NABS - Student Advocate Issue Winter 1995

"Supporting Students; Encouraging Leadership."

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Student Advocate Membership Convention Resources

THE STUDENT ADVOCATE
VOLUME XIII. NUMBER II
JANUARY. 1995

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Leadership in Seattle, and Elsewhere
Greensboro in 1995!
Can I Make It As a Non-Traditional Student?
Scholarship and Internship Information

LEADERSHIP IN SEATTLE AND ELSEWHERE
By Rob Cook and Cora Jones

Would you know what to expect at an ACB sponsored leadership training seminar? Even as I got off the plane in Seattle for the Northwest Leadership Training Seminar, I was still wondering what to expect. During the weekend of November 18 to 20, 1994, I knew that nearly 50 Pacific Northwestern ACB leaders would be meeting to share and develop their leadership skills. I did not realize as I got to the SeaTac Holiday Inn that exploring the techniques and ideas of Leadership could be so enjoyable.

At the Friday evening opening session, ACB President LeRoy Saunders spoke and introduced Joby Winans, our facilitator for the entire weekendseminar. As usual LeRoy brought optimism and humor to the introductions and Joby agreed that the seminar should not be stuffy and that humor is an essential part of the weekend event. Joby promptly began by asking each person present to give their name, state affiliate, and "something that we might not know about you." Mentioning ones state and hidden interests gave m ore information and common ground for conversation and the team work that would be happening throughout the seminar.

The majority of the training occurred over Saturday during many sessions which included Organizational Development, Membership Development and Retainment, Public Relations and Communication, Organizational Management with two concurrent sessions involving legislation and a strong discussion on fund raising.

During each session Joby facilitated and allowed any comments or questions to be forwarded from the audience. The philosophy that everyone is different and that their opinions should be respected was of paramount importance during these sessions. Througho ut the seminar this philosophy was often expressed, in conjunction with the idea that at the beginning of any meeting goals and objectives should be set, thereby allowing even prospective members to offer their input.

Since much of the work that involves ACB and its affiliates may be considered advocacy in behalf of the blind and visually impaired, Sunday was devoted to a simulation which exemplified in the most current detail a situation whereby ACB state-wide advocac y was necessitated.

Sunday morning's continental breakfast found everyone looking over their advocacy exercise. Written by Oral Miller, the situation described a state school for the blind closure and its removal from its urban centralized location to a remote rural locale, where all levels of access were far more Limited. Due to this particular state's financial problems the newly proposed rural school was also to be combined with the state school for the deaf. As well there was a later possibility that the state library fo r the blind may also be combined and moved to the same location.

ALL of the changes presented within the depiction were based on expected or proposed legislation and fiscal changes and the entire exercise was full of current situations and common to every state: Tight fisted politically motivated government officials, the dissensions between noted national organizations of the blind, a lack of forethought and planning with regard to accessibility. And the plethora of incidental situations that result because of such problems that may arise within our community.

The complete gathering broke up into four separate teams to work on a plan of action which would adequately respond to the dilemma. Each group seemed to address certain tactics when confronting the problem. Media and press releases, resolutions, public de monstrations, Letter writing and phone campaigns, and direct contact with business and political leaders who might be concerned were all methods utilized by the teams. The final hour was spent reviewing each team's response which was a highly entertaining and often humorous exhibition. Closing remarks by Joby and President Saunders concluded the weekend events. LeRoy said that it was one of the most productive and positive leadership seminars that he had ever attended. He noted that he felt assured that a ll the ACB members who came would gladly take the experiences here back home to use.

In agreement with President Saunders, I would like to finish my coverage of the Seattle seminar with this offer to all NABS members. As we came to the leadership training, we were all given a very comprehensive packet of leadership materials. Upon my retu rn I shared much of this information with NABS president Monty J. Cassellius and we feel that it would be appropriate to offer this information to those ACB and NABS members who might be interested. Sections on organizing an affiliate, writing a resolutio n or constitution, modeled documents such as applications, letters to legislatures, and affiliate brochures, as well as many other important answers to the questions most usually asked by new leaders were included. Also included was a short and concise ve rsion of Robert's Rules of Order, which is a must for any newly elected board member or officer. Please feel free to contact Monty or me at the following addresses if you would like to receive any such leadership materials. Though the leadership tr aining was given in Seattle, the benefits of such ACB seminars should likewise be available to NABS members and elsewhere.

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NABS IN GREENSBORO
By Sandra Sermons

The 33rd National Convention of the American Council of the Blind which will take place in Greensboro, North Carolina promises to be the best yet. As usual, the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS) will be offering a number of exciting events. W e will again be sponsoring the comedy show. It has always been successful and I'm sure that this year it will be even bigger.
In addition, we have planned a new approach to the first timers orientation. Rather than simply having one person speak, we will have more of an informal discussion with Paul Edwards serving as facilitator.

Another activity which is in the works is a possible combined workshop between Social Service Providers (SSP) and NABS dealing with issues surrounding interviews. Many issues stem from interviewing. These range from when you should bring up your disabilit y to what is a "reasonable accommodation." The workshop will also include internships and their usefulness. This should be useful for NABS members as we must all undergo interviews at some point in our careers.

As program Chairwoman, my responsibility is to compile all of the ideas of NABS members in order to create a successful convention. Therefore, I would appreciate any ideas or suggestions that you may have. 1 hope to see you all in Greensboro.

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CAN I MAKE IT AS A NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT?
By Ardis Bazyn

I, as a non-traditional student, have many time constraints. I must find time to do homework, do justice to my work responsibilities, keep my family duties fulfilled, plus take care of many other commitments I have been involved with. Time management is a must when dealing with many types of activities.
Since I have been doing this now for two years, I have found some ways of helping me deal with some issues. I am passing them along to you. I hope they can be of use to others in similar situations.

Check out the area in Student Services that handles non-traditional students. They may offer a particular counselor to help you with your specific needs.

Find an advisor you can talk to about the course area you wish to study in. The advisor should be able to guide you into the proper courses you need to fulfill a degree. If you need to transfer, they will be particularly helpful in telling you about t hose requirements.

Talk to the Disabled Services area of the college you are going to. Some have specific hours available for having tests read to you. This will give you an idea of times that are better for you. I have some problems in this area since the college I now attend does not always keep this area open in the Late afternoon and evening. This can make planning schedules a Little more difficult.

Listen carefully when instructors bring up their special requirements, usually the first day. If you find any that might cause a problem for you, bring it up immediately after class. He or she can sometimes think of alternative ways of doing things. F or example, I had an instructor who used overheads extensively for math. This was not good for me but I asked her if she could give me a copy a class time ahead. She agreed to do so and this helped me. Another wanted to give pop quizzes in class. I asked him if they could either be at the end of class so I could go to the test area then or if he could do them in multiple choice form. If he did this, I could write the Letters needed down at the time of the quiz. He agreed to the Latter. Most instructors ar e willing to work with you. If they are not, you might talk to the registrar about switching classes. If you do this within the first few days, it will not cost you any money. If you decide to drop the course later, you lose the money you paid for the cou rse.

Remember, we must be forthright about our needs. I find myself sometimes trying to constantly adjust my schedule rather than admitting to a counselor a particular need. I am beginning to find that most staff people are willing to help you work out pro blems.

I find my own reader for homework works out better for me. The college I go to will find readers for materials but many times they are too late for me to get done in time. Textbooks, however, have been read by their readers if not received from RFB.
Of course, what works for me may not work for you. Each college has its particular problems. Good luck in your efforts.

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JOHN HEBNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

The American Council of the Blind is pleased to offer the John Hebner Memorial Scholarship to a blind or visually impaired applicant who is gainfully employed full time. This is a need-based scholarship enabling an individual to enroll in school while remaining employed full time. This scholarship will be given in the amount of $500. The winning student will receive the scholarship during the 1995-1996 school year.
Qualified applicants should submit the documentation specified below to the Hebner Memorial Scholarship, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005 no later than March 1, 1995. Faxed application materials WILL NOT be accepted. All materials in the application packet MUST be neatly typed. Handwritten applications WILL NOT be accepted. Applicants must submit the following in order to be considered:

A personal statement explaining how the scholarship will be beneficial. Describe the class/classes to be taken and the benefits to be gained by being enrolled in the program. Applicants should describe their financial need and provide the Scholarship Committee with any relevant personal background information.

A resume including information about current and previous work experience, educational achievements, community service, etc.

A letter from the applicant's current employer confirming his/her employment status.

A statement from a medical doctor, rehabilitation specialist, or other qualified individual certifying that the applicant is legally blind. The definition of legal blindness is as follows: visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better corrected eye or a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better corrected eye. To be eligible you must be legally blind in BOTH eyes.

ACB SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO BLIND STUDENTS

The American Council of the Blind will award nineteen scholarships to outstanding blind students in 1995. Ah legally blind persons admitted to academic and vocational training programs at the post secondary Level for the 1995/96 school year are encour aged to apply for one of these scholarships.
The Floyd Quails Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to each of the top two applicants in the following categories: entering freshmen in academic programs, undergraduates (sophomores, juniors and seniors) in academic programs, graduate students in acade mic programs, and vocational school students. Applicants will be compared with other applicants in their category, which means that entering freshmen will be competing for funds with other entering freshmen. Each scholarship award is $2,500.

The $2,500 Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Tarver Memorial Fund, will be granted to an outstanding graduate student.

The $1,000 Dr. Mae Davidow Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding entering freshman.

The Grant M. Mack Memorial Scholarships, sponsored by National Industries for the Blind, will be awarded to two outstanding undergraduate or graduate students majoring in business or management. The amount of each of these scholarships is $2,000.

The $1,500 William G. Corey Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding Pennsylvania resident. ALL qualified Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to apply.

The $1,000 Kellie Cannon Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding student studying in the held of computer information systems or data processing. This scholarship is provided by Visually Impaired Data Processors International, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.

The $2,000 Arnold Ostwald Memorial Science Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding entering freshman studying in the field of science. This scholarship is funded by a foundation established by the Late Arnold Ostwald, a blind lawyer.

The $1,000 Xerox Imaging Systems Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student. This scholarship is funded by Xerox imaging Systems located in Peabody, Massachusetts.

The Central Virginia Council of the Blind Scholarships will be awarded to two outstanding residents of the state of Virginia who are attending a Virginia college or university. One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding entering freshman and the other $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding undergraduate. These scholarships are sponsored by the Central Virginia Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.

The $1,000 Bay State Council of the Blind Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding Massachusetts resident. This scholarship is funded by the Bay State Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.

Scholarship applications are available from the American Council of the Blind, Attention Jessica L. Beach, Scholarship Coordinator, 1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 467-5081. Ah completed applications and supporting documents m ust be postmarked no later than March 1, 1995.

Leading scholarship candidates will be interviewed by telephone in April. The ACE scholarship winners will be notified no later than May 15, 1995. The scholarships will be announced at the 34th Annual National

Convention of the American Council of the Blind to be held July 1-8, 1995, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Scholarship winners are expected to be present at the convention; ACB will cover all reasonable costs connected with convention attendance.

Among the criteria to be considered in the selection process of scholarship winners will be demonstrated academic record, involvement in extracurricular/civic activities and academic objectives. The severity of the applicant's visual impairment and his/he r study methods will also be taken into account in the selection process.

ACB SEEKS 1995 SUMMER INTERN

The American Council of the Blind announces as 1995 Internship Program intended to provide meaningful work experience for a blind post secondary student. The paid internship will be for a maximum period of ten weeks and will also include, if necessary , a reasonable housing and transportation allowance. Duties will include activities in the areas of public information and education, membership assistance, communications, legislative monitoring and publications.
Students wishing to be considered should submit a letter of application by April 1, 1995 to Oral O. Miller, National Representative, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. The letter of application should inc lude documentation concerning the school being attended or to be attended, as well as information regarding the major field of study, vocational or professional objective (if known), prior educational and employment history, skills (braille reading and wr iting, typing, computer, low vision aids, etc.), extracurricular and civic activities. The letter should also include a paragraph stating why the applicant would like to spend a summer in Washington and the benefits which she/he would expect to receive fr om the internship.

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