Winter 2005BUCKEYE BULLETIN
Eric Duffy, Editor
4501 N. 4th Street
Columbus, OH 43224
eduffy@pobox.com
www.nfbohio.org
1-800-396-NFBO
Sylvia Cooley
Production Editor
Barbara Pierce
President
237 Oak Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
bbpierce@pobox.com
(440) 775-2216
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is a 501 (c) 3 consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our personal experience that with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance. We work to see that blind people receive the services and training to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children receive the advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up to be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship means that people have both rights and responsibilities, and we are determined to see that blind people become first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision than with discrimination based on the public’s ignorance and misinformation about blindness. Join us in educating Ohioans about the abilities and aspirations of Ohio’s blind citizens.
The NFB of Ohio has twelve local chapters around the state, a chapter for at-large members, and special divisions for diabetics, merchants, students, seniors, and parents of blind children. This quarterly newsletter is produced in large print and on cassette. To receive more information about the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, to make address changes for the newsletter, or to be added to the mailing list, call (800) 396-6326.
Table of Contents
From the President’s Desk
by Barbara Pierce
Making a Difference: 2005 NFB-O Convention Wrap-Up
by Paul Dressell
2005 Report, Director of Field Services
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
by Eric Duffy
2005 Awards Report
by Barbara Fohl
The Blind Go to Washington in 2006
by Eric Duffy
In Memoriam: Ken Velkovich Dies
by Eric Duffy and Paul Dressell
The Doctor’s in the House: R&B Pianist Professor Performs at Blues Club
by Alissa Ponchione
Buckeye Briefs
Activities Calendar
In one respect November 8, 2005, was a day I will never forget. Lorain County, the county where I live, was one of the forty-nine in the state of Ohio that managed to place new touch-screen voting machines in polling places in time for the fall election. Lorain County chose Diebold machines, which meant that a special keypad was attached to at least one machine so that voters requiring or preferring enlarged print on the screen or a digitized voice speaking either English or Spanish could vote independently. I have voted about eighty times since I turned twenty-one, but this was the first time that my husband did not have to read me the ballot and cast my vote for me. I was looking forward to performing this duty of citizenship independently, but I did not expect that it would move me as much as it did. As I say, it was an unforgettable experience that actually moved me to tears.
Of course not everything went smoothly. In the first place each precinct was supposed to have an accessible keypad attached to one machine. My polling place houses two precincts, so we should have had two accessible machines; we had one. Then, when I slid my plastic card into the slot, nothing happened. I tried tapping buttons—silence. Eventually I turned around and asked if something was supposed to be happening. Immediately something did. A posse of poll workers descended on me, and the other voters watched in great interest as ladies checked the cables, reseated my card, asked me questions about what I might have done wrong, and tapped on the machine in various places. Then they got out the instruction book, which suggested that they do the things they had just done. Eventually they called the board of elections. The experts there told them to check the connections and refer to the instructions. Ultimately we were passed along to the real experts at Diebold, who eventually thought to remind the officials that they had to program my card differently if I was going to use the access feature.
They extracted the card, reprogrammed it, and sent me on my way again. This time the machine began talking immediately. The female voice was speaking far too slowly for this speed reader, but the introductory instructions told me how to speed up the speech. I did so, but I must report that the system would be easier to use if a male voice had been chosen. Moreover, it is ridiculous in today’s world of rapid digitized speech without pitch distortion that Miss Diebold’s voice became painfully shrill and almost unintelligible when speeded up only two clicks.
The general instructions are quite clear, but they should include directions for jumping to each actual vote rather than leaving the voter to experiment with ways to skip through the pages of printed information about each issue or tax. I found it easy to vote for individual candidates; I just tapped the key that I was told would cast my vote for that person. With the issues and levies, however, the instructions explained how to vote for each, but not a word of advice was there about how to vote against. As far as I could tell, one would have first to vote for the item and then reverse the vote. This seems awkward when several keys on the keypad sat there with no apparent function. One could easily have been assigned to record a no vote. After issue one I discovered that tapping the six key would advance me to the vote itself, but I heard of several voters who were afraid of missing the opportunity to vote at all if they began punching keys to see what would happen, so they slogged through about twenty pages of text in their effort to cast their ballots responsibly.
In fact the system is constructed to make it almost impossible for a voter to ignore a vote. I wanted to under-vote the city council election, and Miss Diebold was quite disturbed about my decision and questioned me closely to be sure that this was my intent.
I was very impressed with the final step of the voting process. I heard the paper ballot being printed and was told that it might be used if a hand count were necessary. Then I was invited to listen to what was printed on that piece of paper. I would have been allowed to skip this step, but I did not. I checked to be sure that each of my votes had been recorded as I intended. I have questioned whether or not the machine was really reading the paper or was simply reviewing the original choices I had made. I have been assured that it was reviewing the printed document.
As far as I can tell, my votes were accurately recorded. I understand that Ohio does not allow its voting machines to be networked together. This means that anyone with plans to hack into voting machines to change the votes would have to deal with each individual machine. If poll officials were to try to fix the vote, both political parties would have to agree on the fix. I don’t say that it would be impossible to throw an election using these new machines (we have never before succeeded in conducting a completely fair election, so voting fraud will no doubt continue to happen), but I found the election process to be fair and relatively easy to follow. I will no doubt find it even easier the next time.
I recognize that I was much luckier than most blind voters. In half Ohio’s counties no accessible machines were available anywhere. Even where they had been installed, insurmountable problems occurred in some places. In one polling place the keypad was cabled to a machine that had malfunctioned. Rather than moving it to another machine, which could have been done in a few seconds, the officials told blind voters that they would have to vote the old way. Another voter could listen to the general instructions, but when she pressed the button that should have allowed her to begin the voting process, Miss Diebold went back to the beginning of the instructions. Nothing could induce her to move to the ballot.
Clearly poll workers could have used more training. Voters too would have benefited from knowing better what to expect. Everyone took longer using the new machines. But in May things should go more smoothly. I hope that Diebold will take our suggestions about the voice it uses and that it can eliminate the pitch distortion. A few more general instructions would be useful, and for goodness sake, tell us how to vote no and to skip the background information if we do not need to read it in order to vote responsibly. But all things considered, we could have faced many more problems than we did. I for one am very grateful finally to be an independent voter.
Editor’s Note: Paul Dressell is secretary and the senior member of the board of directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. He has attended more conventions of this organization than anyone else I know. Here is what he has to say about the 2005 convention:
During the seventies and eighties the affiliate paid more attention to convention themes: "Promises to Keep," "A New Day," "The Blind; We Know Who We Are," and the best of the lot, the Federation equation: “Continuity Plus Action equals NFB-O." In some ways the fifty-ninth convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio was a throwback to earlier conventions; this year's theme, "Making a Difference," blended easily with the various activities. Read on!
Starting with the November 3 board meeting, when convention plans were finalized, Carla McQuillan (president of the Oregon affiliate, member of the NFB board of directors, and the 2005 national representative) was introduced, and arrangements were completed for the first-ever Possibilities Fair, difference-making was already in process. The first planned activity on Friday was an exhibit of various types of technology; all of these devices have made significant differences in the lives of blind people. The afternoon was highlighted by the first Possibilities Fair, sponsored by the newly formed Ohio Organization of the Senior Blind, and a presentation dealing with building a brighter future for your child sponsored by the Parents of Blind Children Division. Both were well received and made a difference in the lives of blind children and seniors alike. Food on the plate and food for thought were much in evidence at the working buffets sponsored by the Parents Division and the senior division. Following a meeting of the Diabetic Action Network, the Parents Division sponsored hospitality, "Rock Around the Clock," a return to the fifties featuring period costumes, food, and trivia.
Saturday morning's activities started early with a continental breakfast followed by meetings of the At-large Chapter and Ohio NAPUB Division. Following welcoming remarks from Don Robards, mayor of Cuyahoga Falls, Carla McQuillan talked about NFB publications, the Washington Seminar, and the 2006 national convention hotel, the Wyndham-Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Carla also reviewed the Randolph-Sheppard Act and recounted the threat to blind vendors from Congress. Carla concluded her remarks by outlining Ohio's ranking in the various fundraising programs. Barbara Pierce and Jason Ewell gave an overview of the programs sponsored by the Jernigan Institute; Kelly Wills, a graduate of one such venture, recounted his exciting experiences with the Rocket On! Session of the NFB Science Academy, conducted by the NFB Jernigan Institute and NASA. Kelly also described his experiences in public school and commented that his teachers were cooperative but demanding. "They won't let me get by with anything.”
NFB-Link, another program under the auspices of the Jernigan Institute, seeks volunteers to mentor blind people and their families in hundreds of areas where they may need help and advice. Virginia Mann, president of the affiliate's senior division, described the first Possibilities Fair--another is planned for next year in Cleveland. The morning's activities ended with a demonstration of the NFB-Kurzweil Reader, a description of how to become an Imaginator by helping to raise money for the Imagination Fund, and a review of the division of funds among affiliates, chapters, and the NFB Jernigan Institute. Everyone agreed that the programs and projects described will truly make a difference in the lives of blind people--young and old.
As with the previous evening, during the lunch break food on the plate equaled food for thought in working meetings of the Parents Division, Students Division, and blind seniors. Guide dog users also met during the break, and convention attendees could again examine the latest in technology.
The afternoon session commenced with a panel presentation by Eric Duffy, Annette Anderson, and Paul Dressell, who furnished tips on how best to make the legislative process work. There were hints about the best methods to introduce oneself to legislators as well as effective ways to get a point across. Moving from theory to reality, convention attendees got a chance to further develop and use this practical knowledge. During the course of the convention we all participated in three exercises: hard on the heels of the panel on legislation, delegates were divided into small groups (chapters), and mock legislators (other Federationists) visited the chapters to discuss legislation important to the blind. Exercise 2 involved an attempt to discuss a Meet-the-Blind-Month activity with a reporter visiting the chapter. The third exercise used the tools of strategic planning to help a chapter plan a project.
Jenny Riddle described her fight to get a manicure when the shop owner did not want a guide dog in his establishment. She talked about the support of the NFB as she worked to right this wrong. The afternoon's activities concluded with a presentation by Bruce Peters entitled "My Blindness, Myself." He explained why he uses alternative techniques in spite of having some usable vision. He also talked about the importance of the Federation in his life.
The highlight of the fifty-ninth annual NFB-O convention was the banquet, again ably mc’ed by J.W. Smith. Carla McQuillan's banquet address concerned three individuals, a blind child and two blind adults, and the way each coped with the public's attitude about blindness. Ohio Federationists then expressed their heartfelt appreciation for Barbara Pierce's leadership as affiliate president since 1985. The Awards Committee presented awards to the Ohio Organization of the Senior Blind for being the outstanding division of 2005; Cuyahoga County won the 2005 Gavel Award; and Samantha Hasselbusch, a freshman at Cuyahoga County Community College, was awarded the $1,500 Jennica Ferguson Memorial Scholarship. President Pierce presented Bill Casto, retiring Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) director, with a distinguished service award for seventeen years of service to the blind of Ohio. She commended Director Casto for maintaining an open door and open telephone policy and for defending the separate-bureau concept. Mr. Casto in turn paid tribute to President Pierce's "diplomatic forthrightness.” A total of $1,026 was raised in the not-so-silent auction. The evening's festivities concluded with music and games.
The Sunday morning session opened with a moving memorial service, during which twenty members of the Federation family who had died during 2005 were fondly remembered. Eric Parks, ADA coordinator for the secretary of state's office, warned that all would not necessarily proceed smoothly the first time accessible voting machines were used. Currently forty-nine counties have such machines, but all of Ohio's eighty-eight counties will have them by the 2006 elections. Parks said that polling officials deal with disabled voters only two days a year--primary and general elections, so we must help educate these workers.
Elections for six board positions were held with the following results: Annette Anderson, Debbie Baker, Richard Payne, Mary Pool, Jennifer Kennedy, and Deborah Kendrick. They join Crystal McClain and Bruce Peters, whose terms will be up for election in 2006.
This year's convention was truly unique in that it highlighted many past, current, and future programs that have made or will make a difference in the lives of blind Americans.
I sincerely believe that blind people control our own destiny today in a way that we never have before. This is so because of the National Federation of the Blind. Acting alone, we have little power, but through collective action we are unstoppable. The National Federation of the Blind is truly the strongest force in the field of work with the blind in this country today. The convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio held in Cuyahoga Falls in early November is proof of that. We imagined a better future for the blind, and we conducted a convention with a difference. This organization was built by those who dared to imagine and to dream. Dr. Kenneth Jernigan imagined a research and training institute that would be built and directed by the blind. He passed his dream on to Dr. Maurer and to all of us. We can be proud of the grand institute that we now have in Baltimore. Raising the funds to complete the building was both a daunting task and a tremendous accomplishment. But I doubt it was a greater challenge or success than Dr. tenBroek and his colleagues achieved when they organized the National Federation of the Blind in 1940.
The buildings that now stand at 1800 Johnson Street in Baltimore are a direct result of the work of those early Federation leaders, who dared to imagine and to dream. Buildings alone are empty shells, unless they are populated by energetic, creative, and committed staff with programs to direct and carry out. We spent much of our convention talking about these new programs.
We in the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio have been blessed with leaders who have imagined a better future for the blind of today and tomorrow. I am regularly reminded of these truths as I work on behalf of this organization. The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio continues to increase its influence in matters affecting the blind of the state. What we do as an organization goes far beyond what I will cover in this report. The work is done by the members in the local chapters, by the board of directors, and by our president. Nevertheless, in planning for the future, we must take a look at the past. I now want to examine our accomplishments during the year since we last met.
It seems only right to begin by talking about a service that is vitally important to the blind of the state, NFB-NEWSLINE®. In December of last year John Pare, who leads our NFB-NEWSLINE team in Baltimore, and I began working to get NFB-NEWSLINE included in the state budget that began in June of this year. We reached an historic agreement with the Radio Reading Services of Ohio that members of the Ohio General Assembly were very pleased with. They in fact have made it very clear that, if either we or the Reading Services violate this agreement, the offender will have a hard time getting money from the legislature in the future. We agreed that we would not add additional Ohio papers to NFB-NEWSLINE, and the Reading Services said that they would not add papers that are not Ohio based.
The Ohio Educational Telecommunications Network was recently dissolved. Unfortunately, this has delayed the writing of an RFP (request for proposal) for a dial-up newspaper reading service. We continue to work on this issue.
Though we have not met with the reading services group in nearly a year, we do have reason to be optimistic about the possibility of a better relationship with them. The Ohio General Assembly expects it of both groups, and we should expect it of each other. So again I extend an invitation to the Reading Services to work with us in partnership. Let's combine our efforts and our resources to reach the greatest number of blind and visually impaired people using the widest possible variety of information and delivery methods.
We continue to have a strong relationship with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC). This year I was invited to speak to a group of area managers and rehabilitation supervisors from around the state. A few months later Barbara Pierce was invited to address a group of counselors from around the state. We have also been invited to participate in meetings this year.
What a refreshing change! This change didn't just happen overnight. It happened because we made it happen. The Commission has filled the southwest area manager position within BSVI, without adding cross-bureau responsibilities. This is a positive step toward insuring that we will continue to have a separate Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired.
I have worked with counselors and consumers in the Columbus area to solve problems with the paratransit system so that blind people would not lose jobs because of poor transportation services. I have been asked to talk with consumers having problems on their jobs. I have participated in meetings and activities to help BSVI consumers keep their jobs. In addition, I have been consulted in the development of several individualized plans for employment.
In March 2002 NFB-NEWSLINE became truly a nationwide service. Blind readers from around the country are now able to call a toll-free number and read any newspaper on the NFB-NEWSLINE system. More than 200 newspapers (several in Spanish) and three magazines are now available to all readers.
Shelbi Johnson continues to work with us to do marketing and to provide technical support to both NFB-NEWSLINE and Jobline readers. She also provides information and referrals. She can be reached by calling 1-866-391-0841. She is an enthusiastic user of NFB-NEWSLINE and a fine example of why we need the service. She is a mobile young person, and that's the audience we know NFB-NEWSLINE serves best.
We continue to involve ourselves in issues related to the Business Enterprise Program. I assist individual operators with problems, and we have done what we could to resolve programmatic issues. We have had success in both regards, and I am confident we will continue to do so. I believe we will see a great deal of growth and activity in the Ohio Association of Blind Merchants this year.
I continue to do what I can to be helpful to those using adaptive technology for the blind. Although this service must be limited, we can provide it better than any other organization in the state. We now get calls from school systems, government agencies at all levels, and of course individuals asking questions about adaptive technology. This did not happen overnight. We have earned the reputation of knowing what we are talking about and being willing to help.
In March I assisted Barbara Pierce in setting up a new computer system and learning to use a PAC Mate. She is doing well with both.
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio continues to operate a Web site, which provides an excellent opportunity to spread our positive message about blindness to the public. More Americans are jumping onto the information super highway all the time. Therefore it is important for us to have a presence on the Web. We are continually increasing the amount and variety of information about blindness available on our page, and Barbara and I steadily answer inquiries and pleas for help from around the world. It is now possible to sign up for NFB-NEWSLINE from our site. It goes without saying that our page is completely accessible.
I continue to serve on the Advisory Committee for the Talking Book Program, the Advisory Network for the Ohio Client Assistance Program (CAP), and the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights Program (PAIR). I also work closely with the Ohio Legal Rights Service on a variety of other issues. In addition I am now in my fourth year of service on the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities.
I participated in a focus group to assist in the design of the new digital player for the Talking Book Program. It is exciting to be involved in the development of this machine at such an early stage.
Crystal McClain and the Parents of Blind Children Division continue to make a substantial difference in the lives of blind children here in Ohio. In addition to the sound advice that Crystal and other members of the division offer to parents of blind children, we had a musical Easter egg hunt, a family camping weekend, and a fall retreat again this year. We work with the Delta Gamma sorority to make the Easter egg hunt better. The family camping weekend is a tremendous success. The fall retreat also continues to grow. This year blind children, their parents, and other adults had a chance to work with Joe Cutter to learn about cane travel and develop better skills.
Crystal McClain serves as president of the division, despite incredible family responsibilities. Crystal is committed to the work of the National Federation of the Blind, and she deserves our full support in her effort to balance the work of the Federation with responsibilities to her family. I for one will do all that I can to give her that support, and I know you will do the same.
We had a terrific convention in Cuyahoga Falls this year with great room rates. We will be in downtown Cleveland with room rates of $63 per night in 2006. Ask yourself what other organization gets such rates today.
Voting in Ohio is still an important issue. I serve on an advisory committee for the office of the Secretary of State. For the first time blind voters in forty-nine counties were able to cast a secret and independent ballot, a right taken for granted by most sighted people. Voters living in the remaining Ohio counties will have accessible machines by November of 2006.
I testified on behalf of the Libraries for the Blind during the budget hearings. In my testimony I mentioned an inaccessible Web site operated by the State Library of Ohio. At this point this problem has not been resolved, but we will continue to work to make this Web site usable by the blind. We will not quit until it is. That is what we do in the National Federation of the Blind.
In May, eight Ohioans attended a rally and visited congress in order to call attention to the shocking and arrogant actions of officials of the U.S. Department of Education to gut the Rehabilitation Services Administration. This effort brought many groups of the disabled together, but DOE officials continue to try to dismantle rehabilitation as we have known it.
I have talked a great deal about our accomplishments during the past year. I now want to talk about the challenges of the future. We certainly face many, but the rewards for all blind people can be great. If we all do our part, the future will find the organized blind movement stronger than any of us can now imagine.
We must find new and better ways of funding our programs. We must all make a concerted effort to make the best possible use of the resources we have available to us today. We must find a way to go on funding NFB-NEWSLINE. We must continue to lead the way to make sure the voting process is accessible for the blind and do what we can to help those with other disabilities achieve full and equal access to our democracy.
We have much more to do in the general assembly. If we are to be successful, we must have the help of every local chapter. I call upon all chapter presidents to invite elected officials to chapter meetings. We must get to know them and help them to learn about the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. We must refocus our energy and resources on the education of blind children. We must work hard to see that blind children really are not left behind. I know what we were able to accomplish when we decided Ohio should have a Braille literacy law. The future of the next generation of the blind is in our hands. But I am confident that we will see that our blind youngsters in Ohio get the education they deserve.
We must continue to support the policies and programs of the National Federation of the Blind. We must help build the Imagination Fund. The future of our organization at every level depends on our success in this endeavor.
We must remain a strong and steady influence on the field of work with the blind in Ohio. We must use our power carefully and wisely. We must believe in ourselves and each other and strengthen our commitment to the National Federation of the Blind. We must turn back those who wish to silence us at every level.
I am certain that we will meet these challenges. The National Federation of the Blind will not be stopped. We have come too far on the road to freedom to lose our way now.
Editor's Note: Barb Fohl is the second vice president of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. She also chairs the Awards Committee. Here is what she has to say about the award recipients for 2005:
This year the energy in the ballroom picked up another level following the banquet address of our national representative. The banquet address is the high point of most conventions. But this year we paid tribute to Barbara Pierce for all that she has given to the organization and its individual members for more than twenty years. We took a look back at 1985 and the first convention over which she presided.
Here are some interesting facts from that year. In JanuaryVh 1 made its broadcasting debut. In February Bob Eschbach became assistant director of the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired. TV favorites were Cheers, Miami Vice, and Who's the Boss.
The annual banquet, mc'ed by Bob Eschbach, started at 6:30 P.M. Sheila Samson was awards chairman. A dance concluded the evening's festivities, and Billy Martin was named Yankees manager for the fourth time.
The Sunday morning session featured a speech, "Through the Looking Glass," by Bob Eschbach, assistant director, Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, and "The Ohio Legislature and the Organized Blind; How to Make Friends and Allies," delivered by State Representative Michael Stinziano. Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
The convention concluded with resolutions, a discussion of future convention sites, and committee reports, and Coca-Cola announced plans to bring back its ninety-nine-year-old formula. On the front of the Braille program was a raised drawing of the then NFB logo with "Equality,” "Security," and "Opportunity" printed as they appeared in the logo.
Many members then shared their recollections and reflections about what Barbara has meant to them over the years. This demonstration of love and affection could have continued for much longer than it did, but we had to move on with the presentation of awards and the rest of the banquet. But Barbara was presented with a bottle of wine, flowers, and a plaque which reads as follows:
Presented to Barbara Pierce
For more than twenty years of dedicated service
To the blind of Ohio.
You have served with unwavering dedication,
Inexhaustible energy, integrity, and love.
You have touched countless lives while providing
Inspiration and competent leadership.
We are honored to call you our friend, colleague,
And, above all, president.
Nov. 5, 2005
As longtime Federationists know, local chapters and divisions in this affiliate must submit a report of their activities during the year, which runs from September 1 of one year to September 1 of the next. We have prepared questionnaires used to complete the report and to enter a competition with other chapters and divisions for the coveted Gavel Awards. Chapters and divisions are not required to use these forms or to enter the competition for the Gavel Awards. Entering this contest, however, gives the Awards Committee a good idea of how effectively chapters and divisions are conducting the business of the National Federation of the Blind throughout the year.
I strongly encourage every chapter and division to use these questionnaires to complete the required report. Furthermore, I urge all chapters and divisions to submit their completed reports in time for the Gavel Award Contest. First and foremost, however, chapters and divisions should use these questionnaires as tools for measuring their own growth within the Federation family.
The committee is constantly reexamining the process to be sure the competition is fair and that we are asking the right questions to elicit the information we need. We will continue to do so. That is why we now have a separate Gavel Award for divisions. Divisions have the advantage of drawing statewide membership. Chapters, on the other hand, get together regularly and can carry out projects without traveling long distances. For these and other reasons, we presented the second ever Division Gavel Award to the Ohio Organization of the Senior Blind. This organization is a hard-working group that hit the ground running and is well deserving of the award. We hope that in the future the competition for the Division Gavel Award will be as rigorous as that which takes place among the chapters. Congratulations to the Seniors Division. Virginia Mann deserves special recognition because she is the first to win Gavel Awards as both a chapter and a division president.
Following is a brief summary of the activities of the 2005 winner of the NFB-O Chapter Gavel Award. The Cuyahoga chapter has won this award several times over the years, and it surely deserved it again this year. The chapter has continued to try to build support for Braille reading through the Read Together Program in which blind adults read with blind children. The chapter also worked with the Board of Elections and voting machine manufacturers to make sure that accessible voting machines will be usable by the blind voters of Cuyahoga County.
Judging by the chapter reports, the NFB of Ohio certainly had an active year. The competition among chapters was spirited, and Cuyahoga will have to work hard to win again in 2006.
Here is a sampling of some other chapter activities. The Lake County Chapter once again conducted a Vision Fair. The Cincinnati Chapter received a White Cane Safety Day Proclamation from the Mayor of the city, and it continues to handle a steady flow of information and referral calls generated by the outreach office. The NFB of Lorain County also requests and receives multiple White Cane Safety Day and Braille Literacy Week proclamations and once again conducted a hike-a-thon. This chapter also publishes a notice of monthly meetings in the local newspapers. The Miami Valley Chapter conducted an informational seminar for its members and the public. Speakers came in from various parts of the state. Richard Payne and Gus White recorded public service announcements, and the chapter received good publicity for the event.
The Chapter Gavel Award is presented annually to a deserving chapter, but all other awards are presented only when a deserving candidate is nominated. This year we did not have candidates for the Alfonzo Smith, Ruth Garwood, and Knall-Garwood Awards. The Alfonzo Smith Award is presented to a blind person who has performed exemplary service to benefit his or her fellow blind citizens. The Ruth Garwood Award is presented to a sighted person who shares our philosophy of blindness and works to improve the lives of blind Ohioans. The Knall-Garwood Award is given to someone who has given many years of distinguished service to the state affiliate. I urge everyone to consider who might be deserving of these awards and nominate appropriate candidates next year.
Bill Casto received the final award of the evening. Barbara Pierce made this presentation, and the plaque given to Mr. Casto summarizes his service to the blind. Here is the text of the plaque:
Distinguished Service Award
Presented By
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
To William A. Casto
For seventeen years of service to blind Ohioans,
For your commitment to consumer participation,
For protection of separate and identifiable services for blind consumers.
You have listened and striven to work collegially with the organized blind of Ohio and the nation.
We offer you thanks and gratitude as you retire.
November 5, 2005
Next year the Awards Committee will carefully review the process now being used to select the Gavel Award winners. We want to be sure that chapters and divisions receive the proper recognition for the work that they do. I don't know what changes the committee will recommend to the board, but I want to remind everyone that submissions for the Gavel Award should be typed. As the cover letter in this mailing warns, we no longer accept materials in any other format. I urge all chapter and division presidents to ask the secretary or some other responsible person in the chapter or division to keep a running list of chapter or division activities throughout the year to be used by the committee writing the report. It is often too time-consuming to review minutes expecting to find all of the activities we would like to know about, and it's impossible for chapter or division members to remember everything that should be included. May you have a prosperous new year filled with Federation activities. I look forward to reading your chapter or division report next year.
The National Federation of the Blind has been busy during the first session of the 109th Congress. The second session will in all likelihood be just as busy.
For many years now the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio has taken a well-informed and politically savvy delegation to Capitol Hill. While it is true that not all of our elected representatives support our issues as completely as we would like them to, it is equally true that a majority of them are with us by the time we leave the Hill. We can be proud of what we have accomplished in the Congress over the last decade or two. This year most of the Ohio delegation will be going in to Washington on Monday, January 30, 2006. We will plan to leave for home late Tuesday evening.
It is tricky to predict what issues we will be talking about on the Hill, but we will have to work hard to protect the Randolph-Sheppard program, and we must continue to secure sponsors for our Louis Braille commemorative coin bill. We will also undoubtedly continue our efforts to extend equal and timely access to text materials to college students.
The challenge before us during the next session of Congress is formidable. Yet we have the strength and the perseverance to prevail. If we are to succeed, however, those traveling to Washington must be not only strong of mind and will but strong of body and spirit as well. The days we spend on Capitol Hill are long and tiring. We rapidly walk several miles each day to keep on schedule. By the time you receive this newsletter, the date for submitting your name for consideration to participate in the 2006 Washington Seminar will have passed. However, it is important that everyone know about our work in Congress. If, however, such an experience sounds exactly like what the doctor ordered for you in the future, please call Eric Duffy at 1-800-396-6326.
It is quite possible that not everyone wishing to participate in the Washington Seminar each year will be able to do so. When determining who will participate from the State of Ohio, we must consider several factors:
1. How many people can we afford to take?
2. How large a delegation can we efficiently use on the Hill?
3. Have we chosen constituents from as many congressional districts as possible?
4. Will each participant chosen be helpful before, during, and after the seminar?
If you are not traveling to Washington with us, you can still be helpful at home. Contact the appointment secretary in the Washington office of your representative with the information that a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio will soon be contacting him or her to arrange a visit on January 31. You should call Eric Duffy with the results of any conversations you have had with the office.
The Washington Seminar is an event that changed my life forever. But, more important, the work that we do changes the lives of all blind people forever, even when they don't realize that the change has taken place and the National Federation of the Blind has been the cause of the change. Do what you can to support our work in Washington. Local chapters can also help by making a contribution to the NFB of Ohio to help with the expense of sending Ohio delegates to the seminar. Individually you should contact your member of congress and let him or her know that the National Federation of the Blind represents you and that you have a keen interest in the matters relating to blindness that are before Congress. When legislation helping the blind is passed, you will know that you had a real hand in making it happen, even if you don't travel to Washington in person.
Eric Duffy: I attended the Washington Seminar for the first time in 1985. I met many people whom I will never forget. Each of these people has affected my life in different ways. I met Barbara Pierce and heard presentations by Dr. Jernigan and Jim Gashel. Needless to say, I was very impressed by these individuals. I said that several times to those in the Ohio delegation whom I already knew. Many of them said, wait until you meet Tom Anderson and Ken Velkovich. I had heard some about Tom Anderson, but I knew nothing about this Ken whose last name I didn't even attempt to pronounce.
I was told that Ken had lost his sight relatively recently and that he was a new and energetic member of the Cincinnati chapter. I found him instantly likeable. He certainly was energetic. In fact I had a hard time keeping up with him.
As I got to know him, he talked about his age. I remember saying, "Ken, most people who lie about their age say they are younger than they really are. Why would you want to lie and make yourself out to be older?"
He said, “No, I'm really fifty-five. I'm about to become a grandpa.”
After I got over my initial surprise, I said, “Well then, I'll just call you Grandpa.” The name stuck. In the beginning, of course, I called him Grandpa kiddingly, but it didn't take long until I called him Grandpa with affection.
He used to come and stay at my house. In fact, during one visit he decided to cook a turkey dinner in the middle of the summer. I, of course, had to tease him, and tell him that there was no way that he could cook a turkey dinner that I would eat. Of course he cooked the turkey, and I ate it with a great deal of pleasure.
Grandpa would not mind my telling this next little story, because it was a learning experience for all of us. If memory serves, I led a team on Capitol Hill for the first time in 1986. When the members of our group introduced themselves to a member of Congress or his or her staff, Ken took to introducing his guide dog. After this happened several times, I asked Ken to stop introducing his dog. I hope that at this point in my life I am a little more diplomatic than I was at that time, because I continued the conversation by telling him that I did not introduce my cane and that sighted people didn't introduce their cars. I thought that Ken was going to be very upset and that I was going to be in real trouble with President Pierce. To Ken's credit, the incident didn't seem to faze him. He saw my point, and I never again heard him introduce his dog during all of the remaining years we were in Washington together.
I had the opportunity to stay in his home on more than one occasion. I well remember observing him and his daughter Linda taking care of his parents, who were then in their nineties and requiring a great deal of care. Ken administered the needed care with love and patience. I couldn't have been more touched and impressed by anyone in that situation than I was that night. I remember thinking that, if my parents ever got to the point where they needed that much care, I hoped they would have someone close at hand who would demonstrate the love and patience that I saw in Ken that night.
When we were in Washington, Grandpa would insist on carrying my brief case. He was always there to ask if I needed an arm to steady myself as I was going up or down steps. He did so without calling attention to either of us. I could say much more, but I will conclude my portion of this article by saying that I was proud to call Ken Velkovich my friend, my colleague, but most of all Grandpa.
Paul Dressell knew Ken as well as anyone in the Federation. Here is his recollection of his friend and colleague:
Ken Velkovich's entry into the Federation family couldn't exactly be called smooth. It all started at an anniversary dinner in 1982 at a northern Kentucky restaurant. Ken and his wife and two other couples were looking for a restaurant at which to celebrate an anniversary. This celebration, however, was not to be. Ken was denied service because of his guide dog, Mandy. The blind community quickly learned about the event when it was highlighted on the 11:00 P.M. news.
Since this occurred over twenty years ago, some of the strategies that were employed at the time would not be used now--we are much more sophisticated and aware of the tactics now available to combat such situations. Because the incident took place in northern Kentucky, Ken was referred to the Northern Kentucky Chapter of the NFB. But, since Ken was a Cincinnati resident, he was also referred to our local chapter; from there he was encouraged to discuss the matter with the president of the Kentucky Affiliate. Fortunately for all concerned, the matter of jurisdiction was resolved, and the Cincinnati chapter worked to resolve the situation.
A short time afterwards Ken joined the Cincinnati chapter. Ken's first Federation activity was the 1984 Washington Seminar. He participated in the "March on Washington," as it was then known, and had an opportunity to witness the Federation in action as well as meet some state and national leaders.
The next year Ken was elected president of the Cincinnati chapter, a position he held for nearly twenty years. During his tenure the NFB of Cincinnati won two Gavel Awards and was in the forefront of NFB-O leadership. Ken's gifts of easy affability and willingness to take stands when necessary stood him in good stead. He also served as chair of the NFB-O Guide Dog Committee. He mediated difficult issues in order to help settle matters of concern to guide dog users; he traveled to Springfield, Ohio, to meet with the local chapter to solve a dispute concerning a guide dog owner and a landlord.
Besides serving as activities chairman, he arranged for scholarship awards to deserving blind students. Ken did not confine his activities solely to the NFB; in addition he served in various capacities with the Knights of Columbus.
He knew the streets of Cincinnati better than anyone I know. Whenever I needed directions, I called Ken. Occasionally I still find myself picking up the telephone to dial his number. We in Cincinnati and throughout the affiliate miss our friend, but we treasure the fond memories we have of him.
Editor’s Note: The following article appeared in the October 21 edition of the Ohio University Post. This article shows another side of our first vice president. Here it is:
J.W. Smith might be a doctor of communication studies by day, but at night he transforms into another type of doctor--Dr. Feel Good, a smooth-singing, piano-playing Ray Charles-reincarnate.
Blind since the age of three, Smith said he began using music as a release when he was thirteen years old. Hearing the Marvin Gaye classic, "Let's Get It On," changed his life. The first time he heard it, he said it was a magical experience--something he couldn't even begin to describe.
Though he took piano lessons, he basically learned music by ear. He sees with his hands, he said. The Chicago native said music gave him the self-confidence he needed.
"I can't see physically, but music gives me that connection that doesn't need vision to work," he said.
Smith performs a free concert once a quarter at the Blue Gator, 63 N. Court St., and performs ten to twelve times throughout the year.
Joel Schechtman, Blue Gator owner, said Smith approached them about playing, and he has played there a half dozen times.
"His shows are very good, and he has an amazing voice," Schechtman said.
"His selection is very classic with a lot of R&B and a lot of soul."
His alter ego, Dr. Feel Good, plays the clubs but Dr. Smith plays the churches, he said. Either way, he loves performing for the sheer joy of the audience reaction.
Music gives Smith passion and drive for all his endeavors, whether playing his music or teaching. Smith said he knew he wanted to be a professor since he was twenty. Teaching, he said, is like performing. He gets to educate as well as entertain his students.
"Teaching a new class is like playing a new song; you never know if it's going to be as popular or as good as you thought it would be," he said.
He said he worked hard to have a job that allowed for freedom and a life outside the classroom.
"A lot of work and energy goes into performing, and I like to balance it as much as I can," he said. "Singing keeps me balanced."
Though Athens is geared toward college students, Smith said he thinks his classic R&B music is easy listening for the people of his generation. The ambiance of the Blue Gator's downstairs allows for an intimate setting and mellow mood.
Brenna Randel, who booked Smith to play, said that admission is free, and Smith gives all donations to the National Federation of the Blind.
Smith is performing a brand new rock and blues song tonight called "She Loves Me Do." He will also play a set of his own material and cover songs by Al Green, the Temptations, Boys II Men, and of course his favorite Marvin Gaye.
"If it's a good song, you don't have a choice but to sing it," he said.
He chooses his songs carefully by picking his favorites, what sounds good to him, what fits his style, and the message of the song.
Dr. Feel Good is performing tonight at 7 at the Blue Gator.
Barbara Fohl writes as follows on behalf of NAPUB: The Ohio Division of the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB) has been working on an exciting project this year. We plan to send Braille books for children to hospitals across the state so that blind children will have books to read during hospital stays and sighted children can be exposed to Braille. Paul and Bernie Dressell are selecting books from the Seedlings catalog, and Barbara Pierce is writing a letter that will explain what's in the package and why we are sending it.
We'd like to encourage chapters to get involved in the Braille Is Beautiful Program by contacting church youth groups, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, schools, etc., to introduce the curriculum and offer to present a program about it. This helps sighted children learn what Braille is and that blind people can read and write too. A good time to present the Braille Is Beautiful Program curriculum is during Meet the Blind Month in October.
We ask each chapter president to appoint a member with interest in Braille to spearhead local projects to promote the use of Braille and to serve as a contact for the NAPUB Division. Please call Annette Anderson at (216) 381-1735 with contact information for your chapter's NAPUB contact.
Individuals and chapters have been promoting the use of Braille in a variety of ways this year. Debbie Baker has a student who wants to learn enough Braille to correspond with her boyfriend. Bernie Dressell is teaching Braille to a student who is working on her master's degree. Cuyahoga County Chapter members are still reading books with blind children in their Read Together Program. Please help us in this effort, and let us know what you are doing.
The Cincinnati chapter reports the following election results: president, Paul Dressell; vice president, Kelly Prescott; secretary, Deborah Kendrick; and treasurer, Cindy Conley.
Annette Anderson has begun working as an independent contractor for National Health Care Discounts. This is an opportunity she discovered through Jobline and one that may be of value to others. She works from home and contacts individuals who might qualify for prescription and other health care discounts. This is a national company, and anyone is welcome to apply. For more information contact Annette Anderson at (216) 381-1735.
If you or someone you know has an example of the way Jobline or NFB-NEWSLINE® has been used to gain employment, please contact Eric Duffy with the information. Call 1-800-396-6326 or send an email to .
January 4-11 Braille Literacy Week
January 21 NFB-O Board of Directors Meeting, Columbus
January 30-31 Washington Seminar
March 31 Deadline for 2006 NFB Scholarship Applications
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