NFBT NEWS A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas 6909 Rufus Drive Austin, TX 78752-3123 512-451-1717 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2 SUMMER 1994 Norma Crosby, Editor PRINT DISTRIBUTION HOUSTON CHAPTER TAPE & BRAILLE DISTRIBUTION AUSTIN CHAPTER "Changing what it means to be blind" This issue is dedicated to the memory of Louie Vinson. Mr. Vinson was truly a leader of the blind, and he will be missed by all the members of the NFB of Texas. THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER By Tommy Craig For seventeen years, Glenn Crosby has held the office of President of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas. He has worked to build and strengthen the organization, and today it is vibrant and healthy. At our recent convention, Mr. Crosby announced that he would not seek re-election, and I am, now, in the unenviable position of having to succeed him in the office. I have only served as president for a short time, and I have already experienced a great deal of support from our membership. I thank you all for that support, and I will look forward to working with everyone to maintain a strong and active organization. FOCUS ON A LEADER GLENN CROSBY Glenn was born on June 23, 1945. He lost much of his vision when he was just three years-old, as the result of an accident with a knife. Later, while attending the Texas School for the Blind, he lost the remainder of his sight while engaging in horseplay with another student. Glenn's school years were tough. He says, "The rules were too strict. You could get into trouble for infractions as minor as using the stairs which were designated for use by members of the opposite sex." "I was one of the kids who was always in trouble" he continues. "I just couldn't conform to what they wanted us to be, and punishment did nothing but make me more stubborn." When Glenn completed his high school work he moved back home in order to attend the University of Houston. He believed that he wanted to be an attorney, and he began his undergraduate work as a political science major. He needed to support himself, and he took a variety of jobs. He worked in a health club and in the government's Poverty Program. Then, in 1969, he had an opportunity to open a coffee shop in the Harris County Family Law Center. He decided that feeding himself was more important than completing the degree he was working on, and he took the opportunity and has operated a successful business ever since. He has also owned a number of other restaurants over the years. But, the recession forced him to sell all but his original location several years ago. In 1967, Glenn married Carol Smith, and during their seventeen year marriage, they had two children. Glenn II was born in 1971, and Amanda was born in 1976. The marriage ended in 1984, and Glenn remained single for the next five years. Then, in 1989, he married Norma Beathard. In 1968, Glenn found the Federation, and he has been a member of the organization since that time. He says that he was drawn to NFB because people within the organization seemed to really believe in themselves and other blind people. He had the opportunity to see how well blind people could compete with their sighted peers when they had the opportunity to be trained with Federation philosophy, as the students at the Iowa Commission for the Blind were, when Dr. Kenneth Jernigan was in charge of that program. "I wasn't jealous," Crosby says. "I was glad for those who had the opportunity to train under Dr. Jernigan. But, I wanted blind Texans to have the same opportunities, and I felt as though active membership in the Federation was the only way to achieve that goal. I still feel that way. The NFB has been, and continues to be, an integral part of my life. I can't imagine a time when I wouldn't be right in there fighting alongside all my Federation friends." After serving for seventeen consecutive years as the NFB of Texas President, Glenn has decided to step down from that position, in order to spend a little more time at home. He still serves on the organization's national board, and he intends to remain an active part of the Federation at all levels. "My commitment to the Federation has never waivered. The first time I met Dr. Jernigan, I knew that he, and the other members of the NFB, believed in a philosophy which was right. It has made me a stronger person, and my loyalty to the movement and its leaders is unshakable," he says. "I wish our new State President the best of luck, and I pledge my support to him and to our National President, Marc Maurer. Both of these outstanding leaders can count on me to serve them in any way they see fit." Glenn Crosby is a man who cares what happens to other blind people. That is why blind people in Texas have chosen him as their president for so many years, and he will continue to be a leader even though he no longer holds statewide elective office. A person cannot be taught to be a leader. Leaders are born, and Glenn Crosby is a born leader. THE QUESTION BOX Q: I have vision. So, I have always been told that I don't need to carry a cane. Is this true? A: It is probably not true. Consider the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, you should give serious consideration to carrying a cane. 1. Do you walk more slowly than you really want to because you are concerned that you won't see a hole, a step, or maybe even a large truck? 2. Do you fall or trip a lot? 3. Do you always walk behind people with whom you are traveling in order to observe whether or not they step up or down, etc.? 4. Do you avoid going out at certain times of the day or night because you are worried that you can't see well enough to travel safely at those times? 5. Have you been called "clumsy" or "accident prone"? 6. Do you run into glass doors or mirrored walls because you don't see them? 7. Have you ever pretended not to be interested in attending a social gathering or other activity because you didn't feel confident in your ability to travel independently to the location where the event was to take place? 8. Do you feel as though you must always travel with a sighted guide? Most legally blind people should carry a cane, and they should use it. It doesn't do any good to have a cane if it is always tucked away in a purse or a briefcase. With proper training in the use of a cane, blind people can travel where they want to go with skill and confidence. The members of the National Federation of the Blind believe that it is respectable to be blind, and we believe that the decision to carry a cane amounts to a declaration of independence for any person who has a significant loss of vision. Carrying a cane is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you have taken charge of your blindness and have chosen to be independent rather than dependent. If you have a question that you would like answered in this portion of our newsletter, you should write to: NFBT News Question Box, 1403 Cheshire Lane, Houston, TX 77018-4134. The Question Box will be a regular feature of this publication, and your contributions will help to keep it interesting. We won't be able to answer all the questions we receive, in this column. But, we will do our best to send you a personal reply if it is not possible to publish your question. NFBT CONVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The 1994 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas was held in Odessa. We were able to accomplish a lot, and we managed to have a good deal of fun at the same time. On March 18, a number of important committees met. Of particular interest to many attending the convention was the meeting of the Resolutions Committee. This year, the Committee recommended passage of two proposed resolutions. Resolution 94-01 demands that the Texas Commission for the Blind continue remedial training for its rehabilitation teachers who are not proficient in reading and writing literary Braille. It also recommends that the Commission use the National Literary Braille Competency Test, produced by the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped. Resolution 94-02 insists that the Texas Commission for the Blind drop its student probation, which deprives a student who is having difficulty in college of needed services. It was the feeling of the Committee that TCB should offer more assistance, not less, to students who are encountering problems in maintaining an adequate grade point average. The convention agreed, and both resolutions were adopted. On Saturday, March 19, our agenda included a presentation by Rue Ramirez and Stephanie Bazirjian, of the Texas State Library Talking Book Program and a talk by Terry Murphy, of the Texas Commission for the Blind. There was also a discussion of how blind Texans might obtain adaptive technology. This presentation was made by Kathy Duvall, who heads TCB's Employment Assistance Unit. On Saturday evening, we held our annual banquet. The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Joyce Scanlan, First Vice-President of the National Federation of the Blind. A dance, with lots of good music, followed the banquet, and a good time was had by all. On Sunday morning, elections were held. President Glenn Crosby had announced, on Saturday afternoon, that he would not seek re-election, and Tommy Craig, of Austin, was chosen to succeed him. Doris Henderson, of Dallas, remains as our First Vice- President. Lawrence Doiron, of Houston was returned to the office of Second Vice-President. Elizabeth Campbell, of Fort Worth, is Secretary. Manuel Gonzalez, of San Antonio, will continue to serve as Treasurer. Sam Jackson, also of San Antonio, was re-elected as a member of the board, and William Harmon, Jr., of our Galveston County Chapter, was selected to fill the second board position which was available. Every year our convention gets bigger and better, and this one was our best, ever. MOTOR CITY MAGIC Editor's Note: The previous article gave you a look back at our 1994 state convention. This one will attempt to give you a look ahead to our upcoming national convention. In 1994, the convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be held at the Westin Hotel Renaissance Center, in Detroit, Michigan. Room rates are $38.00 singles, $43.00 doubles and twins, $45.00 triples, and $48.00 quads. There is also a twelve percent tax charged for each room. There is no extra charge for children who share a room with their parents, if no extra bed is required. The dates for this year's convention are July 1-8, and we have lots of activities planned for the entire week. On July 1, we will hold seminars for parents of blind children, blind merchants, blind job seekers, and others. On July 2, registration will open for the first time, and the Resolutions Committee will meet. On July 3, there will be a meeting of the Board of Directors (open to all), and many special interest divisions and committees will also meet. On July 4, we will hold our first general session, and that evening, there will be a wonderful, outdoor picnic. July 5 is a short day. We have a general session in the morning, and in the afternoon you'll have the opportunity to tour Detroit. Then, on July 6, there will be a full agenda and the banquet. July 7 is our final day, and we'll pack a lot of activity into the last few hours. But, we will adjourn, promptly, at 5:00p.m. Exhibits of new technology will be available throughout the week, and there are lots of other activities which are not listed here. So, don't miss it. Get your reservations in, today. You may make reservations with the hotel by writing: Westin Hotel, Renaissance Center, Detroit Michigan 48243, Attention: Reservations. Or, you may call 313-568-8000. Westin has a nationwide toll free number. But, you should NOT use that number for making your convention reservation. All reservation requests must be accompanied by a deposit of $45.00, which is refundable if you cancel your reservation prior to June 20. No requests for refunds will be honored after that time. NFB conventions are open to all who wish to attend. So, make your plans to be with us in July. BULLETIN BOARD Scholarships Awarded At ou recent state convention, we awarded four scholarships to deserving, blind students. The winners are as follows: Kelly Hill, Wichita Falls Patsy Lawson, Houston Stephanie Pruitt, Dickinson Rickie Voilles, Plainview. Congratulations to all the winners. Houston Chapter Loses 3 Members Members of the NFB Houston Chapter are saddened by the deaths of three longtime members. They are: Marie Vinson, Louie Vinson and Oversia Mathis. All of these people were important to our movement, and they will be missed. Great Job! The members of the NFB of Texas would like to send special thanks to our Permian Basin Chapter for the great job its members did, in hosting our 1994 state convention. Braille Competency Test Ready On January 7, 1994, the National Literary Braille Competency Test became available for use by all interested parties. The test was produced by the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped. The test is intended primarily for teachers of blind children and adults. It is intended to allow the candidate to demonstrate a basic competence in literary Braille. For further information contact Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, 1291 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20542. Or call 202-707-5104. Do You Need a Cane? If you need a long, white cane, we offer them free of charge to blind Texans. All you have to do to get one is call 1-800-662-2866 and provide us with your name, address, telephone number, and the type and length of cane you need. Our Texas Cane Bank Program offers three types of canes. They are a rigid fiberglass cane available in lengths from 45-65", a folding cane available in lengths from 52-66", and a telescopic cane available in lengths from 39- 67". Houston Chapter offers Bus to National Convention The Houston Chapter has chartered a bus for the national convention, in Detroit, and we have seats available for anyone who wishes to ride with us to the convention. The round trip will cost you $200.00, and the bus will leave the Lighthouse of Houston, 3530 West Dallas, in Houston, at 9:00a.m. on July 2. For more information, or to purchase a ticket, contact John Smith at 713-748-4557. Do you have information which you would like to have us announce? If you do, you should send it to: NFBT News, 1403 Cheshire Lane, Houston, TX 77018-4134, Attn: Announcements. We will run announcements on a space available basis. We will accept announcements about special meetings and events which might be important to blind Texans. We will also try to run personal announcements which might be of interest to our readers (i,e, weddings, births, deaths, graduations, new jobs, etc.). We want this section of our newsletter to help our readers keep up with what's going on in our statewide community. THE NFB BOOKSHELF BRAILLE MONITOR A monthly publication of the National Federation of the Blind. This magazine contains articles of interest to every blind American. It is available in inkprint, Braille, cassette, and flexible disc formats. You may subscribe by writing to: National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore MD 21230. Attention: Braille Monitor FUTURE REFLECTIONS A publication, which addresses issues of interest to parents of blind children and professionals who work with them. To subscribe write to the above address, and make your note to the attention of Future Reflections. VOICE OF THE DIABETIC A quarterly publication which discusses issues of concern to blind diabetics. To subscribe write to: Voice of the Diabetic, 811 Cherry Street, Suite 309, Columbus, MO 65201. LOCAL CHAPTERS You may reach your nearest National Federation of the Blind Chapter by contacting: Eura Harmon-Amarillo Chap. 806-376-8454 Ruth Fabel-Arlington Chap. 817-861-8304 Tommy Craig-Austin Chapter 512-451-1717 Ernestina Notargiacomo Brownsville Chapter 210-541-0970 Doris Henderson-Dallas Chap. 214-942-2612 Liz Campbell-Ft. Worth Chap. 817-738-0350 William Harmon-Galveston County Chapter 409-948-6825 Norma Crosby-Houston Chap. 713-956-4909 Raul Reyes-McAllen Chap. 210-783-5070 Connie Eckard-Permian Basin Chap. 915-368-5646 Martha Laque-San Antonio Chap. 210-921-2530 Lola Pace-Wichita Falls Chap. 817-592-5757 HAVE YOU MOVED? If you have moved and would like to continue receiving the NFBT News, we need to hear from you. To change your address, we need your name, your old address and your new address. Send that information to: NFBT News, 1403 Cheshire Lane, Houston, TX 77018-4134. The NFBT News is available in large print, on tape and in Braille. If you would like to receive a format different than the one you are currently receiving, send us your name and address, and tell us which format you would prefer. We will accept address or format changes in print, Braille or on tape. If you prefer, you can call our toll free number, and someone will be glad to make the address or format change for you. The number is: 1-800-662-2866. Our office staff will be available to take your call, at this number, during regular business hours. Simply tell them that you need to make a change to your NFBT News subscription, and they will be glad to assist you. If you live in the Houston area and want to make a change in your subscription, you can call our local NFBT News office. That number is 713-956-4909. ”””””””””””””””””””””””””””