THE OBSERVER The Montana Association for the Blind Spring / Summer 1997 an affiliate of The National Federation of the Blind Montana Association For The Blind Box 352, Butte MT 59703 (406) 723-3383 Who We Are . . . The Montana Association For The Blind is a 501 (c) 3 consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from personal experience that with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance. The Montana Association For The Blind has eleven local chapters around the state. The organization sponsors an annual training program, the Summer Orientation Program for the Blind and Partially Sighted. The Montana Association For The Blind is a chartered affiliate of The National Federation of the Blind. Our quarterly newsletter, The Observer, is produced in large print, Braille, 3.5" computer disk, on cassette, or e-mail. Dues for membership are $5.00 annually. To receive more information about the Montana Association For The Blind, to make address changes for the newsletter, or to be added to our mailing list, call (406) 723-3383. Financial contributions to offset our newsletter costs are appreciated. Anyone is invited to send articles, information, and announcements to be considered for publication in The Observer. Please submit items in the most final form possible. Unless you specify otherwise, final editorial decisions rest with the Editor. Send items on computer disks, in print, tape, or by electronic mail to: Rik James, Observer Editor, 716 N. Montana, Bozeman, MT 59715- 2921. Phone: (406) 586-4123 / E-mail: Disk and cassette subscribers: You may duplicate the materials, but PLEASE return the tape or disk to the return address on the envelope. Braille subscribers: You may keep the Braille text of your newsletter, but PLEASE return the binder with the attached instructional sheet to the return address on its original envelope. The Observer is expensive enough to produce without these extra costs. Your cooperation is appreciated. CONTENTS News From The Editor By Rik James ....................................... 1 1997 MAB Convention Reflections by Myrle Tompkins & Lorraine Cattermole Justice Takes a Baby Step by Dan Burke Montanan Speaks at National Convention by Cody Greiser Braille for Blind Kids Now the Law Katie Kurns Takes Action by Dan Burke Chapter Roundup Inside The MAB / Personals In Memorium Announcements Board of Directors Special Report: The Cody Greiser Story: A Work In Progress By Jim Marks THE OBSERVER Newsletter of The Montana Association For The Blind (an affiliate of The National Federation Of The Blind) P.O. Box 352, Butte, MT 59703 (406) 723-3383 Rik James, Editor Myrle Tompkins & Dan Burke, Associate Editors, Pro Tem Vol. 48 Spring / Summer , 1997 No. 2 From The Editor: Oh, Montana, where does the time go? Seems like only yesterday, we were in Helena, enjoying those spring winds, and holding a very successful state convention. It was not my intention, however for so much time to pass before another issue of our newsletter. And if you've been anxiously awaiting this issue, I apologize for the delay. The autumn issue is already in the works and should be out soon. Sometimes in volunteer organizations, things unforeseen occur which throw a wrench in to your routine. And such a wrench delivered me to Louisiana this past May, getting training that I hope will be worthwhile for all of us. In late April, I was accepted into the graduate program at Louisiana Tech University which will certify blind cane travel instructors. It has been a very hot and humid summer for me, and coming after our Montana winter, it took some real adjustment. But I am very excited for this opportunity. It has long been my hope to continue my education, and to become more qualified provider and teacher of persons who are blind and legally blind. There is a great need for persons in this profession, and so I am very much looking forward to increasing my own knowledge and ability to teach. The road ahead is filled with challenges, but I hope you will continue to show me your support and encouragement, as you have in the past. Though I will be out of state for a short while, I remain committed to our goals and programs, and my responsibility as your officer is not in any way diminished. Please contact me with all matters just as you do in Montana, only write to me at c/o The Louisianna Center For The Blind, 101 S. Trenton, Ruston, LA 71270. Phone: 318/255-1421 or 318/251-2891. My email address is still "rikjames@mcn.net". I check all messages regularly, and would love to hear from you. During the convention in Helena last April, you passed a resolution on the floor which will have a tremendous impact on this newsletter in the future. It instructed our Board of Directors to approve two associate editors who will assist the editor of The Observer, and work under the editor's direction. For this issue, Myrle Tompkins of Helena and Dan Burke of Missoula have agreed to serve as associate editors. They have worked very hard, too. If you are interested in contributing on a regular basis to The Observer by finding, writing, editing or laying out copy, please contact me or the MAB office in Butte. I would like to submit the names of associate editors to the Board at the next meeting in October. I know Myrle and Dan will do a good job, and I hope you will help them to keep The Observer a reliable and informative source of information about our organization and within the blindness movement. 1997 MAB Convention Reflections by Myrle Tompkins, Capital City Chapter President and Lorraine Cattermole, 1997 Convention Coordinator The Capital City Chapter of the MAB extends a thanks to all who attended the 1997 State Convention held in Helena April 11-13. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed planning it. Now that there is time to think about the 1997 Convention we realize it is people that make it a successful event. Participants came from all over Montana. Bernice Johnson from Antelope took the train to Havre where she was met by her brother and then driven to Helena. Over 100 came from all parts of the state and represented ten MAB Chapters. Thanks to Rik James for his efforts in setting up the Orientation & Mobility seminar for children. Joe Cutter of New Jersey presented the program to professionals, parents and MAB members. He was enthusiastically received by all who attended. Our thanks also go to Bennie Longie for his work in organizing the Blind Veterans Association in Montana. And congratulations to Bennie and Judy on the birth of their son. Our theme, "Lighting the Way for the Children", was emphasized by Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, who opened the Convention with the presentation of the colors. The Helena Youth Choir followed. The stars of this gathering were the four students that spoke on Saturday. Brittany Eldredge, 16, told us of her experiences in middle school and now as a high school sophomore. She has attended Helena schools since pre- kindergarten. Sean Phillips, a high school student from Great Falls, told of his life as a student with low vision and how difficult it is to pack large print books around. He also plays sports with the Montana Deaf and Blind School students. Teresa Leese and Dave Donaldson spoke from the college point of view. Teresa, a 1995 Emil Honka Scholarship recipient, graduated from the University of Montana-Missoula this spring, and is beginning to look for a job. She described the ways in which she advocated successfully for herself while working for her degree. Dave is in his second year at Flathead Valley Community College. He told of the difficulty in competing with sighted peers while not having adequate blindness skills and the steps he now feels he must take to be successful. Dan Nau and Kere Sheppard are this year's Emil Honka Scholarship winners. Dan is studying to be an elementary teacher and doing his practice teaching. Kere is studying to be a range management specialist. Both gave gracious thank-you's at the banquet. Jeanette Ingold, a Missoula author, gave a captivating after-dinner talk on her book The Window. The main character is a blind high school girl, and Jeanette described how she researched the experiences, tools, and technology that blind students might use. She cited many MAB members as among those who were especially helpful in making the character and her blindness real. This young adult novel has been recorded by the Montana Talking Books Library and is available now. It is highly recommend. We look forward to the 1998 Convention, to be hosted by the Dillon and Butte chapters. Justice Takes a Baby Step by Dan Burke (Editor's Note: At the end of this issue there is a Special Report, written by Jim Marks, which details the fair hearing proceedings for Cody Greiser. This article makes references to that report. It appears out of sequence since we wanted to have Jim's report as a special pull-out section.) From the time Cody Greiser's parents first took him to preschool they understood that they would have to be ever vigilant if their blind child were to receive an education worthy of that name. As his father tells it they brought a Braille name-tag in to the Dillon preschool Cody attended. They wanted Cody to begin early to learn the medium of reading and writing accessible to the blind. But when they looked at the name-tag after it had been hung by school staff they found it was upside-down. Cody's parents, Nancy Taylor of Polson and Marty Greiser of Dillon, have never forgotten that lesson. Their need to be watchful has been both reinforced and rewarded by the recent fair hearing decision. The reinforcement comes in the form of the demonstrated inability of Polson's Cherry Valley School to comprehend what it takes to educate a blind child -- or even to believe that a blind teacher who reads and writes in Braille is better than a sighted aid who can't. The comment made by the Lake County Deputy Attorney unmasks the very worst kind of prejudice about blindness and the competence of blind citizens. Examine further the statement by Cody's principal who said that school officials didn't feel his Braille skills had progressed sufficiently to justify the investment in a computer and Braille printer. Yet it is the school which ultimately must bear the responsibility for his literacy. In truth, Cherry Valley School has not even provided Cody with so much as a slate and stylus -- a blind child's equivalent to pencil and paper. I can't help but marvel at this admission by Principal Meeks that her school was failing to educate Cody. Certainly such well-educated professionals can see the irony in this statement. The rewards that Cody's parents have received, of course, are that their righteous insistence that Cody get a first-rate education has led to this decision. There should be no losers in this battle and the only winner can be Cody himself. The law of the land for children with disabilities worked. As the blind of Montana, however, we must remember how crucial our role was and how crucial the role of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children has been. The community of Montana's blind and of blind parents across the country has been the key to informing and supporting Cody Greiser's parents in the continuing struggle for their child's very future. The MAB has provided $500 toward legal fees, and promised another $400 if they do not win their battle to force Polson schools to pay the nearly $4000 in attorney's fees accumulated thus far. The "Parents' Division" of the NFB has taught Cody's parents what he truly needed from his education and not to simply accept what school officials said they were willing to provide. I first met Cody last January when he attended the Washington Seminar with his dad. Two things about Cody deeply impress me. First Cody has an extremely creative and active mind. He is about the same age as my own son Sean, who is also very creative and has been in Missoula's gifted program since second grade. The comparison was obvious to me. There is no doubt in my mind that Cody Greiser is a very intelligent young man. The second thing about Cody which impressed me is that he is very unhappy in school. He found numerous ways to tell the adults around him of his unhappiness while we were in Washington. This simple fact cannot be ignored then: No child will be happy when his school is failing him. Cherry Valley School has failed to provide the education that Cody needs, deserves, and is entitled to receive. THEY have been spanked but show little sign of reforming their misguided ways. The struggles for Cody's parents have not been in vain but neither are they over. Even now, following this decision, Cherry Valley School has hired a Braille instructor from California rather than have Kim Bojkovsky of Thompson Falls -- a blind teacher and Braille reader -- instruct Cody. And they have postponed purchase of computer equipment until the new instructor arrives, meaning only further delays and denials for Cody. School officials continue to refuse to give any information about the qualifications of the new teacher. So, let us continue to stand beside Cody and his parents. Let the MAB be known across this great state as an organization with the sword of justice in its hand and Truth on its lips. Let us make it plain that we will not be satisfied with just any education for blind children, and that we expect qualified teachers for Montana kids who are blind. Let us never forget the blind children of Montana and let us be the ever-present reminder that blind Montanans expect far more than second rate. Montanan Speaks at National Convention by Cody Greiser (Editor's note: Cody Greiser spoke at the annual meeting of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, in New Orleans, on June 29, 1997. He was a member of a panel of other students. The panel was called "Around the Block, To The Mall, and Beyond." Cody wrote his speech himself in Braille and delivered it from his Braille text. Here is what Cody told the parents and educators in the audience.) Hello everyone, my name is Cody Greiser. I am ten years old, and I live in Polson, Montana. Next year I will be in the fifth grade. My dad says I was two and a half when I got my first cane, but I really don't remember that. My O & M teacher comes once a month to our school where he shows me how to follow sidewalks, go around the block and stuff like that. Mrs. Coburn and I practice those things when he is not there. I don't use a cane in my house or my dad's house or my grandma's house or in my classroom, but just about everywhere else. If I don't have my cane with me I have to be very careful. Sometimes I get so excited for recess I leave the room without it and then think, "Oh, my cane", and go back and get it. If I lay my cane down on the playground, sometimes kids take it, but I always get it back. When I get in the car I put my cane crossway on the floor or between the seat and the door. Once when I went to my dad's I forgot my cane and had to use a collapsible one he had. I didn't like it because when it collapses it feels like you're going into a hole. I have been to lots of conventions and I liked Detroit the best because everything wasn't carpeted and they had lots of escalators. Escalators are really neat, but I hate the moving sidewalks in airports because the end comes when you are not ready. I like going up in the mountains where I can climb on steep hillsides and throw rocks off cliffs. I like the way they bounce all the way to the bottom. I have been skiing, but really don't like it because you can't use your cane. Somebody should invent a ski cane. When I walk down the railroad tracks with my dad back to the slough and river I'll throw rocks on both sides to see what's over there. No matter where I go I sometimes run into things. If I hit something really hard the first thing I do is check to see if I am bleeding. I've had bruises, bumps, and stitches, but that's the way it goes because I don't want to just sit around. Thanks for listening. Braille for Blind Kids Now the Law On June 4, 1997, President Clinton signed into law the newest amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as IDEA. IDEA is the law which entitles America's children who have disabilities to receive appropriate educations in the nation's public schools. The most critical accomplishment of the new amendments is the requirement that Braille be taught to blind and visually impaired children. What this means is that parents and educators will not have to request Braille instruction. Braille instruction will be automatic, unless parents and teachers decide unanimously that it shouldn't be taught. Braille and blindness are referred to three times in the amendments. In the version of IDEA passed in 1990, these words were never mentioned. This tremendous victory will have an important impact on the blind children of today and the future. It came with hard work and careful planning from NFB members in Baltimore and across the country. In January, six MAB members lobbied in Washington, D.C. for this and other important legislation. Among them were young Cody Greiser, who also brought along his dad, Marty. The next step, however, will be the many opportunities for public comment to the Department of Education as they prepare the regulations that will implement the Braille provisions of this law. Our work is not yet done. Katie Kurns Takes Action by Dan Burke When I read Katie Kurns' reports from The White Cane Club meetings for this past spring, I was intrigued by what Senators Baucus and Burns had written to her. But more than that, I was proud of her for taking the action she did -- writing to our elected public officials in Washington, D.C. about issues so critical to the blind of Montana and the Nation. Katie has acted in one of the most patriotic ways possible -- she's written to her representatives in government and asked them to respond to her. By doing this, she has placed herself squarely in the democratic process, and she's brought all of Montana's blind along with her. Just as important, she has joined us with our brothers and sisters across the country with whom we share this struggle. The Blind Persons Earnings Equity Act was introduced into both the House of Representatives and the Senate last February. The legislation would restore the practice of linking blind individuals and senior citizens in regard to Social Security earnings limit thresholds. The Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act passed by the 104th Congress raised the threshold for senior citizens to $30,000 by 2002, but it did not raise the threshold for blind individuals. Conrad Burns wrote to Katie on April 14, 1997. This is part of what he said: ... At this time, I am weighing the merits of restoring this link. You can be sure that I will have your comments in mind as I evaluate the legislation. On June 3, 1997 Max Baucus wrote to Katie: ... Rest assured that I will keep your views in mind when this bill comes before me in the Senate ... I have always strongly supported creating incentives for the disabled to earn money. As you can see by these responses, we need to continue to let Sen. Baucus know how we feel, and to thank him for his support so far. We need to pour letters and phone calls into Sen. Burns' office to swing him into our camp on the earnings limit for blind workers. And we need to flood Rick Hill's office to pressure him to respond to us when we write to him. They all need to know that blind Montanans are important constituents. Addresses of our Congressional delegation follow. If you write on raising the Social Security earnings limit for blind beneficiaries, include the bill numbers if possible. In the House, it's H.R. 612. In the Senate, it's known as S. 375. Good work, Katie! Max Baucus, Montana United States Senate Washington, DC 20510-2602 Phone: (202) 224-2651 max@baucus.senate.gov Conrad Burns, Montana United States Senate Washington, DC 20510-2603 Phone: (202) 224-2644 Fax: (202) 224-8594 conrad_burns@burns.senate.gov Rick Hill, Representative 1037 Longworth House Office Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3211 Fax: (202) 225-5687 rick.hill@mail.house.gov Notable Quotes To improve the golden moment of opportunity and catch the good that is within our reach is the great art of life. -- Samuel Johnson The reasonable man adapts himself to the world around him. The unreasonable man expects the world to adapt itself to him. Therefore, all progress is made by unreasonable men. -- George Bernard Shaw Chapter Roundup (Here are some reports from your local chapters.) Billings: We have had a pretty quiet spring in our Chapter. In March we had an enjoyable social evening with the residents of West Park Retirement Center. We also moved our meetings to the Billings Education Association Building at 510 North 29th Street and to the 2nd Tuesday of the month. They are donating the use of the conference room to us. On a Sunday afternoon in May, we had a fund raiser at Barnes and Noble Booksellers. They have helped many organizations in our community by giving a percentage of sales from one cash register for an afternoon. Club members must approach shoppers and convince them to use that particular register when paying for their purchases. (Associate Editor's Note: Barnes & Noble's corporate policy is that an organization can participate in this fund-raising program once per year per state.) Our annual picnic will be held at North Park on August 12 at 6 p.m. If any of you are in Billings, be sure to come!! -- Marge Moberly, Reporter. Bozeman: The Bozeman Chapter has been holding its regular meetings at 2 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. In March MAB President Pat Domme attended and was the guest speaker. He discussed the election-by-mail of the officers under way at that time, talked about the upcoming convention in Helena and described the Summer Orientation Program and the expectations for both staff and students. In April, Chapter President Lillian Todd posed the question "When do you think spring will come?" The program was presented by Nancy Gilchrist, who reviewed the book It Takes a Village by Hillary Clinton. Attendance at the May meeting consisted of 23 people present. The program was given by members who had attended the state convention, John and Bernice DeHaas; Rik and Karen James; and Blaine and Rose Cobat. All reported on the convention and on the workshop on blind children given by Joe Cutter, which preceded the convention on Friday. The consensus was that the convention was excellent, both in arrangements and in content. The June meeting was held in the Darlington Manor with 22 members attending. Plans were made for summer activities including a meal with the students and staff at Summer School. In the program portion of the meeting Helen Cowles, a snowbird who flies to California each winter, described her activities as an active volunteer at a blind center. Instead of the normal Chapter meeting in July, our members provided a potluck luncheon for students, staff, and Board members at the Summer Orientation Program. About 65 people were served. Several members of the Chapter also participated in a "Mini University" session at the Gallatin County Fair on July 17. This is a new section of the Fair in which non-profit organizations are offered an opportunity to explain their roles to the community. Unfortunately the "Bull Bash" was scheduled at the same time so the audience was small, but those who came had a genuine interest in blindness issues and the resources available. -- Bernice Dehaas, reporter. Great Falls: In its June meeting the Great Falls Chapter contributed the cost of a plane ticket for one youth going to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. We awarded a $500 chapter scholarship to Wendy Tudor. Our chapter picnic will be held in August, and we will finalize plans for a rummage sale. A motion was made and passed that the chapter asses dues of $1.00 a year (over and above the 25 cents per meeting refreshment assessment). State MAB president, Pat Domme, attended the meeting. -- Ted Robbins, treasurer, secretary pro tem. Helena: The Capitol City Chapter was pleased to host the annual MAB convention in Helena on April 11-13. A total of 116 people registered and judging by the positive comments heard, everyone enjoyed themselves. It was work and fun to come together under the capable leadership of Lorraine Cattermole, Convention Chair, and work toward a common goal. At the April meeting, discussion was held on the name of the chapter; both the Helena Chapter and the Capitol City Chapter have been used. The charter does not indicate a specific name. During the May meeting we discussed the name further, then voted. The Chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind located in Helena will henceforth be known as the Capitol City Chapter. In May, we gave ourselves a well earned pat on the back for hosting a stunning convention by going out to dinner. It was an enjoyable gathering with a short business meeting. The chapter decided to help sponsor Brittany Eldredge's trip to Space Camp in Florida in September. When Brittany comes back she promised she will attend a meeting and share her adventures with the group. The summer picnic is scheduled for July 28. -- Sandra Jarvie, secretary. Kalispell-Buffalo Hills: There were 42 people present at the meeting in February. Dr. Roger Barth presented a talk on macular degeneration. After Dr. Barth's talk we had a brief business meeting. Evelyn Pool told us about her recent trip to Helena and the Braille literacy bill. Dave Donaldson told us of his experience with Ski for Light. Dave explained how each blind skier is given a ski guide and they ski the course together. The Ski for Light was a great success, enjoyed by all who attended. Lewistown: The February meeting of the White Cane Club was held at The Meadows. President Tim Hayward wasn't feeling very well, so 1st Vice-president Ed Durbin conducted the meeting. Calendar money has been sent in to the calendar chair. Ed reported on the Ski for Light. There were 30 skiers and 30 guides, and the event was held at Whitefish. There were youngsters 2 to 4 years old in attendance. One young woman in a wheelchair was there, so the guides put skis under the chair so she could ski. In the race on Saturday each one specified how they could ski and Ed came in second place. Both young men enjoyed the trip and the skiing. Helen Dalton brought an assortment of goodies for the members. The April meeting was held at The Meadows, with Tim Hayward presiding. There was no meeting in March due to the icy weather. The obituary of Clara Barney was read to the members. Clara was 98 and had spent her last few years in the nursing home. She was a long time member of the White Cane Club. A memorial to the MAB Memorial Fund was sent in her name, and a sympathy card was mailed to the family. Happy Birthday was sung for Jason Stanley, who had been employed in Kansas during the winter. Now, he hopes to get local work. Katie Kurns wrote to the two senators and the representative about including the blind in the upcoming voting. (It did not carry, so is going to be tried again). Marian Vinge reported on the Community Cupboard and the number of people that have been helped over the past three to four months. On the 11th, 1st V.P. Ed Durbin and his wife, Trissy, had driven to Harlo where Ed gave speeches and showed movies to the Kindergarten through 6th grade. They had lunch with the students. While in Harlo, they were guests of Jacob and Coleen Allison. During the May meeting, Katie Kurns read the letter from Rik James about his being accepted into the graduate program at Louisiana Tech University. We all wish him well. A letter was read from Senator Conrad Burns (concerning The Blind Persons Earnings Equity Act). Members discussed a variety of things pertaining to themselves and the community. Each told how they were going to spend the summer months. Bob Brassey brought some Braille playing cards for Tim Hayward and Ed Durbin. -- Katherine Kurns, secretary Livingston: March brought Sam Larango to our Park County chapter meeting to tell the group what resources and tools are available. Weather was awful, but the turn out was good. April found Whitt Cooper, Victims of Crime and Witnesses spokesperson, talking to the group. May found Barbara VanderVoort, Social Services, telling us about home health and senior companions. During the winter and early spring months Carolyn Kahle spent the winter's meeting dates in Billings. Our secretary, Mildren McMilliam, broke her ankle That icy spot got her. She's almost mended now. President Lois Haymond had cataract surgery which was successful and returned color to her range of vision. She has Macular Degeneration. Edna Maier and Lois Haymond attended the convention at Helena, and Pansy Callentine was on staff at Summer School. The Chapter didn't meet during the summer. Meetings will resume in September. -- Eunice Nelson, reporter Missoula: The Missoula chapter's treasury has grown enough to allow us to assist four Missoulians financially to attend the state convention in Helena. Some attended an MAB convention for the first time. Nominations were held in May for the coming year of service, which begins on July 1st. A committee was also formed to prepare a letter to local school officials and teachers. We plan to launch a project during the 1997-98 school year. The project will provide technical assistance to schools, parents, and children who are blind in the areas of literacy in Braille, mobility in the community, and assistive technology. We hope to offer successful role models to teachers, parents, and children as well. In June we held a pizza party in Bonner Park, just missing the rain. New officers were elected by acclamation: Carolyn Brock, president, Dan Burke, vice-president, Dale Davis, treasurer, and Jim Marks as secretary. Lisa Sutton was appointed to chair the chapter's social committee. -- Dan Burke, secretary. Ski For Light - Lewistown "Ski for Light Montana" enjoyed another successful event this year January 29th through February 2, 1997 in Whitefish, Montana. About 15 skiers and guides from Billings, Bozeman, Dillon, Great Falls, Lewistown, Missoula, and Shawmut joined 13 skiers from the Kalispell area. The 1998 & 1999 events will be held in Lewistown - hope to see you there. Herb Kirk - Bozeman Herb Kirk was recognized at the April convention in Helena as the oldest member of the MAB. Later this spring, he became the oldest runner to complete the 5K run in the Governor's Cup in Helena. Herb has certainly not rested on his laurels. He is the oldest known World War I naval aviator, graduated from MSU-Bozeman three years ago with an art degree, and received a letter of congratulations from President Clinton. In 1992, he won two gold and one silver medal for running in world-class competition in Helsinki, Finland. He ran in the 95 and up age group. Herb took up running after vision loss 12 years ago. Prior to that, he was a champion senior tennis player. "I keep in good shape, I have something interesting and worthwhile to do in my free time (pottery), and I have a wife who takes care of me" the Bozeman Chronicle quoted Herb as saying. During Sweet Pea weekend in Bozeman in August, four generations of Kirks will run, so there's no sign of Herb slowing down! Margaret Robinson - Missoula Five days after the April MAB convention in Helena, Missoula members woke to find our own Margaret Robinson's photo on the Montana page of the Missoulian. Margaret was featured in the newspaper's "Focus on People" series. Margaret, originally from Lewistown, has been a foster grandparent in Missoula schools for nearly 20 years. "It's so rewarding -- to think that maybe you have made a difference in a child's life," the Missoulian quoted her as saying. There's more to Margaret than her care for children. At 75, she climbed Mount Sentinel behind the UM campus as far as the M. "I couldn't get anybody to go with me, so I went by myself," Margaret said of the crude, switchbacked trail. Margaret has three children, 12 grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren. She certainly is one of the Missoula MAB's stalwart members. Way to go, Margaret! Our Appreciation We are pleased to acknowledge the receipt of $3,056.20 from the Soroptimist International of Lewistown. These funds were raised during their annual White Cane Drive. It is such a delight to receive a check of this amount from any organization, but to receive it from folks in a community the size of Lewistown is truly a gift. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to them. A special acknowledgement is given to Fern Rahn who spearheaded the drive for many years. Mrs. Rahn passed away recently. Outstanding Member of the Year The Keith E. Denton Award is given each year to a member of the Montana Association for the Blind. This "Outstanding Member of the Year" recognizes an MAB member whose service in the previous year has been of statewide significance. The award was established in 1978 in honor of the longstanding service of Mr. Denton. This year, Janice Six received this honor. Janice was diagnosed with Juvenile Macular Degeneration at the age of 12, but knew something was wrong with her eyesight much earlier. When she got her CCTV, she reported that she read for days and days. She had not been able to read for many years but had saved all her magazines and books. In 1995, she got Kaiser, her Dog Guide. They travel everywhere together, and Janice says he has allowed her to be independent again. One of Janice's favorite activities is to take Kaiser to the local schools to teach children about blindness and visual impairments. She also travels around the State to various Lion's Clubs to give presentations on blindness and dog guides. She is a great ambassador for getting the word out to the public about blindness/visual impairment issues. For leisure activities Janice and her husband, Gerry, love to go camping and hiking. Kaiser makes it possible for her to hike the trails without help, and she says she can nearly out-step Gerry. The Dorothy C. Bridgman Award The Dorothy C. Bridgman award is given to a Montana resident who has rendered outstanding service to the blind of Montana. The award, established in 1970 to honor of Dorothy Bridgman and her years of service to Montana's blind, is not to be given annually. It is only awarded when a suitable nominee is brought to the attention of the Awards Committee of the MAB. This year, the MAB recognized Sharon Larson. Sharon Larson is a native of Montana. She and her husband Jerry live in Shawmut and have three children. They own a wheat farm and run a bulk oil business. Sharon helps with the bookkeeping for the business. Their two daughters are married, one lives in the Seattle area and has two boys and the other lives in Billings. Their son, Dennis, will be a Freshman at Rocky this fall. Sharon likes gardening, reading, and crafts. She is learning Braille through the Hadley school. Sharon began to lose her sight about 18 years ago after the birth of her youngest child. She was diagnosed as having Stargardt disease, an inherited form of macular degeneration. She has continued through the years to lose sight. This did not stop her from continuing to be an active wife and mother and doing all the duties and activities this involves. Sharon attended the Summer Orientation Program as a student for two years and has taught cooking, Aids to Daily Living or Crafts six out of the last seven years. She is also very active in the Montana Ski For Light Program. Over the years she has become increasingly active in programs for the blind and visually impaired. Sharon is an effective emissary for the blind, whether telling someone of our programs, talking to school children or taking an active part in a support group. She exemplifies the ideals of the Montana Association for the Blind. She is independent and teaches others to be independent. Election Results In spring, MAB members voted for executive officers of the MAB Board of Directors. All terms last two years. Next spring, terms of the five district representatives will expire, and MAB members will vote for the representative from their area. The following results of the 1997 election were announced at the April convention in Helena. Re-electd are President Pat Domme, First Vice President Rik James and Third Vice President Nancy Holt. Newly elected is Myrle Tompkins who will serve as our new Second Vice President. In Memorium Arthur Michael Schultz of Bozeman died May 5, 1997, ending a gallant fight against lymphoma that had lasted more than a dozen years. His first stint as a Summer School student came in 1985 when his sight began to fade. In subsequent years he returned to teach or to brush up his skills. He was again a student in 1997, this time in a wheelchair, participating in Braille and discussion classes. His friends remember his cheerfulness and his eagerness to entertain by singing and playing his guitar. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Karen and to his parents, Peggy and Bill Schultz. Camille Crowley Joyner of Lewistown's White Cane Club died June 8. She died at age 82 after a lengthy illness with emphysema. Mrs. Joyner's parents, John and Gertrude Crowley, were early Lewistown pioneers. She graduated from Fergus County High School in 1932 and married Donald P. Joyner in 1936 in Spokane. Her son and two daughters survive, along with a sister, three grandchildren, a great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Irma Patrick died July 29, in Livingston. She was 97. Her remains were cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Cody, WY. Irma was an active member of the MAB in Livingston and Bozeman when she resided in those places. She retained her interest in the organization even after she moved into the nursing home in Livingston. Her daughter, Pat Warfield, has suggested that those wishing to do so may send memorials in Irma's name to the MAB. Announcements SOP News: Applications to SOP Committee, MAB, P.O. Box 352, Butte, MT 59703-0352, or phone 406/723-3383. Student applications will be available through the state Blind and Low Vision offices, and the MAB state office. Until Next Time: Thanks to our contributors, as well to the volunteers who help put this issue together -- thanks to Jim Aldrich, you get a high quality Braille edition. His phone number is 406/259-3729, should you want to talk about it or just thank him. And thanks to Linda Hurlock who mails out the computer disk version. She asks that we remind you that the card in the pocket of the disk mailer is to be flipped so the mailer can be sent back. Any envelope with velcro is a returnable mailer. Please remember to send your change of addresses and preference for format to Secretary Betty Lou who keeps the ever changing mailing list up to date. Our thanks to the Montana State Library who duplicate and distribute the cassette version. Yet remaining in this issue are reference sheets of addresses and phone numbers of your leaders, and the Special Report by Jim Marks. Please send the editor your news notes and articles for the next issue as soon as possible. M.A.B. Office Hours Mrs. Betty Lou Berg - Secretary 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday / Friday Phone : 406 / 723-3383 Items you should send to the Secretary: Annual membership dues, chapter meeting times and location, the names of officers, chapter financial reports, committee reports, and your mailing address and format preference for receiving The Observer. Closing Quotes ... We must never be afraid to be free. -- Justice Black Believe in the simple magic of life. -- Martin Buber Chapter Presidents and Meeting Times Spring '97 Billings: Yellowstone Chapter Tracy Rector, President 415 19th St. West Billings, MT 59102. Phone: 406/698-7672 Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. First Congregational Church. Bozeman: Bozeman Chapter Lillian Todd, President 402 Yarger Dr. Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: 406/587-3729 Meets 2nd Friday at 2 p.m. Darlington Manor, 606 N. 5th Ave. Butte: Silver Bow Chapter Rita Layman ,President 2123 Silver Bow Blvd. Butte, MT 59701 Phone: 406/723-6466 Meets 3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. Community Center Dillon: Beaverhead Chapter Julie Jacobsen, President 725 West Park St. Dillon, MT 59725 Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. Women's Resource Center Great Falls: Great Falls Chapter Nancy Holt, President 905 32nd St. South Great Falls, MT 59405 Phone: 406/761-4348 Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. Senior Citizen Center Helena: Capital City Chapter Myrle Tompkins, President 1307 9th Ave. Helena, MT 59601 Phone: 406/443-4352 Meets 4th Monday at 7 p.m. Eagles Manor Kalispell: Northwest Chapter Ralph Hart President 405 2nd Ave. E. Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: 406/257-2482 Meets 2nd Friday at 1:30 p.m. Public Library Kalispell: Buffalo Hills Chapter Beatrice Woessner, President 40 Claremont St. #115B Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: 406/257-5091 Meets 1st Friday at 1:00 p.m. Buffalo Hills Terrace Lewistown: White Cane Chapter Tim Hayward, President 414 4th Ave. N. Lewistown MT 59457 Phone: 406/538-3856 Meets 2nd Wednesday at 2 p.m. Meadow Manor, 707 Farewell St. Livingston: Park County Chapter Lois Haymond, President 125 S. 7th Livingston, MT 59047 Phone: 406/222-1339 Meets 1st Monday at 1:30 p.m. Living Steps Wellness Missoula: Missoula Chapter Carolyn Brock, President 3020 Elm Park Drive Missoula MT 59801 Phone: 406/543-8077 Meets 1st Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Corbin Hall, University of Montana Montana Association For The Blind Board of Directors - 1997 President: Pat Domme 2724 Amherst Ave. Butte MT, 59404 (406) 494-4571 1st Vice President : Rik James 716 North Montana Ave. Bozeman MT, 59715-2921 (406) 586-4123 E-mail: rikjames@mcn.net 2nd Vice President : Myrle Tompkins 1307 9th Ave. Helena, MT 59601 (406) 443-4352 3rd Vice President : Nancy Holt 905 32nd St. South Great Falls MT, 59405 (406) 761-4348 District One : Jim Marks 540 E. Kent Missoula MT, 59801 (406) 549-7047 E-mail: marks@selway.umt.edu District Two: Bennie Longie 1160 E. Sebree Dillon MT, 59725 (406) 683-2826 District Three : Kay Kjellstrom 3222 Second Ave. North Great Falls MT, 59401 (406) 453-0452 District Four : Sharon Larson Box 81 Shawmut MT, 59078 (406) 632-4706 District Five : Sarah Bradley 1633 Lynne Ave. Billings MT, 59102 (406) 656-7162 A Special Report from the Montana Association for the Blind (The following in-depth report is offered to members, parents of blind children and other advocates. The struggle for blind children to receive decent educations in Montana in skills such as Braille literacy and orientation and mobility has, in a sense, just begun. Cody's story, and the commitment of his parents, Marty Greiser of Dillon and Nancy Taylor of Polson, may hold lessons and encouragement for other parents in Montana. It is an important story for us all, and surely no one but us, the organized blind of Montana, are likely to tell it.) The Cody Greiser Story: A Work In Progress by Jim Marks, MAB Board Member What you are about to read was gathered from interviews with some of the parties involved, observations of legal proceedings, and reviews of relevant documents. Introduction Cody Greiser, who is blind, lives in Polson, Montana, with his mom, step- dad, and sisters. His dad is Marty Greiser of Dillon, a long time member of the Montana Association for the Blind, and Secretary of the National Association of Parents of Blind Children, a Division of the National Federation of the Blind. Cody is ten years old, and will be going to the fifth grade this fall at Polsonžs Cherry Valley Elementary School. Recently Cody found himself involved in a struggle for his literacy and his right to live with his family. It's hard to believe, but Cherry Valley School officials tried to take Cody away from his folks by forcing a placement in the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB) in Great Falls. Although an administrative judge gave the family a mostly favorable decision following the April 1, 1997, hearing in Polson, the struggle is far from over. The Family's Position Cody's parents, Nancy Taylor and Marty Greiser, want their son to learn how to read and write within his neighborhood school. They do not want to take Cody from his home and loved ones to be placed in a residential program. The family knows blindness is a low incidence disability and that ignorance on the part of the school system requires them to advocate fiercely for Cody's education. They carefully weighed what was best for Cody before reaching the conclusion that Cody was better off at home than he would be at MSDB. Finding qualified Braille instructors or aides can be difficult, the family acknowledges. So they proposed an option to Cherry Valley officials. They asked that Cody travel once a week to Thompson Falls, a town about 50 miles from Polson, in order to receive Braille instruction from Kim Bojkovsky. Bojkovsky is a certified teacher who reads and writes Braille fluently. She taught Cody when they both lived in Dillon. And it so happens that Bojkovsky is blind. The School's Position "Some people in Polson, Montana, believe a sighted teacher can teach Braille better than a blind person," said Bob Long, Lake County Deputy Attorney and legal counsel for Cherry Valley School. He said this to one of the expert witnesses for the family during the April hearing. The witness was Joann Wilson, President of the NFB of Louisiana and Director of the Louisiana Center of the Blind in Ruston. Wilson had just testified via telephone about the importance of having a teacher of blind children know how to read and write in Braille. Surprisingly, the school carried the burden of proof because it was the school which wanted Cody's education plan to change. According to Elaine Meeks, Cherry Valley principal, the school couldn't find a qualified teacher for Cody, therefore making an MSDB placement necessary. It isn't a matter of money, Meeks said. She said the school tried but failed to find a competent Braille instructor following the resignation of Cody's former aide. Meeks said the school had advertised regionally, but later explained that "regionally" meant advertising in Polson, Kalispell, and Missoula. Meeks therefore said that the school could not provide Cody with a sound education, and that MSDB was the only alternative. Meeks rejected the family proposal to have Cody taught Braille once a week by Bojkovsky in Thompson Falls. She said such a thing would force a public school's support of a home school, adding that Cherry Valley couldn't supervise Bojkovsky properly unless Bojkovsky was willing to travel to Polson. Due to her pregnancy and other responsibilities in Thompson Falls, Bojkovsky declined to travel. Meeks denied the family's request to have Cherry Valley purchase Braille production equipment. The family wanted the school to acquire a computer Braille translation software program and a computer Braille embosser. Asserting the decision wasn't based on money, Meeks said the schools denial of technology purchases was due to the school's belief Cody's Braille skills had not advanced far enough to warrant the purchase. What the Experts Had to Say Testimony was also given by two groups of experts. Speaking on behalf of Cherry Valley Schools were the MSDB principal and two MSDB outreach staff members. Speaking for the family were three members of the NFB. The MAB is the NFB affiliate of Montana. The MSDB experts said, in Cody's case, their institution was a more appropriate placement than Cherry Valley School. They said the MSDB outreach services couldn't compensate for the lack of a qualified teacher or aide in Polson. So it was their opinion that MSDB's residential program would serve Cody the best. They dismissed the family's requests for Braille production equipment as well, saying that the equipment was expensive and no panacea. MSDB Principal Bill Davis conceded the hardship of placing a child in a residential school. He said the parents had to consider the long term benefits of a good education over the short term benefits of keeping Cody at home. During the hearing, the quality of education at MSDB wasn't fully discussed. Davis said most of the blind children at MSDB had multiple disabilities. Cody is only blind, and may not find as many peers in MSDB as he has in Polson. Beyond the formalities of the administrative court, the family expresses strong concerns about the quality of the MSDB education. They point out how MSDB had to be sued only a few short years ago when another family wanted their blind child taught Braille. Moreover, the Greiser family questions the credibility of the MSDB staff. They wonder aloud about the ability of MSDB staff to read and write Braille fluently and about the abilities of staff in other blindness skills. Notably, one of the MSDB experts testifying against the family had never even met Cody. As time goes on, fewer and fewer blind children opt for a residential program. Instead, schools like MSDB become institutions for children with multiple disabilities, and blindness skills often take a back seat to other matters of disability. Testifying for the family were Joann Wilson of Louisiana, Denise Mackenstadt of Washington, and Kim Bojkovsky of Thompson Falls. Wilson said Cherry Valley School hadn't tried hard enough to find a qualified Braille teacher. She testified about several options that Cherry Valley could have undertaken in order to get someone qualified involved in Cody's education. When she was asked about what was best for Cody, Cherry Valley or MSDB, she said it was a heavy decision which could only be made by the family. However, she said, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires education to take place in the least restrictive environment. She said she didn't know which school had the better educational program, but that placement at MSDB probably wouldn't be the least restrictive environment mandated in the law. Mackenstadt, a teacher's aide in a Bothell, Washington public school, said it was her job to assist with Braille instruction and blindness skills in a mainstream school setting. She explained how well the education of blind children can work when the school possessed an inclusive, can-do attitude about teaching blind children. And she also reinforced the doubt about whether Cherry Valley School had done all it could. She added to Wilson's testimony regarding places to find or train qualified Braille instructors. Bojkovsky talked about what she had done with Cody when she was his teacher in Dillon and about what she could do for him in the future. She said the once a week time would be adequate, but not ideal. And the adequate instruction which allows Cody to remain at home is far better than putting him in any residential program, she said. What the Judge Decided Dennis Loveless, the Montana Hearings Officer for the Office of Public Instruction, decided mostly in favor of the family. He wrote: "Analysis of all the factors apparent in this case indicate that the continued education of Cody Greiser at Cherry Valley School under the program proposed by the parents would take advantage of appropriate available resources in the least restrictive setting." Besides endorsing the family's wishes to have Cody remain at Cherry Valley School with one day per week instruction with Bojkovsky, Loveless also decided that Cherry Valley should acquire Braille production technology. He decided not to reimburse the family for legal fees and not to order any additional evaluations of the competency of Cherry Valley or MSDB staff. It is deeply ironic that Cherry Valley School incurs no legal expenses as they were represented by the Lake County Attorney's office. Even more ironic is the unspoken yet undeniable fact that only those who spoke on behalf of the family read and write Braille well. It ain't over. Even though the Loveless decision is clear, Marty Greiser reports that Cherry Valley School refuses to send Cody to Bojkovsky because they have hired a Braille aide. The school claims the employment of the aide makes the Loveless decision largely irrelevant. The family asked to review the credentials of this aide, but no documents have been forthcoming. In addition, school officials denied the family's request to begin purchasing technology items until Cody's teachers come back to work this fall. In spite of the triumph in administrative court, it looks as though more court action is likely. It's a cinch more advocacy is imperative.