OFFICERS PRESIDENT - Joseph Ruffalo VICE PRESIDENT - Ever Lee Hairston SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - Tracy Hall SECRETARY - Jerilyn Higgins TREASURER - Gloria Lewis BOARD MEMBERS Kathleen Benjamin, Rose Bethea, Jerry Moreno, and Michelle Foster CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Garden State Chapter - Ever Lee Hairston (609) 321-1296 Northern (Essex) Chapter - Edwin Lewinson (201) 675-3377 Metro-Suburban Chapter - Jerry Moreno (201) 751-8771 Atlantic - Cape May Chapter - Michelle Foster (609) 653-0869 JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND David DeNotaris - (201) 239-8884 PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN Carol Castellano - (201) 377-0976 LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR David Mostello - (609) 799-8424 NEWSLINE FOR THE BLIND Harrison Burton, Jr. - (609) 784-7247 BRAILLE MENTORING PROGRAM Robert Kanish - 1- (908) 638-4715 THE SOUNDING BOARD Joseph Ruffalo, Editor Rachael Degenshein, Co-editor Published in print and cassette by THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY JOSEPH RUFFALO, PRESIDENT State Affiliate Office 69 Prospect Place Belleville, NJ 07109 Letters to the President, address changes, subscription requests, letters to the editor, and articles for the Sounding Board should be sent to the State Affiliate Office. Sounding Board subscriptions cost the Federation about six dollars per year. Members are invited and non-members are requested to cover the subscription cost. Donations should be made payable to the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and sent to the State Affiliate Office Sounding Board has been printed by Budget Print of Bloomfield, New Jersey, and recorded by Joel Blake. ************************ If you or a friend would like to remember the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey in your will, you can do so by employing the following language: “I give, devise, and bequeath unto the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, 69 Prospect Place, Belleville, New Jersey 07109, a non-profit corporation the sum of $ ( or “ percent of my net estate” or “The following stocks and bonds: “) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons. ************************ PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE Dear Federationists, The start of a new year signifies the continuation of the legacy of excellence of the National Federation of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey. In October, the Northern Chapter commemorated White Cane Safety Day by informing people at Penn Station in Newark of the use and purpose of the long, white cane. Although the rain was falling, these energetic volunteers had rising spirits knowing that they helped to enlighten those who would not have otherwise known about the cane or any other blindness issues for that matter. In November, the Metro-Suburban Chapter, participated in Kids Unlock the Darkness, an informative and fun day of blindness instruction and enlightenment to second and third grade students in Bloomfield in conjunction with the Bloomfield High School Key Club. Once again, we were given the opportunity to redefine the meaning of blindness for the public. In September, the Garden State Chapter went to the National Center for the Blind in Baltimore for a day of education and fun. At the Cherry Hill Mall in November, they held a Braille Awareness Day. The day was focused on passing out brochures and other materials to open the eyes of the public to the National Federation of the Blind. On March 1, 1997, the Garden State Chapter hosted its annual talent showcase which was wonderful! Each chapter’s annual holiday party was a huge success! Complete with delicious holiday goodies, visits from Santa, and gifts, the celebration was one which will not soon be forgotten. As of October 1, 1996, Newsline for the Blind is here! We in New Jersey can now access the same information our sighted peers have been able to utilize all along and in a way that is comfortable and convenient for us! Available now are the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, and USA Today with local papers soon to join. The subscription cost for ANY blind individual in New Jersey is FREE! The only cost is that of the phone call. As of March 1 a message system will be in effect. Plans for Jobline are also underway. An application form for Newsline can be found later in this issue. A huge thanks to Harrison Burton, Jr. and the Commission for the Blind for all their work and vision in making Newsline a reality! For more information on Newsline, contact Harrison at (609) 784-7247 or me at (201) 450- 3030. The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey received a Proclamation from Governor Whitman’s office proclaiming December 29, 1996 through January 4, 1997 Braille Literacy Week. We are grateful for the acknowledgment that the governor recognizes the importance of literacy for the Blind. The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey once again participated in the annual Washington Seminar. Represented by sixteen members of the NFBNJ, it was relatively easy to schedule appointments with our fifteen elected officials to Congress. There were three main issues which were discussed. The first issue was that Congress should restore work incentive equity for blind individuals by re-enacting the identical earnings exemption threshold for blind and senior citizen beneficiaries under title II of the Social Security Act. The second issue was that Congress should amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to include provisions for strengthening programs of Braille literacy instruction. The final issue discussed was that Congress should enact legislation this year to reauthorize the existing federal/state program of vocational rehabilitation. The Braille Monitor contains further information on these issues, consult further editions for those facts. The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is proud to announce that Ramona Walhof, President of the NFB of Idaho and Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind will be the National office representative at our state convention in Parsippany, at the Parsippany Hilton, April 18, 19, 20. Ms. Walhof graduated valedictorian of her high school class and later received her Bachelor’s degree in Russian language from Georgetown University. Additionally, she has written widely on topics relating to blindness. She has been president of the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho for nine years, and Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind for four years. Tracy Hall is coordinating Talent Showcase Night the Friday evening of the convention, April 18th. For more information contact Tracy at (201) 678-8523. Recently, the NFBNJ has mailed raffle books to everyone on our mailing list. The proceeds from this fundraiser will assist us in our scholarship fund. This year we are remembering a former scholarship winner who has recently passed away, Douglas Burroughs with the Douglas Burroughs Memorial Scholarship. Your generosity over the past few years has been incredible and we hope the support will continue. The information in every issue of The Sounding Board takes weeks to collect, and days to edit. The tapes and printed materials are expensive. It is ridiculous to merely throw away old issues. After you have finished with the issues, pass them on to a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, anyone. If you don’t know anyone who would want one or you are simply done, mail it back to me and I will find plenty of people who can use it. If you are planning to go to New Orleans for the National Convention June 27 through July 6, please contact me so that I can arrange a special rate for the airline fare. In conclusion, we anticipate another stellar year for the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey because all of you are making it stellar. Keep up the good work! Sincerely, Joseph Ruffalo, President NFBNJ Editor’s Note: Many Sounding Board readers are familiar with Gloria Lewis as she has consistently contributed to our newsletter. She is Treasurer of the Northern Chapter and State Affiliate. For the past several years, Gloria has successfully run the Registration Table at our State Convention. Gloria is always enthusiastic to assist in blindness issues. A NETW0RK OF ORGANIZATIONS by Gloria Lewis The New Jersey Network of Organizations is a coalition of and for people with vision loss. This is a coalition of public and private agencies, health and professional associations, schools, consumer and volunteer groups who are all concerned about present and future issues of advocacy, education, and service delivery to the Blind and Visually Impaired. Some of our legislators have proposed measures that could result in poorer service delivery to disabled individuals. These measures do not support programs and services for the Blind provided through specialized agencies, instead they suggest cross disability programs to be administered by a generic disability agency. If adopted, this cross disability approach will mean that individuals with significant disabilities will not be assured the specialized services they need from people trained specifically in service delivery to disabled individuals. With this critical issue in mind, the Network invited Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, President Emeritus of the National Federation of the Blind, to address its meeting of October 30, 1996, at the Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center in New Brunswick. Dr. Jernigan was asked to give an update on this issue with regard to the future. Dr. Jernigan told the gathering, which included officials from public and private agencies, members of the Northern chapter, Garden State chapter, and Parents of Blind Children that such a political situation requires our energy, our resources, and our will to protect our programs. It also requires, he emphasized, a profound understanding of the need to be deliberate in preserving all programs and services for the Blind. The agencies need deep and committed support from the Blind they serve, continued Dr. Jernigan, they also need to establish meaningful community of purpose with consumer organizations. The agency officials were advised to work cooperatively with consumer organizations to ensure support in time of need. Dr. Jernigan asserted that the best possible insurance policy for an agency for the Blind is a strong independent organization of blind consumers. As long as the members of such an organization are satisfied that the agency is responsive to their needs, then, at the time of crisis, they will approach the public and government to seek funding and support to protect the agency. With deep conviction, Dr. Jernigan stated that in the general melting pot of the generic disability agency, the Blind will have no useful training, no meaningful opportunity, and no real chance. There is only one way the specialized programs for the Blind can survive, the agencies and strong independent grassroots organizations of the Blind must work together to make it happen. An agency should try to promote the concept of self-help and of local organizations combined into a state and national entity, encouraged Dr. Jernigan, and it should take occasion to publicize its alliance with the organization. In return, if the agency is satisfactory, the organization should do the same. Finally, Dr. Jernigan advised against waiting for a crisis to build strong organizations. Every local area needs strong organizations, he urged, at the monthly chapter meetings, time should be devoted to studying the laws and regulations affecting the agencies and the program structure that governs in the state. He suggested that blind people form study groups to learn about the laws and policies under which services are provided, the techniques of political organization, and how to exercise the power that is inherent in organization. The involvement of all blind consumers is essential, if we must influence the direction of our rehabilitation. Editor’s Note: Ever Lee Hairston serves as Scholarship Chairperson. Ever Lee is an active member as she is President of the Garden State Chapter and First Vice President to the State Affiliate. Her energetic personality makes her a joy to work with. AN ADVENTURE TO BALTIMORE by Ever Lee Hairston The Garden State Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey planned a trip to Baltimore for Saturday, September 21, 1996. The day was truly an adventure. All of the participants gathered between the hours of 7:30 am and 7:45 for departure. However, the bus didn’t arrive until 10:00 am. During our long and frustrating wait, we entertained ourselves by eating bagels and drinking tea and coffee and sharing some personal experiences. Our ride to Baltimore was enhanced by our listening to some descriptive videos. We arrived at our first destination (The National Center for the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD) without too many problems. Once there, we broke into smaller groups; a few of us ran to a NFB meeting which was already in session. Another group went to the National Braille and Technology Center and others went to the Materials Center. At approximately 1:00 p.m., we left our National Center with excitement and bags of much needed materials purchased at the center. Our second destination was the Inner Harbor. An event all blind persons must experience was dining at the famous Phillips Restaurant. We departed from the Inner Harbor at approximately 5:30 and continued to have lots of fun sharing with each other our wonderful and awesome day in Baltimore. STATE CONVENTION TO BE HELD AT THE PARSIPPANY HILTON by Rachael Degenshein From April 18 to April 20 this year, if you attend the New Jersey State Convention, you will find yourself in the lap of luxury. This year’s convention is being held at the Parsippany Hilton. For conferences, business meetings and social functions, more than 25,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space is available including 24 meeting rooms for banquets. In addition, the individual rooms feature climate control and remote-control color TV with full cable, including CNN, HBO, ESPN., Spectravision and in-house movies. Complete recreational activities are at your disposal including indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzi, complete fitness center, volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, and campus jogging trails. While at the convention, you will never go hungry. With four in hotel dining options to choose from virtually every type of food is available. Livingston’s Chophouse serves the finest in grilled meats, poultry and seafood items. If specialty selections are more your style, you might want to try The Meadows. When you are in a mood to just unwind, you may want to go to The Atrium, the lobby bar which serves select wines, and single malt scotches. In the Hotel Lobby, you can still experience a taste of the Caribbean at the Coco Loco Club. Here you will find games, sports tv, music, dancing, hungry hour buffet, and Pizza Hut pizza. The Parsippany Hilton is ideally located at the junction of Route 10 and Route 287, close to Garden State Parkway and I-95. For more information, contact Mr. Joseph Ruffalo at (201) 450-3030. Make sure you say that you will be attending the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey State Convention to insure that you take advantage of our special $65 rate! PRE-REGISTRATION FORM The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is proud to announce our 21st annual state convention to be held on April 18th, 19th, and 20th, 1997 at the Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054. NAME: ADDRESS: CITY STATE ZIP: PHONE NUMBER: Please list additional names on a separate sheet of paper EA TOTAL Registration $10 per person $5 for Children (including child care) Lunch April 19th, $10 per person Banquet April 19th $20 per person Total Enclosed Make your checks payable to The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and mail to Joseph Ruffalo 69 Prospect Place, Belleville, NJ 07109 For additional information contact Joseph Ruffalo at: (201) 450-3030 Don’t forget! Call 1-201-267-7373 for special $65 NFB rate. All volunteers report to registration table upon arrival! FREE HOW-TO SEMINAR OFFERED TO BLIND JOB SEEKERS, EMPLOYERS by David DeNotaris Are you legally blind and looking for work? Are you an employer looking for steady, intelligent employees? The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ) in cooperation with Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) is proud to present a unique FREE workshop: THE 1997 HOW-TO SEMINAR for employers and blind job seekers, on Friday, April 18, 1997 (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at the PARSIPPANY HILTON, 1 Hilton Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054, (201) 267-7373. Experienced blind speakers will cover topics such as HOW-TO develop a network that works for you; HOW-TO answer tough questions at a job interview; HOW-TO access the Graphical User Interface (GUI), Microsoft Windows and Internet; and for employers, HOW-TO interview and employ a competent blind person! This seminar is for any job seeker who is blind or visually impaired, and any employer interested in hiring hard-working, creative, problem-solving individuals. Participants will meet successfully employed blind Americans who are employed in the jobs they wanted to do, right alongside their sighted neighbors. The many lively presentations will take the mystery out of blindness. Come find out what really works from the people who really know! The “1997 HOW-TO Job Seminar” is your personal connection to employment. For additional data, visit the on-site Vendor’s Room accessible products for the blind employee. Job Opportunities for the Blind is a joint project of the National Federation of the Blind and the US Department of Labor. If you would like more information, please call: David J. DeNotaris, Seminar coordinator, at (201) 239-8884, or e-mail via Internet to: 76546.650@compuserve.com. Editor’s Note: The following is a conversation and recollections of two of our NFBNJ members, Cheryl Osolinski and her blind daughter, Cortney. They now feel they are receiving the best Orientation and Mobility instruction the world has to offer. Their instructors are experienced, active, free of cost, and really know the skills of cane travel. They are the blind adults of the National Federation of the Blind! Continue reading and you will see several examples of their “lessons”. THREE BLIND LADIES AND ONE LONG WHITE CANE by Cheryl and Cortney Osolinski Cheryl: My map shows the hotel is right here! Cortney : Well, why don’t you ask someone else? Cheryl: I asked three people and saw two maps already. Look at that building! We’ve passed it six times now! Cortney: Didn’t this happen to you before? Cheryl: Yes, but this time I called Holiday Inn and got excellent directions. Cortney: Yeah right. So then, where are we? Cheryl (recalls NFB visits to Washington DC area): 1994 -- The first time I drove, I was lost in DC for over an hour, driving past the same buildings, streets, and capital. I got a broken windshield from a rock, there was solid ice on even the main highways, but it was the only way I knew how to travel. I swore I’d never drive there again! 1995 -- I was taken to the train station, I walked in and had no idea where to go, or what to do. Then I saw my NFB friends “The Three Blind Ladies”. They showed me how to get a ticket, where to wait, what to listen for, and how to board a train! What a nice relaxing trip. 1996 -- I took my daughter Cortney with me this year. I showed her what The Three Blind Ladies taught me. The trip was problem-free, it was a breeze. (back to present) -- Either time does heal all wounds, or I’ve lost my mind! Here we are driving in circles, passing that same building again. We’re tired, hungry, and I’m probably late for the Parents of Blind Children meeting I’m speaking at! Oh for the love of Pete, why didn’t we take the train, or bus, or mule, anything but this. Suddenly, I am very relieved. I see her out of the car window, she is walking confidently down the street (I still can’t tell you what street). It was the long white cane that caught my attention. I whipped the car off the road and Cortney put her window down. Cortney: How do you get to the Holiday Inn on C. Street? Kind stranger with cane: Did you see the street I just crossed? (she pointed with her thumb over her shoulder) Cheryl: Yes? Kind stranger with cane: Cross it as I did. Go two blocks and make a left, the hotel is on the right. Cheryl and Cortney: Thank you. Two minutes later....... Cheryl: There it is! Three days later, driving home...... Cortney: Mom, are there any people with long white canes out the window? Cheryl: I don’t see any. Cortney: Then how are we going to get home? Editor’s Note: Members of the Metro-Suburban Chapter, Jerry and Madeline Moreno along with Jerilyn Higgins enlightened the children and faculty by operating the information table. At this table, they distributed Kernel books, Braille cards, and balloons, and Jerilyn brailled the children’s names. KIDS UNLOCK THE DARKNESS This year, the Bloomfield High School Key Club is focusing on visual impairment and the positive manner in which people overcome handicaps such as blindness. To promote this theme, the club has organized several new service projects. Two Bloomfield Key Clubbers currently serve as Vision Volunteers, a program which permits them to serve as aids to visually impaired individuals. Additionally, the club organized a larger project that involved the second and third grade students in the town. The club named this project Kids Unlock the Darkness. On November 16, 1996, children in grades two and three gathered at Bloomfield High School for an exciting day of activities. Key Clubbers divided the children into different groups, each of which had its own textured material as a distinguishing feature. Everyone in attendance gathered in the auditorium to listen to a motivational speech by David DeNotaris. Mr. DeNotaris, a blind speaker and former champion weight lifter, discussed the importance of confidence in confronting and overcoming obstacles. Mr. DeNotaris stressed the idea that people can overcome any handicap with perseverance and dedication. The children enjoyed his speech, as did the students and faculty. Then, Mr. DeNotaris gave the children an opportunity to ask questions about their goals, their hopes, and their aspirations. Next, the children broke into groups and participated in some really fun activities prepared by our Key Clubbers and other organizations. Mrs. Lawton, of the PHASE program in Bloomfield, presented a skit to the children. In her presentation, Mrs. Lawton used a blind puppet named Renaldo. The children spoke to Renaldo and asked him questions about the ways in which he managed to lead a normal life, just like them. Renaldo’s answers shocked the children. They were unaware that blind people lead ordinary lives and participate in the same sports, hobbies, and activities as the sighted. Then, the children met some interesting characters. Two dogs from the Seeing Eye came to meet with the children. The children listened to a brief speech on the manner in which seeing eye dogs are raised. The children also received an opportunity to play with the zealous animals. Next, the children worked on arts and crafts projects. However, unlike an ordinary arts and crafts project, these creations utilized various textures and shapes, as opposed to fancy colors and designs. The art projects were donated to visually impaired children who were able to enjoy the shapes and textures and discover the features of these adorable bear projects. Finally, the children participated in numerous blindfolded games. First, our Key Clubbers guided the blindfolded children through a maze. The children used canes to maneuver their way, just as Mr. DeNotaris used his cane. The children then tried to guess unknown objects that they touched in covered boxes. Amazingly, wet noodles were mistaken for worms! The afternoon accomplished much more than its organizers expected. Everyone in attendance learned a great deal about their own abilities and strengths. They also learned that they could look at problems in many different ways as they searched for solutions. The Bloomfield Key Club is currently working on a project to visit and assist a visually impaired day care center and also send a visually impaired student at the middle school and his family for a vacation this summer at the Sunshine House. The Key Club will provide this trip all expenses paid. Editor’s Note: Carol Castellano, President of Parents of Blind Children of New Jersey, is an extremely active member and an inspiration. Being president of the Belleville Lions Club myself, I feel it is important for all the Federationists to become involved in other clubs, outside the Federation. This will provide you with a sense of duty, pride, and belonging and will help the members of the organization you join to see that the Blind and Visually Impaired can and should be integrated on the basis of equality into all aspects of a predominantly sighted world. Carol exemplified this by presenting at the Belleville Lions Club annual dance the Dummy Copy of the book. Her comments on how her publication got off the ground follow. THE BELLEVILLE LIONS MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE by Carol Castellano In September of 1995, my daughter Serena and I went to the Belleville Lions with a dream. It was a dream to publish a book that would help parents and teachers of blind children bridge the gap between print and Braille. We knew that parents wanted to find out how to teach their blind child the alphabet and show them how to write 1+1=2. They wanted to be able to help with the homework and check the spelling. They wanted the assistance that would enable them to just be ordinary parents to their blind children. We presented the Lions with a modest plan. We needed enough money to finalize our manuscript and print one hundred books. The proceeds from the sale of the first hundred would fund the printing of the next hundred. The Belleville Lions must have liked our idea, because three days later we had a check in hand for the full amount we needed! We were able to go forward with finishing the manuscript and planning for the printing of one hundred books. As we went on with the project, we realized that we would need more than one hundred books and we were planning to print two hundred. Right now, decisions are being made about printing five hundred or even a thousand! None of this would have been possible without the support of the National Federation of the Blind, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, and, of course, our friends, the Belleville Lions! Here is what the back cover of the book has to say: The Bridge to Braille: Reading and School Success for the Young Blind Child, by Carol Castellano and Dawn Kosman, is a practical, step-by-step- guide that will show parents and teachers how to help blind children progress from early literacy experiences all the way to full participation in the classroom. The authors answer the basic questions -- “How can I teach my preschooler the alphabet?” and “How do I show my child how to write 2+2?” -- as well as questions that come up further down the road -- “How does a blind student take notes for a science report?” and “When should my child get a talking computer?” With sections like “Adapting Materials”, “Doing Math in Braille”, and “Independence in the Classroom”, this book demystifies the education of blind children and enables parents to give ordinary help with spelling, homework, reports, and projects to their child who happens to be blind. Editor’s Note: Cindy’s determination at the age of 14 was a premonition of future success to come her way, no matter what field she chose to pursue. She served as Student Division President of New Jersey and has attended Washington Seminars. She is a graduate of Rutgers University where she received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. She attended NYU law school and graduated with honors in May of 1996. Cindy has recently passed both New York and New Jersey bar exams. Cindy hopes to specialize in disability law later on, but is currently pursuing a professorship at William Paterson college in New Jersey. LEARNING THE ROPES by Cindy Simon As of recently, I have had occasion to go on a few job interviews. One, in which I was being interviewed for a professor’s position, included questions about how I would know what was going on in my classroom and how I would know how my students were responding to my teaching. In another interview for a position as a lawyer in an agency that deals with individuals with disabilities my interviewer, knowing that I possessed some degree of visual disability, informed me that lawyers were expected to have their own cars so they could get to court and visit clients who are unable to come into the office. There was a time when both of these interviews would have resulted in double negative outcomes. The first negative would be that I would not receive an offer. The second negative result would have been the disservice I would have done for future blind professors or lawyers seeking employment where I had. That time, thankfully, is in the past. I was able to confidently and successfully respond to both interviewers. Whether they hired me would be based on my background and qualifications for the job, not on how well I could see my students or what method of transportation I used to get to court or anywhere else. Where I learned to be a professor and lawyer is not where I learned to answer the above interview questions successfully. Ironically, where I learned my professions, I did not even learn that these questions had acceptable answers a blind person could give. After all, how would a blind person see her students or get to a court in the middle of nowhere? When I was little I ignored my blindness for the most part. The only consequences of my blindness that I could not ignore were that I was kept out of organized sports and that I was picked on an awful lot for being different. My mother solved the sports problem by letting me join a swim team. As for being picked on, my classmates grew up. Instead of making fun of me, some have learned to understand blindness and others have discriminated because of it. As I got older I realized there was more to life than organized sports and avoiding being picked on by my classmates. There was a whole world out there and I wanted to be part of it even if I couldn’t see it all that well, and even if I couldn’t drive myself around it. My mother did not have all the answers now and time would not change the world as it had my classmates. I tried to ignore these realities by focusing on school and what I could do. I also kept dreaming, and missing opportunities to pursue my dreams not because I was blind, but because I had rather bad mobility skills and little faith in what I could do. Shortly after the most upsetting and one of the more blatant acts of discrimination I had experienced, I would begin to learn firsthand that blind people could be successful in my chosen field as well as almost any other, and I would begin to learn how to be a successful blind person. The act of discrimination occurred when I sought the position of student government secretary. One of my fellow student government members said I could not be secretary for obvious reasons, I was blind. No other member in a body that was considered one of the school’s most liberal student governments even suggested that this comment was wrong and misguided, not to mention discriminatory. I was upset and unsure what to do. I had no great dream of being student government secretary, although I would eventually hold that post. I did dream, however, of being an elected official. How could I win an election in a district where most people would not have personal contact with me if I could not even get one person in a body I had served in for a year to say I was qualified to run? I was heartbroken, but fate was on my side. A couple of weeks later, I was notified that I had won a scholarship from the National Federation of the Blind. The only catch was I had to come out to the convention by myself. I needed the money, I had never been to Colorado and I am always up for going to a new state. So I went. In spite of my poor mobility skills, I made it to the hotel in one piece and quite relieved. At this convention, I learned of Homer Page and other blind elected officials. I learned that I could succeed and I started to learn how. The scholarship money I received in 1989 and again in 1995 from the National Federation of the Blind and the scholarship money I received in 1988 and 1995 from the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey helped me pay for school, but the requirement that I attend the conventions gave me my freedom. For your assistance, both financial and in freeing me, I thank the NFB and the NFBNJ. ************************ The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey sadly announces the passing of one of its newest, but most inspirational members. Douglas Burroughs died in his parents’ home in Merchanicsville, Maryland on Sunday, September 1 from a severe attack of cancer at age 27. Doug, a graduate student at Trenton State College of New Jersey, attended state and national conventions, spoke to children in hospitals, did a weekly blues radio show, played the guitar, and countless other activities despite battling cancer for most of his adolescent and adult life. Doug’s scholastic achievements earned him the NFB of New Jersey’s top academic scholarship in 1995. His deeply personal and moving remarks about pushing forward in the face of adversity and being one’s own best advocate truly exemplified the ideals of the Federation and served as a model by which we can all measure our own efforts. Starting in 1997 the New Jersey affiliate will award a scholarship in Doug’s honor to a worthy academic recipient. Though Doug is no longer with us in body, his tremendous fortitude and serene, good-natured sense of humor in even the toughest and most painful times will always give the rest of us strength to persevere no matter what obstacles life may throw in our way. He will be missed. Additional donations to the Doug Burroughs scholarship fund can be sent to NFBNJ 69 Prospect Place Belleville, NJ 07109. Make checks payable to NFBNJ, in memo portion please note DOUG FUND. Editor’s Note: Agnes Allen, Secretary of the Garden State Chapter, and a member of our Braille Mentoring Program has devoted much of her life to providing literacy to the Blind and Visually Impaired. Agnes deserves commendation. BRAILLE LITERACY DAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1996 by Agnes Allen On Monday, November 11, 1996 (Veteran’s Day), several members of the Garden State Chapter of the NFB of New Jersey met at Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to honor Braille Literacy Day. Those members who participated were Harrison Burton, Al Dowdney, Ever Lee Hairston, Christina Gountas, Aleni Gountas, Cortney Osolinski, Cheryl Osolinski, Lee Roberts, myself, and Carolyn Cresson, a non-member but a most interested person and enthusiast for Braille. Braille demonstrations, distribution of NFB literature and lively interaction between chapter members and the general public highlighted the day. The two children, Cortney and Christina, were particularly hard at work at the Braillers, transcribing names for people who stopped at our table. Much information was disseminated about the National Federation of the Blind which will hopefully benefit persons who would not otherwise learn of the NFB and its philosophy, purpose, and goals. Formerly, Braille Literacy Day or Braille Awareness Day was held on or about the birthday of Louis Braille, i.e. January fourth. The reason why the November date was chosen this year was that the holiday, Veteran’s Day, would motivate more people to shop at the mall for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations; consequently, presenting a greater opportunity for us to bring Braille to the attention of more people. We are planning to make Braille Literacy Day a semi-annual event taking place at the various shopping malls in South Jersey. Thanks to all of you who made it happen on November 11, 1996. YOU ARE INVITED TO THE THIRD ANNUAL REGIONAL CONSUMER FORUM SERIES HELD BY THE NJ COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REHABILITATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RAC) by Jamie Hilton We need your input! Your concerns and comments are extremely important to the RAC and will be used in making recommendations to the Commission for the improvement of services to individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who are blind and visually impaired. We hope you will participate! The following list provides information on the date, time, and location of each regional forum, along with the name and phone number of a contact person. In order for the necessary seating and refreshment arrangements to be made, we ask that you please call and advise us of your participation as soon as possible, preferably two weeks before the scheduled date of the forum in your region. Don’t let transportation problems stop you! We encourage you to contact your county’s para-transit office if you need their services. Consumers who will not be accompanied by a sighted-guide, are unable to travel to the forum using the available public or para- transportation and require assistance should call their region’s contact person as soon as possible. We are looking forward to having you join us! FACT SHEET FORUM LOCATION AND CONTACT: CENTRAL REGION - Toms River Office - Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, Union and Somerset, Monmouth Counties CONTACT: Edward Gorczyca (908) 255-0900 or (908) 255-0720 DATE: Wednesday, April 2, 1997 PLACE: Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center 130 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ TIME: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. METROPOLITAN REGION - Newark Office - Essex and Hudson Counties CONTACT: John Reiff (201) 648- 4780 or 2111 DATE: Saturday, May 3, 1997 PLACE: Robeson Hall (part of Rutger’s Newark Campus) 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark (Between Warren and Bleecker Streets) TIME: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. NORTHERN REGION - Paterson/Newark Office - Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties CONTACT: Mary Sirera (201) 648-7504 or 7897 DATE: Monday, March 24, 1997 PLACE: Bergen County Freeholders Public Meeting Room - Rm. 301 21 Main Street, Hackensack TIME: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. SOUTHERN REGION - Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Salem, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties CONTACT: Vito DeSantis (609) 757-2506 or (609) 757-2815 DATE: Thursday, March 27, 1997 PLACE: Camden Office 101 Haddon Avenue TIME: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Editor’s Note: Mike Marrazzo is a very active participant in the blind community. He is a member of the Lions Club and he chairs the Lions statewide cane committee. Additionally, Mike has served on numerous state Lion committees and project committees and he chairs the rehabilitation advisory council for the Commission for the Blind. He has been involved in this for three years, from 1993 to 1996, and is currently a member. Mike Marrazzo serves on the State Human Services Advisory Council. Also, he is a REC liaison for the Board of Trustees and the Founding President of the Network of NJ Organizations for the Blind. Mike is involved in so many worthy activities he is truly an inspiration to us all. BLIND EDUCATE LEGISLATORS BY: Michael T. Marrazzo, President Housing and United Services, Inc. On the morning of December 4, 1996, the New Jersey Network of Organization for the Blind held their first Legislative Breakfast at the Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center, New Brunswick. The purpose of the breakfast was to inform New Jersey Legislators of the service needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. Further, Legislators had the opportunity to see the only Rehabilitation Center specifically designed for the training of persons who have become blind or visually impaired. The Breakfast honorary Chairman & Host was New Jersey Assembly Speaker Jack Collins. Along with the Assembly Speaker and his aide, there were these participants from the legislature: Senator Joe Kyrillos, Assemblyman Leonard Lance, an aide for Assemblyman Richard Bagger, and an aide for Assemblyman & Congressman Elect Bill Pascrell, came to listen and left impressed as well as supportive of the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. The program began with a welcome from Eileen Goff, President of the Network and lead into Formal Introductions by Herbert Miller, Administrator St. Joseph's School for the Blind, Keynote by Assembly Speaker Collins and from this point Herbert Miller would moderate to the completion of the program. The program included five panelists who each spoke for five minutes on their experiences in receiving training of many different types which has made it possible to live a full life with the loss of eyesight. One of the panelists was a parent of a multiply impaired blind child who gave a realistic picture of the struggles parents face in planning their child's future, and the frustrations in learning about or obtaining enough services to fill their needs. The other four panelists were individuals who have lost their sight at different points in their lives as well as under different circumstances. Each of the panelists spoke on the services which they received such as training to walk with a white cane, Braille and other communication skills, training for the ability to work (all of the panelists are employed), and any other types of training needed to help them become active, productive participants in society as individual people who just happen to have experienced the loss of eyesight. They brought to the attention of the legislators that the main provider of such services is the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired here in New Jersey, however there are other nonprofit organizations that provide services and/or expand on the services already provided by others. Throughout the discussion and comments, it was clear that the legislators developed a new understanding of the needs of people who are blind and visually impaired. Further, they understand the clear need to have a state agency such as the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and to keep it a free standing agency in state government. And, they now know and understand what services are and how they relate to the lives of real people thus additional budget reductions will have an effect on people who are trying to become independent with the loss of eyesight. The members of the panel were Kim & Mikayla Resh (parent & daughter), James Simmons, David DeNotaris, Ed Lucas, and Ed. In completing the program, Michael Marrazzo provided wrap up remarks and then there was some time for comments from the legislators and those in attendance. Assemblyman Leonard Lance, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, as part of his comments, said that he hopes to see all in attendance at the State Budget hearings to tell of the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. Here are some of the organizations which attended this event; St. Joseph's School for the Blind, Enrichment Center for the Blind, NFB of New Jersey, NJ Commission for the Blind Board of Trustees & RAC, NJ Camp for Blind Children, Eye Institute, NJ Council of the Blind(ACB), Recording for the Blind, A.E.R., NJ Assn. of Deaf Blind, Parents of Blind Children, Sussex office of Disabled, Housing and United Services, 10 parents or grandparents with their blind or visually impaired children, and Lions. With all that has been accomplished at this event, our work to inform the legislators is far from done. After all the tours of the Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center were complete and all in attendance went back home, or to school, or to work, it was important to realize that out of 120 legislators in New Jersey 4 attended. We all need to realize that these 4 legislators now know service for the blind and visually impaired better than they did on December 3, 1996. In addition, they can put faces to described service needs either by the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired or by some of our consumers testifying at budget hearings. We, as individuals who are blind or visually impaired, need to get to know our local legislators and further educate them as well. In New Jersey, there are approximately 140,000 people who are blind or visually impaired and as many of them as possible need to communicate their needs to their local legislator. Legislators listen longer, harder, better, and with more interest to people in the Legislative District which they represent. This is a job for all of us as individuals and our organizations can help with information and materials. Here are a few tips that you may consider in the next month or so: 1. The Governors State of the State address was on January 14, 1997. You say you missed it? Well, then call the State House at 1- 609-292-6000 and ask for a copy to be sent to you. You may even consider asking for a copy in Braille, large print, or cassette as a means of educating such needs to the Governor. However, they may tell you that they cannot supply such a request of a special media they just have regular print. Ask why and then take the print. 2. On January 24, 1997, the Governor will give her Budget address and submit her budget to the Legislators. Well, the same as the State of the State message, the Budget and Budget message is available to the public by calling the State House at 1-609-292-6000 and then do the same as above. 3. In March and April, there will be public hearings on the State Budget and the Network will have a representative testify as to the general needs of the Blind. In order to back up the Network testimony, the Legislators will need to hear from organization representatives, and individuals as well. As organization representatives, all you need to say in your testimony is that you agree with the Network's position on enhancing the Commission for the Blind’s budget and offer your own thoughts or ideas. As individuals, you just need to say that you agree with your organization's positions on the Budget and if you have a positive story to tell about a service which you have received that made a major impact on your life then by all means tell your story as briefly as possible. You must sign up in advance to testify at a public hearing; to do so you will need to call NJ Legislative Services at 1-609-292- 8030, and ask for Ernest Hagans. Ask Mr. Hagans to place you on the mailing list for notices of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. The more people who are blind or visually impaired that testify at these hearings the more important our need will become in the eyes and minds of the legislators. Therefore, we can have a real impact on the budget and meet the Commission's goal of each client receiving service once a week from field workers as opposed to the current situation of field workers seeing clients once every four weeks or longer in some cases. The Network will be meeting on March 10, 1997 at the Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center at 1 p.m. and at that time they may map out other objectives or steps that we can take to support the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide the services which will fill the needs of people who are blind and visually impaired here in New Jersey. This may be a long and hard job but we can do it because we all want to accomplish more in life. Let's start now! MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to promote and provide services in the areas of education, employment, independence, and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their families, and the community. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY We at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired believe that people who are blind and visually impaired can succeed in education, in careers, in the home, and in the community. The information we dispense and the services we provide is based on our positive beliefs about blindness. We further believe that: - the consumer is the most important part of the process. - the skills of blindness are essential to independence, education, and employment. - the pursuit of independence, education and employment by people who are blind and visually impaired is of primary importance and is to be valued, aided, and encouraged. - the promotion of positive attitudes toward blindness by the general public, by employers, by Commission staff and by consumers is a key factor leading to independence, education, and employment for people who are blind and visually impaired. - since each person is an individual with different strengths, interests and aptitudes, planning for and provision of services must be specific to the individual's needs and desires, with respect for cultural differences. - education and rehabilitation is a cooperative venture between the Commission and the consumer and should be accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual respect, mutual responsibility, and informed choice. - communication among consumers, Commission staff, organizations of the blind, and the community is essential to developing effective agency programs, policies, and procedures. - a highly qualified staff which operates with professionalism, integrity, open-mindedness, sensitivity, and responsibility will contribute to the consumer's success. - involvement and support by the consumer's family and the community increases success. - research and development of assistive technology should be encouraged and supported to ensure that people who are blind and visually impaired can be competitive in independence, education, and employment. ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Goal 1 The Commission will provide timely, effective, high-quality services. Objectives - Determine eligibility for services within 30 days of referral. - Begin services within 30 days of eligibility determination. - Analyze and streamline the intake process. - Undertake consumer satisfaction surveys and follow-up interviews, and act upon recommendations. - Provide resource information as appropriate, needed or requested. - Maintain and build a staff of highest competence. Goal 2 The Commission will increase competitive employment. Objectives - Network with employers to establish an informed public as to the abilities of persons who are blind and visually impaired in the work place. - Develop access to computerized job banks. - Upgrade formal and informal training for Commission staff to be relevant to current market trends. - Provide, in partnership with employers and in keeping with the provisions of ADA, technical, and adaptive assistance at the work place. Goal 3 The Commission will work towards excellence in the education of students who are blind and visually impaired. Objectives - Work toward age-appropriate concept development, early literacy experiences, and grade-level achievement for students who are blind and visually impaired. - Provide education services and adaptive equipment that will promote integration and enable students who are blind and visually impaired to function independently on an equal basis with their peers. - Promote positive attitudes among school staff regarding the abilities of students who are blind and visually impaired and the skills of blindness. - Keep parents informed on a regular basis of the scheduling and content of lessons and the student's progress. - Develop partnerships for the purpose of sharing information among parents, Commission staff, classroom teachers, and advocacy groups regarding trends, changes, new ideas, and different approaches in the education of children who are blind and visually impaired. Goal 4 The Commission will work to decrease the incidence of blindness or significant vision loss through eye health programs. Objectives - To increase public awareness of eye safety and the causes and treatment of vision loss by publicizing the Commission's prevention services and conducting education and detection programs. - Provide blindness prevention services such as eye disease detection screenings and medical intervention. - Target high-risk populations for prevention and eye health services. Goal 5 The Commission will actively promote equality and full inclusion into society. Objectives - Work to promote abilities and dispel misconceptions about blindness and visual impairments. - Work to promote positive attitudes through a variety of community- based activities. - Advocate for the rights of the population served. - Build a collaborative network of consumers, blindness organizations, other disability groups, service providers and interested individuals to facilitate consumer empowerment. - Encourage consumers to advocate for themselves through blindness organizations, government, community, in school, and on the job. Goal 6 The Commission will work in partnership with consumers. Objectives - Work with the individual to choose a direction which will enable him or her to achieve desired goals. - Develop an individual blueprint for achievement that will clearly define expectations and responsibilities. - Review service plans annually as developed between case managers and consumers. - Conduct routine compliance reviews to ensure the delivery of consumer services. - Seek consumer input through committees, forums, public hearings, etc. Goal 7 The Commission will encourage positive attitudes toward blindness and visual impairments by consumers and their families. Objectives - Develop a mentoring program. - Implement a program of socialization and interpersonal skills appropriate to various age groups. Goal 8 The Commission will expand service delivery to historically underserved populations. Objectives - Analyze targeted populations to determine appropriate service needs. - Expand outreach activities. - Increase services to these populations. - Conduct annual reviews. - Review and revise Commission literature and communications. Goal 9 The Commission will promote the development and use of assistive technology. Objectives - Maintain up-to-date information on assistive technology. - Develop a training program for Commission staff. ---- Goals Committee Members Linda Behr-Weinberg Donald Carugati Carol Castellano Michael Cassels Mary Darden David DeNotaris Pamela Gaston Vibert George Oscar Herrera Jamie Hilton Joel Lindh Carolyn Lucas Leroy Nash Ralph Robinson Joseph Ruffalo Cindy Simon ---- Jamie C. Hilton Executive Director (201) 648-2324 Seymour Shlakman Deputy Executive Director (201) 648-2311 LETTERS November 1, 1996 Mr. Joseph Ruffalo National Federation of the Blind 69 Prospect Place Belleville, New Jersey 07109 Dear Mr. Ruffalo, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your cooperation with arranging our assembly program to sensitize students to those who are visually impaired. Dr. Lewinson was excellent with our students and fielded some difficult questions. In addition, I appreciated the set of books which you donated to our library. The entire program was a very positive experience for our students. Sincerely, Robert D. Ostrove Principal Lakewood Middle School November 2, 1996 Dear Joe, Thanks for arranging to have Ed Lewinson speak at Lakewood Middle School. It went really well. The kids asked questions until the time ran out! Everyone loved Hooper, of course, and he put on a little show rolling and scratching during the talk. I think everyone, teachers included, learned quite a bit. Thanks again, Linda Halm Parent Lakewood Middle School September 11, 1996 Dear Mr. Ruffalo, We have been subscribers of The Sounding Board for a couple of years now and have been very pleased with the articles in it. The whole staff should be commended for it. You’re all doing a good job! A recent article (fall/winter) regarding Katie Maunder, “Blind student finds her niche with music” caught my attention. My daughter Alexandra is 8 years old and in third grade. Katie and my daughter have a lot of things in common. My daughter studied playing the piano when she was two-years-old. She was born blind and has perfect pitch and rhythm. She sings and takes voice lessons. She plays the piano in nursing homes, in church, and won honors from the New Jersey Music Teachers Association for two consecutive years. Alexandra loves music so much, that she could play on the piano whatever song she hears on the radio. She spends most of her free time singing and listening to music. It would be very exciting for my daughter if she could write to Katie and they could share their talents. And maybe they both could be friends and play piano together too! If you could please provide us the address of Katie Maunder, my daughter and I would appreciate it very much! Thank you! Sincerely yours, Jennifer and Alexandra Acain Editor’s P.S.: We have provided Alexandra with Katie’s address and they are acquainted better now. If you have a comment, question, concern, or request, please contact us as Jennifer and Alexandra did, we will be happy to respond. February, 1997 Dear Colleagues: As you know we have been working very hard to develop additional sources of income for the National Federation of the Blind during the past few years. Although income for our most recent years has been good, we must maintain a constant search for diversified sources of funding. One of our most recent involves participation in the American Communications Network. This company presently sells long distance and paging services and it will be entering the cable television market quite soon. Additional services will be available before the end of 1997. By this letter, I am urging you to consider participation in the American Communications Network. Of course, each of us can purchase long distance services through this company, and these purchases benefit the National Federation of the Blind. In addition, those who want to try their hands at selling these services can become part of the company and make some money for themselves. If you want to participate in the company or buy its services, you may contact those who are now a part of the American Communications Network within the National Federation of the Blind. Keep in mind that a percentage of the money which is paid for services comes back as a contribution to the Federation. The percentage is determined by the volume of business. It may range from 1 and a half percent to eight percent. Those in the National Federation of the Blind who are representatives for the American Communications Network are: David DeNotaris (160 Gordonhurst Avenue, Apartment L1, Montclair, New Jersey 07043-1754, (201) 239-8884), Marie Cobb (1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, (410) 659-9314), Connie Leblond (15 May Street, Portland, Maine 04102-3710 (207) 772-7305), Susie Stanzel (11905 Mohawk Lane, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66209-1038 (913) 339-9341), Richard Edlund (6734 Montana Court, Kansas City, Kansas 66111-2351 (913) 299-3201), Joe Polizzi (6 Marbella Court, Palm Coast, Florida 32137, (904) 445-5454), and Ken Stitley (618 Faulkner, New Smyma Beach, Florida 32168 (904) 427-9043). This program provides low-cost service to individuals while it benefits our organization. It will work if we make it work -- as I am sure we will. Cordially, Marc Maurer, President NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND November 14, 1996 Joseph Ruffalo, President National Federation of the Blind of NJ 69 Prospect Place Belleville, NJ 07109 Dear Joe: I am pleased to inform you that your proposal to the Fund for the New Jersey Blind, Inc. has been approved in the amount of $2,000 to be applied toward the purchase of a Braille embosser. The funds will be available through October 1, 1997, and cannot be released without an accompanying invoice. If you are unable to utilize your grant prior to October 1, you must notify the fund of the delay and request an extension. If we do not hear from you by that time, your grant will revert to the fund. If you have any questions concerning your grant, please contact me at (201) 648-2324 or Sandra Hobson at (201) 648-7069. With every good wish, Sincerely yours, (Mrs.) Jamie C. Hilton Executive Director Editor’s Note: The following is an entry to the Newspapers in Education Young Columbus Readathon and Essay Contest sponsored by The Star Ledger and Parade and React magazines. Over one- thousand students in two age divisions (grades 7-9 and grades 10-12) entered the contest. The requirements were that each student was to read 200 articles and then write an essay on the subject below. Rachael was the winner for the state of New Jersey in grades 7-9. She will be traveling to Ireland April 8-17 with the 100 winners from 80 other affiliated newspapers from around the country as her prize. There will be an upcoming article in the nationally distributed React magazine about her affiliation with The Sounding Board. As you read the following essay, keep in mind the effect Newsline has on you by allowing you to access the same information as your sighted peers in a way that is comfortable and convenient for you. Immediately following Rachael’s essay you will find the application form for Newsline. What would be the effect on your community if newspapers no longer existed? by Rachael Degenshein Each day Larry Smith awakens at 7:00. After showering and dressing he groggily makes his way down the stairs into the kitchen to drink his morning coffee and read the newspaper. Being the busy bee he is, this is one of the only times Larry has to become informed about current events, controversies, and politics. This morning as Larry sips his coffee, he feels about the table groping for his newspaper. When he can’t locate it, he becomes irritated, but turns on the radio instead to listen to the news and he hears this horrid report, “All newspapers have been discontinued, repeat, all newspapers have been discontinued. Stay tuned to 1010 Wins for all the latest news.” Click. Larry angrily shuts off the radio. He dislikes radio and television news. He does not want processed news; he wants to digest it himself and formulate his own opinions. There are thousands of people in West Orange, and millions throughout the country, who, like Larry, would sooner go uninformed than watch or listen to the news. Radio and television news make their audiences adjust to some unwritten schedule, whereas the newspaper offered the freedom to skip articles that were uninteresting, or read the articles and sections in an order that was comfortable to the reader, and best fit his or her needs. Without this daily dose of knowledge, these people would be under-equipped to face the world at large or complete their tasks competently. In addition, the thousands of people associated with newspapers in the state of New Jersey would be unemployed. This includes everyone from paperboys, to newsprint manufacturers, to editors. These people would become part of the unemployment rate statistic, and could cause the economy to plummet. Of course, for some people, the effects would be positive. News and radio news shows would have increased audience due to less competition. Their stocks would rise and people in our community who work in those fields would benefit. However, the community as a whole would suffer. Everyone deserves an opportunity to inform himself or herself about the world and happenings that are pertinent to a knowledgeable, meaningful existence. If newspapers were obliterated, we would be denied this right directly. Sure, if we wanted to we could be informed, but that is a change that we would not want to make. Whereas other news media inform us, by way of newspaper, we inform ourselves. We read the articles. We formulate the opinions. We decide what to do from there. It is this independent characteristic which has motivated people to buy and read newspapers all these years. That sense of accomplishment when we read a newspaper all the way through and now understand the Health Care issue. That feeling of pride when we make an educated decision on which political party to become affiliated with later in life based on an analysis of both sides and an evaluation of which better fits our specific needs. A newspaper is an aid to educated decision-making, not a crutch. But still, without one, many people would fall. 1997 spring/summer THE SOUNDING BOARD page1