The Braille Spectator Spring 1994 The Newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland NFB OF MD OFFERS FREE BRAILLE TUTORING The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has a longstanding commitment to promoting both the teaching and use of Braille. To foster this goal, the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland announces a new free tutoring program to help any individual prepare to take the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) Braille Competency Test. The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will provide study materials and a tutor free of charge. Every effort will be made to match tutors and students who live near each other. The cost of the tutor's transportation will be provided if necessary. First priority will be given to vision teachers, rehabilitation teachers or students in the blindness field. NLS, the Braille authority for the United States, will award a certificate of competency in the Literary Braille code to anyone who passes its free test. There are four sections to the test: reading to find Braille errors; transcribing material using a Braille writer; transcribing material using a slate and stylus; and answering multiple choice questions on the rules of Braille. If the student fails one section of the test, he may re-take only that section of the test, not the entire test. For further information or to sign up for this program, call (410) 992-9608. HARD TIMES AT BISM: BRUECKNER OUT; BLAZIE, HARTLEY APPOINTED by Sharon Maneki It is no secret that with the steep decline in Federal government contracts and the apparent inability to generate private sector business, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) has fallen on very hard times. Without going into all of the details, Richard Brueckner was released as BISM's president; other executive and clerical staff positions have been eliminated; employee benefits have been reduced; and furloughs and layoffs continue to be announced. Here is the text of the letter that Fred Puente wrote to me on March 21: "I just wanted to take a few minutes to bring you up to date on the situation at BISM. "BISM is on the difficult road to financial health. We will achieve it with the help of all our associates. "As you know, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to remove the President in December. The board then appointed me acting President until a search for the new President can be completed. "We have effected some changes in personnel to match our sales and production capacity, which we hope to increase in the near future. I think it important to emphasize that the only termination for cause was that of the President. The reasons for the President's termination were all performance related. There was no wrong doing for personal gain. "The fiscal conditions of BISM requires that all areas perform as efficiently and effectively as possible. All, let me say it again, all associates share in any changes to benefits or policies. Our commitment remains to create opportunities for all adult blind Marylanders. "We hope you will continue to offer your thoughts and ideas for our continued improvement. "One piece of good news for BISM, we will be producing canes for the NFB! "Please plan to visit BISM or attend our board meeting on the 4th Thursday of each month. We are excited about two new board members recently appointed by the Governor, Mr. Dean Blazie, and Ms. Angela Hartley. We look forward to their participation and insight. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me." We support the Board of Trustees in its efforts to bring BISM back to full productivity and hope that this will occur in the very near future. Our sympathies, of course, remain with the blind industrial employees who are victims of economic conditions beyond their control. We will do whatever we can to help them. FINNEY RETIRES FROM LBPH by Sharon Maneki On February 28, 1994, Lance Finney began a new phase of his life: retirement. After 32 years in library services, Lance Finney decided to retire and pursue other interests. Lance had a varied career. He worked in the public service area of the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore City from 1962 to 1969. Next he joined the Division of Library Development and Services in the Maryland State Department of Education as the administrator of the Library Service and Construction Act (LSCA) program. As the administrator of the LSCA program, Lance helped libraries throughout the state obtain new buildings by using federal funds. Lance began working part time at the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) in 1984. In looking back on his career, Lance Finney said, "Working at LBPH was the highlight of my career. The need for better services and a new facility was so great, which made the work very challenging. I especially enjoyed direct contact with the patrons who use LBPH." Lance Finney certainly left his mark on LBPH. In 1984, when Lance assumed the position, the directorship of LBPH was considered only a part time position. LBPH was, at that time, a part of the public library branch of the Division of Library Development and Services. Today, thanks to Lance's willingness to co-operate with us, the directorship of LBPH is a full time position, LBPH is a separate branch within the Division of Library Development and Services, and LBPH has its own new facility, instead of a leased, leaky building. We in the NFB will miss Lance. We worked together as partners to improve services for the blind in Maryland. Since 1987, Lance Finney never missed a National Federation of the Blind of Maryland state convention. Many administrators come to NFB conventions because they have to. Lance came because he wanted to. He took part in all convention activities and used the opportunities to get better acquainted with LBPH patrons. We bid a fond adieu to our friend Lance and wish him good luck and success in his new ventures. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE EXTENDED TEN YEARS; NFB URGES ASSEMBLY TO AMEND COUNCIL MAKE-UP by Sharon Maneki From the Editor: the two priorities for the NFB of Maryland in the 1994 session of the Maryland General Assembly were the funding of additional staff positions for LBPH and the amending of the membership of the Maryland Advisory Council for Individuals with Disabilities. As we go to press, the funding issue for LBPH remains unresolved. The General Assembly has, however, amended MACID's make-up to require that a majority of its members be disabled persons. We will include a complete report of our activities with the 1994 session of the Maryland General Assembly in the next issue. Here are Sharon Maneki's comments on the MACID amendment: From time to time, the General Assembly looks at various agencies of state government to see if they are still necessary and if they are performing adequately. The Governor's Office for Individuals With Disabilities was scheduled for sunset review this year. Legislation was introduced to extend the life of this office for another ten years, until 2004. We did not object to the continuation of the office, but we thought that disabled persons should have a greater voice in the office that is to represent them. We took the initiative and spearheaded a campaign to get this legislation amended. One section of the Governor's Office for Persons With Disabilities, the Maryland Advisory Council for Individuals with Disabilities, is made up of 28 members representing various executive departments (such as transportation, education, and health and mental hygiene), and members of the general public. Only 9 disabled persons were required to serve on this council, which is supposed to advise the governor and other state officials on issues of concern to the disabled. As a result of our leadership and efforts, a majority (15) of the council's membership must now be persons with disabilities. Of the 15 members from the general public on the council, 12 must be persons with disabilities. Because of our initiative, there is an increased possibility that this office may become more effective due to greater consumer representation. FLOYD MYERS DIES From the Editor: Floyd Myers passed away on Monday, January 17, 1994. He was an active and loyal member of the NFB since 1969. We could always count on Floyd to help with the chores that were so essential to the success of our activities. Whether it was at a local chapter meeting, or state convention, or national convention, if help was needed, you could count on Floyd to get it done. We will always remember his quiet and unassuming manner. We will miss him. We extend our condolences to Georgia, Laura, and Samantha. We are reprinting the obituary which appeared in the Cumberland Times/News on January 20. CumberlandþFloyd H. "Tricky" Myers, 75, of Cumberland, died Monday, Jan. 17, 1994 at Sacred Heart Hospital. Born on Jan. 13, 1919 in Alaska (Fort Ashby), W.Va, he was the son of the late Dorsey and Mary (Lease) Myers. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Lloyd Myers, Gene Myers, Carl Myers, and Russell Myers, and three sisters, Daisy Myers, Bernice Myers and Susan Myers. Mr. Myers worked at the Celanese Corporation before World War II. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from February 1941 through June 1945. He was in the 3rd Division and later in the 34th Division. He was stationed in Fort Ord, California. He was also in the African and Italian Invasions. After World War II, Mr. Myers worked at Sears from 1951 to 1984 in the Service Department. He also co-owned the Tee-He Restaurant, located on the corner of Franklin and North Mechanic Streets from 1953 through 1969. He was one of the unseen heroes who helped many people and donated many hours to the National Federation of the Blind. He had been a member for 24 years, both locally and nationally. He attended the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. Surviving are his friend, companion, and wife of 48 years, Georgia (Waingold) Myers; two daughters, Lora Lynne Myers and Sally Robinette and her husband, Samuel (Cumberland); one sister, Pauline "Polly" Penington and husband, Leonard; one granddaughter, Samanthe Robey and husband Darren and two great-granddaughters, Adrienne and Shantell Robey. BLINDNESS IN THE MIDDLE KINGDOM: MY RETURN VISIT TO CHINA by Thomas Bickford It was our last morning in China. We were leaving the Temple of the Jade Buddhas in Shanghai when I heard a tapping on the walk behind us. I asked my brother-in-law with whom I was walking to look back and see what the source of the sound was. He said that it was a blind man and wanted to know how I had known to ask. I know how blind people tap even if they don't use the same technique I use. We hurried over to the tour bus and asked our local guide to act as interpreter. I introduced myself as a blind man from America. The Chinese man, perhaps a little shorter and younger than I, gave me a firm handshake and a big smile. He said he was just returning from getting his bean peeler repaired. He opened a cardboard box several inches long with something inside mounted in a plastic housing. I never did discover the function of a bean peeler, but it was important to my new friend. I asked about employment, and he said he worked in a factory in another part of the city. I told him I worked in Washington making books for blind people. We shook hands again very cordially, and he went on his way giving an occasional tap to the ground before him and the wall beside him. The cane, whose tapping had originally attracted my attention, was made of unpainted wood. It was only about waist high, short by my standards, but we did not have time for lengthy discussions, and he was making his own way in his own country. Earlier in the trip I asked another one of our tour guides what opportunities there were for blind people in China. She spoke of special schools and job training. The only employment mentioned was in massage work. I was left with an impression of segregated training and limited opportunities. There seemed to be very little, if any, expectation for blind people to take an ordinary place in society along with their sighted peers. In 1966 I visited the school for the blind in Leningrad. I asked about employment for graduates of that school. Some graduates did go on to higher education, but the two kinds of employment mentioned were as typists and, again, masseurs. It is honorable and socially worthwhile work, but it is no more suited for all blind people than it is for all sighted people. At another time in our China trip we visited a factory where jade was cut into decorative figures. Our guide took care to point out a married couple, both of whom were deaf, who worked there. I gathered that in both China and America, deafness was less of a handicap for employment than blindness was. Because my parents were missionaries, and my three sisters and I were all born there, a family reunion trip to China seemed to be just the thing, and 1993 was the year. There were sixteen of us, all related by blood or marriage. We had a private tour two weeks long, but two years in the planning. We visited seven cities, the first four of which had special memories for us. We saw places we had known as children, and met people who had known our parents. In Beijing, (say: bay-jing, as in jingle) we went to Tien An Men square (say: tyen on mun), a truly large open area with memorial buildings around the edge and posted lists in several languages of the kinds of demonstrations not permitted without prior approval. Not far away was the first McDonald's in China. You would recognize the menu and the flavors. We toured the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Manchu Dynasty, prominently featured in the movie The Last Emperor. On a day trip outside the city we stopped at the Ming tombs, only a few hundred years old, not much by Chinese standards. Then we climbed part of the Great Wall of China, and I do mean climbed. That part of the Wall zigzags though the hills, and the steps along the top are from ancient times. Only the hand rails along the sides are modern additions. The wall was originally a military defense with vertical stone sides ten meters high and five meters across the top. The part we saw was in its original condition. The "great" part comes from its length as it wanders for thousands of kilometers across northern China. Wherever there are tourists, there are tourist traps. My sister called them "Hello shops." "Hello, T-shirt?" I bought two for my daughters that said, "I climbed the Great Wall of China." A week later while going up the Li river, (say lee) on a tour boat, there was a knocking at the window, and we heard it again. "Hello, T-shirt?" This time the hopeful vender was wearing high rubber boots and paddling his bamboo raft. "Hello, special price for you." With all of these people you can haggle for a price, but it is considered poor style to haggle if you do not intend to buy. Some Chinese say that they will eat anything that moves except a car. Others say they will eat anything on four legs except the table. I will say that if they can catch it, they don't worry about the legs. I won't go into further detail because it might be just before your dinner time. Lunch and dinner each day were Chinese food. I improved my skill with chopsticks and did not use the offered forkþmore than once. Dinner one day was Peking Duck, banquet fare even in China, and the duck was very fat. We had asked that one dinner be jiaotzes (say jyow-zuz). We would call them boiled wonton. I liked them the way our cook made them in my childhood home, but I never before had the variety of fillings that was served to us on this trip. I actually enjoyed some of them. Rice was always served, and usually soup, as well. The rest of the food was cut small and soaked in what I think was soy sauce and sesame oil, very strong. I lost eight pounds, which I am starting to gain back. My favorite foods were the snacks I remembered from childhood. The honey-malt taffy rolled in sesame seed was still very good. The best was still the tonghula (say tong-hula, as in the Hawaiian dance). The fruit is a haw from the hawthorn, and looks like a crabapple. They stab about ten haws on a bamboo stick and dip it all in a sugar syrup to form a heavy glaze. The sharp tang of the fruit and the sweet glaze make a wonderful balance. A blind traveler from the West needs to know about doorsills. At main entrances to buildings that survive from before the 20th century there is often a high doorsill. These barriers extend the full width of a wide double doorway. They may be only a narrow board set on edge, but most of the doorsills we found on this trip were heavy timbers eight or more inches high and thick. The proper form is to go all the way over in one step, rather than stepping up onto them and then down off of the doorsill. The three reasons that I know of for doorsills come from ancient times. The first reason is practical: they keep some dirt out. The second reason is sociological: they keep women with bound feet in. The third reason is from demonology: demons have very short legs. Having blown my international travel budget on the trip to China, I won't be missing the 1994 state convention for the reason of being out of the country again. If you want to hear more about the trip, find me after meetings, and I will tell you about my souvenirs, or the availability of braille watches in China, or why there is now a copy of The Freedom Bell in the library of a high school in the city of Tienjing (say tyen-jing, as in jingle). MY LIFE IN SCOUTING by Charles Cheadle From the Editor: Charles Cheadle is the son of John and Barbara Cheadle, who are on the staff of the National Federation of the Blind. Charles is a sophomore at Catonsville High School. He is an active member of the NFB's Greater Baltimore Chapter and has attended a number of state and national conventions. Here is the text of the speech he delivered at the luncheon meeting of the NFB of Maryland's Parents of Blind Children Division, which was held at our convention in Ocean City last October. Hello! Many of you know me, I'm Charles Cheadle. I want to tell you a little about myself. Right now I am in the tenth grade and attend Catonsville High School. I am heavily involved in the Boy Scouts, and that's what I'd like to talk about today. I joined the Scouting organization about eight years ago. Since then I've gone through Cub Scouting and I am now in the Boy Scouts. Right now I am first class, and I am going for a board of review for my next rank advancement later this week. This summer and for the past five summers I have gone with my scout troop to scout camp. Scout camp is a week long camping trip where we can work on merit badges and other skills. This summer our troop went to Camp Horseshoe, where I earned the Environmental Science and Lifesaving merit badges. These are both required for the rank of eagle, which is the highest rank a scout can earn, and which I hope to achieve. At Camp Horseshoe there is an award given to the one scout in every troop who best demonstrates and lives up to the scout oath and law. This year I was honored to receive this awardþI say honored because this award is given to the scout whom the rest of the troop votes for. Needless to say, I was very happy, and three days later got on a plane for another great scouting experience. Philmont Scout Reservation, Cimmeron, NM, was where I was headed. With 11 other crew members in our Philmont crew, we were headed for the ultimate in scouting adventure camps. At Philmont we spent 12 days and nights in the "backcountry," camping, hiking, and having the best time of our lives. Every morning we woke up at five, ate, packed, and got on the trail by 6:30 a.m.! Once we got on the trail, we would hike X number of miles, stop, eat lunch, and hike the rest of the way in to the next camp. Most of the camps had a program, and we generally tried to get there in time to do them. We did burro packing, black powder shooting, pole climbing, axe throwing, andþwell, you get the idea. One of the neatest things we did was get as many rangers as we saw on the trail or in the program sites as we could to sign our map. After two weeks we had over 100 signatures. I don't think I'll forget Philmont for a very long time. My most recent scouting accomplishment was my election and acceptance into the Order of the Arrow, an old scouting tradition started by the Lineae Linopen, an old Indian tribe. The OA is an elite group of scouters who have been deemed worthy according to this Indian tradition. The OA does special service projects for Scouting reservations and communities. They also help run Scout camps like Camp Horseshoe. I am very honored to be a member of the OA. Now, to tie all of these experiences together, I have to say that it was the NFB that helped me gain the confidence that I needed to do all of these things. When I started out, the leaders had their doubts about my ability to be as well prepared as the other scouts on camping trips. The Federation helped me to find the confidence not to doubt my ability, so that when it came time to go to Philmont, no one came to my parents with any concerns about my blindness, as they once did. Like myself they had found faith in my ability and had no reason to question it. Because of the Federation, I know that if I want to do something, there's no reason I can't possibly do it. MARYLAND JOB SERVICE OFFERS "RESUME CLASSIFIED" From the Editor: This article is reprinted from The Senior Connection, a publication of the Howard County Office on Aging, in conjunction with the Dept of Recreation & Parks, September, 1993. It contains information about a new program that may help you to find a job. If you are looking for a management or professional position, send your resume to Resume Classified. The Maryland Job Service of the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment (DEED) will help area businesses save time and money when searching for new employees through a new service called "Resume Classified." Resume Classified gives employers an "at-a-glance" list of summaries of professional, technical, managerial and administrative candidates in the region, according to occupational title. After reviewing the list, the employer may call the Job Service and request a copy of the candidate's complete resume; the resume is then faxed to the employer. The list is updated weekly. "We have adopted this innovative system to help Maryland employers find qualified employees quickly and easily," said Charles O. Middlebrooks, DEED assistant secretary for employment and training. "Resume Classified will enable us to help Marylanders find jobs, while saving employers time and money." Candidates referred to employers are qualified people with experience in their career fields who have been pre-screened and have had their resumes entered into the Resume Classified system by DEED's local Job Service offices and Professional Outplacement Assistance Center. Initial screening is done by the Job Service to reduce the time and cost it normally takes to complete the selection process. Companies will be able to choose from lists of applicants whose professional backgrounds match their specifications. Employers are assigned an exclusive access code number to enable them to retrieve resumes by telephone. Resume Classified is free to employers, and is cosponsored by DEED's Maryland Job Service and Advantage Systems Corporation. This service is available to employers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. For information on participation in the Resume Classified system, job seekers and employers may call the Maryland Job Service at (410) 333-5353. WHO SHOULD LEARN BRAILLE: FOOD FOR THOUGHT From the Editor: this article, "Decision-Making Process," is the third excerpt from "Selection of Reading and Writing Media for Students With Visual Impairments: Braille, Print, or Both?" Since this is the season when parents, students, and teachers will be developing IEP's for the 1994-95 school year, we are including information from the guidelines on the decision-making process. DECISION-MAKING PROCESS The decision to teach Braille, print, or both will take into consideration all of the information gathered during the assessment. The assessment information will help the team select from among the following options. Students may be taught to use: 1. Braille 2. Print 3. Braille, complemented with print 4. Print, complemented with Braille The remainder of this section provides examples of the kinds of assessment data that will assist a team in choosing one of the four options. Of course, assessment descriptions provided below are somewhat generic, i.e., not all parts of the descriptions will apply to each student. Since students are individuals, not everyone will fit neatly into one of the four categories. In reviewing these descriptions, team members should ask which factors best describe the individual student. It is also important to remember that when the selected option includes both Braille and print, the amount of usage with one or the other will vary with each student. Student input should be obtained so that the team decision is sensitive to student preference and concerns. Additionally, as a student's vision or visual demands change over time, the usage of one medium over another may change. However, even though a student may use one medium more than another at a given point in time, it is critical that the student develop proficient use of both. For the preschool student, this will mean that opportunities for visual and tactual activities are provided equally. Later, the amount of time teaching or practicing with a certain medium will depend on all assessment data and the current needs of the student. The team must continually focus on the ultimate outcome that the student will be able to choose and use the medium of preference or the medium most functional for a given situation. Which Students Should Learn Braille? Medical Factors: Student is totally blind, nearly so, or is expected to experience rapid loss of vision. Physical Factors: An additional disability does not interfere with the ability to learn Braille. Environmental Factors: Adjustments in natural and artificial lighting do not enhance student ability to read print. Print Reading Factors: If the student can read print at all, reading is extremely slow and laborious, even when all print factors have been adjusted for maximum efficiency. Handwriting Factors: Student cannot read own handwriting to carry out functional handwriting demands. Low Vision Technological Factors: Student cannot read print at any comfort level, even using a CCTV or other non-portable devices. Which Students Should learn Print? Medical Factors: Student has a stable eye condition, or has a prognosis of continued improvement. Physical Factors: Student experiences no fatigue or discomfort from reading. The nature of an additional disability prohibits tactual reading. Student, when systematically assessed, exhibits inability to process tactual information with any accuracy and facility. Environmental Factors: Student does not require extensive modifications in natural or artificial lighting in order to read comfortably for extended periods of time. Print Reading Factors: Student reads regular print comfortably and efficiently, in most settings and circumstances. Reading rate accuracy is commensurate with student's expected grade level. Performance level is commensurate with overall ability. Student can use print easily for all academic, nonacademic, and vocational needs. Handwriting Factors: Student has legible handwriting and can easily read own and others notes at a comfortable distance, even after some time has elapsed. Low Vision Technological Factors: Student reads regular print without low vision devices and comfortably uses pocket-size magnification for reading fine print, such as the telephone book, medicine labels, dictionary, and encyclopedia. Which Students Should Learn Braille Complemented with Print? Medical Factors: Student has diagnosis or prognosis of severe visual impairment, has a degenerative eye condition, or has severely restricted visual fields. Physical Factors: Student holds book close to face, can read only large print, or regularly suffers from headaches, fatigue, or visual discomfort after reading. Student exhibits strong preference for tactual exploration and learning. Student can read using an electronic low vision aid, but with effort; cannot read with hand- held magnifiers with any reasonable speed or comprehension. Student is consistently unable to independently complete assigned school work in a timely manner. Environmental Factors: Glare and/or lighting variations make reading difficult or impossible in many settings. Print Reading Factors: Student's print reading speed is far below that of other students of the same developmental level. Student consistently demonstrates inaccuracy when reading. Student has difficulty in reading a variety of print styles or print on colored background. Handwriting Factors: Student can only read notes when written with a broad tip pen 1-2 inches high and may have difficulty accurately reading what was written, or can only read notes using a CCTV or other non-portable devices. Low Vision Technological Factors: Student can write only when using a CCTV or other non-portable device. Which Students Should Learn Print Complemented with Braille? Medical Factors: Student has a currently stable eye condition but is at risk of eventual deterioration, has a slowly progressive eye condition, has restricted visual fields, or has fluctuating vision. Physical Factors: Student posture during reading results in back and neck strain or headaches. Student complains of watering eyes, blurring, or other visual discomfort after extensive reading or writing tasks. Student cannot complete assignments without relying on other individuals or technology for reading and/or notetaking. Environmental Factors: Glare and/or lighting variations make reading difficult or impossible in some settings. Print Reading Factors: Student cannot read regular print, easily and accurately, for an appropriate length of time in order to complete tasks throughout the day. Student may read material in both regular and large print formats. Student reads primarily in large print format combined with optical or electronic low vision devices. Student is unable to maintain a reading rate commensurate with grade level work demands. Student depends on extraordinarily large print for accessing practical information such as oral report notes, grocery list, names and addresses, etc. In preschool, observations should include how a student approaches learning, i.e., a visual versus tactual approach. Handwriting Factors: Student has difficulty producing and reading own or other's handwriting. Low Vision Technological Factors: Student may use CCTV or other non-portable devices for visual materials such as maps and diagrams. WHAT'S NEW AT THE NFB MATERIALS CENTER JUST ARRIVED: -The Journey*, fifth in the Kernel book series. A full set, including What Color is the Sun, The Freedom Bell, As the Twig is Bent*, and Making Hay (as well as the latest), is $50. Print, $3/copy; Braille,$10/copy; Cassette, $5/copy (*$3/copy). MEDICAL DEVICES: -Talking digital blood pressure meter, portable, lightweight unit, includes standard sized cuff and a travel case, battery operated, AIM01T, $149. -One Touch II blood glucose monitoring system, kit comes complete with check strips, lancets, and travel case, AIM02T, $120 -Voice synthesizer, for use with One Touch II unit, AIM03T, $199 -Lo-Dose Count-A-Dose, device to assist diabetics to fill syringes with insulin. Uses B-D lo-dose (1/2 cc) disposable insulin syringes, AIM06M, $40 -Count-A-Dose, same as above, except it uses 1 cc disposable syringes, AIM11M, $40 JUST REDUCED -Sleep shades, AIA07C, now $5 -Plastic letter writing guide, 8 1/2" x 11", AIP12W, now $2 -Coasters, set of 4 with NFB logo, assorted colors, LSA18F, now $1 SPECIALLY PRICED: WHEN THEY'RE GONE, THEY'RE GONE! -Chess set, heavy-duty wooden board (13"x 13") with raised squares, each square having a hole for the peg on the bottom of the chessmen. Chessmen vary for identification of color. Sold as- is; no returns, AIG02G, now $20 -Thin travel clock, talking black plastic travel clock, AIB20T, now $20 -Chiming talking calculator, performs basic math functions, 8 character output with female voice, AIB14T, now $15 -Voicer talking calculator, performs basic math functions, 8 character output with male voice, AIB16T, now $15 -Voicer talking wizard calculator/clock, performs basic math functions, 8 character output with male voice, has an alarm and an hourly time announcement, AIB17T, now $15 NEW ITEMS -Care and Feeding of the Long White Cane, by Thomas Bickford. Excellent resource for mobility teachers, parents, cane users and others interested in independence, LSA49P, $2 -Future Reflections-INTRODUCTORY ISSUE, miniaturized introductory issue of the magazine. Introduces the magazine and our organizationþthe National Federation of the Blindþas well as providing information on services and resources available to blind youth. Available in print and cassette, F0X0X, FREE -NFB T-shirts, white cotton with a blue NFB logo on the front. Sizes small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large, LSA47S, $10 -NFB jackets, blue windbreaker lined with white fleece, machine washable. NFB logo in white on the back and on left front. Sizes youth small, adult small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large, LSA46J, $25 AM/FM talking clock radio with alarm, includes three different alarm sounds, or wake to music, battery operated, AIB02T, $23 DON'T FORGET From the Fiftieth Year, a collection of recordings of events from throughout the fifty year history of the organized blind, LSA29C, $2 Convention tape sets, the meetings and discussions of previous conventions are available in year sets from 1954 to 1993. Cost is $20 per year for 1954 through 1972 and $25 per year for 1973 through 1993. Specify year when ordering. LITERATURE YOU MAY NOT KNOW WE HAVE Selected Literature for Blind Youth order form, an order form of literature available in various formats specifically with youth, their parents, and teachers in mind, BS35P, FREE The Nature of Independence, by Kenneth Jernigan, speech given at the 1993 convention in Dallas, Texas, available in Braille, print, and cassette. Specify format, LBS05, FREE Braille: A Renaissance, by Ramona Walhof, speech given at the 1993 convention in Dallas, Texas, available in Braille, print, and cassette. Specify format, LBB49, FREE Staying the Course, Shifting the Emphasis, by Gary Wunder, speech given at the 1993 NFB of Ohio convention. Available in Braille, print, and cassette. Specify format, LBS40P, FREE For a complete product list or to place an order for one of the above items, write to us at: National Federation of the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, (410) 659-9314. Telephone orders accepted Monday through Friday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time. Payment can be made by check, money order, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA. C.O.D. is acceptable for an extra fee. Please include the item number. SPECKS COMMISSION MEMBERS. The following Federationists were appointed as charter members of the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities for Baltimore City: Dr. Betsy Zaborowski, Chairman; Carol Dobak, Eileen Rivera and Arthur Segal. This commission was enacted by the Baltimore City Council on June 21, 1993. Congratulations Dr. Betsy, Carol, Eileen and Arthur. Blind and visually impaired residents of Baltimore City will be well represented on this commission. CONGRATULATIONS. Judy Rasmussen, Director of Volunteers for the Visually Handicapped, Silver Spring, was appointed to the Maryland Rehabilitation Advisory Council. She was also elected Vice-Chairman of the council on March 24, 1994. Congratulations, Judy! NEW BABY. On January 20, 1994, a new member of the Pendleton family, Mary Elizabeth, arrived at 4:00 AM. Mary Elizabeth's mom, Keri, is well known to readers who shop at the NFB material center. Congratulations to all the Pendletons. LEGISLATION. Thanks to our efforts at this year's Washington seminar, five of Maryland's eight congressional representatives (Bartlett, Bentley, Cardin, Gilcrest, and Morella) have signed up as co-sponsors for H.R. 794, The Americans With Disabilities Business Development Act. If enacted into law, this legislation will permit the Small Business Administration to make loans to blind persons who are going into business for themselves. Let's continue to encourage all of Maryland's congressmen and senators to support this legislation. PARENTS' DIVISION. On March 12, the NFB of MD's Parents of Blind Children Division sponsored a job fair for students and a technology seminar for parents at the National Center for the Blind. Students took part in various discussion groups including finding summer jobs, and made the rounds among successfully employed blind adults. In addition to panel discussions of teachers, technology specialists, and Federation leaders, parent toured the recently expanded International Braille Technology Center. DIABETICS. NFB of MD diabetics committee announces speakers for the following meetings: Tuesday, April 26þGloria Elfert, Nutritionist John's Hopkins University. Tuesday May 24þDr. Ruben, well known psychologist who is also a diabetic. Tuesday June 28þDr. Argento, endocrinologist, will discuss cholesterol and fat. For further information, call Donna Goodman, (410) 730-9430. Meetings of the diabetics committee are held of the 4th Tuesday of each month, 7:15 PM, Ames United Methodist Church, Walker Ave, Pikesville. BUSINESS DIVISION. The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Business Division meets on the first Saturday every other month (even months). Some of the topics for future meetings include planning investment strategies for retirement, pros and cons of cellular phones, and computer programs to assist with business accounting. For further information, call president Barry Hond at (410) 484-7041. LIBRARY. Blind and visually impaired residents of Howard County have greater access to the information in the Howard County Library. At each library branch, a computer terminal containing catalog information is equipped with synthetic speech and large print capabilities. A library spokesperson informs us that the library has also purchased a Kurzweil Reading Edge reading machine for each of its branches. The Reading Edge scans printed and typeset materials, including hardback and paperback books and documents, and then reads them aloud. For further information, please call Val Fagen, Disabilities Services Specialist, at (410) 313-7859. ACCESSIBLE MENUS. Diners at The Olive Garden who are blind or visually impaired will be able to hear the culinary offerings and prices on the national chain's "Menu On Cassette." The eatery, located in the Columbia Restaurant Park of Route 175, will also be offering menus with large print along with an updated Braille menu. The restaurant specializes in Italian food. CALENDAR Saturday, April 23, 10:00 am-12:00 noon. Braille Story Hour for blind and visually impaired students, grades K-3, Division of Vision Services, 5010 Moorland Lane, Bethesda. Sponsored by the Sligo Creek Chapter, NFB of MD. Read stories with blind adults. Take part in a puppet show. For more information, call (301) 946- 8345. Saturday, April 30, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. "Beating the Odds: Learning to compete successfully in the Job Market," a seminar for blind and visually impaired job applicants, Staff Dining Room, First Floor, Campus Center Bldg, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus. $5 registration fee includes lunch. Sponsored by Sligo Creek Chapter, NFB of MD. For further information, call (301) 946-8345. Thursday, May 5, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm. Gubernatorial Candidates Forum at The League, 1111 East Coldspring Lane, Baltimore. Meet and question the Gubernatorial candidates. Friday, May 20. Payment deadline for the Maryland bus to this year's NFB Convention in Detroit. (See insert for details.) Sunday, May 15-Saturday, May 21. National White Cane Week. Special events to be conducted by local NFB chapters. Friday, June 3. Let's Eat; Hot dog eating contest. (see insert) Saturday, June 25, 10:00 am. Hike along the nature trails of Oregon Ridge State Park, or just enjoy the surroundings. Bring your own lunch. For more information, call Ken Canterbery (410) 780-0442. Friday, July 1-Thursday, July 7. 54th Annual NFB Convention, Detroit. Attractive hotel rates, fabulous convention activities, join us for a good time! Saturday, July 30, 10:00 am - ? NFB of MD Board meeting and picnic at Waterloo Park, Columbia. Annual Summer get-together. (See insert for details.) Monday, August 1. Deadline, submission of articles for next issue of The Braille Spectator. Friday, November 4-Sunday, November 6. 28th Annual NFB of MD Convention, Cumberland. (See insert for early Convention announcement.) Join Us! For the 54th Annual NFB Convention On the Maryland Bus!!! No taxis, no transfers! From Maryland to the Westin Hotel, Detroit, Michigan. Leaves 1800 Johnson Street in Baltimore on Thursday, June 30 at 6:15 am (2 additional pick-up points to be announced). Returns on Friday, July 8th. Make your reservations now! Cost: $110.00 per person. Make your checks payable to NFB of MD and send to NFB of Maryland, 9736 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, MD 21045 We must have payment in full for your reservation by Friday, May 20. For more information, call (410) 992-9608. For convention bus from Washington DC to Detroit leaving on July 1, call Burnell Brown at (202) 638-4338. 28th Annual Convention National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Holiday Inn Cumberland, Maryland Friday, Nov. 4þSunday Nov. 6, 1994 Plan now to take part in this action-packed, fun-filled weekend extravaganza. Complete convention details to be announced in the next issue of the Braille Spectator. Help make this convention a huge success by collecting door prizes now! Call (410) 992-9608 for door prize donation forms. THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR Al Maneki, Editor Spring 1994 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is a non- profit organization of blind people whose purpose is to promote equal opportunities for the blind. We provide advocacy services for the blind, special training programs for parents of blind children, job referrals and placements for the blind, public education programs, scholarships to blind students, and help the newly blinded to acquire special techniques for maintaining productive lives. The Braille Spectator is published quarterly for members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and others who share an interest in the work of this organization. The recorded edition, available on cassette, can be obtained upon request. Cassettes may be returned to the National Center for the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Send all inquiries, donations, news items, articles, letters to the editor, address changes and additions to the circulation list to the NFB of Maryland, 9736 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, MD 21045. Officers of the NFB of Maryland: Sharon Maneki, President; Eileen Rivera, First Vice President, Barry Hond, Second Vice President; Debbie Brown, Secretary; Judy Rasmussen, Treasurer. Members of the Board of Directors: Ken Canterbery, Ronald Coleman, Jean Faulkner, Fred Flowers, Blanche Payne, Brenda Williams. CHAPTERS AND DIVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND Baltimore County Chapter, Hilda Cullison, president (410)284-2575 Monthly meetings second Thursday Greater Baltimore Chapter, Eileen Rivera, president (410)433-5176 Monthly meetings third Saturday Central Maryland Chapter, Brenda Mueller, president (301)551-7057 Monthly meetings third Tuesday Greater Cumberland Chapter, Gary Klatt, president (301)777-0131 Monthly meetings first Tuesday Frederick County Chapter, Gerald Schultz, president (301)662-6803 Monthly meetings fourth Tuesday Sligo Creek Chapter, Lloyd Rasmussen, president (301)946-8345 Monthly meetings second Saturday Mountain City Chapter, Jean Faulkner, president (301)729-8942 Monthly meetings third Thursday Southern Maryland Chapter, Ken Silberman, president (301)552-2839 Monthly meetings fourth Saturday Parents of Blind Children Division, Barbara Cheadle, president (410)747-3472 Business Division, Barry Hond, president (410)484-7041 Diabetics Support Network, Donna Goodman, chairman (410)730-9430 Monthly meetings fourth Tuesday