K.A.B.V.I.
NEWS
Volume
41 Fall, 1998 No. 3
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Published
Quarterly by The Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually
Impaired, Inc.
P.O. BOX 292
Topeka Kansas 66601
An Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind
FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED
THE PURPOSE OF THE K A B V I NEWS, THE
KANSAS ASSOCIATION FOR THE
BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED,
INC., IS TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL
WELFARE OF THE BLIND IN KANSAS.
THE K A B V I NEWS SHALL REFLECT THE
PHILOSOPHY AND POLICIES OF THE
ASSOCIATION, REPORT THE ACTIVITIES
OF ITS MEMBERS AND INCLUDE
PERTINENT ARTICLES REGARDING
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT.
ANY ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION SHOULD
BE FORWARDED TO THE EDITOR BY
October 15, 1998. MUST BE DOUBLE-SPACED.
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EDITOR, NANCY JOHNSON
714 SW WAYNE AVE.
TOPEKA KS 66606-1753
(785)234-8449
ASSOCIATE EDITOR, GRACEANN HEINIGER
200 E 32ND
HAYS KS 67601
(785)625-9137
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, BONNIE BYINGTON
1135 SW COLLEGE
TOPEKA KS 66604
(785)354-9933
COORDINATOR, Nita Murphy
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & PRESIDENT,
SANFORD J. ALEXANDER, III
5321 PLAZA LANE
WICHITA KS 67208
(316)652-0852
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PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE by Sanford J. Alexander, III
NOTIONS by Nancy Johnson
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JWOD by Michael Byington
REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS by Nancy Johnson
ERHART DRAWS LINE IN SAND ABOUT KIB by Michael Byington
CATEGORICAL SUPERVISION OF STATE BLIND COUNSELORS MAY DISCONTINUE by Michael Byington
ENVISION TO OPEN TOPEKA LOCATION by Michael Byington
LOOKING THROUGH THE KNOTHOLE AT THE BOARD by William Lewis
BLIND VOLUNTEER HONORED BY KIWANIS by Genevieve Schreiner
IN MEMORIAM by Steve Bauer
President's Perspective
By Sanford J. Alexander, III
As a blind person living in Kansas, would you be upset to wake
up one morning to the news that the Division of Services for the
Blind would no longer provide services to blind and visually
impaired Kansans as a separate, identifiable agency? Would it
disturb you to think that your needs as a person dealing with
vision problems would be handled by staff not fully trained in the
particulars of vision loss? Would it bother you that supervisory
staff would make decisions based on knowledge about blindness that
was not clear and absolute? Would you feel compelled to do
something to correct this situation?
If the answer to any of these questions was "yes" I would have
to ask you why the suddenness of such a story would prompt you into
action when the slow slide in that direction, to this point,
hasn't spurred you into action?
As those of you who have read this column for the past couple
of years will recall, the issue of preserving categorical services
for Kansans who are blind and visually impaired has been a priority
of K A B V I's public relations programs for many years. We helped
bring nationally recognized experts to a KRS Advisory Council
meeting a year or so ago to explain why preservation of categorical
services was such an important issue. We have sponsored and acted
on numerous convention resolutions designed to promote categorical
services and to preserve them in the KRS state plan. We have
vigorously worked against the erosion of these services during the
reorganization of KRS under the direction of Commissioner Joyce A.
Cussimanio.
Yet, day by day and event by event one can only conclude that
our efforts are on the edge of failure. The problem is that the
failure has been realized not in one great stroke all could
understand and stand against but through a series of small, almost
unnoticed steps. Unfortunately, judging from the amount of
reaction from the blind and visually impaired population, this
process, calculation or happenstance, has been quite successful at
nearing achievement of a targeted goal or a sad consequence.
You will recall from the last issue of K A B V I news that a
letter was sent to Governor Bill Graves regarding the obvious
difference in administrative practices in SRS. We pointed out that
while DSB was forbidden from even allowing a program expert to be
present in a Kansas Congressional Delegation office to clarify
issues and present background, the Commissioner of the Department
on Aging was testifying before a Congressional committee in
support of the independent living community services bill.
We suggested to the Governor that either this constituted a
very unfair disparity of practice between departments with SRS
reflective of favoring of general services over categorical
services; or, a miscommunication with SRS that enabled such a
disparity to take place. We requested clarification of this issue
and offered to, yet once again, explain why blind and visually
impaired Kansans strongly feel that they can be best served through
identifiable and separate services dealing with blindness. The
response from Commissioner Joyce A. Cussimanio, dated June 15,
1998, does little to dispell our misgivings with regard to the
future shape of identifiable services. Instead, small steps
continue to be taken that can do nothing but erode the integrity of
DSB services making them less responsive to blind people while
rhetoric continues to proclaim committment to their preservation.
What I find most disturbing from my perspective is that this
erosion has taken place slowly enough that it has not tripped the
warning alarm for many people. We have had changes, some quite
productive and positive, but many have set the stage for the
elimination of DSB as an identifiable program unit. It is not
clear, nor, frankly, important as to who is most responsible for
this plan. The results are what count and what blind and visually
impaired Kansans would have to live with for many years to come.
Several attempts have been made over the years to establish a
Commission for the Blind in Kansas. For various reasons these
efforts have failed. Unfortunately, at a time when the political
climate might have made success easier, the inability of the NFB
and ACB to reach agreeable common ground thwarted the attempt. A
couple of years ago it was suggested that the question should be
revisited and that representatives from both consumer organizations
should meet to work out a proposal both could support. Now,
unfortunately, we are in a climate of cost cutting, even at the
expense of quality programming for the sake of seeming savings,
making our task even more challenging. It is, however, perhaps the
last opportunity we will have in Kansas to preserve what has worked
for blind people for many years. It is imperative that we put
aside differences that have prevented past agreement on this
critical issue in order to craft a proposal supportable by all that
can be put into the arena of ideas.
This column is being written prior to K A B V I's convention. By
the time you read it, this issue will have been brought to the
membership for discussion and to the board for action. We may
already have embarked on one of the most important journeys in our
lives and may already be engaged in a struggle for survival of
services as we have known them. It will not, however, be something
that has jumped out of the bushes but something we have allowed,
through our complacency, to creep out almost unnoticed. Let's hope
it is not too late to snatch victory from the jaws of indifference.
If I had a quarter for every time I've heard or said - "I
can't," I'd be rich. "I cannot" means I am not able. How many
activities am I really not able to do? Because of the impairment
of vision, I can't see. If I had a condition that caused loss of
a limb's function, I couldn't perform the activities normally
assigned to that limb. I accept the word can't in that context.
The impairment becomes a disability when it interferes with my
performing routine daily activities. "I can't cook because I can't
see." "I can't do housework because I can't see." "I can't ask
friends to drive me to the store because that would be imposing."
"I can't accept responsibilities within an organization because I
can't see." Am I really not able to cook? Am I really not able to
do housework? Am I really not able to ask friends to drive me to
the store? Is there truly no job I can accept within my
organization? Or, would it be more truthful to say I'm feeling
embarrassed to do these things? Maybe I'm not comfortable doing
them. Am I too proud to do them? Might I simply prefer not to do
these and other things? Perhaps I've learned it's easier to let
others take care of things for me. I have become handicapped when
I allow my impairment to become a disability and my disability to
prevent my participating fully in society.
People who are newly experiencing vision impairment or
blindness may believe they are not able to cook, keep house, ask
for help to get places, accept responsibilities within an
organization, and perform many other activities. In time - and
with help from family, friends and professional persons - most of
us learn we can accomplish almost anything in spite of the visual
disability. When people begin asking, "How can I?" instead of
saying, "I can't," progress begins.
Take a look at your "I can't" statements to see if you're
really saying, "I can't" or something else. Then turn your
statements into "How can I?" questions. Ask, "How can I do this
with my fingers (ears, nose, tongue or mind)?" When you do that,
I'll wager you'll turn from a Can't-do person to a Can-do person.
And I'll also wager you'll feel better about yourself.
Granted, you may have to say, "It's hard," "it's unpleasant,"
"I don't like this," and other such comments. You might even have
to admit you don't want to perform the task. Most of us grunch a
bit when we're learning to do things differently or newly.
Eventually, we get past the tough spots to "I can." Remember the
story of the little engine? He had the whole train to pull behind
him all the way up the steep, steep mountain. He was just a little
engine. All the way up the mountain he told himself, "I think I
can! I think I can!" And HE DID! YOU CAN, TOO!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
JWOD
by Michael Byington
First, a refresher course so new readers of K A B V I NEWS
will understand what I am writing about. The Wagner O'Day Act was
adopted in 1938. The federal Act allowed certain items
purchased by the United States Government to be listed as products
to be manufactured by persons who are blind. Contracts to
manufacture the products were then assigned to industries
across the country that employed workers who were blind. The law
made it (at least in theory) mandatory that federal procurement
agents purchase the listed products from the manufacturers who
employ blind workers provided that the products in question could
be delivered on time and in accordance with quality specifications.
The Wagner O'Day law continues to function today but, in 1971,
Senator Jacob Javits introduced legislation which added employers
of persons who are severely handicapped. The Act is known today as
the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD). In addition to products,
services used by the United States government were included in the
law in the 1971 amendments.
In July of 1998, the JWOD Act turned 60 years of age. On July
15, 1998, the Committee for Purchase from the Blind and Severely
Handicapped (the federal agency in charge of JWOD) held a JWOD
birthday party in Washington, D. C. The party was held in
collaboration with National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH
(formerly National Industries for the Severely Handicapped, now
using just the initials.) This author was honored to be invited to
attend.
Why celebrate the birthday of a law? It might seem a silly
waste of time and money. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to go
through a little pomp and circumstance to protect what we have.
Federal procurement reform and Vice President Al Gore's
"Re-Inventing Government" initiative have nearly killed the entire
JWOD Act several times over the past few years. Many segments of
the independent living lobby are also gunning to kill JWOD because
they have the misguided and inaccurate view that the law supports
segregated, dark, dingy, below minimum wage, exploitive employment
activities. This is largely untrue with regard to NIB agencies.
Some NISH agencies continue to fit the description, but they are
becoming fewer each year. Generally, between NIB and NISH, around
33,000 blind and severely disabled people are working. It is
doubtful that the independent living lobby has a way to replace
these jobs. Government procurement reform and the Re-Inventing
Government initiative probably have not intended to threaten JWOD
but, as federal programs go, JWOD and the Committee which
administers it are very small. Thus the Act and the Committee have
nearly been eliminated more through carelessness and
irresponsibility of Congress and the Executive Branch rather than
through malice. The independent living movement, on the other
hand, has intentionally attempted to kill JWOD essentially because
it is a program which pre-dated centers for independent living and
which these centers thus can not control. The bottom line is that
with all of these threats, it is necessary to remind members of
Congress that JWOD still exists, is still functioning well, and
needs to continue. It is essential to make sure that Congress, the
President, and the Vice President do not get careless and cavalier
again in continuing to craft procurement changes. These concerns
constitute the logic behind the otherwise seemingly silly process
of throwing a birthday bash for a federal Act.
The event itself was nothing particularly unique or creative.
It was an ice cream social held outside (in Washington's July heat)
in the courtyard of the Rayburn Building. Several congresspersons
have offices there. The event was pretty well attended by members
of both Houses of Congress. Many members who were not able to
attend sent staff. Several of the members of Congress in
attendance spoke of the impact JWOD has had in their States or
Districts. From Kansas, Bonnie Matles, staff for Congressman Vince
Snowbarger, Third District of Kansas, attended along with myself.
The Rayburn Courtyard has terraced steps throughout that lead
down to a large fountain in the middle. Most of us with low vision
joined people who were totally blind in using white canes so we
would not inadvertently miss a terraced step and go tumbling down
to an unplanned dip in the fountain. Some of the sighted folks
danced down a step or two as though they too should have been using
white canes. But nobody took a dip.
It is too bad no one from Kansas State Government observed the
JWOD birthday. Perhaps if State officials were to realize the
positive impact of JWOD, they would stop acting ashamed of the
State's role in continuing to operate Kansas Industries for the
Blind and operate the program more as the positive, growing
business it could be. It is also rather a shame Congressman Jim
Ryun, Senator Roberts, and Senator Brownback failed either to
attend or to send staff. Although I believe Senators Roberts and
Brownback understand the value of the JWOD program, their
appearance at the event would have been tangible reminders of same.
Congressman Ryun has visited one of the Envision facilities which
engages in JWOD production, but during that visit the Congressman
declined to express support for continuation of JWOD when asked to
do so. His failure to attend or to send staff to the event limits
our opportunities to educate him concerning the importance of the
continuation of the Act.
REPORT FROM
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
by Nancy Johnson
K A B V I'S Board of Directors met at the Salina Area Social and
Rehabilitation Services office in Salina from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. June 6, 1998. Minutes and treasurer's report were approved.
Suzanne Alexander, who has served several years as newsletter
coordinator, resigned. A new coordinator is being sought to
proofread the final draft of the newsletter before it goes into
production. The Board thanks Suzanne for the time and effort she
has given K A B V I NEWS. Members who know individuals who could
accept coordinator responsibilities, please contact Nancy Johnson,
714 SW Wayne Ave., Topeka, KS 66606-1753, (785) 234-8449.
Extra copies of K A B V I news are sometimes available. Board
members suggested they might be distributed to doctors' offices,
low vision clinics, senior centers, or other places where
individuals with impaired vision might be found. Contact Sanford
Alexander if you wish to distribute extra copies of the NEWS.
The finance committee did not find appropriate insurance to
cover the auto auction project. The contract for that project was
reviewed and rewritten to put K A B V I into the most favorable
position possible. The contract was reviewed by a lawyer from
Kansas City who specializes in IRS law. The liability issue was
clarified as follows: The fund raising corporation's name is
VEHICLE DONATION PROCESSING CENTER Inc. (VDPC). K A B V I will do
appeals if needed. When a vehicle is donated to K A B V I, VDPC begins
work. It will retrieve the vehicle, liquidate it, and divide the
proceeds. Pete Palco's agency will place the advertisements for
charitable clients of VDPC. VDPC will not act as the professional
fund raiser but, rather, it will simply liquidate donated property.
This places the charitable client in the best possible position
relative to the handling and reporting of proceeds in a favorable
manner. Advertising affidavits, definitions, terms and mutual
responsibilities for advertising, transportation, commissions,
public awareness, etc. were reviewed. The Board decided K A B V I will
accept the revised contract and begin business associations with
VDPC Inc.
Four scholarship applications are being evaluated at this
time.
Four board positions will be elected at the Fall annual
meeting. Terms expiring are those of Tom Basgall, Darlene Howe,
Regina Henderson and Georgia Layton. Michael Byington will chair
the Nominating Committee and be assisted by Beulah Carrington and
Janelle Edwards. Nominations will be accepted from the floor.
Balancing income with outgo to conform with IRS 501(C)(3)
regulations by finding interested fund raisers has been
frustrating, but the Board believes the decision to work with VDPC
will help solve the problem. Volunteers who have given time to
K A B V I projects are asked to report the number of hours spent to
Sanford Alexander. The hours count toward maintaining 501(C)(3)
status.
the Board continues to search for an accountant to perform a
"compiled audit." Reasons for the difficulty involve cost,
liability and potential oversight issues.
No new information was available relative to privatization of
Kansas Industries for the Blind. The DSB Advisory Committee has
not recently met. Changes in committee format are being
considered. The categorical services issue is still unresolved.
Oral Miller, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind
(ACB,) retired. K A B V I contributed two $25 door prizes for the
special convention meeting. ACB had a "roast" and other activities
in honor of Mr. Miller on the program throughout the week. They
welcomed presentations, anecdotes, stories, etc. about Miller. The
board asked Michael Byington to prepare a contribution, possibly a
song. Purchase of a $20 farewell gift was approved.
K A B V I Annual Meeting and convention dates are September 25,
26, 27, 1998 at the Topeka Downtown DAY'S Inn. Rates are $50 for
single, $55 for double, $60 for more, plus tax. That includes
complimentary breakfasts. Convention planning involves numerous
concerns including convention site, program content, subject
matter, exhibits, resolutions, special interest group activities,
and other convention matters. Planners work to motivate members to
attend. Facilities charge for each and every service they provide.
When K A B V I guarantees only a few rooms, a few meals, and much
service, members pay more for the privilege of attending.
Discounts come only with larger numbers. Members need to let
directors know what they believe is most important to have at their
conventions. The Board agreed to arrange convention sites (as
assessable as possible) for three years at a time, to be based on
input from the membership at large. When three-year contracts are
developed with facilities, prices remain at a lower level
throughout the period and keep convention costs down. Planning
also becomes easier because planners usually work with the same
facility staff for three years.
The National Accreditation Council (NAC), accredits agencies
that educate, train, and serve persons who are blind and visually
impaired. K A B V I contributed $50 to NAC in support of its ongoing
work.
K A B V I President, Sanford Alexander, was invited to speak at
the Missouri Council of the Blind's convention.
K A B V I supported the new, innovative print access technology of
Wichita Air Capital Telephone Reader and of Lawrence Audio-Reader
Services with a one-time donation of $50 each.
All business was completed and the meeting was adjourned.
ERHART DRAWS
LINE IN SAND ABOUT KIB
by Michael Byington
This article reports certain facts. It does so accurately.
It also expresses a bias that Director of Kansas Division of
Services for the Blind Suzannah Erhart and her boss, Rehabilitation
Services Commissioner Joyce Cussimanio, are absolutely wrong
concerning their policies about Kansas Industries for the Blind
(KIB.) I would be surprised if anyone with Envision or the K A B V I
Legislative Committee would disagree with this analysis but, the
fact is, I have not checked with these entities. The opinions
expressed here are my own exclusively and are not represented as
being those of any organization.
Director Erhart has established the policy that blind workers
at KIB shall be considered "in need of sheltered employment." This
is the only way they can get to work at KIB. Any position which is
reserved for a blind worker is considered a "sheltered position."
Thus, KIB will hire no one to fill a position reserved for a person
who is blind unless that person has an open vocational
rehabilitation case, has been through vocational evaluation, and
has established through testing and the sharing of history that
they have barriers to employment in addition to blindness.
This means a blind person who happens to get laid off of
another job can not go to KIB for work even if KIB is shorthanded
and needs to hire someone to meet production goals. It means a
blind person, for example, who is working fast food and who has no
benefits or opportunities for upward mobility is unable to apply to
work at KIB instead because KIB offers benefits and the opportunity
to move up the State employment ladder through transfer
opportunities which may be available to other totally integrated
and competitive State workers. It means a sighted person
applying to fill a position at KIB, which is not one reserved for
people who are blind, can get hired in about six minutes if KIB's
powers that be decide they want them. A blind worker, if
determined to be sufficiently hard-up to warrant working at KIB at
all, may take up to six months to jump through all the hoops
required just to go to work there. The policy smacks of
discrimination against the very people KIB was created to serve.
In fairness to Erhart, she alleges she has no choice but to
foster the above policy. She suggests that, unless there are other
reasons besides the fact of blindness for someone to work at KIB,
there is no justification for the existence of KIB. She implies
her superiors would entirely close the workshop if the policy
were to change to one that allowed any blind person who wants to
work to apply for KIB jobs when such jobs are open. The State
version of logic here is that it has been proven that blind people
can do many jobs and are capable of competitive employment; thus
there is no reason for blind people to work at KIB unless they have
something haywire about themselves in addition to blindness.
This narrow State position fails to acknowledge that, despite
the abilities of working age blind people to work competitively,
reliable, national statistics show 74% of all working age
blind are unemployed. This in and of itself should constitute
justification for the continuation and growth of jobs at KIB for
any blind person who needs them and can do the work. Only the
flawed logic of State bureaucrats, and apparently of the elected
officials who supervise them, would dictate otherwise.
The current State policy regarding KIB also insults and
classifies the current blind workforce at the industry. Several
highly capable and competitive people currently work at KIB. The
State is not doing them any favors with regard to potential upward
mobility by essentially dubbing them as "inadequate." But that is
what the current policy is doing.
In advocating that the policy change, I am certainly not
suggesting workers who have barriers to work in addition to
blindness should be excluded from KIB. They should indeed be given
opportunities to work there. They should perhaps be given certain
preferences over workers who have a competitive work history. If
no blind workers who have competitive work histories and/or
capabilities are to be hired, however, no blind role models will
exist for emulation by workers attempting to overcome barriers in
addition to blindness.
Meanwhile, KIB continues to shrink and downsize. It is not
actively seeking new contracts under either Javits-Wagner-O'Day or
State Use Laws. At best it is operating on a status-quo basis with
no strategy for creation of new jobs. Such policies of
non-aggression in contract procurement, and of no-growth, are
ultimately doomed to spell the destruction of the program.
David Schwinn, KIB Representative to the Services for the
Blind Consumer Advisory Committee, and Don Johnson, his alternate,
have joined me in voicing the view that KIB policies need to
change, that any blind person who has a desire to work should be
able to apply for positions, when open, at KIB. This was the
policy former Rehabilitation Commissioner Glenn Yancey supported,
and Mr. Yancey was moving toward this policy at the time he was
fired.
At this point, I have to give notice that Schwinn, Johnson,
and Byington have taken these arguments as far as we can. Schwinn
and Johnson already have jobs at KIB, and Byington is not
requesting to work there. The people who can move the needed
changes forward at this point are those blind citizens who have
inquired about work at KIB and who have been turned down because
they did not wish to have a vocational rehabilitation case opened,
or because they did not desire vocational evaluation just to work
at KIB as current policy requires. Sighted workers are not
required to jump through these hoops. I have heard a lot of
grumbling from people who fall into these categories and who want
to work at KIB, and I have heard even more grumbling through third
parties who have talked with such folks. At this point, however,
Erhart has drawn her line in the sand. She likes her policy. She
says her boss, Joyce Cussimanio, supports it and, come what may,
Erhart is not going to change it. I can write articles such as
this until the keys fall off my word processor and Erhart will not
change. Her hand will have to be forced by appeals of the decision
made by people who have actually been turned down for work at KIB.
This can be done through the Client Assistance Program, or it can
be done by filing complaints with the Kansas Commission on Civil
Rights and/or the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission of the
United States Department of Justice. Such actions need to be taken
by the parties who are actually injured by the illogical policies.
If you are blind and you think you might like to work at KIB,
apply. If you are then turned down, appeal. If you need help with
the appeal, I will be glad to assist on my own time. I can be
contacted at (785) 233-3839.
CATEGORICAL
SUPERVISION OF STATE BLIND SERVICES COUNSELORS MAY
DISCONTINUE
by Michael Byington
With the announcement of the retirement of Richard Thompson,
Blind Services Supervisor for the southern portion of Kansas,
Rehabilitation Services Commissioner Joyce Cussimanio has
announced her intent to eliminate specialist supervision of blind
services counselors. Cussimanio proposes instead to have blind
services personnel supervised by generalists who are in charge of
the rehabilitation of every category of person from mentally ill,
to orthopedically disabled, to environmentally sensitive, etc.
Cussimanio claims the front line workers will continue to be
specialists, but the supervision will not be. She claims technical
consultation for counselors will still be available in
the system.
I wrote the attached letter to Governor Graves on this subject
in my professional capacity with my employer, Envision. I am
sharing it with K A B V I readers because I think you all may also be
interested in this subject.
EDITOR'S NOTE: In the interest of saving space, only the body
of the letter has been printed.
----------
Dear Governor Graves:
After many years of Service, Richard Thompson, Supervisor of
the Southern Region of the Kansas Division of Services for the
Blind Rehabilitation Program, has decided to retire. Joyce
Cussimanio, Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services, has announced
that she is considering not filling this position; instead she
would eliminate it and have supervision shared between the general
rehabilitation program and the Kansas Division of Services for the
Blind Rehabilitation Program. We feel that this would be a serious
mistake. We are asking you to urge Commissioner Cussimanio, and
her Supervisor, Secretary Rochelle Chronister, to maintain and fill
the Blind Services position in question. THE KANSAS DIVISION OF
SERVICES FOR THE BLIND REQUIRES AN AUTONOMOUS SUPERVISORY
STRUCTURE.
Compared with other disability groups, blindness is a low
incidence population. Envision has been serving blind Kansans from
1931 through the present, and our considerable experience in this
field has shown us that, when specialty services for the blind are
administratively combined with programs serving other disability
groups, the needs of the blind are not considered with appropriate
expertise. They are frequently out-voted by larger disability
interests, and are quite often completely ignored as the system
moves toward a level of service which attempts to fit individuals
with unique and diverse needs into a same-services-for-all type
approach.
Commissioner Cussimanio has assured us that this will not
happen. She argues that specialist counselors for the blind will
still be available and that technical expertise in blindness will
be available. In other states where combining supervisory
responsibilities has been implemented in the manner now proposed
for Kansas, the result has been that the loss of specialist
supervision over the blind services counselors reduces their
effectiveness. They are forced to fit the special procedures and
techniques they use, and special knowledge and skill they possess,
into a one size fits all approach. We believe that Commissioner
Cussimanio is sincere in her conviction that quality of service
will not decrease, but history and practical experience causes us
to believe her optimism is unfounded. If the bottom line for
rehabilitation counselors for the blind is indeed the outcome
oriented goal of placing blind clients in jobs, then this process
must continue to be supervised by an expert in the field of
blindness.
We enjoy an excellent working relationship with Commissioner
Cussimanio, and we look forward to its continuation. In most
instances she has been very responsive to our counsel concerning
decisions requiring expertise in blindness. In this instance,
however, we must assume that the pressure to combine positions is
coming from Secretary Chronister or from you, so it seems
appropriate to advocate for what we know works most efficiently at
your level of government.
Please intervene in this matter before decisions are finalized
which we all may regret. Thank you for your consideration of this
matter.
CC. Rochelle Chronister, Secretary, Kansas Department of Social
and Rehabilitation Services
Commissioner Joyce Cussimanio, Rehabilitation Services
Suzannah Erhart, Director, Blind Services
Suzie Stanzel, President, National Federation of the Blind of
Kansas (Braille copy)
Sanford Alexander, III, President, Kansas Association F/T
Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. (Braille Copy)
Former Lt. Governor Sheila Frahm
Linda Merrill, President and C.E.O., Envision
Don Cox, Director of Rehabilitation, Envision (Braille Copy)
ENVISION
TO OPEN TOPEKA LOCATION
by Michael Byington
Envision has announced it will open a downtown Topeka office.
According to Michael Byington, Director of Governmental
Affairs for Envision, the location will be fairly small and will
not be immediately able to provide the full array of services
offered in certain other parts of the State. This could change in
the future depending on funding and local demand. To begin, the
Topeka location will house a White Canes and More Store which will
sell adaptive equipment, aids, and appliances for people
who are blind and low vision. It will house some members of the
Envision Deafblind Services staff and Governmental Affairs staff.
Byington reports a location for the new facility has not yet
been selected, but locations close to downtown bus transfer points
and near the State Capitol are being considered. Opening is
expected to occur sometime this fall or winter. The exact opening
date will be determined by adaptation needs of the selected
location.
LOOKING
THROUGH THE KNOTHOLE AT THE BOARD
by William Lewis
You haven't lived till you have spent five hours at one of our
exciting K A B V I Board meetings. We get together, decide what we
will order for lunch, then sit down and start solving all the
worldS problems without taking a breath. Then, our brain storming
is interrupted by President Alexander's banging the gabble and
calling the Board meeting to order. This is when we have to start
working on K A B V I problems. Now, I don't know about you, but
working on our own problems seems much harder than working on the
world problems. Maybe you have noticed that sort of thing in your
own life experience.
For instance, one problem we have to do something about is
that of where to hold K A B V I Conventions each year? It does no good
to schedule one, and perhaps have nobody show up. So where do you
think our 1999 convention should be held, and how can we help keep
it affordable; or is it already unaffordable? We have considered
moving the conventions around the state, but transportation is
generally inadequate. Salina, for example, is located ideally, but
getting there is difficult, if bus transportation is needed. The
same applies to most other cities. What do you think? Where can
we hold them? We can handle the arrangements and programs, but we
need a location, where people will attend.
Another problem is what should our programs consist of? We
have plenty of resolutions each near, and lots of political issues,
but what should be added that really means something to you, and
which would motivate you to leave your comfortable house or
apartment to attend a convention that will cost you money? Sister
Ann Cecile and Paul Edwards have been a hit. Who else can we have?
What subject matter turns you on?
Everybody wants the conventions to be inexpensive. However,
the YWCA or public library do not book conventions. I thought we
could hold it in someone's back yard, but who has a yard without
chiggers? And I thought we might hold it in restaurant party
rooms, but where would we sleep later? After looking around to see
where other organizations hold theirs, I notice it is at hotels;
but that brings up another problem.
Hotel rates continue to go up. Hotels charge for all extras
except water. They insist that people
pay money to use their meeting rooms, unless the convention has a
large turnout. So what can we do? It has come down to a simple
logical dilemma: What price are people willing to pay to go to a
convention, visit with old friends, gossip with new acquaintances,
attend a few meetings, examine the exhibits, and take action to do
something about the forces which now are pushing the blind and
visually impaired out of the mainstream of life.
"Oh yeah? Like what?" You ask.
Like, computer technology moving away from text based systems
to colorful icons and mouses; like, SRS Categorical Services for
the disabled all under one roof; like, Congress planning to make
restrictions in SSDI and SSI; like, businesses finding ways around
the hiring of disabled workers, on the rationalization of higher
insurance and Workman Comp premiums; like, violence on the streets
toward people with disabilities; like, various business scams
directed toward people with disabilities; like, Utility companies
having to be taken to court by the states to force them to be
charitable toward those who
have but little income; like, decreasing availability of public
transportation; like, overloading the special transportation
services, without proper funding, making it impossible to maintain
a reasonable and predictable schedule for their users; like,
finding it harder to obtain volunteer reader services in the
neighborhood; like, noticing the utility bills increasing faster
than income; and last but most important, like, seeing the
cohesiveness of the blindness community falling away.
So what more do you need, whether sighted or visually
impaired, to be convinced that K A B V I is the organization for your
active support and participation. There are thousands of visually
impaired people in Kansas, but few band together in an organized
manner, to push for the services we need for gainful employment,
financial solvency, and a decent quality of life.
At K A B V I's September Topeka Convention, at the downtown DAY'S
INN, four board positions will be filled. What about you? Whether
sighted or visually impaired (it makes no difference), how would
you like to have your voice heard, and contribute your part on
committees. K A B V I is only an organization. It needs people, like
you, to make it productive and effective. Let us know what the
people in your community need. Otherwise, Congress, the State
Legislature, and even K A B V I will have no way of knowing there is
anything lacking. No news is
good news to politicians; but no news is bad news for you and me.
You and I have to speak out, and be active. Don't simply ride
the coattails of those who are still trying to get things done even
without you. Remember the words from the American revolution:
"together we stand, divided we fall." Well, I for one am still
standing, but at my age, I lean a little bit.
BLIND
VOLUNTEER HONORED BY KIWANIS
by Genevieve Schreiner
Shirley Smith, who has been battling a serious disease for
three years, has faithfully met with and read to children at the
Wichita Children's Center. For the most part, she uses print-
braille books. Some of them were prepared for her Braille
Association of Wichita. Some children have been tutored by her as
well.
Miss Smith has been blind her entire life. She graduated from
the Kansas School for the Blind in 1947. She earned a Master's
degree from Wichita State University and spent several years
working there as a students' assistant.
Kiwanis is a civic organization dedicated to philanthropic
activities with children and senior citizens in the community.
Members of the Downtown Wichita Kiwanis nominated Shirley Smith for
the Volunteer of the Year award. On March 27, 1998, she was guest
of honor at a luncheon at the Broadview Hotel. In recognition of
her volunteer activities on behalf of children, she was presented
a plaque and a check.
Ramon Tejeda, 76, a charter member of the Wichita Association for
the Visually handicapped died on June 17, 1998. He worked for 33
years at Cudahy as a meat curer. Ramon attended the Kansas State
School for the Blind in the 1940's. He was a life long active
member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Wichita.
Parishioners would refer to him as "Officer Ray," as he made it his
personal task to make sure that the lights were turned out and the
church building was secure each night. His booming voice will long
be remembered as a participant in daily Mass. Ramon didn't let
being visually impaired slow him down, he used to the fullest what
little vision he had. Survivors include: his wife of 46 years,
Catalina and a sister, Mary Alfaro of Wichita. A memorial has been
established with the Wichita Association for the Visually
Handicapped. Ramon, fuiste un buen amigo. (Ramon, you were a good
friend.)
NORTHWEST KANSAS ASSOCIATION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (NKAVI)
learned about the benefits of keyless door locks and the
Neighborhood Watch Program when a representative of the Hays Police
Department spoke to them. They were reminded to keep shrubs and
trees near windows and doors trimmed to eliminate hiding places for
intruders. Lighting for safety was also discussed. Low Vision
Specialist Kendall Krug addressed the group in May. NKAVI members
also planned a day in Abilene where they can tour the Eisenhower
complex, a variety of antique shops and Old Abilene Town. Abilene
is also home of the Greyhound Museum and the Museum of Telephony.
SOUTHWEST KANSAS ASSOCIATION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (SKAVI)
President has resigned that position to move to Wichita where she
will be close to her grandchildren. Gordon Gary will move into the
president's position. SKAVI members enjoyed a trip to the Stauth
Museum in Hays. They have also been involved again this summer
with Camp Mitchell, a summer camp for youngsters who are visually
impaired.
BLIND VETERANS NATIONAL CHAPTER
Disabled American Veterans
40 Seward Avenue, Toms River NJ 08753-6626
Home Page: http:/twww.mtncom.comcip/dav-no2.htm
Blind Veterans National Chapter Newly Elected Officers
,Las Vegas - Robert Dawson of Wichita, KS, Disabled American
Veterans (DAV) Blind Veteran National Chapter (BVNC) member, was
elected Chaplain for the DAV BVNC 1998-1999 year at the DAV's 77th
National Convention held at the Las" Vegas Hilton. Robert's other
responsibilities included serving on the DAV National General
Resolutions Committee representing the DAV BVNC.
Floyd O. Britting of El Dorado, KS, Disabled American
Veterans (DAV) Blind Veteran National Chapter (BVNC) member, was
elected Judge Advocate for the DAV BVNC 1998-1999 year at the DAV's
77th National Convention held at the Las Vegas Hilton. Floyd's
other responsibilities included serving on the DAV National
Credentials Committee representing the DAV BVNC. DAV BVNC Commander
May appointed Floyd DAV BVNC Finance Committee Chairman for
1998-1999.
Robert and Floyd were among some 4,000 delegates, family
members, and guests who convened at the Las Vegas Hilton for the
DAV National Convention to participate in planning the DAV's goals
and activities for 1999.
Among the important issues prominently featured during the
convention were several contentious issues that have harmed
veterans, including recerdy passed legislation that took $15.5
Billion in veterans' disability compensation to fund pork-barrel
highway projects. To prevent further unwarranted and
harmful cuts in the Department of Veterans Affairs budget, veterans
across the nation have launched a dramatic and innovative voter
registration and get-out-the-vote campaign to increase the
political clout of America's disabled veterans. Also among the
Convention highlights included a speech by Secretary of Veterans
Affairs Togo D. West, Jr. Ford Motor Company donated ten 1998 Ford
Super Club Wagon XL, 15-passenger vans along with two Windstar, 7
- passenger vans to the nationwide DAV Transportation Network.
These vans will be used to transport sick and disabled veterans to
and from VAMCs for care.
The DAV is a Congressionally-chartered, non-profit association
of more than one million veterans disabled in wartime military
service, The DAV is dedicated to one single purpose: building
better lives for our nation's disabled veterans and their families.
"A Nation that fails to Honor it's Veterans - Ceases to be a
Great Nation"
KISSIN' DON'T LAST, BUT COOKIN' DO: The Illinois Council of
the Blind (ICB) needs money, so they've decided to involve others
and have fun while making it. They're creating a cookbook with
the best recipes they can find, and they hope you'll share your
favorite recipes and cooking tips. Send your recipes, in your
format of choice, to the ICB office, P.O. Box 1830, Springfield,
IL 62705-1830, before January 15, 1999. Include your name, city
and state so you can be acknowledged in the book. To add to the
fun, enter their contest by submitting a catchy title for the
recipe book. The winner will receive a free cookbook in format of
choice and be announced September 26 at the ICB convention. The
cookbook will be available in July, 1999, and can be purchased at
the Illinois booth at the American Council of the Blind's
convention. You can order by mail if you wish to do so. Send the
following information and payment to ICB: Number of cookbooks to
reserve; Format - braille $25, large print $15, casette or computer
disc $15; and your Name, address, city, state and zip. Understand
that cookbooks will be shipped in July, 1999.
FOR SALE: Reusable C60 or C90 casettes, $.10 each or best
offer (OBO.) 5.5 inch computer disks, $.10 OBO. Vast library of
materials on mental health (subjects A to W) make offer. Call Bill
Lewis, (316) 681-7443.
714 SW Wayne Ave.
Topeka, KS 66606-1753
August 30, 1998
American Council of the Blind
Paul Edwards, President
1155 15th St. N.W., Suite 720
Washington, DC 20005
Dear Paul:
I appreciated your article, "Who's Killing the ADA?" in the
August BRAILLE FORUM. Attached are some thoughts and questions
your article brought to mind. If there's merit enough to warrant
sharing, print them. If not - thanks for the opportunity to
ventilate.
Sincerely,
Nancy Johnson
Lately, I've been concerned that the blind community has lost
sight of long-term goals. There seems to be a feeling that people
with disabilities other than impaired vision or blindness see us as
having no disability. Recently, at the Region Vii Independent
Living Summit, I saw a number of blind and visually impaired
employees of independent living centers. I heard blindness and
impaired vision listed among disabilities in presentations. With
regard to categorical services, I heard it said that each
disability group has its own special set of needs but, at the same
time, there are commonalities shared by all of us.
Conversely, Some members of the blind community say
individuals who are blind don't want people with other disabilities
to "catch up with us" in terms of available services. Some say, if
we coalesce with other disability groups, we'll get lost in the
shuffle. I have to ask why anyone would think blindness or vision
impairment should be considered any "better" or "worse" than any
other disability. I also have to ask why we who are blind and
visually impaired think we'd get lost in the shuffle. Are we
afraid of the competition? Have not the years of advocacy we spent
before the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act proved
our ability to advocate for our needs? Had not many of our needs
been met by legislation before passage of the ADA? Why do we think
braille should be immediately available everywhere? (Folks who use
wheel chairs don't yet have curb cuts at every corner.) Neither
braille nor curb cuts happen instantly.
The cover of THE BRAILLE FORUM says, "The American Council of
the Blind strives to increase the independence, security, equality
of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually
impaired people." Admittedly, I haven't fully read the ADA. But
I see the goal as the same. "The Americans With Disabilities Act
strives to increase the independence, security, equality of
opportunity, and quality of life for all people with disabilities."
If we consider vision impairment or blindness a disability, the act
includes us. And, if the act includes us, then why are we not
making positive efforts to help it succeed. Who do we think we are
that we can say the act isn't helping us if we don't work with
everyone else to achieve shared goals? Why don't we work with all
other disability groups to achieve common goals and, at the same
time, strongly advocate for categorical services as needed by each
disability group?
CHARLES (CHUCK) SPENCER, Dodge City, died April 16, 1998. He
had been an active member of the Southwest Kansas Association for
the Visually Impaired.
DONNIS I. WHITTINGTON, 69, Topeka, d