THE BLIND NEW YORKER WINTER SPRING, 1991 NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW YORK INC. BETH HATCH-ALLEYNE, EDITOR 1063 EAST AVENUE, #6 ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14607 (716) 271-4825 DAVID AROCHO, PRESIDENT 600 WARREN STREET, APT. 4 ALBANY, NEW YORK 122008 (800) 356-7713 THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND; IT IS THE BLIND SPEAKING FOR THEMSELVES. COPYRIGHT NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND From The Editor: Welcome to my first issue of The Blind New Yorker! I want to thank those of you who sent items and ideas for articles for this issue. I also want to thank Mr. Rodell Lawrence, and Brunswick Tape Media Inc. for their help in the pro- duction of the print and cassette editions of this newsletter. My job is to inform you of events and issues that concern blind people of our state. I cannot continue the success of this issue without your help. I am planning now for future articles and announcements. Please send me any suggestions, corrections, articles, or ideas for Around the State. You can write me at: 1063 East Avenue, #6, Rochester, NY 14607. Or you may call me at: (716) 271-4825. With your help, we can make the Blind New Yorker better and better! ----------- Buffalo Workshop Gets Union: The Blind Continue To Fight For Justice By Beth Hatch-Alleyne Most of you are probably aware of the wonderful news from our friends in Buffalo who voted in a two to one majority to unionize the workshop at the Blind Association of Western New York on July 27, 1990. Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Buffalo, including Edna Rouse, Betty Wilson, Vincent Tagliarino, among many others, worked with representatives of the International Service Employees Union, Local 200C, in the culmination of activity leading up to, and proceeding the union drive. We join in solidarity with the members of the Buffalo chapter in the belief that every blind person has the right to work and to be treated as a first-class citizen. Under the scrutiny of agency heads who threatened workers would lose their jobs and/or social security benefits if they supported the union, the organized blind prevailed. The wages at the workshop were deplorable. On a good day, employees make $2.51 an hour; on a bad day wages are as low as .50 an hour. The working conditions in the workshop were unhealthy, and not conducive to high production. Employees worked in a windowless room, with no air conditioning. The blind workers most involved in the union drive were employed at the paper products division; the rest worked at the sewing division. The paper products division of the workshop makes expandable business file folders for a government contractor in Durham, North Carolina. The paper products division was employing 45 workers until 30 workers were laid off in mid-November of 1990. Agency officials and workers acknowledge that production problems continue to plague the workshop. Agency officials contend the workshop was losing money, and blame the lack of profit on blind employees. New equipment brought in to increase, purportedly, the production of every blind employee could not prevent monetary losses. Workers believe mismanagement, and a lack of quality control are the reasons for the workshop's financial decline. Workers did not receive enough training on the new equipment. Employees were given three days of training; if they did not produce what the agency considered enough files, blind employees were sent back to manual production and were replaced by sighted workers. Quality control inspectors who would ensure no rejected products would leave the workshop were eliminated by the agency in 1988. Agency officials have been quoted as saying, "We don't care about the quality, just pack them," according to Edna Rouse, an employee at the workshop, and a member of the negotiating committee working with the agency and the International Service Employees Union. Workers were accused of stealing file folders. In 1988, agency personnel accused workers of stealing one skid, or four thousand file folders. Workers had been allowed to take home rejected files for their personal use. When the agency could not find the files, the blind were blamed for their loss. The agency did not tell workers the Government Services Administration, in 1988, had changed its standards for paper used to produce the files. A rational person might wonder why the agency did not tell blind employees about the new GSA standards for paper used to make the files if it wanted its workshop to be profitable. In April of 1990, a local group of employees from the workshop and other employees of the agency called Foresight, A Coalition for a Better Blind Association, (now part of the National Federation of the Blind of Buffalo), organized a demonstration for better wages and working conditions outside the agency. On April 9, 1990, Foresight invited the media to report on the efforts of the organized blind to push for equality, security, and opportunity for blind employees. A foresight member contacted the International Service Employees Union soon after the demonstration, and asked for its help to better conditions for the blind of western New York, said Betty Wilson, a co-founder of Foresight. The members of the National Federation of the Blind of Buffalo and Foresight, including Shirley Lazich, Edna Rouse, Betty Wilson, and Jesse Lee III. and Rick Williamson of the National Federation of the Blind of Rochester, went to work recruiting union members in the work shop. Agency officials continuously threatened that employees would lose their jobs and/or social security benefits if they supported the union, right up to the time the vote was taken. The thrill of victory was overshadowed by the layoffs of 30 employees in mid-November of 1990. Although the union could not prevent workers from losing their jobs, workers received two weeks notice they would be laid off. The agency blames blind employees for the layoffs, noting it could not keep thirty people on staff after the Government Services Administration rejected one hundred thousand file folders. Joan Simon, Vice President of Community Relations at the Blind Association of Western New York made the following comments to me in preparation for this article: "We don't think employees have beenthreatened or harassed at our facility. They voted for a union. They did what they thought was right, that is the American way. We have a good relationship with the union. We are working to get the jobs back of those who were laid off. We didn't want to lay off any of our workers, but when one hundred thousand file folders are rejected, obviously we had to cut production and cut our staff." It remains to be seen how willing the agency is to work to change its attitude about the blind, negotiate with the Union, and work with the National Federation of theBlind. Though the workers now have a union, there is much work to be done. The union is now negotiating to get the workers' jobs back, and then it plans to tackle working conditions, wages, and other collective bargaining activities. On July 27, 1990, employees of the workshop at the Blind Association of Western New York won a stunning victory, a victory that is living proof of the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind! As Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, our distinguished National Executive Director has said: "...We are no longer willing to be second-class citizens. We know who we are, and we will never go back." ----------- Philanthropy Is One Thing, But Money IS Money The following article appeared in the September 17 issue of People Magazine, copyright 1990 by Time Inc. Company. Two Braille Trading-Card Makers Try To Give The Blind A Feel For Collecting With sports card collecting still a growth industry, there's a bull market that makes anything unusual a potential bonanza. So the first Braille football card, invented by John Bosworth, 65, and John Scalice, 48, of Hi-Pro Marketing in Fort Lee, N.J., is a marketing gambit for their regular card line as well as a philanthropic gesture. The two men tried a test run of cards last year as a sideline to their cosmetic package-design business. This year they're selling a 280-card NFL set and scrambling for attention. One Hi-Pro card is partly in Ibo--native language of Nigeria-born Christian Okoye of the Kansas City Chiefs. All their cards are embossed, and last year Bosworth joked that one of them was "so good, a blind person could read it." Thus inspired, he and Scalice designed a card of ex-quarterback Jim Plunkett, son of blind parents and a volunteer with blind groups in San Francisco. It has an embossed picture on one side, Braille on the other. (The rest of the Hi-Pro set is all ordinary cards.) How will the blind react to the Braille card? Bosworth says they can feel and understand the embossed picture. But Fran Libowitz, supervisor of the Braille department of the New York Lighthouse for the Blind, says "I don't think a blind person can get a real feel of what the picture is all about." And unlike most sports cards, the Braille card has little data on the flip side; because of size limitations, its message says only "Raiders Win Super Bowl XV--Jim Plunkett named MVP." Hi-Pro may produce more Braille materials, including a card series on U.S. Presidents. For now, says Bosworth, "We just want to help. We think it would be great if blind people could say, 'Hey, there's a sports card for me.' " The company won't object, though, if some sighted collectors are saying, "Hey, there's a sports card for my portfolio." According to one collectors journal, even before the season started, the Braille cards were trading for up to $45 a piece. --------- Comments Obviously, the author of this article feels blind people don't collect anything of value to sighted people. The author's ignorance of what blind people do and do not do is evidenced by the title, since we it implies blind people must depend on the benevolence of others to give us a "feel for collecting." It may appear cute as a play on words to readers, but it implies blind people don't share the same hobbies as those who are sighted. Bosworth and Scalice display their arrogance when they say their regular cards were "so good a blind person can read them." If this is what inspires them to make an inferior card, not many blind collectors will spend the $45, an amount much higher than ordinary cards, to obtain an inferior card. As a blind sports-card collector, I can personally attest to the value of collecting cards for my personal enjoyment, and the appreciation of other blind and sighted collectors. The reporter wrote that the cards were made as a "philanthropic gesture," and said Mr. Bosworth and Mr. Scalice "want to help the blind." Let's not be naive: the cards were made to make money, not as a "philanthropic gesture" to "help" blind people. If the manufacturers were truly interested in making a sports-card blind people would appreciate, it should make the cards larger, as are Brailled versions of Monopoly, and other games such as those manufactured by the American Foundation for the Blind. The manufacturers could then leave all the vital statistics in Braille with the two full action pictures on either side, as is common in regular sports cards. It seems from the author's and the manufacturers point of view, the cards are a novelty; for both the manufacturers andthe author have fallen into the common trap that any effort made to give blind people access to printed or visual materials is helpful, even if it does not meet the standards for what the manufacturers produce for sighted collectors. While staff at the Lighthouse for the Blind and the manufacturers debate whether or not a blind person can make sense of an embossed picture, neither considered asking the blind what we want. The market place, not the conjecture of agency and business viewpoints will determine whether the card is successful. Blind people must decide where and how to spend our money, regardless of whether we can actually see a picture on a card. ----------- Resolutions The following Resolutions were past at the 35th annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of New York, held in Rochester, October 19 to October 21, 1990. Resolution 90-01: Whereas, Blind New Yorkers on a daily basis may require access to public telephones, and whereas, some public telephones no longer give audible signals to indicate important information such as "your time is up, deposit more money", and whereas, this lack of access violates the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans With Disabilities Act, Therefore, be it Resolved, by the National Federation of the Blind of New York State Incorporated, assembled in the city of Rochester, New York, on Sunday, the 20th of October 1990, that the Public Service Commission shall take immediate action to require New York state's, forty-one telephone companies to provideaudible signals at all public telephones. Resolution 90-02: Whereas, economic opportunity is critical to full incorporation into American Society, and whereas, 70 percent of blind people are either unemployed or under employed, and whereas, the Business Enterprise Program is assisting in the attainment of first-class citizenship through full employment of hundreds of blind New Yorkers, by participation in the federal Randolph-Sheppard Program, Therefore, be it resolved by the National Federation of the Blind of New York State Incorporated, assembled in the city of Rochester, New York on Sunday, the 20th day of October 1990, that this organization fully endorses and will work with the State legislature to enact legislation known as "The Mini-Randolph-Sheppard Act" which will further extend employment opportunities for blind New Yorkers. ----------- Around The State The National Federation of the Blind has been helping blind people advocate for themselves, and live happy, successful, and productive lives. The following three articles are just a sample of the state-wide effort to show the public what blind people can do, and what the National Federation of the Blind means to us. The following article appeared in the Newburgh Beacon of November 16, 1990. Lucy Carpenter is a weekly columnist for the Newburgh Beacon, and is the president of the Eastern Orange County Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of New York. In this article, she explains what the National Federation Of the Blind means to her, and uses her talents to educate the public about blindness at the same time. National Federation Of The Blind Day By Lucy Carpenter This year Congress passed a resolution declaring that November 16th be "National Federation Of The Blind Day". It is a fitting climax for celebrating our fiftieth anniversary. It was the year of 1940, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania that it all began. Our brilliant founder, Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, professor of Civil Law at Berkeley University, in California, brought it together with the cooperation of a group of blind persons from seven states. They felt that the blind of the nation had to move forward, out of the dark slump of discrimination and abuse. Today, fifty years later, there is an affiliate in each of our states including Washington, D.C. It has been a spectacular change and an advancement for us. We of N.F.B., are no longer hiding under the cloak of fear, futility, and discrimination. Together, with the Dept. of Labor, N.F.B. has been finding jobs... fruitful jobs for the blind. In our local IBM facilities, there are at least a half dozen blind employees. My own husband worked there for twenty-five years. Erase the picture of the blind man selling pencils and carrying a tin cup. More and more of our young people are going into computer work. There are attorneys, teachers, social workers, judges, business people, and oh yes, even writers. A former student of Jacobus tenBroek, Dr. Floyd Matson, has written a vast history of blindness, "Walking Alone And Marching Together."" N.F.B. is hoping to place this book in all of our libraries across the country, including those of our colleges and schools. Our national center is in Baltimore, Md. My husband and I were privileged to attend a Leadership seminar there in 1980. Six months later, we organized our chapter here in Newburgh, the Eastern Orange County chapter. We are constantly reaching out to area blind in hopes of being of service to them, and most of all, to change their views on what it means to be blind. We do not think of blindness as a handicap but a state of inconvenience. Most important of all, we blind of N.F.B. need no longer be ashamed and hide from our blindness. We know now that it is respectful to be blind. Yes, as Dr. Floyd Matson says in his great book, we now "Walk Alone And March Together." We have been marching for a half century and hope to continue for many more years with greater and greater success. We thank Congress for making this a special day. It is a special day long due the blind. No longer are we to be pitied by the sighted world; for as I have said: IT IS RESPECTABLE TO BE BLIND. --------- The following Press Release was sent to newspapers in the Capital District area by Gisela Distel, our state Vice President, and President of the Capital District Chapter. We applaud her efforts to educate the public about the capabilities of the Blind, and the fifty-year history of our movement. For Immediate Release, November 12, 1990 For Further Information Contact: David Arocho, (518) 459-6259 Gisela Distel (518) 463-4810 MCNULTY PRESENTS "THE BOOK" ALBANY, NY: Is it respectable to be blind? Are blind individuals first-class citizens? According to Mr. David Arocho, President of the National Federation of the Blind of New York State, and Gisela Distel, President of the Capital District Chapter, the answer is a resounding yes. Congressman Michael McNulty seems to think so, too. With McNulty's support, Congress has designated November 16th as "National Federation of the Blind Day." The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation on the people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. What better way to celebrate than presenting the Congressman with an autographed copy of the history book of the nation's blind, "Walking Alone and Marching Together"? On November 16, 1990, at 11:00 A.M., in McNulty's office, in the Leo O'Brien Federal Building on Broadway, the National Federation of the Blind Capital District Chapter will present the Congressman with his own copy of this recent publication of the National Federation of the Blind. For the past 50 years, as now, the Federation's philosophy is "Given proper training and opportunities, the blind of this nation can compete on terms of equality with society." The author, Dr. Floyd W. Matson, emphasizes this philosophy in this hard-cover book. No author before Dr. Matson has looked at the American dream from the viewpoint of blind Americans. This is a landmark book which will supplement American history collections. McNulty emphasizes and promotes a positive attitude and philosophy about blindness when offering his support to issues facing blind people locally and nationally. The National Federation of the Blind Capital District Chapter proudly presents Michael McNulty with this accurate history of the blind movement in the United States. --------- The following article appeared in the November 16 Niagara Gazette. Laura Herman, our state Secretary, and a member of the Niagara Falls Chapter, notes that although the paper had the right idea, November 16 was a day for the Blind to celebrate, but it was to celebrate the half century of work and accomplishment of the National Federation of the Blind. Blind Day Recognized With Donation Of Book Congress has designated friday as National Federation of the Blind Day to recognize the nation's largest organization for the sightless. To honor the event, the Niagara Chapter, by way of Rep. John Lafalce, (D. Tonawanda), will present a book written by two blind people to the Earl W. Brydges Public Library. "Walking Alone and Marching Together", provides a history of blindness, and the perception of blind people in our culture. The Federation, formed in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. The Federation's goals are to achieve equality, opportunity, and security, for blind people by way of programs to assist the blind in obtaining jobs, as well as social functions. --------- A Reminder From Gisela Distel, Vice President, National Federation Of The Blind Of New York: Fulfilling promises made at last year's State Convention is a great way to start the year! Before we get too far into 1991, why not send in your pledge? The N.F.B. of N.Y.S. appreciates your continued support. With you, our message - it's respectable to be blind - continues to get out. --------- Dick Carpenter Dies: We regret to inform you of the death of Richard Carpenter, a long- time leader of the Eastern Orange County Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of New York, on January 27. Throughout his life, Dick lived the philosophy of the Federation. He asked those who wish to remember him to give generously of their time, effort, and resources to the National Federation of the Blind as he so often did. --------- Moving On: After a long and hard-fought battle with the State Department, Rami Rabby will join the Foreign Service, and is now in Washington D.C. undergoing four months of training before beginning to serve his country. We send him our best wishes, and know he will give his best for our country, just as he has to the National Federation of the Blind of New York as New York City Chapter President. --------- Elected: Tracy Carcione writes: On January 20, the New York City Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind elected the following officers to two-year terms: President, Carl Jacobsen; First Vice President, Ray Wayne; Second Vice President, Vivian Yacu; Secretary, Tracy Carcione; Treasurer, Gerald Carcione; State Delegate, Tracy Carcione; Alternate Delegate, Bob Kraft; and four Board members: Bob Kraft, HaroldWenning, Linda Johnsen, andBert Berg. We had more good candidates than positions to fill. --------- From The Capital District Chapter: This was no turkey! But the prize was. The Capital District Chapter held a successful donation drive, thispast November, to raise funds for the Chapter. The first and only prize was a "Holiday Dinner" - a 20 pound turkey and a bottle of Cold Duck. We had the local Price Chopper grocery store print the tickets. (The Price Chopper chain has a deal where local non-for-profit organizations can have fund-raising materials printed for no charge, if you limit the number of tickets to 400. Something to consider when you hold your next chapter fund-raiser!) We raised over $300.00 for the Chapter and had lots of fun spreading the Federation message throughout the area. Jim Fraser Dies: Laura Herman writes: We lost one of our very dear members, Jim Fraser, during the month of November. Jim was a quiet man who did his work, or any tasks assigned to him. He was always ready to help; We have missed him greatly. ----------- For More Information: If you would like more information about blindness, or the National Federation of the Blind of New York State, Inc., please call the NFB of New York State at: (800) 356-7713. Please refer to the following numbers to contact state Divisions and Committees, or the local chapter nearest to you. Buffalo Chapter, (716) 681-1645. Capital District Chapter, (518) 463-4810. Eastern Orange County Chapter, (914) 561-5333. Greater Long Island Chapter, (516) 868-8718. Mid-Hudson Chapter, (914) 297-5921. New York City Chapter, (718) 633-4602. Niagara Falls Chapter, (716) 282-5680. Rochester Chapter, (716) 342-6036. Sullivan Chapter, (914) 794-0294. Syracuse Chapter, (315) 468-2856. Diabetic Committee, (518) 459-6259, or (518) 463-4810. Dog Guide Committee, Downstate (718) 539-3982, Upstate (518) 370-1773. Merchants' Division, (718) 633-4602. Student Division, (716) 754-7207. Or Write: David Arocho, President National Federation of the Blind of New York Inc. 600 Warren Street, Apt 4 Albany, New York 12208