NFBT NEWS A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas 6909 Rufus Drive Austin, TX 78752-3123 512-323-5444 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1 WINTER 1995 Norma Crosby, Editor PRINT DISTRIBUTION HOUSTON CHAPTER TAPE DISTRIBUTION SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER BRAILLE DISTRIBUTION AUSTIN CHAPTER "Changing what it means to be blind" All subscription requests, changes of address, announcements, comments and questions should be addressed to: NFBT News 1403 Cheshire Lane Houston TX 77018-4134. We will accept correspondence in print, on tape or in Braille. If you prefer, to call to notify us of address or subscription changes, you may do so by calling, toll-free 1-800-662- 2866. Or, if you live in the Houston area, call our NFBT News office at 713- 956-4909. Editorial THEY CALL IT OPPORTUNITY In a recent meeting between the Texas Commission for the Blind and several consumer groups the subject of employment opportunities for blind people was discussed. I took the opportunity to express, to the administration officials present, my feeling that the agency itself needs to do more to employ blind people. In doing so, I suggested that TCB stop requiring that all residential managers at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center have a valid Texas driver's license. I pointed out that this practice discriminates against blind applicants, and I enumerated several benefits of hiring some blind managers. The agency administrators seemed to agree that hiring blind residential managers at CCRC would provide clients with an opportunity to have contact with good role models. They said that they would go away and see what could be done about the situation. Several months after this discussion, I received a copy of a job notice for a residential manager at CCRC. To my delight, it did not contain the requirement that applicants have a valid driver's license. This seemed to be a positive sign that the agency really wanted to hear suggestions from blind consumers. I was hopeful that meaningful changes were being made until I received other job notices for residential managers. To my astonishment, they all contained the requirement that applicans hold a license. I was disturbed by this development. I felt as though the agency was playing a game with blind people in general and me in particular. I contacted Terry Murphy, who serves as the agency's Deputy Director for Programs. He told me that the agency had never intended to do away with the requirement entirely. I told him that I understood that. However, I don't understand how the Texas Commission for the Blind can expect blind people to support them when they play destructive games such as this one. Evidently, the agency thought blind people would be content if they opened up one job for us. It also seems as though they think we possess less intelligence than the average person. Because, the position they are so generously offering us is a daytime position. Clients are in class during daytime hours. Thus, there would be little opportunity for contact between the blind manager and clients. That's not what was suggested, and they know it. Perhaps, some would say that we are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to apply for one of these jobs. I don't believe that. Blind people should never be content with the crumbs that sighted people occasionally throw our way. We should keep striving for more, and the agency charged with assisting blind people in their quest for independence should not be acting as a hindrance. It should show its belief in blind people, and in the training it provides, by serving as an example to other employers. Instead, those who run the Texas Commission for the Blind act as though they are making a big sacrifice by offering this one opportunity. They try to weasel out of their commitment to the blind with childish games, and they send the signal that the blind cannot compete with the sighted. If they give us proper training, we can compete. Unfortunately, the agency's idea of training leaves many blind Texans afraid that they can't even travel the streets without sighted help. So, if it is true that we are not capable of doing jobs such as the one discussed here, the Commission must look long and hard at its training programs. Blind Texans deserve more than crumbs. We deserve to be employed. Furthermore, we deserve a rehabilitation agency that we can trust to keep its word. 1995 CONVENTION SET By Norma Cro The 1995 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas is set to take place at the Oak Hills Motor Inn, at 7401 Wurzbach Road, in San Antonio. The dates for the convention are March 10-12, and room rates are $50.00 for singles and $55.00 for doubles. The convention agenda has not been finalized. However, I know that everyone can expect an exciting program. Our conventions are open to the public, and we invite all our friends who read the NFBT News to join us. If you need more information about the convention, you may contact President Tommy Craig by calling 512- 323-5444 or 1-800-662-2866. You can also get information about the convention from your nearest local chapter president. Their names and telephone numbers can be found at the end of this publication. SCHOLARSHIPS TO BE AWARDED By Norma Crosby We are now accepting applications from students who wish to be considered for our 1995 NFB of Texas Scholarship Program. Those who wish to be considered must be legally blind residents of Texas who plan to attend a college, university, trade or technical school in the fall of 1995. The deadline for applications is January 31, 1995, and we urge all interested high school seniors and those who are currently enrolled in a post- secondary school to apply. If you haven't received an application in the mail, you can obtain one from your nearest NFB chapter president, or, by calling us at 1-800-662-2866. In 1995 the NFB of Texas will be awarding four scholarships, totaling more than $5,000.00. In addition to the scholarships we will award, the winners will be brought to the NFB of Texas Convention, at Federation expense. Each year this program becomes more competitive, and we receive applications from the finest blind students in the state. We are committed to providing those students with the opportunity to compete on terms of equality with their sighted peers. Many past winners are doing that. For example, William Harmon, Jr. is working as a teacher in the Texas City Independent School District. Jeanine Lineback is a rehabilitation instructor specializing in computer training at the Colorado Center for the Blind. Pegie Gonzalez, of San Antonio, teaches in the public schools. Patsy Lawson, attends college, while working 40 hours a week as a social services worker at the Lighthouse of Houston. Many blind students have benefited from this program, and we look forward to adding the names of the four members of the Class of '95 to that long list of NFBT scholarship recipients who are a part of our dream of changing what it means to be blind. FOCUS ON A LEADER TOMMY CRAIG By Elizabeth Campbell Tommy Craig doesn't shy away from helping blind people fight for dignity and equal treatment in society. As the new president of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas, Craig, 39, emphasizes the abilities and capabilities of blind people. However, he knows that many blind people believe that they can't compete on terms of equality with their sighted peers. He knows, firsthand, that often, those who are supposed to help blind people hurt them with their own negative attitudes about blindness. Craig was born in Ashdown, Arkansas, in 1955, and he says that his parents did not allow his blindness to be an obstacle or a hindrance. "I was the only blind person in the town where we lived," he recalls. "When I dropped something, they made me get down and pick it up. People thought they were mean, but I am glad they treated me that way." At age nine, Craig left home to attend the Arkansas School for the Blind, in Little Rock. He found much that was negative, at the school. However, he was able to gain some positive skills such as a good working knowledge of Braille. He says, "I wasn't happy about going to the school for the blind. But, it enabled me to learn Braille, which is one of the best things ever to happen to me." Mr. Craig's parents died when he was young, and he moved to Texas. He lived in Houston, with an aunt and uncle, and completed his secondary education at MacArthur High School, after spending some time at the Texas School for the Blind, in Austin. Then, he completed two years of college at Stephen F. Austin State University, in Nacogdoches, and the University of Texas at Austin. Subsequently, he took a job as a houseparent at the Texas School for the Blind. While living in Austin, Craig discovered the National Federation of The Blind. He recalls learning about the work of the Federation when he attended the Austin chapter's Christmas party in 1976. There, he heard a taped presentation describing the Federation's efforts to help blind people who worked at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind. He felt, strongly, that this effort was important, and it served to cement his commitment to the Federation. Soon after joining the NFB, Craig became President of the Austin Chapter, and a member of the NFB of Texas Board of Directors. In 1993, he became the NFB of Texas' Secretary, and at the March 1994 state convention, in Odessa, he was elected president. For many years, Craig, served on the NFB of Texas Legislative Committee. While he participated in the work of this important committee the Federation worked tirelessly to secure the passage of many significant pieces of legislation. He is particularly proud of the fact that he served in 1991, when the Federation spearheaded the passage of HB-2277, the Braille Literacy Act. This momentous legislation guarantees all blind students who live in Texas the right to learn Braille, and it has become a model for the country. Craig says that his new role as the elected leader of the NFB of Texas offers many exciting challenges. He suggests that advocacy will be in the forefront during his administration. He says, "One thing I really enjoy is representing students, doing advocacy work and really getting out there to work for blind people." THE QUESTION BOX Q: I am the parent of a blind child. She has partial vision, and I feel as though she should be given the opportunity to learn Braille. However, I have met with some opposition from local educators. Can you give me some guidance in this matter? A: First, let me say that if your child is legally blind, it is safe to say that she can benefit from learning how to read and write Braille. I think a book written by Doris Willoughby and Sharon Duffy, who teach blind and visually impaired children can provide you and your school district with some reasonable guidelines for determining whether your daughter needs to know Braille. The book is called A Handbook for Itinerant & Resource Teachers of Blind & Visually Impaired Students, and it lists some factors that point to the need for Braille training. They are as follows: Does the child read very slowly in print, not because of reading ability, but simply because he cannot see it any faster? Does he see only one word - or even part of a word - at a time? Must he turn his head at an unusual angle and/or keep moving his head? Do muscles become tired and strained because the need to stay in a very precise position? Must the student bring his face extremely close to the page? Does the student lose the meaning of the text because he must expend so much effort merely to see it? Does he tire quickly on visual tasks - more so than his general ability and maturity would seem to indicate? Is he unable to read standard- sized print? Is mass-produced large print (usually 14-16 point type) difficult or impossible? Is he unable to read his own handwriting? Must he have a special lighting arrangement? If a magnifier is used, is it bulky and cumbersome? Does the student frequently pause or stumble over words he knows, needing to take time to bring the word into focus? Does he read for pleasure, or is it too much work? If the answer to most of these questions is yes, Braille should definitely be taught. Your goal, and the goal of your school district, should be to give your child an opportunity to be as successful as possible, with as little discomfort as possible. Print may be useful to her in some circumstances. However, she should not be taught that it is better to rely on sight at all costs. Braille is a good alternative for tasks that your child has difficulty in performing while using printed material. It can make her more competitive and productive. BULLETIN BOARD Congratulations! On Saturday, June 4, 1994, Glenn Crosby II (son of former state president Glenn Crosby) married Amber Kirsch. We wish to extend our congratulations and best wishes to Glenn & Amber. Dallas Charter Member Dies Annie Mae Daniels, a charter member of the Dallas Progressive Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, died on November 21, 1994. Annie Mae was a woman who could be counted on to do whatever needed to be done, and she was truly a gracious lady. She will be missed by the members of her local chapter and by all who knew her. Retirement Manuel Gonzalez, who has served for many years as treasurer of the NFB of Texas, has retired from his job in the San Antonio Independent School District. Mr. Gonzalez worked for more than 30 years in the field of education. At the time of his retirement he was working as the director of a program for multiply-handicapped children. Now that he is retired, Mr. Gonzalez plans to spend time with his grandchildren and to continue his duties with the Federation. Congratulations Mr. G! Appointed Doris Henderson, First Vice- President of the NFB of Texas, has been appointed as an impartial hearing officer in cases dealing with rehabilitation complaints, in Texas. Her years in the field of work with the blind and her activities with the organized blind movement make her an excellent candidate for such a position. NFB BOOKSHELF Walking Alone & Marching Together: A History of the Organized Blind Movement 1940-1990 Written by distinguished author and professor, Floyd Matson, the boo chronicles the progress of the organized blind movement from 1940 to 1990. Available from the NFB. To order call 1-410-659-9314 or write: NFB Materials Center, 1800 Johnson St., Baltimore, MD 21230. Cost: $33.00 print. $40.00 tape (includes original speeches). $130.00 Braille. Also available from the Texas State Library Talking Book Program. The McDuffy Reader Written by Sharon Duffy, this text and teacher's edition provides Braille instruction for blind adults. Cost: $15.00 for the Braille textbook. $10.00 for both the Braille and print versions of the teacher's guide. Building Braille Reading Speed: Some Helpful Suggestions This article is written by Jerry Whittle, who is the Braille instructor at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. It is available free of charge from the NFB. LOCAL CHAPTERS Amarillo.................................817-376-8454 Eura Mae Harmon, President Arlington................................817-861-8304 Ruth Fabel, President Austin.....................................512-451-1717 Tommy Craig, President Brownsville............................210-541-0970 Ernestina Notargiacomo, President Dallas.....................................214-942-2612 Doris Henderson, President Fort Worth...........................817-738-0350 Elizabeth Campbell, President Galveston County................409-948-6825 William Harmon, Jr., President Houston..................................713-956-4909 Norma Crosby, President McAllen..................................210-783-5070 Raul Reyes, President Permian Basin........................915-368-5646 Connie Eckard, President San Antonio...........................210-951-2530 Martha Laque, President Wichita Falls..........................817-592-5757 Lola Pace, President