by Bashir A. Masoodi
(Editor's Note: Bashir Masoodi is a specialist and expert in education, rehabilitation, camping and recreation for people who are blind and visually impaired. He is a special education consultant with the Gary, Ind. Community School Corporation and a charter benefactor of the Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field located at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, Ky.)
In 1999, the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) became the catalyst for the American Printing House for the Blind's (APH) efforts to establish a Hall of Fame to honor heroes and pioneers in the field of providing services to people who are blind and visually impaired. Thirty-two people were identified as legends and leaders in the field. The Hall of Fame includes bas-relief tactile plaques of each inductee, as well as biographical information and artifacts.
"People who work in the field of vision feel a sense of ownership and participation because it really is their Hall of Fame," says Bob Brasher of APH.
In October 2002 at a ceremony in Louisville, the first 32 legends and leaders were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Nine of the 10 living inductees were present at the ceremony. One of those present was Cleo B. Dolan, former executive director of the Cleveland Society for the Blind. He was chosen out of 167 nominations from private agencies which provide direct high-quality services to blind and visually impaired people.
Dolan was born in 1918 in Ohio. He was awarded a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in social administration from Ohio State University. He also attended Franklin Law School and did post-graduate work at Ohio State University. He and his late wife Elinore were the parents of two children and four grandchildren.
Dolan was director of Ohio State Services for the Blind from 1957 to 1958, and served as executive director for the Cleveland Society for the Blind from 1958 to 1983. Because of his foresight and dynamic leadership, the Cleveland Society became one of the outstanding multi-service providers for people with visual impairments and blindness. Services included: establishment of a low vision clinic; services for blind and visually impaired children and their families; opening of a specialized aids and appliances department; an intensive rehabilitation center for teens and youth; the country's first program for business enterprise, vendors and managers; the first residential living center for independent training; Saint Ann electronic training center; the volunteers' friendly visit department; implementation of the Camp Highbrook Lodge's long-range plan; establishment of public education and information department; racial integration of all services for campers; a campaign to collect and distribute used eyeglasses and equipment in underdeveloped countries; production of classical music albums; orientation and mobility instruction; braille and music instructors and services; management of the Cleveland Eye Bank; taping and braille services for clients; rehabilitation teaching and recreational services for elderly blind people; community vision screening for children and adults; establishment of deaf-blind services; sponsorship of an orientation and mobility and rehabilitation teaching program at Cleveland State University; vocational training for blind consumers with multiple disabilities; prevention of blindness programs; radio reading services; and a diabetes education service. He started the planned giving program and left the agency in excellent financial health at his retirement in 1998. Dolan provided yeoman's service to people who were blind; some said that losing sight was an awful experience, but if it happened in the greater Cleveland area, a person could receive top-notch rehabilitation and recreation services.
A friend compared Dolan to the Mogul Emperor of India, Shah Jahan, the 17th century builder of the Taj Mahal and numerous other buildings and gardens. Cleo Dolan directed a construction program almost every year during his tenure at the society. In 1959 Garsselli Chapel was built in the woods at Camp Highbrook Lodge. A year later, KYW swimming pool was dedicated, and a year or so after that, Palda Hall, a modern lodge to house married couples and people with special needs, opened. The new sight center headquarters was built in 1966. Other construction programs included: Lester M. Sears Hall multipurpose center at the camp; a 100,000-square-foot business enterprise facility; a student residence center; automatic bowling lanes; physical therapy rooms; a game room; a mobility training park; and Crystal Dining Hall.
Cleo Dolan has been widely known and highly regarded for his outstanding executive and managerial abilities. There are many legends about his ready ability and easygoing demeanor. He was always visible and approachable by staff, students and others at the agency. He was a great benefactor for many staff and students in need. Many students received scholarships and financial assistance from him even at times when state rehabilitation and welfare services rejected them. He was on a first-name basis with most of the staff and students, and boosted staff morale by providing incentive pay, vacation time and special get-togethers. The board, staff and others were kept abreast of the latest news and developments in the field of services for the blind and visually impaired by their memberships in professional or community-based organizations, participation in local, state and national conventions and conferences, and by regular presentations on the latest research and happenings in the field. He was a great patron of learning and scholarships, and had abiding belief in each blind person he encountered. He deserves this honor, and many celebrate his inclusion in this prestigious hall of fame.