THE Braille Forum Vol. XXIX July-August 1990 No. 1 Published By The American Council of the Blind PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY Oral O. Miller, J.D., National Representative Nolan Crabb, Editor National Office: 1155 15th St., N.W. Suite 720 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5081 THE BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, large type, half-speed cassette tape, and IBM computer disk. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to: Nolan Crabb, THE BRAILLE FORUM, 1155 15th St., N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. Those much-needed and appreciated cash contributions, which are tax- deductible, may be sent to Brian Charlson, Treasurer, 1155 15th St., N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. You may wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. The ACB National Office offers printed cards to acknowledge to loved ones contributions made in memory of deceased persons. Anyone wishing to remember the American Council of the Blind in his/her Last Will And Testament may do so by including a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you may contact the ACB National Office. For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" toll-free at (800) 424-8666, 8 p.m. to midnight eastern time Monday through Friday. Washington, D.C. residents only call 626-5559. Copyright 1990 The American Council of the Blind CONTENTS President's Message, by LeRoy F. Saunders The Watched Pot Has Finally Boiled, by Oral O. Miller Editorial: The Pioneer Spirit Lives On, by Nolan Crabb News Briefs From The ACB National Office, By Oral O. Miller ACB Member Honored At White House Ceremonies American Council of the Blind Awards Scholarships, by Stephanie Cooper Blind Commissioner Sets Personal Civil Rights Agenda, by Nolan Crabb A Space Camp Pioneer That Others Will Follow Bush Honors RFB Scholarship Winners Unless Agencies Cooperate, Quality Of Life For Elderly Blind Will Worsen, Expert Says, by Nolan Crabb Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon High Tech Swap Shop PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE LET'S TAKE THE INITIATIVE NOW By LeRoy F. Saunders The 29th National Convention of the American Council of the Blind is now an important part of our rich history. Resolutions were approved on a variety of topics; a number of amendments to the constitution and by-laws were introduced; and those who attended gained knowledge and insight from a host of informative speakers. I particularly enjoy conventions because they are a time for ACB members to evaluate the progress of the past year and establish new initiatives for the year and decade ahead. After careful thought, I presented some priorities for the coming year. While many ACB members attended the convention and therefore heard my remarks in their entirety, I'd like to share my priorities in the hope that we will think of them as guidelines and challenges for all of us to meet. Please keep in mind the fact that these are my priorities, and they are not in any particular order of importance. They're not approved by the board of directors, but they reflect my feeling about the initiatives I'd like to see begun during my presidency. First, we must take immediate steps to ensure that our views are heard where the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act is concerned. We've already started that process, but we must continue it. We must not only improve services to blind people through this act, but we must protect existing services and programs. We must find a way to insist on competence from agencies and other service providers. That means we must demand better training and enhanced standards that are designed to evaluate the quality and efficiency of those programs. Private industry in this country is changing and becoming more efficient. It's high time our bureaucratic sector does the same. We must insist on more consumer involvement in these agencies. In turn, we as members of ACB must be willing to serve on these boards, commissions, and advisory councils. I'd like to have us work beginning now at establishing separate state agencies for the blind in this country. We can't do that on the national level. That must come through the individual states. I'm deeply concerned about the apparent prevalence of braille illiteracy in this country. I'm appalled at the number of blind people I meet who can't read or write braille. Electronic devices are no substitute. We must insist that public and residential schools emphasize braille. I think we must address a critical problem in the computer industry as well. The graphical user interface which is increasingly used in business and government is something we must confront. We can't afford to sit back and assume the computer industry will solve the problem. Members of our Visually Impaired Data Processors group and other ACB members must work actively with the computer industry to find new solutions to a problem that could result in loss of jobs and other critical side effects if it remains unaddressed. Finally, I'd like to see us help elderly blind Americans resolve the problem of increasing medical costs. I realize ACB can't single- handedly solve that problem, but we must do what we can in cooperation with others. I want to see this organization become more assertive; ACB must be recognized as the leader that it should be in this country. We are the largest consumer organization of blind people in the nation, and it's imperative that we take the initiative now and meet the challenges of the 1990's. Editor's note: The complete text of President Saunders's convention speech in print and cassette is available upon request by contacting Nolan Crabb, 1155 15th St., N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. Tel. (202) 467-5081 or toll-free (800) 424-8666 weekday afternoons. THE WATCHED POT HAS FINALLY BOILED ADA READY FOR PRESIDENTIAL SIGNATURE By Oral O. Miller National Representative Meetings, strategy sessions, position papers, hearings, committee reports, amendments, amendments attached to other amendments, revisions, debates, and more meetings! These have been frequent and commonplace occurrences on the Washington scene for the past two years following the introduction of the first version of the Americans With Disabilities Act into Congress in 1988. Braille Forum readers and those who have called the Washington Connection have followed the progress of the ADA as it has wound its torturous way through the Senate and House Committees to which it was assigned. However, as verbalized in the adage of old that "a watched pot never boils," the pace of the final steps necessary to get the ADA enacted into law seemed to slow down after Memorial Day of this year and following approval of slightly different versions of the bill by both houses of Congress. Since the versions were different, it was necessary for each body to appoint members to a conference committee to work out the differences. No, the conference committee was not able to simply meet, iron out the differences, and quickly report a single bill to both Houses. The Senate in particular adopted a non-binding resolution advising the conference committee to include a provision that was in the House version that would allow an employer to transfer or even discharge a food-handling employee suffering from a variety of illnesses, regardless whether those illnesses could be transferred to others in the food handling process. The conference committee rejected the recommendation and recommended approval without this amendment. However, the Senate then questioned again the extent and manner in which the nondiscrimination provisions of the ADA should apply to the Senate itself as an employer--without resolving the food handling amendment either. The days slowly rolled by in mid and late-June as these issues were debated. Then shortly before the July 4th recess, the Senate and House of Representatives took part in a classic dispute as to which body should first act on the agreed upon bill. This dispute was unresolved at the time of the ACB National Convention in Denver. Many members communicated with their senators and representatives immediately thereafter, urging them to settle the dispute and take prompt action. The issue of Senate coverage was ultimately covered in a proposal by Sen. Wendell H. Ford, D-Ky., that provided such coverage and established a procedure for the Senate itself to act upon charges of discrimination, thus avoiding the constitutional issue of separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of the government. The food handling issue was eventually compromised by means of a proposal by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah that would authorize an employer to transfer or even discharge, under limited circumstances, an employee suffering from a disease which could be transmitted in the food handling process and which is so certified annually by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The mythical pot started boiling on Thursday night, July 12, 1990, when the House of Representatives approved the report of the conference committee, and the pot reached a full boil on July 13, when the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 91 to six. The bill will now be sent to President Bush, who has already pledged his support for it. Best estimates are that the ADA will have been the law of the land for two or three weeks by the time you read this. Eureka! Eureka! Eureka! Please call the Washington Connection toll-free at (800) 424-8666 between 8 p.m. and midnight eastern time to get updated information on this and other important issues. Since the ADA as it is to be signed by President Bush is somewhat different from previous versions discussed, I am confident that a future article in The Braille Forum will summarize its main provisions. While we may indulge in one more "Eureka" for the moment, the real cause for celebration will follow the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act into law in the very near future. EDITORIAL THE PIONEER SPIRIT LIVES ON By Nolan Crabb July 24th is a day of little or no significance to most Americans. But where I grew up, July 24th was nearly as important a holiday as the Fourth of July. In Utah, July 24th is designated as "Pioneer Day," a holiday set aside to pay tribute to the early Mormon settlers who tenaciously carved an empire out of the desert. The tribute to Utah's pioneers is marked with rodeos, street festivals, parades, and fireworks. Even the smallest communities in the most rural settings find ways to celebrate the day. Perhaps most importantly, Pioneer Day is a time when many who celebrate recognize that the pioneer spirit they honor is neither dead nor a thing of the past. I've reflected on that pioneer spirit in recent weeks, both as it relates to our great convention and to the Braille Forum. In his address to the convention, ACB President LeRoy Saunders reflected the pioneer spirit that embodies ACB. (See "President's Message" this issue). That same spirit of the pioneer has affected The Braille Forum in recent months as well. I've gained a deep appreciation for Mary Ballard's efforts since I assumed this position nearly six months ago. I fervently believe that whatever progress the Forum makes in the future is due, in part, to those who built its editorial foundations. So while I pay tribute to the past, I can't help but revel in what I see as a bright and exciting future for The Braille Forum. While the sound of fireworks punctuated Utah's Pioneer Day celebrations this past July, the much quieter sound of a camera snapping pictures at the ACB National Convention in Denver started a personal Pioneer Day celebration for me. The September/October issue of the large print edition of the Forum will include pictures of the convention. ACB's Board of Publications, Board of directors, and President Saunders demonstrated clearly that the pioneer spirit so vital to the progress of an organization is very much alive within ACB. In an upcoming issue, readers of the braille edition will notice a newly-designed cover. The relocation of the table of contents at the front of the magazine occurs in this issue, both actions having received board of publications approval. Cassette edition readers may notice a change in the voices used to narrate that edition. Again, in the spirit of pioneerism, I'm pleased to announce an electronic or computer disk edition of The Braille Forum. The electronic edition will be available on some bulletin boards nationwide. If you have access to an IBM or compatible computer which uses 5.25 inch double-sided double density floppy disks, you can receive the Forum on disk. In order to receive it, you must send a blank 360K floppy disk to me at the national office. The electronic Braille Forum will be copied onto your disk and returned to you. At this time, there will be no graphics or electronically reproduced pictures in the disk edition of the Forum. However, the text of the electronic edition will be identical to the text of the other three editions. In addition to the changes mentioned above, large print readers can expect a newly-designed cover in coming months. Members of the board of publications have authorized me to look at various ways of redesigning the logo. I hope in future months to focus on activities among the state and special-interest affiliates as well. The Forum must remain exactly that--a forum where ACB members can gather to express ideas, share successful experiences, and do the kind of networking that guarantees progress within every affiliate. ACB has a rich history of men and women who took upon themselves the mantle of the pioneer. But that pioneer spirit is not limited to ACB's earliest leaders. Indeed, the best tribute we can pay to the past is to adopt that same pioneer spirit within each of us and allow it to strongly influence ACB's future. With your support, and with input from the board of publications, board of directors, and ACB's affiliate and national officers, I plan to continue to nurture that pioneer spirit where The Braille Forum is concerned. Together, you and I can embrace new opportunities to make The Braille Forum ever more valuable to every member and friend of the American Council of the Blind. NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE ACB NATIONAL OFFICE By Oral O. Miller Traditionally, the ACB National Office staff spends much of its time in the late spring assisting with the preparation of the ACB National Convention and the convention program. The time devoted to that function this past spring was especially productive, as shown by the enthusiastic receptions given to such speakers as Rep. Patricia Schroeder, D-Colo., world famous talking book narrator Bob Askey, Assistant Secretary of Education Dr. Robert Davila, Recording for the Blind President Ritchie Geisel, and the technology assistance panel moderated by Patricia Beattie. Since I, like so many other people, was under the impression until recently that the services of Recording for the Blind are directed primarily to students, I was pleasantly surprised when asked to serve on RFB's newly-established Consumer Advisory Committee. The meeting, which was held at the RFB headquarters in Princeton, N.J., was extremely productive, resulting in, among other things, a decision to disseminate a national survey to gather much more information concerning the quality of RFB's services and the needs of its users. A few days later, I also had the opportunity in Washington to meet RFB's 1990 Scholastic Achievement Award winners, who also were congratulated by President George Bush in a White House ceremony. (See "Bush Honors RFB Scholarship Winners," this issue). Both the ACB president and I were greeted and hosted most graciously by the staff of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind during the spring meeting of the North American and Caribbean Regional Committee of the World Blind Union, held in Ottawa in May at the CNIB Center. The needs of the small nations in the caribbean region, the 1992 assembly of the World Blind Union, and the coordination of activities intended to advance the independence of blind people in the region were among the topics discussed by the committee members. The ACB National Office was the site of an extremely well-attended farewell reception held in honor of Roberta Douglas, ACB's former director of development, as she left ACB employment to accept her new position as the executive director of the Metropolitan Washington Ear, the radio reading service which serves the Washington area. The dozens of ACB members and friends who dined with Roberta afterwards at Washington's famous Gusti's Italian Restaurant were treated to many of Roberta's memoirs of humorous incidents that had taken place in the national office over the past decade. It will not surprise anyone to learn that the governmental issue which received most attention during this period was the Americans With Disabilities Act, but it may come as a surprise for some to learn that the issue which received the second greatest amount of attention related to telecommunications services. No, not simply calls from one telephone to another, but the services of the future--caller identification and the blocking thereof, caller-activated tracing, complete "yellow page" service via telephone, basic services versus enhanced services, the accessibility of commercial information services available primarily in graphic form, etc. (The growing importance of telecommunications service was underscored by the adoption of a resolution on that subject during the ACB 1990 National Convention in Denver). It's always pleasant to meet international friends whom I have not seen for several years. That's how I felt on a Sunday evening in late June when I saw several visiting Russians who are leaders in the blindness field in the Soviet Union. They included the president of the All Russia Association of the Blind, his very accomplished interpreter, and the editor of the national magazine published by the All Russia Association. They were members of a delegation being jointly hosted in this country by the American Foundation for the Blind and National Industries for the Blind. Before leaving the United States, they intended to visit a number of educational, rehabilitation, employment, and vocational training facilities. A similar U.S. delegation visited the Soviet Union last fall. Such exchange programs are likely to become more popular in view of changing circumstances in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. It is my understanding, for example, that the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes is now working on such an exchange program for 1990 and 1991. The theme of the 1990 national conference of the National Consumer League, held in Washington in late June, was "Privacy in the 1990's." It was my pleasure to speak to the workshop on this subject from the point of view of blind persons. Many of the other speakers dealt with broader aspects of the issue such as the privacy of medical records, the accuracy or inaccuracy of credit information and the conflicting needs for privacy in connection with employment information. However, my comments generally went one step further by discussing the day-to- day privacy concerns of blind people--concerns such as personal correspondences, banking and financial information, credit reporting requirements, etc. The privacy and confidentiality concerns of blind people underscore the importance of making information more accessible through modern telecommunications technology. The American Council of the Blind has always supported the improvement and expansion of services to elderly blind people. In late June, I had an opportunity to emphasize the importance of such services to elderly blind people with hearing impairments when I spoke to the staff of the Rehabilitation Services Administration as a panelist brought together by the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. I am sure the needs of deaf-blind people were of great interest to the ACB members attending the 1990 National Convention in Denver. Our awareness level regarding deaf-blind issues was heightened by an address delivered by the president of the American Association of the Deaf-Blind. I wish it were not necessary at this time for me to say farewell in behalf of the American Council of the Blind to Stephanie Cooper as she leaves ACB employment to accept a position of greater responsibility in the governmental office of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Washington. Stephanie has been with ACB for approximately five years as our coordinator of student activities and senior administrative assistant. Her quick knowledge, enthusiasm, cooperativeness, friendliness, and high energy, especially during extremely busy and demanding recent years have made her a highly valuable and effective member of the ACB team. We wish her success and happiness as she advances in her career. During her years with ACB, she has developed and perfected knowledge and skills which are obviously in demand by other employers on the Washington scene. Many of her duties will be assumed by our newest staff member, Miss Veronica Braun, whose friendly voice, with a hint of a Texas accent, will become familiar to most ACB members and friends. ACB MEMBER HONORED AT WHITE HOUSE CEREMONIES ACB Member Beecher Clark, an employee at Ed Lindsey Industries for the Blind in Nashville, Tenn., was presented with the Peter J. Salmon Worker of the Year award. Clark received a congratulatory handshake from President George Bush in a ceremony at the White House in late May. Following the meeting, Clark was interviewed on the White House lawn by media representatives. "This is really an honor for me," the unassuming Nashville resident said. "I never thought I'd be up here meeting with the president." One of 55 nominees for the award, Clark won based on his successful on-the-job performance and his positive contributions both at work and in the community. Clark has been employed by Ed Lindsey Industries for 14 years. He has held jobs in every department. "I was kind of in shock, I guess, when they first told me," Clark recalled. "It was an honor just to be worker of the year where I work. When I got the national worker, that was even a greater honor. I'm proud, and if I said anything diffferent, I'd be lying." Clark said his few minutes with the president were "fantastic." "I kind of froze up there," he said, "but I could tell that he was a real warm person and just a great human being. I believe he was really proud to see us." Nineteen years ago, Clark faced the threat of losing his wife and son because of alcohol abuse. Determined not to lose his family, Clark became a recovering alcoholic. But he wasn't content to stop there. Recognizing that alcoholism knows no boundaries, Clark decided to organize an Alcoholics Annonymous group at a state prison. "I enjoy that part of my life," he said. "You have to be careful so you don't get burned out; I have to work with other groups and do other things. In fact, on those times when I did burn out, I'd go to a veteran's hospital somewhere, but I've always gone back to the prison." Clark said while he has no delusions about the character of the inmates, he works with them because they enrich his life. "I know those guys aren't in prison for going to Sunday School," he said, "but I love them and I know them as friends; to me, they're great people." W. Allen Broughton, executive vice president at Ed Lindsey Industries for the Blind, said Clark's qualifications "are exactly what a national worker's qualifications should be." "He's an excellent employee," Broughton said. "He sets high standards of work within his department. When you look beyond his employment as well, when you look at his private life, you really become impressed, not because he's a blind worker, but because he's a great human being who feels compassion for his fellow citizens." Clark is currently involved in assembling chin straps for parachutes under a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense. He said he's proud of the work and aware of his responsibility. "I guess there's a lot of folks out there who wouldn't think that what we do is all that important," he said, "but I think it is and I'm proud of it. If you look at it, you can see that we're building a product that could help save lives as long as it is assembled right. We're meeting strict specifications, and I'm proud of that." AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS By Stephanie Cooper The American Council of the Blind awarded its 1990 scholarships to 14 outstanding blind students at the ACB National Convention in Denver. More than $18,500 were presented to students in academic, professional, and vocational curricula at the undergraduate and graduate level. Hundreds of qualified blind and visually impaired students applied for ACB scholarships. Ronald Brooks of Indianapolis, Ind., and Mark Richert of Cashiers, N.C., were the recipients of the two scholarships in the graduate category. Brooks received his B.A. in Political Science and will seek a Master's degree from San Francisco State University. Richert graduated from Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., and will attend the National Law Center at George Washington University. In the undergraduate field, the winners are Annee Worsham of Mesa, Wash., and Pam Dubel of Lancaster, N.Y. Worsham is pursuing her studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., in the field of politics. Dubel studies Psychology at Dennison University in Grandville, Ohio. Other undergraduates who beat stiff competition for the 1990 ACB Scholarships in the entering freshman category are Rebecca Rupp of Cleghorn, Iowa and Michael Gibson of Wendell, Idaho. Rupp will pursue a B.A. in Mass Communications. Gibson will also study Communications at Boise State University. In the vocational/technical category, ACB awarded its scholarships to Jean Veley of West Allis, Wis., and Ashot Gambaryan of Los Angeles. Veley is pursuing a degree as a Medical Secretary at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Gambaryan is working toward an Associate's Degree at Los Angeles City College. The Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship for 1990 was awarded to Kimberly Morrow of Overland Park, Kan. Morrow is seeking a B.A. in German at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan. The TSI/VTEK Scholarship, administered by the ACB for the fourth year, was awarded to Magdalen (Maida) Pojtinger, a student of Spanish at Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash. In 1990 and 1991, the American Council of the Blind is honored to administer a scholarship for Ann Masimore, an active member of the ACB from Harrisburg, Penn. This $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Ren Wang of Pittsburgh, Penn. Wang attends the Community College of Allegheny County, working towards his Associate's Degree in Data Processing. For the fourth year, The American Council of the Blind is honored to administer scholarships for residents of the state of Pennsylvania. These scholarships are made available by the estate of William G. Corey of Pittsburgh. In 1990, three Corey Scholarships were awarded to Brian McCall of Lansdowne, Ross Kaplan of Philadelphia and Tammi Swiantek of Pittsburgh. McCall attends Yale University and is pursuing his B.A. in Political Science. Kaplan will seek a Liberal Arts Degree at either Muhlenburg College or Penn State University. Swiantek will seek a Bachelor's Degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Penn. Persons interested in information about the 1991 scholarships may contact the scholarship coordinator at 1155 15th St., N.W., Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. Tel. toll-free (800) 424-8666 between 3 and 5:30 p.m. eastern time weekdays. The application deadline is April 1, 1991. BLIND COMMISSIONER SETS PERSONAL CIVIL RIGHTS AGENDA By Nolan Crabb It's often said that new opportunities arise as a result of tragedy or difficulty. The killing of two men in separate bombing incidents last December convinced Russell G. Redenbaugh, a director and partner in the investment management firm of Cooke Bieler in Philadelphia, to accept an appointment to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. While the civil rights-related killings were tragic, Redenbaugh says they influenced his decision and thereby "opened up a whole new world for me." Blinded in an accident at age 17, Redenbaugh is the first disabled American to serve on the commission. His appointment was announced by Sen. Robert J. Dole, R-Kan., in February. "I think the thing that decided me were the two killings in December," he says. "I said this is really something that is important and is an area where I am unusually qualified to make a contribution." Speaking of Redenbaugh's appointment, Dole says he will help the commission focus more on the rights of the disabled. "Russell Redenbaugh is a profile in courage and achievement who will be a tremendous addition to the commission," Dole says. "He knows first hand the real life challenges confronting people with disabilities." A Utah native, Redenbaugh says his Uncle, Sen. Jake Garn, R.-Utah, had expressed concern about his decision to accept an appointment to the commission. "He wasn't opposed to my decision, but he thought I might have been interested in serving in another way," he says. "I was a candidate for governorship on the Federal Reserve Board, and my interests are more with economics and finance policy, so his concern was really personal." In a mid-May telephone interview, Redenbaugh talked about his role on the civil rights commission. He says his role is "different from those of the other commissioners." He plans to concentrate heavily on economic opportunities for both minorities and disabled people. "My agenda is economics," he says. "What I'm going to accomplish on the commission is related to economic opportunity for employment and promotion for disabled persons and minorities and disadvantaged groups everywhere." He says the nation doesn't need more laws for public accommodation for minorities. "We need more jobs and more promotions." He stresses the need to bring disabled people and minorities into the economic mainstream. Asked how he would bring economic opportunity and prosperity to disabled people and minorities, Redenbaugh offers a two- step program. "First, we need to change the employer awareness from above," he says. "Second, from the bottom up, we need to work on the employees to increase their competence and move them out of the alienation and resignation in which many disabled people live. If we don't do these two things, we're not going to be successful. We need to work on both ends--from the top down and the bottom up." Redenbaugh expressed similar thoughts during a luncheon in his honor sponsored by the National Organization on Disability in mid-May. He says employers often confuse physical disabilities with the person's capacity to be effective. "Those of us who are here understand the difference," he says, "but employers don't always recognize that." Redenbaugh says the commission is currently setting its agenda for the next six years. Commissioners are looking at four areas of concern. "We're looking at what things we're going to study," he explains. "The commission does a substantial amount of investigation, research and study. Second, where are we going to monitor for enforcement? We have a unit that monitors compliance and enforcement of existing legislation. Third, we're pro-active in advocating changes in legislation and pending regulations. We seek to influence both the legislative and regulatory areas. A fourth area will be public opinion." Redenbaugh says today's economy increases the importance and value of his efforts as a civil rights commissioner. "This kind of prejudice and discrimination, some of which is unconscious, is corrosive and expensive. It's damaging, not only to the people who are discriminated against, but to the people who hold the prejudice," he affirms. "Both sides loose dignity and economic opportunity. We need to put an end to that. It's an attitude we just can't afford at a time when we have a labor shortage at home and more competition from abroad. My number one priority is jobs. "Having been successful in the corporate world with a good academic background," he says, "having been blind a long time, with a good capacity to both influence and inspire, plus the seat on the civil rights commission gives me a chance to bring lots of pressure and encouragement to the corporate sector." He admits he still has much to learn about disability organizations, but expresses optimism about his ability to work with those organizations to instigate positive change. "As you know," he told his luncheon audience, "you don't know me. I appeared here suddenly with very little or no background... I'm arriving late--many of you have been working a long time--but I am arriving. I'm here now and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves as you have been doing for years. Together, I believe we can write history, and we can change the prejudice of this country." A SPACE CAMP PIONEER THAT OTHERS WILL FOLLOW Space, the final frontier. This is the story of the voyage of Frank Cuta. His three-day mission, to boldly go where no blind person had gone before--Space Camp. While space shuttle astronauts must overcome gravity to get into space, Cuta had to conquer prejudice before he could get into Space Camp. The blind engineer from Washington says an instructor originally tried to block his entrance to the one-week camp. "I first decided I wanted to go to Space Camp while I was at a science fiction convention a couple of years ago," Cuta says. "I heard a man talk about his experiences at the camp and I decided I wanted to do that." Cuta says he saved his money, filled out his application, and dutifully noted that he was blind in the blank line that asks about disability. In addition, he sent a letter assuring Space Camp staff that he was "a well-adjusted blind person who wouldn't need special help or training." He said his letter was somehow separated from his application. Initially, he was admitted, but three days later, the instructor called to tell him he was out. "It was like I shouldn't have sent that separate letter," he says. "It almost seems like it gave them ideas or reasons to reject me." Assuming that Space Camp received some federal support, Cuta called Sen. Brock Adams, D-Wash., who, in turn, contacted a senator from Alabama where Space Camp is located. The camp receives no federal money, but the Alabama politician told Adams the state has a White Cane Law. "It took a while," Cuta recalls. "I didn't have anything to do with it after I called my Senator's office, but a couple of months later, I got a call back from the director of Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., who assured me that the previous person I'd talked to had overstepped his authority. I would indeed be admitted based on the state's White Cane Law." Cuta says fortunately enough, the prejudice and discrimination ended at that moment. He never even met the people who had originally opposed his acceptance. "The people I dealt with there--the instructors and the students-- were all just wonderful," he recalls. "No one tried to give me more help than I wanted, but they were there without complaint when I did need help." Cuta says since Space Camp was originally designed for children, there were no requirements based on weight, height or any other physical criteria. In its early years, the program accepted children from the fourth grade up. Today, adults can come to Space Camp after the kids are back at school and learn the fundamental principles of space flight, including rides in a shuttle simulator. "You don't have to know anything," Cuta says, "you don't have to have any extraordinary physical stamina or anything like that. It's just a camp like any camp you'd send a kid to; but rather than learn about canoeing or horseback riding, you study space payloads, space suits, and actually participate in a mock shuttle mission." Cuta says although space campers don't actually fly a shuttle or work at the real ground control center, the simulations are as real as Space Camp officials can possibly make them. "NASA's donated all the simulators that the astronauts trained on," he explains. "These simulators were mission-specific ones designed for the Mercury and Gemini programs. We got to use those simulators and other equipment as part of the training." Cuta says adults who go through the program participate in intensive workshops. One such workshop dealt with propellant systems. Following the workshop, participants went to the museum to see rockets which worked based on the systems discussed at the workshop. Accessibility is much better at the space museum in Huntsville than at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. "The technical presentations are alternated with simulator experience," he explains. "One simulator is designed to give you a feel for walking on the moon. That's terribly disorienting. They take five-sixths of the weight off your legs, and you can't walk. Without friction pulling against you, you really have trouble moving around. They teach you acrobatic moves to help you walk. You wind up actually jumping." "In addition to the simulators," he says, "they have the Cinemax theaters where they show space-related teaching films. At the end of the program, an astronaut lectures about his experience." Cuta says the highlight of the trip is the shuttle simulation. Participants are assigned to teams comprised of 20 people. Ten people actually work in the shuttle simulator while the rest of the team manages the ground control portion of the flight. Later, the two groups trade places. "This is a second-by-second simulation of the takeoff, going up, doing something in space, and coming back down," Cuta explains. "It's so realistic it's extraordinary. When you're on the ground, they actually give you a huge notebook with the script in it that you follow. I had no way of reading it. I had my Braille 'n Speak with me and I took notes." Cuta says he had to braille some labels on a console. He put the cues into the Braille 'n Speak as to what he needed to say and when to say it. "It would be hard to braille those scripts because they change the missions every year. In space, the dialogue doesn't matter as much as does the ability to throw the right switch or turn the right knob." Cuta says his experience at Space Camp is "as close as I'll ever come" to a real shuttle ride. "For somebody like myself who was raised in the 60's and has a romantic thing about the space program, this was wonderful. Anybody who has the same feelings about the space program I have would really enjoy it." Other blind people will get the chance to enjoy Space Camp later this year. Students from the West Virginia School for the Blind will go through the same program in which Cuta participated. The West Virginia students won't have trouble getting into Space Camp. According to Bart Williams, a program director at the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, of which Space Camp is a part, Cuta's visit proved that blind participants can succeed at Space Camp. "I didn't work directly with Mr. Cuta," Williams says, "but I remember him coming through. I know there was a lot of concern at first, but things worked out real well. He proved he could do it without any hand-holding on our part." Tom Workman, principal at the West Virginia School for the Blind, visited Space Camp last January to investigate the possibilities of his students participating. "We had a group of deaf children go down," he says, "but very often, the blind students get left out of these kinds of things. People don't always know how to go about making these things happen. I went down there and found out there's very little our students can't do with braille and the proper descriptions." Workman says from there, the whole project mushroomed. He says he feels strongly that visual impairments shouldn't keep the students from full participation in the camp. That full participation will mean brailled log books will be prepared for the students. Consoles will be labeled in braille prior to their visit. "The biggest is the creation of the overlays for the computer keyboards within the shuttle and ground control areas," Workman says. "We want to have as much of this ready as possible and involve as many kids as we can." Workman says the project won't be limited to students at the school. Other visually impaired kids from throughout the state will get the chance to participate. He says the trip will cost $8,000 for the 20 students. Student attendees must be at least in the seventh grade and must have a C average or better. Workman says the school plans to take some of its speech processors down to hook into Space Camp's computers. "A lot of people ask me why I want our students involved in this project," Workman says. "The answer is simple. We're living in a technological world. We can't just give blind students a superficial education and assume they'll succeed. If this project sparks a student's interest, if it encourages that student to take Algebra III, Calculus or Science, then I'll feel I've succeeded." BUSH HONORS RFB SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS President George Bush honored three Recording for the Blind Scholastic Achievement Award recipients in White House ceremonies earlier this summer. Scott LaBarre, Stephen Jones, and Lisa Thompson were commended by Bush for their academic excellence. In an interview on the White House lawn, the three recipients in turn commended RFB for the influence it played in their academic progress. Jones, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, says he relied heavily on RFB throughout his years as a student. "Had RFB not been there," Jones says, "I would not have been as well-rounded as I feel I am. I would not have been as confident, and I certainly would not have been here today." Jones says he plans to continue to use RFB when he pursues a law degree. He has a major in French and a minor in German, maintaining a 3.82 grade point average. LaBarre is a graduate of St. Johns University in Minnesota with a degree in pre-law. He says RFB helped him through a university course which used 130 books, nearly all of which were available through RFB. LaBarre worked in a congressional office in Washington and in a St. Paul, Minn., law firm. LaBarre maintained a 3.78 grade point average. He is heavily involved in athletics, is a licensed amateur radio operator, and is an active member of the National Federation of the Blind. Lisa Thompson, a graduate of Rice University in Houston, plans to work in international relations in the public sector. Thompson's student life has been fraught with variety. She held a number of jobs while in college, including the Rice Mascot. Thompson lived independently in Guatemala for four months. She was an American Field Service Exchange Student to Austria in 1984 and 1985. She credits RFB with helping her enhance her productivity. "RFB's books have really speeded up the educational process," Thompson says. "It allows blind people to be involved in a lot of extracurricular activities that are so germane to a college education. Without RFB, a degree would have been obtainable but not enjoyable." UNLESS AGENCIES COOPERATE, QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ELDERLY BLIND WILL WORSEN, EXPERT SAYS By Nolan Crabb The lifestyles of older Americans who lose their sight could worsen in the coming decade unless agencies cooperate more closely and change their policies, according to John Crews, program manager at the Michigan Commission for the Blind. Speaking to a small group of employees at the National Institute on Disability Research and Rehabilitation, Crews said rehabilitation agencies and those providing aging care services must work more closely than ever to enhance the lifestyles of an increasing number of Americans who are living longer and losing their vision. Crews said rehabilitation professionals must adopt different attitudes toward elderly blind people, recognizing that older newly- blinded people can maintain their independence for longer periods of time. "In 1960," Crews said, "there were about 230,000 people over the age of 85 who were severely visually impaired. By the year 2000, those over age 85 will become the largest pool of people who are severely visually impaired in this country." He said as baby boomers grow older, the number of visually impaired people will rise to 4.7 million. Crews said those who provide services in the field of aging need to learn more about the rehabilitation process. Rehabilitation workers, in turn, should be mindful that older Americans are worth rehabilitating. Crews said Americans aged 65 to 69 can plan on living an average of 16.5 years. He said 10.5 of those years could be lived independently and actively. "I think one of the purposes of rehab is to preserve, as much as possible, those years of active life, Crews said. "One of the arguments we often get from colleagues who argue against aging rehab is that these people are old and disabled anyway, so why should we do anything for them?" Crews said as Americans live longer, they are being cared for increasingly by children who themselves are growing older. "I think when you talk about not rehabilitating older people who lose their sight," he said, "you have to be careful. You can't assume that their children can adequately take care of them." Crews said another problem older Americans face is the lag time between onset of vision loss and the actual referral to a rehabilitation agency. "National data suggests that an elder person has an onset of vision problems seven years prior to the time they're referred to rehab," Crews said, "and our data suggests that similar time lags are happening in Michigan." Crews said older Americans who lose their sight will experience improvements in their lifestyles when aging service providers and rehabilitation workers team up to dispense services in a more unified manner. "If an aging provider sees an older person who is blind or disabled," Crews said, "he might say 'what kind of resources can we bring such as meals on wheels, etc.' "While I'm not being critical of those in the aging field," Crews continued, "a good old rehab teacher would look at the problem and say 'can I teach you to cook? If not, let's get meals on wheels.'" Crews urged rehabilitation workers to do their part to educate those in the aging field regarding the options available to older people who experience sight loss. "I was vice president of a county agency on aging," Crews said, "so I'm sensitive to those folks; I'm not trying to blame them. I think that we in rehab have a lot to offer to the aging community, and I don't think they understand what that is." In an interview following his speech, Crews expressed optimism about the future of older Americans who deal with sight loss. "I think the possibilities are high that the aging providers and the rehab workers can come together in a meaningful way," he said. "After all, both people in aging and people in rehab understand half the equation, so we're halfway there on both sides." Crews asserted that rehabilitation makes a difference in the lives of older people and their families as well. "We're finding that 28 percent of the men who enter our program prepare meals more often after the training than they did prior to it," Crews said. "Women, on the other hand, are a remarkably independent group, and we're improving on that as well." He said children who live with a rehabilitated parent benefit as well. "We found that the transportation concern of the child for his parent dropped from 100 percent before the parent entered training to 20 percent after training," Crews said. "Unfortunately, our training has little or no impact on children who live away from their elderly, blind parents." According to Crews, agency personnel must "think globally and act locally." "In communities where rehab workers and aging care providers have teamed up," he said, "we've seen some tremendous results. I think the trends are pointing toward that kind of cooperation. That's what this meeting is all about, after all." HERE AND THERE By Elizabeth M. Lennon BOOK ON HOUSING RIGHTS "Rights of Tenants With Disabilities Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988" is the latest publication of the Mental Health Law Project's Community Watch Program. Available in regular print only, the 20-page booklet describes what tenants can expect when applying for and living in public or private rental housing. Written in question and answer form, the booklet also discusses what landlords must do to avoid illegally discriminating against applicants or tenants with physical or mental disabilities. According to "CDR Reports" February 1990, it also explains what a tenant can do if discrimination occurs. The booklet costs $2.50. For more information, contact MHLP, 2021 L St., N.W., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036. Tel. (202) 467-5730. EMERGENCY PUBLICATION The Federal Emergency Management Agency has published a flexible disc emergency planning guide. The "Checklist for Emergency Preparedness" provides general information for personal and emergency preparedness planning. The publication offers information on preparing for a variety of disasters both human and natural. For a copy of the disc, write FEMA, P.O. Box 70274, Washington, DC 20024, and ask for publication L-154 on disc. (From "Talking Book Topics," May-June 1990.) AUDIO GOSPEL MAGAZINE Clearer Vision Ministries, Inc. offers a 90-minute quarterly audio magazine entitled "Sound Truth" which features a variety of religious articles. The cost is $7.50 per year; scholarships are available. CVM offers other products and consulting services as well. CVM also plans to provide equipment, recorded or brailled textbooks, and scholarships for blind students wishing to study at Bible colleges. Contact Clear Visions Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 570268, Orlando, FL 32857-0268. Tel. toll-free (800) 338-2507 or (407) 568-4015. MS MAGAZINE ON TAPE The quarterly publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is now available free on cassette. "Inside MS" can be ordered by writing The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Public Affairs, 205 E. 42nd St., Third Floor, New York, NY 10017. Tel. (212) 986-3240. GROUP ANNOUNCES CHANGE The Coalition on Disability and Chemical Dependency has changed its name and focus, according to its newsletter. The organization's new name is the Institute on Alcohol, Drugs, and Disability. Anthony Tusler, IADD's new president, says the organization plans to focus not only on accessible treatment, but prevention as well. The institute plans to expand its efforts as a clearinghouse for information about a variety of issues relating to alcohol and drug problems among people with disabilities. For more information, contact The Institute on Alcohol, Drugs, and Disability, P.O. Box 7044, San Mateo, CA 94403. MAGAZINE CHANGES FORMAT The American Legion announces that the "Talking American Legion Magazine" has changed its format to four-track cassette. The monthly publication contains articles about subjects of current national interest. Veterans may obtain a free subscription by writing to American Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. BRAILLE TRANSCRIPTION The Dot Spot is a transcribing service in Phoenix which offers print to braille transcription. According to Administrative Assistant Linda Huffman, the company has brailled insurance policies, small appliance owner manuals, booklets, newsletters, prescription information and other small articles for its clients. The transcribing service accepts print material from clients via mail. A price estimate is provided before any brailling occurs. Upon approval from the client, the Dot Spot brailles and binds the material (binding is optional) and sends it back to the client with either a braille or print invoice. The client then sends a check or money order. The Dot Spot has computerized brailling equipment. Contact The Dot Spot, 6429 South 8th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Tel. (602) 243-0605. TALKING WALLET ANNOUNCED The Talking Wallet, a portable, personalized money identifier, is now available from the American Foundation for the Blind. The wallet gives instant voice identification of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. It is battery operated and has an earphone jack. The wallet is 6 by 3-1/2 by 2 inches and costs $449.50. Contact The American Foundation for the Blind, 15 W. 16th St., New York, NY 10011. NUTRASWEET BRAILLE RECIPES Nutrasweet Brand Sweetener is offering recipes in print and Braille which are useful for diabetics and others using the 1986 Diabetic Exchange. Contact Equal Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 830, Deerfield, IL 60015. Tel. (800) 323-5316 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. central time. ACB MEMBER HONORED Charles Rhein, membership secretary of the Council of Citizens With Low Vision, the Florida Council of the Blind, and a member of the Sarasota chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind, is the recipient of the "Outstanding Service" citation from the American Association of Retired Persons. According to a press release from the AARP, Rhein lives up to the AARP motto "to serve, not to be served." He devotes more than 200 hours per month to many organizations which provide service in the community. He serves on the board of a number of organizations and is an active member of a variety of other service and fraternal groups. Rhein is blind and experiences some hearing loss. COVERAGE EXPANDS The HumanWare, Inc. newsletter is now available in both large print and braille. The bi-monthly newsletter is free upon request. Contact HumanWare, Inc., 6245 King Road, Loomis, CA 95650. Tel. (916) 652-7253. Fax (916) 652-7296. DOING IT WITH GLASS Getting back to the grind doesn't have the negative connotations for Kevin Johnson that it has for other people. Johnson, recently blinded in an accident, draws on his memory to create ornately powerful stained glass wildlife art, according to a report in the "ICUB Bulletin," a publication of the Iowa Council of the United Blind. In a story which originally appeared in the "Des Moines Register," the bulletin reports that Johnson uses cotton paper patterns of the glass to guide his grinding. One of Johnson's pieces will hang in the Reagan Presidential Library. Another of his works, which will bring him $16,000, will hang in the home of a Cedar Rapids, Iowa physician. SUN GLASSES HELP Sun glasses can help delay the formation of cataracts, according to a study released by Hugh R. Taylor, chair of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Public Health Committee. In a study of 838 fishermen who had worked outdoors for years without sun glasses or hats, the number of cataracts found were three times higher than in the general population. By wearing proper sun glasses and hats with brims, a person can reduce the risk of cataract formation by 95 percent, according to the study. For more information on sun glasses and light, send a self- addressed stamped large No. 10 envelope to Inquiry Clerk, American Academy of Ophthalmology, P.O. Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120. (From "Focus," the newsletter of the ACB of Indiana, 1990-02.) NEW GAMES FOR APPLE Four games--Trivia Talk, Fortune Talk, Password Talk, and Jeopardy Talk--are now available on one Apple Pro-DOS disk. The four games are menu driven and designed to work with an Echo speech synthesizer. Send prepaid orders to Jeff Weiss, A--Talk, 3015 S. Tyler St., Little Rock, AR 72204. RFB BOOSTS PRODUCTION Recording for the Blind has launched a national campaign to increase science and mathematics book production, according to "RFB News" Winter 1990. The company's Palo Alto, Calif., unit is raising funds to purchase a recording booth which will be used for the taping of science books. "We are especially trying to reach younger students--from the upper-elementary grades through high school--to let them know that RFB is doing more science books," said Georgia Larsen, director of programs. "We're hoping that potential future scientists will get hold of these books and get interested in science." According to its newsletter, of the 1200 books now being recorded by RFB, 200 are pre-college science books. WORLD BRAILLE USAGE World Braille Usage, a free publication produced jointly by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and UNESCO, is a compendium of braille codes used throughout the world. The material was compiled from surveys sent to agencies in 144 countries. Eighty-five countries responded with information on braille usage, primary languages spoken, and the name of the respective braille authority in each country. The book also features charts depicting 71 braille alphabets. To receive a print copy, write National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Reference Section, 1291 Taylor St., N.W., Washington, DC 20542. TRAVEL HELP AVAILABLE Disabled travelers who encounter difficulties can turn to Travelin' Talk, according to an article in "Horizons," June 1990. Founded by Rick Crowder of Clarksville, Tenn., the free membership network provides knowledge of local resources travelers can use to solve problems encountered while on the road. In a telephone interview with "The Braille Forum," Crowder says he is working on implementing a taped and large print editions of his newsletter. For more information, contact Travelin' Talk, P.O. Box 3534, Clarksville, TN 37043-3534. Tel. (615) 358-2503. SPORTS TRAINING MONEY The Travel and Training Committee of the Women's Sports Foundation provides financial assistance to aspiring female athletes. Requests will be considered for training, travel to competitions, equipment, attire, and coaching. Individuals receive grants totaling $1,500 and teams can receive up to $3,000. Some of the previous recipients include blind skiers and shooters. The 1990 application deadline is November 15. Please indicate whether you need an individual or team application. Contact Pamela Mack, Travel and Training Coordinator, WSF, 342 Madison Ave., Suite 728, New York, NY 10173. RP GENE FOUND A team of researchers in Dublin, Ireland have located the gene for a form of autosomal dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa, according to a report in the RP Foundation Newsletter. In autosomal RP, each child has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the faulty gene and the condition from the affected parent. It's estimated that 20 percent of RP families have this form, according to Dr. Peter Humphries, director of the research project at Trinity College. "Over the next 12 months," says Humphries, "we hope to locate other genes in the region. But our ultimate goal is to find out what's causing the dominant RP. Only when we know the cause can we begin to address the question of treatment and cure." A BETTER MIRROR The C-More Mirror is an excellent sight aid for persons with Macular Degeneration unable to use a regular mirror, according to the North Central Region AER Newsletter. The mirror also works for some who have cataracts or experience sight loss due to diabetes or other forms of retinopathy. The device is used by adjusting its angle so that the image of the desired object appears in the mirror. In addition to conventional uses, the mirror can be used to examine photographs or watch television. The mirror comes in two sizes--5 by 7 ($15) and 8 by 10 ($22) including postage. Order from C-More Mirror, P.O. Box 3553, Oshkosh, WI 54903. BANA ELECTS OFFICERS The Braille Authority of North America has elected the following slate of officers for a one-year term: President, Darleen Bogart, Canadian National Institute for the Blind; Vice President, Ralph McCracken, American Printing House for the Blind; Secretary, Charlotte Begley, Clovernook Home and School for the Blind; Treasurer, Sally M. Hering, National Braille Association. BRAILLE ATMS American Express is installing automatic teller machines which have some braille features and are wheelchair accessible. The ATMs dispense cash or travelers cheques. HELP WITH GLAUCOMA The Food and Drug Administration approved a new laser procedure for treating glaucoma earlier this year, according to "Insight," the newsletter of the National Society to Prevent Blindness. The new laser therapy called Transcleral Cyclophotocoagulation, allows surgeons to deactivate some of the structures in the eye that produce the fluid which causes pressure within the eyes. In addition, the FDA recently approved a drug called Apraclondine (brand name Iopidine) which can be used to reduce the transient rise in pressure that occurs just after laser treatment. Thus, the new drug helps to improve the effectiveness of the therapy. Researchers are looking into the possible long-term usefulness of the drug. DIABETES INCREASING Incidences of diabetes are rising at an alarming rate among Latins, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS says that the diabetes rate has tripled among minorities in the last 20 years, and has doubled among Whites. Americans of Latin descent have a diabetes rate which is three times that of Whites. Similar increases are occurring among those who experience Diabetic Retinopathy. BRAILLE ON IT The American Thermoform Corporation has announced the recent development of Embossables for exclusive use in any standard braille embosser. Packed in sheets of 50 per box, Embossables measure 8-1/2 by 11 inches. The sheets are plastic with an adhesive backing. The cost is $23.95 per box. Contact the American Thermoform Corporation, 2311 Travers Ave., City of Commerce, CA 90040. NCAA SCHEDULE The Braille Revival League of Alabama is brailling the 1990 NCAA College Football Schedule. This year's schedule will include 100 teams from the major conferences as well as some independent teams. The schedules cost $5 each, mailed free matter. Order from Allen H. Gillis, Rt. 12 Box 2985, Cullman, AL 35055. USERS' GROUP MOVES The Parakeet National Computer Users' Group has moved to Winton, Calif., according to a press release. The national users' group is designed for computer novices and focuses on entry-level computing. The group offers a round-robin cassette tape. The one-year membership costs $12 and includes an introductory cassette, four issues of a quarterly publication, (borrow only), and the receipt of a $50 gift certificate toward purchase of a "Parakeet Computer Package" which features a word processing program with speech. Contact Clear Value Sales, Box 1596, Winton, CA 95388. SUBSCRIBE TO LIFEPRINTS "Lifeprints," the career magazine for youth and adults, is still accepting subscriptions for the coming year. While payments are generally due in early summer, Editor Carol McCarl says readers of "The Braille Forum" may still subscribe to lifeprints. Subscriptions cost $15.00 per year. The magazine covers such topics as careers, sports, features and more. To subscribe, send a check or money order to Blindskills, Inc., P.O. Box 5181, Salem, OR 97304. Specify either braille or large print edition. HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP FOR SALE: Expanded and improved computer baseball game. Includes statistics and information for playing of up to 82 teams. Also allows you to add new teams. You can also play against the computer, which takes the role of the 1927 Yankees. The game costs $15. For more information, contact Harry Hollingsworth, 692 S. Sheraton Drive, Akron, OH 44319. Tel. (216) 644-2421. FOR SALE: Apple II E with owner's manual and aluminium carrying case. Also includes the following: 128 K memory, disk controller card with two 5-1/4 inch drives, Taxon Green screen monitor, two Echo II speech synthesizers with recorded manuals, one Centronics parallel card with extra cable, one Apple Super Serial Card, one Transcend 300 BPS internal modem and connecting cable. Software includes: One PRO-DOS user's disk and recorded manual, Word-Talk, File-Talk, Term-Talk, Transcend with both cassette and print manuals. Additional software includes: Workstation, Braille-Talk, Pro-Words, Pro-Term, and Pro- Braille. A game disk and some music programs are also included, $1,600 includes shipping. Contact Fred Olver, Tel. (803) 744-8116 after 5 p.m. Eastern Time. FOR SALE: Standard Perkins Brailler, includes cover and braille eraser, $300. Contact Sandy Aylsworth, 711 Glen Oaks, Apartment 602, Corpus Christi, TX 78418. Tel. (512) 937-5767. FOR SALE: VersaBraille II Model LIC, brand new. Includes power supply bar, $2,500 or best offer. Contact Jewel McGinnis, 2417 Greenwich St., San Francisco, CA 94123. Tel. (415) 931-8734. Write in print, braille or cassette. FOR SALE: Optacon R1D with case and CRT lens for use in reading computer screens, excellent condition, $1,500 or best offer. Also for sale, "Dorland Medical Speller," instrument lists, drug lists, etc. in braille, $300. Contact Paul Henrichsen, 3862 N. Renn Ave.,Fresno, CA 93727. Tel. (209) 292-4030. FOR SALE: Overhead projector with six-foot screen, which attaches to a computer and acts as a bulletin board or blackboard. Excellent for teaching, demonstration purposes or presentations at group meetings. The projector is one year old and costs $4,500. Contact Pat Smolak, 77 Linwel Rd., Unit 65, Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2N 6R1. Tel. (416) 646-3996. WANTED TO TRADE: A steno mask and a braille slide rule in exchange for a Sharp EL 620 eight-digit calculator without clock. The mask includes remote on/off and is perfect for private note taking with a tape recorder. Contact Martin A. Kuhn, 1432 Vista St., Philadelphia, PA 19111-3724. Tel. (215) 697-3441. FOR SALE: APH PocketBraille, one year old, used twice, $800 or best offer. Contact David Faucheux, P.O. Box 133, Charenton, LA 70523. Tel. (318) 923-7937. NEEDED: Volunteer typists in the Denver area. Should be able to type 60 words per minute. Contact Larry Taylor, Hillcrest Village Mobile Home Park, Space 32, 1600 Sable Blvd., Aurora, CO 80011. Tel. (303) 364-7200. ACB OFFICERS PRESIDENT LEROY SAUNDERS P.O. BOX 24020 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73124 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT PAUL EDWARDS 170 N.E. 123rd STREET NORTH MIAMI, FL 33161 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT CHARLES HODGE 1131 S. FOREST DRIVE ARLINGTON, VA 22204 SECRETARY PATRICIA PRICE RILEY TOWER 2, APT. 2300 600 N. ALABAMA STREET INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204 TREASURER BRIAN CHARLSON 57 GRANDVIEW AVENUE WATERTOWN, MA 02172 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ELIZABETH M. LENNON