issues in 1996. The arrival of our third child, Philip, on September 5, brought upheaval to my schedule and great joy to my life. As a result of his birth, our second issue was not ready for mailing in all of its formats until the end of December. We need your feedback in order to make decisions concerning the format of the cassette edition of this magazine. At the philosophical level, we believe that blind persons should have complete access to the information in the print edition. This includes advertising. On the practical level, however, listening to several pages of sponsors' names on a cassette can be quite tedious. We would be glad for any feedback that would help us resolve this philosophical and practical problem. You will also notice that this edition is being produced on standard 1-7/8 IPS 2-track cassette. We have done so because it is our understanding that many blind people do not have players which can handle 4-track 15/16 IPS cassettes. The 4-track format would enable us to produce this magazine on one cassette rather than three. Many other publications for the blind--including the Braille Monitor and Voice of the Diabetic--are recorded on 4-tracks. However, we do not want to publish a magazine which is inaccessible to many of its intended readers. Please let us know which format you prefer. We want our message to reach as many Canadians as possible. In order to keep your copy coming regularly, we need to know about any changes of address. If you know someone you believe would enjoy reading this publication, let us know. We would be happy to send a sample copy without charge. The Canadian Blind Monitor is available in Braille, print, cassette, and on computer disc. We welcome articles from anyone interested in blindness issues. If you have ideas for articles or just want to talk about the magazine, call me toll-free at 1-800-561-4774. 1997 promises to be a year of challenge and accomplishment for the NFB:AE. May it also be a year of promise for each of you. Women to Watch by Lorine Wright From the Editor: The following Article was printed in BC Woman Magazine, March 1997 issue. Meet a woman who is giving vision to the blind. Kelowna resident Mary Ellen Gabias is a magazine editor, a community volunteer and the mother of three young children. She also happens to be blind. Gabias knows that some people may find it surprising that she leads such an independent, productive and fulfilling life, but she hopes to change that perception through her work with the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality. Established as a national organization in Kelowna by Gabias and her husband Paul, the Federation, which was incorporated in 1992, seeks to educate the public that with the right training and equal opportunity there is very little a blind person can't do. "We can absolutely compete on any level," says Gabias, who is editor of the Federation's magazine The Canadian Blind Monitor. The Federation also holds meetings to bring blind people together to build self-esteem, discuss specific problems and offer solutions, and to provide support to the parents of blind children. Gabias says that while it is important for blind people to integrate with the rest of the world, it is also beneficial for blind children to come in contact with blind adults. "For example, I grew up wondering how I'd ever be able to handle being a parent because I was 18 before I met parents who were blind," recalls Gabias. "I didn't understand how I would be able to take care of my children, but as an adult I learned how it could be done." Gabias, 44, was obviously a quick study because she gets plenty of exercise running after her three children: Joanne, 7, Jeffrey, 4, and Philip, who is 4 months old. Mary Ellen and Paul, who is a psychology professor at Okanagan University College, met about nine years ago when she was on staff at The National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, and he came to the Federation to attend a leadership seminar. They married 10 months after they met and Mary Ellen, who grew up in Ohio and has a bachelor's degree in psychology, moved to Canada with Paul. The Federation also sends blind people to special seminars and classes for job training and networking because unemployment is an ongoing problem in the blind community. "We want employers to know that being blind is not a negative," Gabias explains. "I know from my own experience that being blind has forced me to a greater level of skill and organization than I might have had otherwise." DID YOU KNOW ...? Toll-free Tidbit If you've ever been frustrated by being unable to reach a toll-free number because it does not work from your area code, BC Tel offers a tip which might help. Instead of dialling 1-800, try dialling 1-880. If you are successfully connected to the number you want, you will be charged 18 cents per minute. This is generally much cheaper than direct dial rates during peak hours. Beware When Banking Some banks have begun charging different rates for transactions involving the assistance of a teller and those performed through an ATM. Charges for teller assistance are often higher. Since ATM's are not accessible to blind people without assistance, the difference in charges means extra expense for blind people. Check with your bank to ensure that you are not being unjustly penalized. Your bank may be willing to waive extra charges, or you may be able to save money by signing up for a flat rate, all-inclusive service charge. Braille Monitor By Every-Mail You can now get The Braille Monitor shipped each month automatically to your e-mail address. To get on the mailing list send an electronic message containing the line "subscribe brl-monitor." Give your full name. Send your request FROM the e-mail address where you wish to receive the electronic text. (The software will use your e-mail return address as the destination address for the Monitor.) Send it to listserve@braille.org and you will receive an e-mail acknowledgment. For more information, including delivery problems, how to cancel your subscription, or change your address, send e-mail to postmaster@braille.org. To communicate with the NFB itself, contact nfb@digex.net. Grade One Braille If you are looking for a source of "grade 1" Braille to practice on while learning "grade 2" the Lutheran Braille Workers Inc. (Box 5000, Yucaipa, CA 92399-1450) has some religious books and books of the Bible available in that format. They even have some in the no longer used "grade 1.5" which has only a limited number of single-cell contractions which you can use for further practice as you advance in "grade 2". NOTE: The last two items of information appeared in the Fall 1996 edition of the New Hampshire Federationist, 18, Vol. 8, No. 2. NFB:AE Charter To the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs of Canada. I The undersigned hereby apply to the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs for the grant of a charter by letters patent under the provisions of Part II of the Canada Corporations Act constituting the undersigned, and such others as may become members of the Corporation thereby created, a body corporate and politic under the name of NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND: ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY. The undersigned have satisfied themselves and are assured that the proposed name under which in corporation is sought is not the same or similar to the name under which any other company, society, association or firm in existence is carrying on business in Canada or is incorporated under the laws of Canada or any province thereof or so nearly resembles the same as to be calculated to deceive and that it is not a name which is otherwise on public grounds objectionable. II The applicants are individuals of the full age of eighteen years with power under law to contract. (Founding directors' names, addresses, and occupations are then listed.) III The objects of the Corporation are: 1. To serve as a vehicle for self improvement by the blind and for public education about blindness throughout the dominion of Canada. 2. To function as a mechanism through which the blind and interested sighted persons can come together in local, provincial, and national meetings to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life for the blind. 3. To provide a means by which blind adults can share their experience and act as mentors for blind children and support parents in their efforts to improve educational opportunities for blind children. 4. To create a climate through public education to increase opportunities for blind people in employment and social integration. 5. To take any other action similar to those above which will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind. IV The operations of the Corporation may be carried on throughout Canada and elsewhere. V The place within Canada where the head office of the Corporation is to be situated is: Kelowna, British Columbia. VI It is specially provided that in the event of dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation all its remaining assets after payment of its liabilities shall be distributed to one or more qualified donees as defined under the provisions of the Income Tax Act or, registered charitable organizations in Canada. VII In accordance with Section 65 of the Canada Corporations Act, it is provided that, when authorized by by-law, duly passed by the directors and sanctioned by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a special general meeting of the members duly called for considering the by-law, the directors of the Corporation may from time to time a) borrow money upon the credit of the Corporation; b) limit or increase the amount to be borrowed; c) issue debentures or other securities of the Corporation; d) pledge or sell such debentures or other securities for such sums and at such prices as may be deemed expedient; and, e) secure any such debentures, or other securities, or any other present or future borrowing or liability of the Corporation, by mortgage, hypothec, charge or pledge of all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real and personal, movable and immovable, property of the Corporation and the undertaking and rights of the Corporation. Any such by-law may provide for the delegation of such powers by the directors to such officers or directors of the corporation to such extent and in such manner as may be set out in the by-law. Nothing herein limits or restricts the borrowing of money by the Corporation on bills of exchange or promissory notes made, drawn, accepted or endorsed by or on behalf of the Corporation. VIII The by-laws of the Corporation shall be those filed with the application for letters patent until repealed, amended, altered or added to. IX The Corporation is to carry on its operations without pecuniary gain to its members and any profits or other accretions to the Corporation are to be used in promoting its objects. BY-LAWS NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND: ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY The objects of the Corporation are: 1. To serve as a vehicle for self improvement by the blind and for public education about blindness throughout the dominion of Canada. 2. To function as a mechanism through which the blind and interested sighted persons can come together in local, provincial, and national meetings to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life for the blind. 3. To provide a means by which blind adults can share their experience and act as mentors for blind children and support parents in their efforts to improve educational opportunities for blind children. 4. To create a climate through public education to increase opportunities for blind people in employment and social integration. 5. To take any other action similar to those above which will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind. CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP 2. Membership in the Corporation shall consist of two classes of members: active members and supporting members. At least a majority of the active members of this Corporation must be blind. Active membership shall be of two (2) classifications: active members who are affiliated with provincial affiliates or divisions and active members who are not affiliated with provincial affiliates or divisions. a) All active members of provincial affiliates or divisions shall upon application become active members of this Corporation, with the right to vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor, and hold office. b) Any person who is not affiliated with a provincial affiliate or division may upon application become an active member of this corporation by receiving a majority vote of the active members voting at a convention or by complying with requirements established by the board of directors. The board of directors shall establish procedures for admission of divisions and shall determine the structure of divisions. The divisions shall, with the approval of the board, adopt constitutions and determine their membership policies. Membership in divisions shall not be conditioned upon membership in provincial affiliates. Any person may become a supporting member of this corporation through procedures established by the convention or the board of directors. Supporting members shall have all the rights and privileges of active members, except that they may not vote, hold office, or serve on the board of directors. 3. The board of directors shall determine the annual dues to be paid by active members in the provincial affiliates and divisions. No person may vote who is delinquent in the payment of his or her dues. Supporting members shall not pay dues. 4. Any member may withdraw from the Corporation by delivering to the Corporation a written resignation and lodging a copy of the same with the secretary of the Corporation. 5. Provincial affiliates shall be organizations of the blind controlled by the blind. No organization shall be recognized as an "organization of the blind controlled by the blind" unless at least a majority of its voting members and a majority of the voting members of its local chapters are blind. 6. The board of directors shall establish procedures for the admission of provincial affiliates. There shall be only one provincial affiliate in each province. 7. Any member may be expelled; and any chapter, provincial affiliate or division may be expelled, suspended, or reorganized for violation of these by-laws or for conduct unbecoming to a member, chapter, provincial affiliate, or division of this corporation by a majority vote of the active members voting at any regular business session of this Corporation, or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the board of directors. If the action is to be taken by the board of directors, there must be good cause, and a good faith effort must have been made to try to resolve the problem by discussion and negotiation. If a dispute arises as to whether there was “ cause”, or whether the board made “ faith effort”, the National Convention (acting in its capacity as the supreme authority of the Corporation) shall have the power to make final disposition of the matter; but until or unless the board's action is reversed by the National Convention, the ruling of the board shall continue in effect. HEAD OFFICE 8. Until changed in accordance with the Act, the Head Office of the Corporation shall be in the City of Kelowna, British Columbia. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 9. The function of the board of directors as the governing body of the Corporation between Conventions is to make policies when necessary and not in conflict with the policies adopted by the Convention. Policy decisions which can reasonably be postponed until the next meeting of the National Convention shall not be made by the board of directors. The board of directors shall serve as a credentials committee. It shall have the power to deal with organizational problems presented to it by any member, local chapter, provincial affiliate, or division; shall decide appeals regarding the validity of elections in local chapters, provincial affiliates, or divisions; and shall certify the credentials of voters when questions regarding the validity of such credentials arise. 10. Under the leadership of the president the property and business of the Corporation shall be managed by a board of six (6) directors of whom four (4) shall constitute a quorum. Directors must be individuals, 18 years of age, with power under law to contract. All directors must be blind and active members of the Corporation. 11. The applicants for incorporation shall become the first directors of the Corporation whose term of office on the board of directors shall continue until their successors are elected at the third annual meeting of members. At the third meeting of members, the board of directors then elected shall replace the provisional directors named in the letters patent of the Corporation. 12. Directors shall be elected for a term of two (2) years by the members at an annual meeting of members. The president, second vice-president and secretary shall be elected during odd numbered years, and the first vice-president, treasurer and other board members during even numbered years. 13. The office of director shall be automatically vacated: a) if a director shall resign his office by delivering a written resignation to the secretary of the Corporation; b) if he is found by a court to be of unsound mind; c) if he becomes bankrupt or suspends payment or compounds with his creditors; d) if at a special meeting of the members a motion is passed by a majority of the members present at the meeting that he be removed from office. A board member may be suspended for violation of a policy of the organization or for other action unbecoming to a member of the Corporation. The board may not suspend one of its own members except for good cause and after a good faith effort has been made to try to resolve the problem by discussion and negotiation. If a dispute arises as to whether there was “ cause” or whether the board made “good faith effort”, the National Convention (acting in its capacity as the supreme authority of the Corporation) shall have the power to make final disposition of the matter; but until or unless the board's action is reversed by the National Convention, the ruling of the board shall continue in effect; e) on death; provided that if any vacancy shall occur for any reason in this paragraph contained, the board of directors by majority vote, may, by appointment, fill the vacancy with a member of the Corporation, until the next annual meeting of the members. 14. Meetings of the board of directors may be held at any time and place to be determined by the president or the written request of any two (2) members provided that 48 hours written notice of such meeting shall be given, other than by mail, to each director. Notice by mail shall be sent at least 14 days prior to the meeting. There shall be at least one (1) meeting per year of the board of directors. No error or omission in giving notice of any meeting of the board of directors or any adjourned meeting of the board of directors of the Corporation shall invalidate such meeting or make void any proceedings taken thereat. If a majority of the directors of the Corporation consent thereto generally or in respect of a particular meeting, a director may participate in a meeting of the board or of a committee of the board by means of such conference telephone or other communications facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other, and a director participating in such a meeting by such means is deemed to be present at the meeting. A resolution in writing, signed by all the directors entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of directors or committee of directors is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of directors or committee of directors. 15. The directors shall serve as such without remuneration and no director shall directly or indirectly receive any profit from his position as such; provided that a director may be paid reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation as an officer or in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. 16. A retiring director shall remain in office until the dissolution or adjournment of the meeting at which his retirement is accepted and his successor is elected. 17. The board of directors with the approval of the president may appoint such agents and engage such employees as it shall deem necessary from time to time and such persons shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed by the board of directors at the time of such appointment. 18. The board of directors may, in its discretion, create a National Advisory Board and determine the duties, and qualifications of the members of the National Advisory Board. INDEMNITIES TO DIRECTORS AND OTHERS 19. Every director or officer of the Corporation or other person who has undertaken or is about to undertake any liability on behalf of the Corporation or any company controlled by it and their heirs, executors and administrators, and estate and effects, respectively, shall from time to time and at all times, be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the Corporation, from and against; a) all costs, charges and expenses which such director, officer or other person sustains or incurs in or about any action, suit or proceedings which is brought, commenced or prosecuted against him, or in respect of any act, deed, matter of thing whatsoever, made, done or permitted by him, in or about the execution of the duties of his office or in respect of any such liability; b) all other costs, charges and expenses which he sustains or incurs in or about or in relation to the affairs thereof, except such costs, charges or expenses as are occasioned by his own willful neglect or default. POWERS OF DIRECTORS 20. The directors of the Corporation may administer the affairs of the Corporation in all things and make or cause to be made for the Corporation, in its name, any kind of contract which the Corporation may lawfully enter into and, save as hereinafter proved, generally, may exercise all such other powers and do all such other acts and things as the Corporation is by its charter or otherwise authorized to exercise and do. 21. The directors shall have power to authorize expenditures on behalf of the Corporation from time to time and may delegate by resolution to an officer or officers of the Corporation the right to employ and pay salaries to employees. The directors shall have the power to enter into a trust arrangement with a trust company for the purpose of creating a trust fund in which the capital and interest may be made available for the benefit of promoting the interest of the Corporation in accordance with such terms as the board of directors may prescribe. 22. The board of directors shall take such steps as they may deem requisite to enable the Corporation to acquire, accept, solicit or receive legacies, gifts, grants, settlements, bequests, endowments and donations of any kind whatsoever for the purpose of furthering the objects of the Corporation. OFFICERS 23. The officers of the Corporation shall be a president, first vice-president, second vice-president, secretary and treasurer and any such other officers as the board of directors may by by-law determine. Any two offices may be held by the same person. All officers must be on the board of directors of the Corporation. They shall be elected biannually by majority vote of the membership at an annual meeting of members. Officers shall be subject to removal by resolution of the board of directors at any time. A reasonable remuneration for all officers shall be fixed by the board of directors by resolution. DUTIES OF OFFICERS 24. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the Corporation and of the board of directors. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the annual convention are carried into effect. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board of directors are carried into effect. He shall have the general and active management of the affairs of the Corporation: authorizing expenditures from the Corporation treasury in accordance with and in implementation of the policies established by the convention; appointing all committees of the Corporation; coordinating all activities of the Corporation, including the work of other officers and of committees; hiring, supervising, and dismissing staff members and other employees of the Corporation, and determining their numbers and compensation; taking all administrative actions necessary and proper to put into effect the programs and accomplish the purposes of the Corporation. 25. The vice-president shall, in the absence or disability of the president, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the president and shall perform such other duties as shall from time to time be imposed upon him by the president. 26. The treasurer shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Corporation and shall keep full and accurate accounts of all assets, liabilities, receipts and disbursements of the Corporation in the books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all monies, securities and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such chartered bank or trust company, or, in the case of securities, in such registered dealer in securities as may be designated by the president from time to time. He shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be directed by proper authority taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and directors at the regular meeting of the board of directors, or whenever they may require it, an accounting of all the transactions and a statement of the financial position, of the Corporation. He shall be custodian of the seal of the Corporation which he shall deliver only when authorized by the president and to such person or persons as may be named by the president. He shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be directed by the president or the board of directors. 27. The secretary may be empowered by the president to carry out the affairs of the Corporation generally under the supervision of the president thereof and shall attend all meetings and act as clerk thereof and record all votes and minutes of all proceedings in the books to be kept for that purpose. He shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the members and of the board of directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or president. 28. The duties of all other officers of the Corporation shall be such as the terms of their engagement call for or the president requires of them. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CONVENTION 29. The Convention is the supreme authority of the Corporation. It is the legislature of the Corporation. As such, it has final authority with respect to all issues of policy. Its decisions shall be made after opportunity has been afforded for full and fair discussion. Members in attendance may participate in all convention discussions as a matter of right. Any active member of the Corporation may make or second motions, propose nominations, and serve on committees; and is eligible for election to office, except that only blind members may be elected to the National Board. Consistent with the democratic character of the Corporation, convention meetings shall be so conducted as to prevent parliamentary manoeuvre which would have the effect of interfering with the expression of the will of the majority on any question, or with the rights of the minority to full and fair presentation of their views. Issues of process shall be resolved in accordance with “obert's Rules of Order”. The Convention is not merely a gathering of representatives of separate provincial organizations. It is a meeting of the Corporation at the national level in its character as a national organization. Committees of the Corporation are committees of the national organization. PROVINCIAL AFFILIATES 30. Any organized group desiring to become a provincial affiliate of The National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality shall apply for affiliation by submitting to the president of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality, a copy of its constitution and a list of the names and addresses of its elected officers. Under procedures to be established by the board of directors, action shall be taken on the application. If the action is affirmative, the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality shall issue to the organization a charter of affiliation. Upon request of the national president the provincial affiliate shall provide to the national president the names and addresses of its members. Copies of all amendments to the constitution and/or by-laws of an affiliate shall be sent without delay to the national president. No organization shall be accepted as an affiliate and no organization shall remain an affiliate unless at least a majority of its voting members are blind. The president, vice-president (or vice-presidents), and at least a majority of the executive committee or board of directors of the provincial affiliate and of all of its local chapters must be blind. Affiliates must not merely be social organizations but must formulate programs and actively work to promote the economic and social betterment of the blind. Affiliates and their local chapters must comply with the provisions of the constitution of the Corporation. Policy decisions of the Corporation are binding upon affiliates and local chapters, and the affiliate and its local chapters must participate affirmatively in carrying out such policy decisions. The name National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality, or any variant thereof is the property of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality and any affiliate, or local chapter of an affiliate, which ceases to be part of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality (for whatever reason) shall forthwith forfeit the right to use the name National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality or any variation thereof. A general convention of the membership of an affiliate or of the elected delegates of the membership must be held and its principal executive officers must be elected at least once every two years. There can be no closed membership. Proxy voting is prohibited. Each affiliate must have a written constitution or by-laws setting forth its structure, the authority of its officers, and the basic procedures which it will follow. No publicly contributed funds may be divided among the membership of an affiliate or local chapter on the basis of membership, and (upon request from the National Office) an affiliate or local chapter must present an accounting of all of its receipts and expenditures. An affiliate or local chapter must not indulge in attacks upon the officers, board members, leaders, or members of the Corporation or upon the organization itself outside of the organization, and must not allow its officers or members to indulge in such attacks. This requirement shall not be interpreted to interfere with the right of an affiliate or local chapter, or its officers or members, to carry on a political campaign inside the Corporation for election to office or to achieve policy changes. However, the organization will not sanction or permit deliberate, sustained campaigns of internal organizational destruction by provincial affiliates, local chapters, or members. No affiliate or local chapter may join or support, or allow its officers or members to join or support, any temporary or permanent organization inside the Corporation which has not received the sanction and approval of the Corporation. EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS 31. Contracts, documents or any instruments in writing requiring the signature of the Corporation, shall be signed by the president or his appointee with written appointment by the president, and all contracts, documents and instruments in writing so signed shall be binding upon the Corporation without any further authorization or formality. The president may give the Corporation's power of attorney to any registered dealer in securities for the purpose of the transferring of and dealing with any stocks, bonds, and other securities of the Corporation. The seal of the Corporation when required may be affixed to contracts, documents and instruments in writing signed as aforesaid. MEETINGS 32. The annual or any other general meeting of the members shall be held at the head office of the Corporation or at any place in Canada as the president may determine and on such day or days as the said president shall appoint. The board of directors may resolve that a particular meeting of members be held outside Canada. 33. At every annual meeting, in addition to any other business that may be transacted, the report of the president, the financial statement and the report of the auditors shall be presented and auditors appointed for the ensuing year. The members may consider and transact any business either special or general at any meeting of the members. The board of directors or the president shall have power to call, at any time, a general meeting of members. Five (5%) per cent of members present in person at an annual meeting will constitute a quorum. 34. Fourteen (14) days' written notice shall be given to each voting member of any annual or special general meeting of members. Notice of any meeting where special business will be transacted shall contain sufficient information to permit the member to form a reasoned judgment on the decision to be taken. Each voting member present at a meeting shall have the right to exercise one vote. A resolution in writing, signed by all the members entitled to vote on that resolution at a special meeting of members, is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of members. 35. No error or omission in giving notice of any annual or general meeting or any adjourned meeting, whether annual or general, of the members of the Corporation shall invalidate such meeting or make void any proceedings taken thereat. For purpose of sending notice to any member, director or officer for any meeting or otherwise, the address of the member, director or officer shall be his last address recorded on the books of the Corporation. VOTING OF MEMBERS 36. At all meetings of members of the Corporation, every question shall be determined by a majority of votes unless otherwise specifically provided by statute or by these by-laws. FINANCIAL YEAR 37. Unless otherwise ordered by the board of directors, the fiscal year-end of the Corporation shall be December 31. COMMITTEES 38. The president may appoint committees except in the case of a National Nominating Committee whose members will hold their offices at the will of the president. The president shall determine the duties of such committees and may fix any remuneration to be paid. AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS 39. The by-laws of the Corporation not embodied in the letters patent may be released or amended by by-law enacted by a majority of the directors at a meeting of the board of directors and sanctioned by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members at a general meeting of the members, provided that the repeal or amendment of such by-laws shall not be enforced or acted upon until the approval of the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs has been obtained. AUDITORS 40. The president shall, at each annual meeting, recommend an auditor to audit the accounts of the Corporation for report to the members at the next annual meeting. This recommendation shall be ratified by the general membership at the annual meeting. The auditor shall hold office until the next annual meeting provided that the directors may fill any casual vacancy in the office of the auditor. The remuneration of the auditor shall be negotiated by the president, or his appointee. BOOKS AND RECORDS 41. The directors shall see that all necessary books and records of the Corporation required by the by-laws of the Corporation or by any applicable statute or law are regularly and properly kept. RULES AND REGULATIONS 42. The president and the board of directors may prescribe such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the by-laws relating to the management and operation of the Corporation as they deem expedient, provided that such rules and regulations shall have force and effect only until the next annual meeting of the members of the Corporation when they shall be confirmed, and failing such confirmation at such annual meeting of members, shall at and from that time cease to have any force and effect. INTERPRETATION 43. In these by-laws and in all other by-laws of the Corporation hereafter passed unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular number or the masculine gender shall include the plural number or the feminine gender, as the case may be, and vice versa, and references to persons shall include firms and corporations. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CANADIAN BLIND MONITOR The Canadian Blind Monitor is printed three times a year. Members of NFB:AE are invited, non-members are requested, to cover subscription costs with an annual fee of $10.00. The Canadian Blind Monitor is a publication where the blind speak for themselves. Yes, I am interested in receiving the Canadian Blind Monitor I am interested in receiving NFB:AE membership information. (Please specify preferred format) Print Braille Cassette Computer Disk I wish to become a member of the NFB:AE! Please check all that apply: Blind; Sighted Supporter; Active Parent of Blind Child; Name Address City, Prov., Postal Code Telephone ( ) Mail to: NFB:AE P.O. Box 5058, Kelowna B.C. V1Y 8T9 1-800-561-4774 Fax: (250) 763-4022 E-Mail: nfbcan@bc.sympatico.ca