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W.H.C. [White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals] State Conference [1976-1977]
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W.H.C. [White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals] State Conference [1976-1977]
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W.H.C. [White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals] State Conference [1976-1977]
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WORKING DRAFT ONLY - NOT FOR DUPLICATION
White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
frieden
Proposal for the
Let
Office for Handicapped Individuals
During the fall of 1976 the Texas Conference held five regional
forums across the state that attracted more than 1500 handicapped
individuals, their families and advocates. The project includes
three phases, the Regional Forums, the State Conference, and the
White House Conference. At this time the Regional Forum phase is
complete and the State Conference was held successfully in early
December 1976. This proposal for an office for handicapped indi-
viduals for the state of Texas is a direct result of recommendations
made by the presenters at the State Conference and Governor Briscoe's
very positive response that Mrs. Briscoe head up the Governor's Planning
Committee on Handicapped Individuals. This proposed office provides
background information on the project, a rationale for its considera-
tion and adoption, the proposed functions of the office and a suggested
structure for establishing and administrating the office.
BACKGROUND
The national effort on behalf of handicapped individuals provides
a mission statement which can be restated in terms of the current Texas
effort. Three specific goals exist:
1. Stimulate a state wide assessment of problems faced
by individuals with physical or mental handicaps;
2. Generate a state wide awareness of those problems;
3. Develop recommendations for legislative administrative
and community action to allow individuals with handi-
caps to live their lives independently with dignity
and integration into community life.
Governor Briscoe appointed Sam Millsap as State Director and charged
him with achieving these three goals for the handicapped citizens of
Texas. Millsap named Marolyn Stubblefield and Bob Blase as Assistant
Directors. The office of the Texas Conference has been in operation
since July of 1976 and was recently recommended for an extension until
July of 1977 by Governor Briscoe. This effort is still a cooperative
arrangement on the part of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, the
Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and the
Texas Commission for the Blind. While this effort has an extended
2
mandate, it is dependent on temporary professional support and a great
deal of volunteer effort from individuals from around the state. It
is hoped that this very successful nucleus can be stabilized into a
state-wide office that will assure attention for the handicapped and
their problems. From the State Conference emerged a feeling of coopera-
tion, coordination, and integration of all handicapping conditions. By
bringing together people from all over the state it was discovered that
many interests were quite similar and a network of individuals as well
as structures was developed. By intermeshing existing programs and
introducing individuals with common interests, the State Conference
served as a catalyst to bring out the best in all those who partici-
pated. It is hoped that the impetus of this effort can be continued
through a permanent office, the Office for Handicapped Individuals.
RATIONALE
From the State Conference it became apparent that in this time
of accountability, coordination, and evaluation, alternatives in the
human service areas must be considered. To encourage effective and
efficient delivery of services is not only advisable, it is necessary
to clarify resources; to maximize the use of available funds and per-
sonnel also became apparent. The encouragement and promotion of a
unified approach to dealing with all handicapping conditions was
perhaps the strongest recommendation that came out of the State Con-
ference. From the delegates came the message to help us eliminate
barriers both structural and attitudinal. The promotion of responsi-
bility and accountability on the part of both the consumer and the
provider was brought up at the State Conference. From the groups
at the State Conference who worked together very closely for two
days came the request for means of sharing knowledge coordinating,
and planning and most of all combining efforts for the good of all
handicapped Texans.
The thrust of a State Conference for Texas was the involvement
of the handicapped individuals themselves. During the planning and
implementation of the State Conference handicapped individuals were
integrated into all levels of planning and decision making with a
great deal of success. It was felt that this type of participation
is a process by which the handicapped individuals can fulfill their
own needs by participating in that very effort. The acceptance of
the need for such a coordinated network of communication and a process
of active participation which is crucial to the success of such an effort
exist in the State Conference and is encouraged to continue. By working
together and by including handicapped individuals the State Conference
found its success in supporting efforts on behalf of and by handicapped
individuals themselves.
3
Just as it is recommended that handicapped individuals remain
intimately involved in the office for handicapped individuals, it
is further recommended that the White House Conference efforts for
the state be continued through the office. Through Sam Millsap, the
Director, and the efforts of the staff and the volunteers the White
House Conference has developed sufficient visibility and credibility
to enjoy a fine reputation across the state. It is recommended that
this established entity be used to stabilize the proposed new office.
In using such an approach, it would reflect immediately a state-wide
commitment to handicapped individuals that was developed by the White
House Conference. As in any successful effort, the continued impetus
and viability of the White House Conference should be assured by for-
malizing that function for the state of Texas. Within the White House
Conference is an established system for regional contacts and as well
as an established volunteer leadership. It is recommened that the
voluntary effort be retained and strengthened and that on-going pro-
fessional consultation be encouraged also. Since the leadership
abilities and commitment of those individuals involved with the
White House Conference has been identified and proven, it is recommend-
ed that this effort be continued.
FUNCTIONS
The following functions are recommended for the Office for Handi-
capped Individuals:
1. Information and Referral
With public information: To strengthen public aware-
ness of the handicapped individuals abilities it is
recommended that public information be made available
through mass media, individual efforts, and multi-media
presentations. It is recommended that public policy
information be made available to handicapped indivi-
duals, their families and advocates. Through a public
policy information system the state could be alerted
of public policy decisions and legislation affecting
handicapped individuals and services to the handicapped.
2. Service Information
It is recommended that services both public and private
available to handicapped individuals be identified and
coordinated through the Office for Handicapped Individuals.
By making such information available, the location and
description of service centers could be shared immediately
with the public. Such service information could describe
the availability, the accessibility, the eligibility, and
the expense of services. Information concerning design
standards for structures and equipment could also be made
available.
4
3. Issue Oriented Information
From the State Conference specific areas were pointed
out that deserve consideration. These are content
specific rather than organizational issues and include
the following: alternative living situations; acces-
sibility of services which includes transportation
as well as programs in non-metropolitan areas;
structural barriers; employment opportunities to
include a review of the state merit system, job
placement, sheltered workshops, and alternative
rehabilitation programs for handicapped individuals
for whom competitive employment is not feasible;
the Civil Rights of the handicapped; special com-
munication systems; educational programs; recrea-
tional opportunities; compliance which would include
review interpretation and enforcement of policies
legislation. To accomplish the informational functions
of the Office on Handicapped Individuals it is suggested
that information be shared throughout the state from the
office on handicapped individuals. The design of a system
to coordinate communication is of the utmost importance.
By utilizing modern computer cabilities to establish a
system of information gathering, processing and dissemi-
nation the public information, service information, and
issue oriented information could be shared throughout
the state. This communication system could be realized
by the establishment of a computer data bank system
which would be available to the consumers, family
members, advocates and service providers. Such a
method would provide a means to assess the needs
and numbers of handicapped individuals by a communi-
cations network and information system. Specific
methods of communication for this include a Watts
(inward watts) line as well as a TTY communication
system for hearing impaired individuals.
It is recommended that the office for handicapped individuals
publish a newsletter by and for handicapped individuals. Volume 1
No. 1 of Handicapped in Texas has been printed and mailed through
the courtesy of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. It is felt
that this is a newsletter of high quality deserving a permanent
place and adequate funding. It is recommended that this newsletter
be produced on a quarterly basis and be shared throughout the state.
STATE CONFERENCE
It is recommended according to Governor Briscoe's suggestion
that an annual conference on handicapped individuals be held on
the state level. It is suggested that the state conference be
preceeded by regional meetings to assure accessibility in the
5
vastness of what we know as the state of Texas. In this State
Conference the consumer thrust and emphasis must be retained to
assure its success. It is recommended that this State Conference
on Handicapped Individuals be incorporated with the Governor's
Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped to prevent dupli-
cation and extend the efforts of both groups.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
By taking a look to the future it is suggested that the office
on handicapped individuals emphasize research and development. The
state effort would augment the efforts of the National Council for
Research and the Handicapped whose purpose is to "produce a coalition
of government and private activities needed to develop and to promote
implementation of a major national research effort responsible to the
needs of the handicapped and their active participation" (page 17,
Committee on Sights and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives,
1976). Through the office of handicapped individuals state research
and development projects could be identified and coordinated with
the rare resources of the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion. Significant efforts in this area are being undertaking within
our state. The office should cooperate with the stated priorities
for research and development of the program performance measures.
The state regional and local levels could be a basis for overview.
From this office and its resources voluntary assessment upon request
to public and private agencies regarding program performance could
be offered.
STRUCTURE
According to Governor Dolph Briscoe's intention, expressed at
the State Conference in San Antonio in early December 1976, it recommend-
ed that an Office for Handicapped Individuals be established in the Office
of the Governor by executive order. It is further proposed that this
office provide program support to assure the proposed functions. Through
the state level emphasis relationships with similar level efforts could
be assured and could encourage a nucleus for continued planning and
development for and by handicapped individuals. It is recommended that
the regional structure be retained. It should be noted that the regional
boundaries used by the State Conference were rather arbitrary and could
be re-drawn along any number of state program regions. It should be
kept in mind, however, that the basic thrust of the regional concept
was to assure accessibility and participation for consumers. A local
structure should be considered similar to the existing Mayor's Committee
on the Employment of the Handicapped. This type of structure would allow
for specific advocacy on the local levels which might be of particular
interest to local populations. Such a regional and local level organiza-
tion would encourage participation by maximum amount of individuals.
Task forces to deal with the five areas of concern of the White House
Conference which include education, employment, social, special, and
health concerns should be established on a regional basis with an
6
interface on the state level. Through these special concern task forces
individuals could work on particular areas of concern. This would also
establish a mechanism for consumer representation on state level issues.
For staffing the Office on Handicapped Individuals it is recommended that
a permanent professional staff be established. It is felt that a high
caliber of staff is needed to deal effectively with the proposed issues
and action. It is recommended that a director who is a handicapped in-
dividual with administrative experience be retained and that an assistant
director and secretary specifically for this program be hired. These
individuals would be part of the office staff employed by the Office of
the Governor. As with the White House Conference efforts, it is recom-
mended that the use of professional consultants be maintained. From
these individuals comes professional technical assistance on a volunteer
basis. It is recommended that each state agency dealing with handicapped
individuals name a professional of policy making rank to consult with
the Office for Handicapped Individuals.
An Advisory Board of state-wide composition should be established
for the Office on Handicapped Individuals. A group similar to that of
the White House Conference, that includes consumers, family members,
and advocates should be established in the ratio recommended by the
White House Conference, i.e. that means 50% consumer, 25% family, and
25% advocate. On this Advisory Board it is recommended that representa-
tives of all disabling conditions in parts of the state be included.
This group would be invaluable for policy making and planning.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the Office for Handicapped Individuals be
established in the Office of the Governor staffed by handicapped indi-
viduals. To guarantee the continued success of the White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals, Texas Conference. It is recommended that the
office begin operation on 1 July 1977 when the Texas Conference is
scheduled to end. With the help of the Texas Conference a process
for smooth transition between programs could be established. It is
recommended that this new program be phased in by the continuation
of the White House Conference format where it is considered applicable.
Of utmost importance is the continued consumer emphasis.
The proposed activities are presented in their essential form and
require further consideration. Further details and cost estimates are
necessary to round out the program. Further clarification of the
functions suggested is necessary by specifically stating goals and
objectives for action. The formalization of a program by the Governor
and Mrs. Briscoe is necessary to sanction further planning efforts.
It is hoped that this support will be evidenced by the naming of an
Advisory Board and the announcement of the intention to open the
office within the next six months.
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr., Director
Joan Glance Fernandes, Assistant Director
TEXAS DELEGATION WORKSHOP
Texas Institute of Rehabilitation
and Research
Texas Medical Center, Library
1333 Moursand
Houston, Texas
May 7, 1977
I. INFORMATION
A. Transportation
D. Meals and Lodging
B. Hotel Modifications
E. Fiscal Arrangements
C. Traffic Flow
F. Cultural Activities
II. WORKSHOP SESSION SIMULATION
Jim Hayes, Moderator
Joanie Fernandes, Timer
Resource Panel
Virginia Ernisse
J. R. Thompson, Mic Handler
Linda Hutcheson
Muriel LeBlanc
III. STATE CAUCUS SIMULATION
Sam Millsap, Director
Meeting Place
Millsap Suite
Sheraton Park Hotel
Delegate Recap:
Alternates:
1. Mary Ann Board, Health & Social I
J. R. Thompson, Education
2. Lex Frieden, Education
3. Gay Rutherford, Special I
4. Sam Millsap, Social II
5. Joanie Fernandes, Health
6. Jim Hayes, Economic
828 Harwood Road, Hurst, Texas 76053
(817) 281-7860, Ext. 333,337
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr., Director
Joan Glance Fernandes, Assistant Director
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
April 26, 1977
TO:
Delegates, Delegates-at-large, and Alternates
FROM:
Joan Glance Fernandes
SUBJECT: Orientation Workshops
The Orientation workshops for our state delegation in preparation for
the National White House Conference will be held in 3 areas: Fort Worth,
Houston and Austin.
The workbooks will have been mailed to you by the national office during
the week of April 18. Please read them all, if possible, If not, it is
important that you at least are familiar with the workbook from your area.
Regarding the state workshops, financially it was necessary to come to you.
Only delegates and alternates who do not live in the immediate area of the
workshop will be reimbursed for travel. If this presents any hardship, please
contact me.
Enclosed is the workshop schedule with a list of delegates/alternates from
each area. Also, I have enclosed additional information that we will dis-
cuss at the workshop, so please bring it with you.
If you have any questions, please contact me at the Northeast campus of
Tarrant County Junior College, 828 Harwood Road, Hurst, Texas 76053
(817) 281-7860 Ext. 333, 337.
828 Harwood Road, Hurst, Texas 76053
(817) 281-7860, Ext. 333,337
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr., Director
Joan Glance Fernandes, Assistant Director
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
North Region (Ft. Worth)
Tuesday, May 3
TCJC-NE
1 - 5 p.m.
Community Room, Library
Gulf Coast Region (Houston)
Saturday, May 7
Texas Institute of Reha-
1:30 - 5 p.m.
bilitation and Research
Texas Medical Center
Library
1333 Moursand
Houston, Texas
Central Region (Austin)
Sunday, May 8
Criss Cole Center
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
4800 North Lamar
Austin, Texas
DELEGATES/ALTERNATES
North (Ft. Worth)
Gulf Coast (Houston)
Central (Austin)
Delegates
Delegates
Delegates
Buffy Fedder
Mary Ann Board
Bill Flynn
Lee Kitchens
Lex Frieden
Pat Pound
Tom Morrison
Gay Rutherford
Richard Rubin
Jim Patton
Ralph White
Mrs Dale Simpson
Alternates
Willis Williams
Jim Hayes
Virginia Ernisse
Sam Millsap
Joanie Fernandes
Mary Virginia Griggs
Linda Hutcheson
Alternates
Alternates
Muriel LeBlanc
Ruth Cowle
J. R. Thompson
Don Culwell
Glenda Carlock
Charles Eskridge
Don Drewery
Efton Geary
Trudy Putteet
Bud Davidson
Ann Marek,
Carol Whitecraft
Delegate-at-large
Mary Lovey Wood
Mike Rodrigues,
Marian Romero
Delegate-at-large
Delegate-at-large
828 Harwood Road, Hurst, Texas 76053
(817) 281-7860, Ext. 333,337
TEXAS DELEGATION
SECTION
DELEGATES
ALTERNATES
Health I & Social I
Richard Rubin, M.D.
Lynda Hutcheson
Mary Lovey Wood, Ph.D.
Health II
JIM HAYES
Ruthe B. Cowl
Education
Buffy Fetter
J. R. Thompson
Jim Hayes
Jim Patton
Gay Rutherford
Dale Simpson
Social II
Lee Kitchens
Don Culwell
Pat Pound
Don Drewery
Social III
Mary Ann Board
Glenda Carlock
Tom Morrison
Trudy Putteet
Ralph White
Economic
Sam Millsap
Mary Virginia Griggs
Willis Williams
Muriel Le Blanc
Carol Whitcraft, Ph.D.
Special I
Joan Fernandes
Frank Borreca
Lex Frieden
Virginia Ernisse
Charles Eskeridge
Special II
Bill Flynn
Bud Davidson
Efton Geary
The White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals
NORTH TEXAS FORUM
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
April 19, 1977
TO:
Sam Millsap, State Director
Joan Glance Fernandes
FROM:
Joan Glance Fernandes
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
828 Harwood Road
SUBJECT:
State Directors' Meeting, Washington D. C.
Hurst, Texas 76053
April 16-17, 1977
(817) 281-7860
Janie Clements
Several items have been clarified at the recent State Directors'
RURAL CHAIRMAN
meeting. The initially gruelling schedule has been modified to
1906 Elizabeth
result in busy days and evenings paced with "breathers."
Brownwood, Texas 76801
(915) 646-6385
I have a mixed reaction regarding the hotel accomodations. The
Jim B. Grey
food is of poor quality and grossly overpriced: Comparable meals
PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN
served in the hotel restaurant are approximately half the price.
3400 Hulen
Also the Conference meals will be buffet style. There was con-
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
siderable discussion regarding this by the directors, and Mosh-
(817) 737-6661
man and Associates reluctantly agreed to negotiate with the hotel.
D. H. Howell
The hotel rooms are pleasant and comfortable. As for accessibility
PROGRAM CHAIRMAN
500 S. Ervay,
there will be problems. The sinks are styled in such a way that a
Suite 647-A
wheelchair could not get close to them. There is a grab bar over
Dallas, Texas 75201
the tub and one placed awkwardly behind the commode.
(214) 748-9711
When I questioned Jack Smith regarding it, he said some people wanted
Tom Morrison
it there. When I questioned the hotel management they said it was sug-
REGISTRATION CHAIRMAN
gested by the Architectural Barriers Compliance Board. There was no
7505 Parwald
Dallas, Texas 75235
indication that the grab rail would be moved to a useful position.
(214) 638-6340
Although the rooms appear neat and clean, the areas around the kitchen
Marti Patterson
and meeting rooms are not. One state director reported roaches in the
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
kitchen. I personally did not visit the kitchen area:
CHAIRMAN
401 Franklin
There seems to be adequate ramping; however the elevator situation may
Waco, Texas 76703
(817) 756-7494
be a disaster. Our delegation will need to be aware of the schedule
and plan adequate time to reach the meetings to accomodate the traffic
J. Q. Sutherlin
jams. The planning by the White House Staff, Moshman and Associates
NOMINATIONS CHAIRMAN
and the hotel management has been significant, however inadequate. I
3726 Dutton Drive
am concerned with their lack of awareness to the special needs of the
Dallas, Texas 75211
participants. They seem to be missing the reality of what will be
(214) 339-3967
taking place next month.
Travel arrangements will be made by Moshmans. Delegates will receive
prepaid tickets in advance and alternates will have their itinerary plan-
ned but prepayment for those tickets needs to be arranged immediately.
TARRANT COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE - NORTHEAST CAMPUS
828 HARWOOD RD. HURST, TEXAS 76053 281-7860 281-0037 TTY
State Directors Meeting April 16-17, 1977
The overall feeling I have regarding the status of the conference
plans is that it is progressing. However what is accomplished
during this last month will be critical to the success of the con-
ference.
At the concluding session of the conference three resolutions were
proposed and signed by 51 delegates. These requested that:
1. The state directors meet as a group on the arrival day of
the conference.
2. The state directors meet with President Carter for 15 minutes
on Friday of that week.
3. The state directors examine and approve the final reports and
implementation plan submitted to the President in September.
The requests seemed to be accepted with the proper attitude.
I am excited about the conference despite the problems. I Feel that
our delegates once prepared (see attached) will share the excitement.
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
TO
: Texas Delegation
FROM : Marolyn Stubblefield, Assistant Director
SUBJECT: Conclusion of Project
DATE : April 25, 1977
Because the planning for the May conference is complete,
the Texas Conference of the White House Conference on Handi-
capped Individuals no longer requires a full-time office and
staff. The office has been closed by Sam Millsap, Sr., State
Director, since further extension of the state agency sponsors'
good will cannot be justified.
Training for the Washington conference will be carried
on "of the Delegates, by the Delegates, for the Delegates"
by Joanie Fernandez who also attended the State Directors'
meeting. Further information on this effort will come from
Joanie.
I appreciate the opportunity to work with so many skilled
consumer advocates for handicapped individuals and value the
experience of working with this effort very much. The good
people, good ideas, and good effort have made the project a
success as far as I'm concerned.
I look forward to seeing you in Washington. I can be
reached at:
San Antonio State Hospital
Department of Outreach Services
Box 23310, Highland Hills Station
San Antonio, Tx. 78223
512-532-8811 ext. 571
MS/rp
TEX-AN 827-1571
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D Millsap. Sr. Director
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
April 22, 1977
TO:
Delegates and Alternates
FROM:
Sam Millsap, State Director Skm
SUBJECT: Closing of State Office
The State Conference office (1222 N. Main, Suite 711, San Antonio, Tx.
78212) has been closed, effective April 20, 1977. Marolyn Stubblefield
will be attending the National Conference as a Participant/Observer and
will have limited involvement because of this designation.
Joanie Fernandes will assist me with the orientation and preparation of
the delegation. You can contact her at Tarrant County Junior College,
Northeast campus, 828 Harwood Road, Hurst, Texas 76053. (817) 281-7860,
Ext. 333, 337.
Workshops are being planned and you will be notified as to time and place
within the next few days. I enthusiastically anticipate a busy and pro-
ductive time for our delegation.
Please notify Joanie or me if you have any questions.
Sam Millsap Sr., State Director
5930 Winding Ridge
San Antonio, Texas 78239
512-656-0161
The first meeting of the Texas Delegation to the White House
Conference on Handicapped Individuals was held on March 5, 1977,
at the Governor's Mansion.
Those in attendance included Sam Millsap, Chairman, Tom
Morrison, Ruthe Cowl, Willis Williams, Lynda Hutcheson, Lee
Kitchens, Efton Geary, Richard Rubin, M.D., Carol Whitcraft,
Ph.D., Muriel Le Blanc, Lex Frieden, Buffy Fetter, Joannie
Fernandes, Charles Eskeridge, Mary Lovey Wood, Ph.D., Mary
Ann Board, Pat Pound, Bill Flynn, Jim Patton, Gay Rutherford,
Ginny Griggs, Virginia Ernisse, Dole Simpson, Joe Villarreal,
J. R. Thompson, Glenda Carlock, and Ralph White. Also in
attendance were Caren Phelan, Ph.D., Charles Hoehne, Elaine
Roberts, Bob Ferrie, Ruth Millsap, Bob Blase, Richard Gibbe, III,
and Marolyn Stubblefield.
Sam Millsap, Chairman, began the meeting by requesting that
the group introduce themselves and state their particular areas
of interest. Charles Hoehne presented a report on behalf of
Burt Risley, a member of the National Advisory Board for the
White House Conference. He reported the concerns of the Board
about planning the Conference and the strength of the Texas
Delegation.
The group informed each other of their efforts. The TRC
industrial programs were reported by Carol Whitcraft, Ph.D. who
particularly mentioned the Southwestern Bell program. Charles
Eskeridge shared a report of all current legislation related
to handicapped individuals and discussed the need to be informed
and in contact with legislators. Action was urged through legis-
lators and advocacy efforts by Gay Rutherford on behalf of the
developmentally disabled, by Efton Geary on behalf of speech and
hearing programs for public school students, by Pat Pound con-
cerning insurance for the handicapped, and by Ruthe Cowl con-
cerning DPW's policy limiting payments for outpatient care of
handicapped individuals. For further information, MIGHT has
reports on the status legislation and Floy Johnson of the Texas
Legislative Council can be contacted at 512-475-6447.
During the upcoming consultation trip to Washington,
Marolyn Stubblefield was encouraged to explore several issues
with the White House Conference staff. These issues include:
seeking a clearer definition of "handicapped" in policy guide-
lines; needing accessibility to legislators, especially the
Texas Congressional Delegation, and federal agency heads;
2
clarifying the role of Alternate Delegates; provisions for inter-
preters for the hearing impaired; discovering the delegation identi-
fication system, and expressing concern about the limitations of
space and attendant care and the dates of the conference.
During the time of taking pictures for newspaper releases
and viewing slides from the State Conference, the group recon-
veined to discuss the perceived need to enlarge the Governor's
Planning Committee on Handicapped Individuals. Because of the
desire to include more geographic areas and handicapping condi-
tions, it was the consensus of the group to include the Delegates
plus Ruthe Cowl from the South Region and any Alternates able to
come in future meetings of that group.
The group was adjourned until the next meeting which will
be held after the State Director's meeting in Washington on
April 16 & 17, 1977.
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
March 24, 1977
Mr. Jack Smith, Director
White House Conference
1832 M Street N.W., Suite 801
Washington, D.C. 20036
Dear Jack,
Since our short visit two weeks ago, I have been di-
gesting the impressions I got from the planning work for
the White House Conference. I would like to share with
you very honestly and directly both my feelings and
those of some members of the Texas Delegation in response
to the schedule.
While I realize the need to commit schedules far ahead
of such a conference, I would recommend some reconsiderations
and pre-advisement of the state delegations. Enclosed is a
report of my concerns. I hope this perspective will be of
value to you and your staff.
Because of his business commitments, Sam is unable to
attend the State Directors' meeting on 16 & 17 April. I
plan to be present for that meeting and will arrive in
Washington on 13 April to continue planning with the Texas
Congressional Delegation. I plan to check in with you and
Dennis and will be available for further discussion of these
matters.
Sincerely,
Marolyn Marolyn Stubblefield
Assistant Director
MS/rp
Enclosure
CC: Texas Delegation
Dennis Wyant, Ed.D.
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
March 24, 1977
TO:
:
State Delegation
FROM
:
Marolyn Stubblefield
SUBJECT: Washington Report
Enclosed is a letter to Jack Smith that reflects the
essence of my recent trip to Washington. As you can infer,
my consultation was met with mixed responses. I feel quite
strongly that changes in the schedule must be made to assure
effective participation.
The suggestions were made as recommended at our last
meeting. Direct and organized participation by the Presi-
dent and human service agency heads does not seem to be
planned. The presentation of the summary of issues such
as we did does not seem to be entertained. An exhibit hall
is planned, and our multi media show will be included if we
can afford it. Interpreters for the hearing impaired will
be available in all group sessions.
The schedule is grueling - rest up and be ready to
work. The Delegates & Alternates can take turns in the
sessions to assure coverage, some leisure time for all,
and a chance for maximum participation. During the noon
hour on Wednesday, the Texas Congressional Delegation will
hold its lunch in the Speaker's Dining Room. Because of
space limitations, delegates are encouraged to wangle an
invitation from their Representative. As a group, we can't
monopolize the lunch, but if we're included by our Congress-
man, well
Congressman Bob Krueger has offered to host
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
Page 2
a reception in the Capitol for us and the Delegation.
Firm plans will be made in mid April.
Copies of the issue report forms will be made avail-
able to each regional chairman as soon as they are copied.
Check in with your chairman if you'd like to see what was
forwarded to Washington. A state report is being developed,
the bulk of which is a synthesis of the issues that affect
the state level. Recommended courses of action will also
be included. This report should be published by mid April
and made available around the state.
MS/rp
Enclosure
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
REPORT
On 10 & 11 March I contacted the White House Conference
staff to discuss planning for the May conference. Individuals
with whom I talked included Jack Smith, Dennis Wyant, Ed.
Al Emery, and Jim Gelatt. Some areas of concern emerged from
the consultation and included the following:
Schedule: From the 7:00 a.m. breakfast to the 9:30 p.m.
state caucuses seems to be much too demanding a schedule. The
schedule appears to be uniform throughout the week rather than
containing events of varying importance. To keep up such a
pace will be very difficult for three and one half days and
will guarantee complaints and mixed performance, if not in-
crease the probability of illness or injury.
It is recommended that some "safety valves" be built into
the program. The organized alternation of members of the Texas
Delegation has been adopted by that group. While delegates
attend an activity such as the Wednesday lunch of the Texas
Congressional Delegation, alternates will represent the state.
This rotation will allow the only freedom we could find for
resting, recreation, sight-seeing and advocacy with the federal
system.
The potential for leisure activities during the week in
Washington is great and should be explored. Tours of the White
House, Smithsonian Museums, and the Capitol are available and
could be encouraged. For many of us a trip to Washington is
a very special time that should include many dimensions.
At our State Conference we worked very hard, some well
into the night, on a self-imposed regimen. This pace should
be set by the delegates themselves rather than structured by
the schedule. Performance levels are quite high when folks
set their own pace; resentment and lack of cooperation can
result from being pushed too hard. We are ready to work hard
but feel we must have the opportunity to play hard, too.
Accessibility & Availability: Several members of our
delegation have expressed the feeling of being made a "captive
audience" by all of the activities happening at the hotel.
Alternative activities and sites should be considered.
Page 2
During my last trip, I conferred with several Congress-
men, one of whom registered dismay at the one scheduled con-
tact between delegates and legislators. The scheduled get-
together will occur so early in the week that the delegates
will have little sense of priorities for lobbying. That week
is a short one with a holiday recess; the legislators will be
busier than usual and their taking time to go to the hotel seems
highly unlikely. Those who will come are probably "on our side"
rather than the legislators who need to be made aware of our
concerns.
It is recommended that state delegations organize meetings
with their legislators. We plan to have a reception in the
Capitol in an attempt to contact as many of our Congressional
Delegation as possible.
The involvement of top level persons is important in en-
couraging action on our behalf. It is hoped that the President
and Mrs. Carter will be included in a meaningful way. Cabinet
level officials should be present to experience the conference
and get a sense of what they can do to meet the expressed needs.
To miss individuals such as the new Director of the Veterans'
Administration would be a loss to us all. Several members of
the delegation want to confer with program level officials and
will have to take time out of the schedule to seek them out if
they are not available.
Autonomy: The format of handicapped individuals' present-
ing the concerns to Governor Briscoe was quite effective and is
recommended for the federal level. No one can speak for the
handicapped as well as handicapped individuals themselves.
When I suggested this process at our meeting, the fear of a
speaker's "grandstanding" was expressed. On the contrary, I
feel a handicapped person would be quite effective and responsi-
ble in that role. Our Texas Conference is a successful illustra-
tion of that trust.
I realize I sound like Cassandra but I feel we must make
every effort to prevent an "I told you so" situation for handi-
capped persons speaking for themselves. The impact of handi-
capped individuals speaking for themselves, dealing with what-
ever barriers exist in Washington and experiencing the city
fully is great. It is our hope that arrangements can be made
to bring out the best in all of us. It is quite a challenge,
but, we believe, a possibility.
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr.
Director
A. J. Bob Blase
Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
March 14, 1977
TO
: Texas Delegation
FROM
:
Sam D. Millsap, Director
SUBJECT: March 21 Meeting
Because of the heavy legislative session schedule,
Mrs. Briscoe is unable to meet with us on 21 March. That
planning meeting is cancelled since we can make little
progress without her input. Any information that you
would have shared with the group at that time can be sent
to the office for distribution. If you have further sug-
gestions for the proposed Office on Handicapped Individuals,
send it in.
In Washington, last week Marolyn contacted several
people important to our delegation's efforts. She will
report on that meeting as soon as she returns from travel-
ing for TDMHMR.
Two Alternates, Criss Cole & Paul Moreno have had to
resign because of their heavy professional commitments at
the time of the Conference. The next highest votes were
held by Trudy Putteet (3610 47th Street, Lubbock) and
Don Culwell (2502 Waterford, San Antonio). Trudy & Don
will be briefed and included in future meetings. Welcome
aboard to them both.
Our next meeting is scheduled for after our return
from the State Directors Meeting on 16-17 April. See you
then.
Enclosed is some legislative information that you
will find of interest.
SDM/rp
Enclosure
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The delegates of the Gulf Coast Region would make the following
proposal to the delegate body of the Texas White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals.
I
The Texas Delegation to the White House Conference on Handi-
capped Individuals support the renaming of the Governors
Coordinating Office for the Visually Handicapped to the
Governor's Coordinating Office for the Severely Handicapped.
and further support legislation for this expansion.
II A Legislative Committee should be created from the delegation
representing the following handicapping conditions:
(2) orthopedically handicapped
(1) visually
"
(1) auditorally
H
(1) mentally
11
5 total
These 5 people should be elected by caucus within each dis-
ability designated THIS SHOULD BE DONE AT THE MARCH 21st
MEETING.
This Committee would study the Bills before the legislature
relating to the handicapped and and after committee agreement,
disseminate an analysis of these bills with recommendations
to support or oppose to the other delegates for appropriate
action.
The delegates of the Gulf Coast Region further propose:
The delegates of the Texas White House Conference adopt as one of
their priorities the following recommendations.
1. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits be given
to the qualified person withour penality for employment.
Medical benefits available under SSI should continue
under SSDI without interruption.
The White House Conference Staff be directed to research the
appropriate legislation addressing this recommendation and on
April 23, 1977 provide the delegates with recommendations for
amending such legislation to fulfill the recommendation.
**
The Legislative Committee should be reimbursed for expenses, ie:
Travel & accomodations
Duplicating
Mailing
Telephone
Other nevessary expenses incurred by the committee
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr., Director
Joan Glance Fernandes, Assistant Director
April, 27, 1977
Mr. John Hessler, Chairman
California Conference on
Handicapped Individuals
830 K Street Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear John,
Your letter was brought to my attention only recently. I
don't believe Texas has responded to your request so I will
try to do so. Attached please find list of delegates and
alternates and assigned interest groups.
I support your recommendations and am curious if you have
received any response.
We look forward to working with you and the California dele-
gation. I can be of any help, don't hesitate to ask.
Most sincerely,
Coance
Joan Glance Fernandes, Assistant Director
Texas Conference on Handicapped Individuals
CC: Sam Millsap, Sr., State Director
Texas delegation
JGF/db
828 Harwood Road, Hurst, Texas 76053
(817) 281-7860, Ext. 333,337
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr., Director
Joan Glance Fernandes, Assistant Director
April 27, 1977
Congressman Jim Wright
House Majority Leader
2415 Rayburn Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Jim,
As you know, the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals
is quickly approaching. With President Carter's expressed concern
for the handicapped and the soon-to-be-signed 504 Regulations, we
look forward to the Conference with great anticipation.
Sixteen delegates, 15 altérnates and 3 delegates-at-largs will
represent Texas, and I hope your busy schedule will accommodate a
visit with us. Also, I invite you to visit the work sessions or
the Texas State caucus (schedule enclosed.) During these sessions
the issues and recommendations that have been compiled from the
state conferences will be discussed and prioritized. By September
1, 1977 this Prioritization will be submitted to President Carter
with an implementation plan. I feel that under the leadership of
our State Director, Sam Millsap, the Texas delegation will have
significant input.
Our State conference brought heartwarming support from Governor and
Mrs. Briscoe. The State delegates asked that the Governor continue
his support in a state-wide effort. His response was the delegation
of our requests to Mrs. Briscoe which resulted in the establishment
of the Governor's Conference on Handicapped Individuals and the ap-
pointment of Jim Grey of Fort Worth to direct it.
Needless to say, we are delighted. We hope the National Conference
will be as successful.
828 Harwood Road, Hurst, Texas 76053
(817) 281-7860, Ext. 333,337
I know you have great concern and support for the handicapped and
that is why I'd like the Texas delegation to have the opportunity
to meet and visit with you.
This is the year of the handicapped. We need the attention and
support of our legislators to improve the lives of our handicapped
citizens. I know you're on our team. I hope you can join us during
this most significant conference.
Sincerely,
Goanie
Joan Glance Fernandes, Assistant Director
Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals
Encls: 1
CC: Sam Millsap, Sr., State Director
Texas Delegation
JGF/db
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
March 17, 1977
TO
: State Delegation
FROM
:
Marolyn Stubblefield, Assistant Director
SUBJECT: Reimbursement for Expenses
Enclosed is your reimbursement for travel expenses relating
to the State Delegation meeting on 5 March. At this time,
we can only pay your travel expenses. As soon as the new
grant comes in, you can be reimbursed for per diem expenses.
Thanks for understanding our financial plight.
Cheers!
Enclosure for Anstin trip
MS/rp
received $52.80 50
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
February 17, 1977
The Honorable John Hill
Attorney General of Texas
Supreme Court Building
Austin, Texas 78701
Re:
RQ-1547, Employment of the Handicapped
By State Agencies
Dear General Hill:
As you may know, there will be a White House Conference on Handicapped Indi-
viduals this summer in Washington. In the process of identifying issues,
recommendations and policy positions to be considered at this national
meeting, there have been a series of regional meetings in this state and a
Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals was held in San
Antonio in December.
More than 3,500 persons, most of them either handicapped themselves or else
related to handicapped individuals, participated in these regional and
statewide activities here in Texas. It is on behalf of these participants
that I would like to relate to RQ 1547 certain of the findings, recommenda-
tions and positions which evolved from these White House Conference activities
here in Texas.
It is untenable that the Department of Public Welfare should at this late
date attempt to develop a job specification which requires a social worker,
or for that matter any other employee, to have vision and hearing. There
simply is no factual or functional necessity for any state agency to use a
visual or hearing disability or any other handicapping condition as a grounds
for disqualifying people from state employment as social workers or in
related types of positions.
I would like to call two basic facts to your attention. First of all, insti-
tutions of higher education have for years been accepting handicapped indivi-
duals into programs offering degrees in social work or related professions at
both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Secondly, there is no way to
avoid the reality that blind, deaf and other handicapped individuals are in
fact at this time successfully employed as social workers in numerous types
of other equally demanding professions (educators, insurance sales, private
business, counselling, management, law, etc.). Thousands of handicapped
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The Honorable John Hill
February 17, 1977
Page 2
individuals are successfully employed in relatively demanding positions across
this state, and hundreds of those persons participated in the Texas White
House Conference activities for the express purpose of urging that unenlightened,
insupportable and regressive practices of the type exemplified in the Department
of Public Welfare's attempt to establish a sight and hearing requirement for
social workers be eliminated in both public and private employment.
Sight and hearing are a convenient asset for social work or for any other type
of employment. There are extremely few positions, however, for which sight or
hearing are an essential functional requirement. There are many ways in which
a person with a sight or hearing problem can cope with and overcome that problem
so as to be able to carry his fair share of the workload in any organization.
In many cases, the compensatory skills which blind and deaf persons develop,
together with their heightened use of other senses, result in work capabilities
which more than offset those limitations normally associated with visual and
hearing handicaps. The effectiveness of current rehabilitation acumen is hardly
restricted to blind and deaf persons; rehabilitation effort is similarly
successful in overcoming limitations associated with other handicapping conditions.
In testimony received at meetings throughout this state, handicapped individuals
participating in the state activities associated with the White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals have consistently urged that government serve as a
constructive example to other employers in allowing the handicapped more meaninful
employment opportunities. Policies committing the State of Texas to serve as
such a model have, of course, been declared on numerous occasions by the Texas
Legislature. Most of those policies are comprehensively summarized in Senator
Brooks' letter of January 5, 1977, requesting your ruling on the attempted
practices of the Department of Public Welfare.
The evidence is overwhelming that state agencies and departments need to take
these legislatively declared policies more seriously and to do a more effective
job in carrying out these policies.
As Senator Brooks correctly notes in the letter requesting your opinion, a
federally supported agency such as the Department of Public Welfare is now
legally mandated to take affirmative action to promote improved employment
opportunities for the handicapped. Before this had become a specific require-
ment associated with an organization's receipt and use of federal funds, the
Texas Legislature had taken action to enable state agencies and departments to
make those administrative adaptations required for improving their records in
the area of employing handicapped individuals. Among other things, the Legis-
lature by general statute, not by an appropriations bill provision, authorized
state agencies and departments to work out special methods for reimbursing the
necessary travel expenses of handicapped employees who might not be able to
drive personal automobiles in carrying out their official duties.
The Honorable John Hill
February 17, 1977
Page 3
Narrowly and in the short haul, it may well cost a state agency slightly more
to reimburse the travel expenses of a handicapped employee who cannot drive a
personally owned vehicle in the performance of his job duties. On a broader
and more long range basis, it certainly is a more fiscally sound proposition
for a state to have a handicapped person working than it is to be maintaining
that person in a state institution or on welfare. The advancement of basic
social policies through legislation which tends to impact upon the administrative
and personnel practices of state agencies and other employers is, moreover,
not restricted to the handicapped. Other minorities, veterans, particular
types of employees, and particular matters associated with employment in general
are all governed by legislation which has some impact upon payroll expenses.
If, therefore, a state agency experiences slightly greater costs by authorizing
a special system of travel expense reimbursement for a handicapped employee who
cannot drive a personally owned automobile in performing his state work, there
is nothing about this expenses which can properly be regarded as unique or
exceptional. The expense is in the same nature as the cost of unemployment
insurance, costs of workmen's compensation, affirmative action taken in the
interest of employment of members of other minority groups, additional leave
benefits provided state employees with a senior term of service, preferences
accorded to veterans, participation in public service programs to promote the
employment of welfare recipients, employee training programs, and related
matters which tend to impact on overall payroll expenses.
Obviously, the failure of the Department of Public Welfare to develop an
adequate system for reimbursing the necessary travel expenses of handicapped
employees who cannot drive personally owned automobiles in performing their work
duties is not compatible with the affirmative action requirements of federal
legislation or with the state policies summarized in Senator Brooks' letter of
January 5, 1977. On a more fundamental level, this failure, particularly when
compounded by the functionally insupportable attempt to establish a sight
and hearing requirement on social worker positions, represents a curiously
inappropriate and unenlightened stance on the part of an agency organized and
operated at public expense for the basic purpose of improving the condition
of disadvantaged citizens of this state.
The position set out in this letter is extensively supported by the record
developed through the state and regional activities conducted as part of
the Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. I am entirely
confident, therefore, that all who participated in these activities support
me in urging that your good office issue a ruling which definitively requires
proper correction of the inequities and deficienceis described in Senator
Brooks' opinion request, rather than requiring organizations of handicapped
individuals to turn to the courts for relief.
The Honorable John Hill
February 17, 1977
Page 4
Thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to present these remarks on
behalf of the handicapped people who have been dealing with these issues
across the state for the past several months, and thank you for your consid-
eration of these comments.
Yours truly,
Sam Millsap
Sam Millsap
CC: The Honorable Chet Brooks
Senate Chambers
Austin, Texas 78711
Mr. Raymond Vowell
Commissioner
Department of Public Welfare
Reagan Building
Austin, Texas 78711
BCC: Mr. Lex Frieden
This is the text of a speech made by Lex Frieden to the Honorable Dolph Briscoe,
Governor of the State of Texas on December 2, 1976 at the Texas White House
Conference on Handicapped Individuals in San Antonio, Texas.
Governor Briscoe, it is a privilege for me to represent here a number of hard-
working and well chosen individuals who, for the past two days, have been working
with this conference on areas of special concern to handicapped individuals.
Some of my friends have tried to tell me that Special Concerns are those issues
that could not be fit into any of the other categories. However, I believe that
Special Concerns are those issues which are SO important that they must have a
category of their own. Those issues include housing for handicapped persons,
service delivery systems, civil rights, problems of severely and multiply handi-
capped individuals, and unique problems of handicapped minorities, handicapped
aging and disabled veterans.
We have identified for you a number of problems. We have suggested solutions
which, if they were all acted upon, would keep you and the legislature busy for
the next two sessions.
We hope that you will at least consider each and every one of these recommenda-
tions, and we hope that you will personally assume the responsibility for finding
the necessary funding to support the programs which are needed. We hope that you
will hold those programs which are now in existence, and which we find ineffective,
accountable for providing the services they were mandated to provide. Finally, we
hope that you will initiate new programs necessary to fill the gaps between
existing programs.
There is no doubt that there is a need for an ongoing dialogue with an agency that
can be responsible for meeting all of our needs. We do not need just another office
aye L
where someone will listen to our problems and pat us on the heads. We do not
need someone to tell us that our problems are not their responsibilities, and
send us elsewhere to look for solutions. We need an office, preferably in the
Office of the Governor, which has the responsibility for coordinating all of
the programs relating to handicapped individuals in the state. We need to know
what services are available to us, how to qualify for them, and where to find
them. Conversely, many agencies need to know who we are, where to find us, and
what our needs are.
Now, in Texas we are fortunate, because we already have a lot of things going
for us. The Texas Rehabilitation Commission, for example, is the second
largest vocational rehabilitation agency in the United States and it is well
respected throughout the States. In fact, most of the problems and criticisms
that are directed towards TRC do not even relate to jobs that this agency was
mandated to perform. Vocational rehabilitation services are confined to those
of us who are of working age and who have the intellectual or physical ability
to be gainfully employed. TRC cannot meet the needs of handicapped children,
the elderly handicapped, or persons who have progressive or developmental disa-
bilities which make vocational goals unrealistic.
Additionally, many of our problems fall outside the realm of strictly vocational
activities. Take, for example, the more obvious problems of routine accessibility
and communication-environmental problems that may not relate directly to vocational
goals. No one has to tell me that I cannot get up the steps in front of the school
house where I am supposed to go and vote. Anyone should be able to tell that a
blind person cannot see the lights at a street corner which he wants to cross. It
should be obvious that a deaf person cannot hear a fire alarm. These are just
examples of some of the obvious problems which frustrate us from day to day and
raye J
which no one seems to be doing anything about. Sometimes the answers to these
problems are not as obvious as the problems themselves. However, it might not
be too difficult to put a ramp in front of the steps at my school, and it
certainly would not be difficult to put a bell on the light at the street corner,
or a light on the bell of the fire alarm.
Governor Briscoe, we appreciate your being here to listen to our suggestions.
This is a significant occasion, for it is the first time that elected represen-
tatives of handicapped people from throughout the state have come together to
discuss issues that affect them and offer suggestions for implementing solutions.
We do not know all of the answers, but we do know most of the problems, because
we have to live with them from one day to the next. In the past, you have listened
to us individually and have responded appropriately on an individual basis.
Now we are gathered before you representing approximately 15% of the population
of the State of Texas. We are handicapped individuals who for one reason or
another need on-going treatment or care. We are people from all ethnic groups,
from all parts of the state, and from every age group, who are united as a class
of citizens, and who are being denied our basic rights.
We have certain basic needs which must be met in order for us to be the productive
and useful citizens we know we can be. We hope that Texas takes a leadership role
throughout the states by insuring that handicapped individuals in this state have
their rights protected and their needs met in order that they can benefit as every-
one else does, from the fruits of our great society.
andicapped
NEWS FROM AROUND THE
STATE PUBLISHED
BY THE STATE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
exas
OF THE WHITE HOUSE
CONFERENCE ON
HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1
FEBRUARY, 1977
Governor Responds To HIT Testimony
Handicapped In Texas Speak Out
At 2-Day State Convention
The appearance of Governor and Mrs.
Dolph Briscoe highlighted the second day
of the State Convention for the White
House Conference on Handicapped Individ-
uals held December 1 and 2 in San Antonio.
At the noon luncheon on December 2nd,
a summary of testimony given at 5 forums
held around the state was presented to
the Governor and in an enthusiastic and
quite emotional response, the Governor
Photo by Lynn Stewart
answered with a positive promise to look
Governor and Mrs. Dolph Briscoe joke with chairman Sam
closely at the handicapped needs outlined.
Millsap (center) during the recent Texas Conference of the
He went on to say "It is time to respond
White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals held at
the Oak Hills Motor Inn in San Antonio.
to the needs of the handicapped in this
State. The person I want to put in
Nixon) with a declared mission: to
charge to see that this is done is some-
provide a national assessment of problems
one in whom I have the highest confidence
and potentials of individuals with mental
- my wife, Janey."
and physical handicaps; to generate a
So, with a strong commitment from the
national awareness of these problems and
State's leading citizen and with the
potentials; and to make recommendations
appointment of the State's First Lady to
to the President and Congress which will
coordinate an office for finding solu-
enable individuals with handicaps to live
tions to our problems, the 66 delegates
their lives independently, with dignity,
representing more than 12% of the State's
and with full participation in community
total population left the Alamo City with
life to the greatest degree possible.
a new excitement that one observer
The National Conference will be held
admitted he had not seen since E & J
in Washington, D.C., May 23-27. More
decided to manufacture the wheelchair.
than 2500 delegates, most of whom will be
The 66 delegates were elected at
physically or mentally handicapped, will
forums held in October and November in 5
be expected to attend the historical event.
Texas cities. During the regional meet-
ings, a total of more than 1500 handi-
WHAT IS HANDICAPPED?
capped citizens testified on issues
relating to Health, Special, Economic,
Section 7(6), Rehabilitation Act of
Educational and Social Concerns.
1973, as amended states "The term
'handicapped individual' means any person
The initial process began when
who (A) has a physical or mental impair-
Governor Briscoe appointed Sam Millsap
ment which substantially limits one or
of San Antonio to serve as Texas Chairman
more of such person's major life activi-
for the White House Conference. This
ties, (B) has a record of such an impair-
came about as a result of legislation by
ment, or (C) is regarded as having such
the U.S. Congress (and then President
an impairment."
AROUND THE REGIONS
WESTERN REGION
October morning observed, "This sure was
worth it all
I'm real excited to find
by Willis Williams
out that I'm not alone in some of my needs."
The first regional forum,
Many of the deaf felt this Forum was an
held in Lubbock on 25 Sep-
excellent opportunity to bring to our
tember, got the Texas Con-
attention some problems that they have had.
ference off to a good start. Sponsored
by the Engineering Department of Texas
As we all know the deaf have the most
Tech University, the forum was held in the
difficult time in trying to explain their
remodeled Student Union which was newly
point of view, since quite often their
barrier free.
verbalization is done by someone else and
the deaf individual has to count on that
The most active issue group was Special
Concerns. In that group, testimony
other person to interpret accurately what
he or she means.
related to transportation in West Texas
was expressed. The two hundred partici-
There's no question about it - our
pants had solved the transportation
Forum focused on some needs that are
problem successfully but were concerned
shared by a lot of people and all in-
about others who are virtually home bound.
dications seem to be that the Handicapped
The need for independent living
of North Texas hope this is just a start.
situations was brought up by several
young participants who are forced to live
in nursing homes because of the lack of
CENTRAL TEXAS
alternatives. Structurally accessible
by Pat Pound
apartments were given a strong endorse-
ment.
On October 30, the Central
Texas Forum of the Texas
White House Converence was
NORTH TEXAS
held at the Joe C. Thompson Center in
by Joan Glance Fernandes
Austin. Opening ceremonies included an
introduction of the conference staff, a
The North Texas Forum met
slide presentation showing various
on the Northeast campus of
different handicapped individuals, and an
Tarrant County Junior College
explanation of the election procedures.
in Hurst (Fort Worth). Nearly 600 people
Among the almost four hundred particip-
attended: 367 of them presented testimony.
ants there seemed to be a wide represen-
tation of different handicapping con-
I wish to extend my thanks to the
ditions in the consumer, parent, and
college administration for their support
provider categories. Almost most of
and assistance, U.S. Representative Jim
the participants were from the Austin
Wright, State Representatives Chris
and San Antonio areas, some came from
Miller, Gib Lewis, and Charles Evans for
smaller communities such as Sequin,
joining us with their support and U.S.
Bastrop, and Temple. After nominations
Senator Lloyd Bentsen for extending his
for the election were completed, testi-
best wishes, to all those who unselfishly
mony in the five concern groups began.
contributed their time and energy and
especially to those individuals from the
Group leaders in these five con-
68 county region who saw the opportunity,
cerns were as follows: Social-Doyle
took advantage of it and joined us to
Wheeler, Educational-Karen Phalen,
make the North Texas Forum the success it
Special-Rachael Rodriquez and Julia
was.
Young, Health-Bill Henderson, Economic-
Tom Foster and Don Collwell.
We heard many fine comments at the
conclusion of the afternoon series of
Assistance in all areas and coor-
testimony. One individual who had
dination of the volunteers was handled
traveled more than 100 miles that cold
by Ms. Ellie Selig.
2
Almost everyone who attended the
Free Living and the Handicapped of
forum testified in at least one of the
Texas (HOT!). (2) Educational Con-
concern groups. Many rotated from group
cerns-Speakers in this group were
to group, expressing their views in each
concerned with the training of
area. One deaf participant spoke of his
Special Education teachers and with
concern about the lack of mental health
the educational programs themselves.
services for the deaf. Fair treatment
There is a great need for adequate
of those in institutions was the input
programming before mainstreaming
of one mentally retarded lady. Many
children into the regular class-
physically handicapped persons talked
room. There was a general concensus
about the need for accessible public
on the need for more funding and more
buildings such as theatres and restau-
information on available programs,
rants, and accessible transportation.
including institutional offerings.
Common to all handicapped groups was the
(3) Health Concerns-This group had
expressed need for better and more up-to-
several prominent speakers including
date information about existing services,
a representative from the Texas A &
programs, and technical aids which are
M bioengineering department, a doc-
available. Everyone was excited to have
tor from Yugoslavia, and the director
an opportunity to express their needs
of the Texas Institute for Rehabilita-
and solutions to their own problems.
tion and Research. Topics ranged from
The election for delegates to the
the issue of regeneration to an emphasis
state conference was held that after-
on the engineering solutions to problems
noon. The delegates met briefly,
of the handicapped. More funding is
exchanged congratulations, and obtained
needed in direct research so that
the training materials to prepare them
research can continue beyond build-
for their duties which lay ahead.
ing a prototype. The need for a
financing agency to provide loans for
wheelchairs and/or other equipment was
also discussed. (4) Economic Concerns-
GULF COAST
This group was concerned with the high
cost of being handicapped and with job
by Mary Ann Board
discrimination. Employers need to be
educated to the skills and dependabil-
The Gulf Coast Regional
ity qualities which disabled people
forum was held November 6,
possess. Architectural barriers to
1976, at the Holiday Inn in
employment were also discussed.
downtown Houston. Chaired by Mary
Federal enforcement of Affirmative
Ann Board and planned by a diligent
Action (sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation
working committee, the forum was
Act of 1973) was emphasized. Institu-
attended by approximately 350 people
tional costs factors were touched upon
interested in the common problems and
in discussion. (5) Special Concerns-
needs of the handicapped community.
Housing needs of the handicapped was the
big issue here. Consumers advocated for
Among the more prevalent topics
adequate housing for all disability
in the five group sessions were (1)
groups. Representatives from TARC were
Social Concerns-Attitudes of general
particularly concerned with institutional
public toward the handicapped, par-
care for mentally retarded adults.
ticularly the mentally retarded,
were discussed by teenage TAR's,
Over all, the Gulf Coast Regional
several parents of the handicapped,
Forum was successful. The input was
and a cancer patient. The need to
meaningful and important, and the
educate the public regarding
quality of participation was high. Six-
particular diseases, birth defects,
teen delegates were selected from this
and/or injuries was emphasized. A
region to attend the State Conference
second theme which ran through this
in San Antonio. These delegates examined
session was the need for effective
every inch of testimony from across the
transportation systems for the handi-
state, made recommendations to the
capped. Several organizations pre-
Governor of Texas, and were rewarded by
sented their viewpoints on this issue
many positive comments of support from
including the Coalition for Barrier
Governor Briscoe.
3
SOUTHERN REGION
Corpus Christi and Laredo as well as
from communities throughout the Valley.
by Julian Castillo
The largest group arrived from Laredo
in buses chartered by the Ruthe B. Cowl
The White House Conference
Rehabilitation Center. Their pre-dawn
on Handicapped Individuals
departure did not dampen their enthusiasm
was welcomed to sunny South
or determination to participate.
Texas by rain and near freezing tempera-
tures for the last regional forum.
Testimony was taken in one large group
Hosted by Pan American University in
rather than in separate issue groups
Edinburg, the forum was held on 13
because of the size of the group and the
November and was attended by nearly 100
inclement weather. Issues of particular
stalwart handicapped individuals, their
concern to the Valley were brought up
families and advocates.
and included problems associated with
traveling vast distances for what few
Since South Texas is SO vast, parti-
services exist and the region's lack of
cipants came from far distances such as
employment opportunities.
NEWS
MH-MR
NEWS
NEWS
GOVERNOR'S PLANNING COMMITTEE
atives to develop support for future
FOR HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS
action involving the handicapped. A
decision was made by the group to meet
by Lex Frieden
again in late January or early February.
On Thursday, December 16, 1976, the
Before the meeting was adjourned, every-
Director and Assistant Directors of the
one present agreed to continue working
Texas White House Conference on Handi-
together with the same commitment and
capped Individuals, the State Conference
spirit of unity that characterized the
Moderator, and the Issue Presentors from
first State Conference on Handicapped
Individuals.
the San Antonio Conference met with the
First Lady of Texas, Mrs. Dolph Briscoe,
in the Governor's Mansion in Austin. The
At the noon luncheon of the State
meeting was held to discuss the implemen-
Convention, December 2, six presentors
tation of plans for solving the problems
summarized testimony in five areas of
relating to handicapped individuals in
concern. Two of the presentations are
the State of Texas. Also present at the
reprinted in this issue. The remaining
meeting and assisting with the plans were
ones will follow in future newsletters.
Mr. Jess Irwin, Commissioner of the Texas
Rehabilitation Commission, and Charles
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Hoehne representing the State Commission
by Lex Frieden
for the Blind.
At the meeting, Mrs. Briscoe reiterated
Governor Briscoe, it is a privilege
the Governor's interest in the important
for me to represent here a number of
issues developed at the State Conference.
hard-working and well chosen individuals
She also expressed her own commitment to
who, for the past two days, have been
working with handicapped individuals who
working with this conference on areas
are citizens of Texas in an effort to
of special concern to handicapped
eliminate barriers which may interfere
individuals. Some of my friends have
with their full participation in society.
tried to tell me that Special Concerns
are those issues that could not be fit
Each person present agreed to assume
into any of the other categories. How-
certain responsibilities, including the
ever, I believe that Special Concerns
documentation of specific issues which
are those issues which are SO import-
require immediate attention. Since many
ant that they must have a category of
of these issues involve the legislature,
their own. Those issues include
it was suggested that interested individ-
housing for handicapped persons, service
uals approach their respective represent-
delivery systems, civil rights, problems
4
of severely and multiple handicapped
gainfully employed. TRC cannot meet
individuals, and unique problems of
the needs of handicapped children, the
handicapped minorities, handicapped
elderly handicapped, or persons who have
aging and disabled veterans.
progressive or developmental disabil-
ities which make vocational goals
We have identified for you a
unrealistic.
number of problems. We have suggested
solutions which, if they were all acted
Additionally, many of our problems
upon, would keep you and the legislature
fall outside the realm of strictly
busy for the next two sessions.
vocational activities. Take, for
example, the more obvious problems of
We hope that you will at least
routine accessibility and communication-
consider each and every one of these
environmental problems that may not
recommendations, and we hope that you
relate directly to vocational goals.
will personally assume the responsibi-
No one has to tell me that I cannot get
lity for finding the necessary funding
up the steps in front of the school
to support the programs which are needed.
house where I am supposed to go and
We hope that you will hold those programs
vote. Anyone should be able to tell
which are now in existence, and which
that a blind person cannot see the
we find ineffective, accountable for
lights at a street corner which he
providing the services they were mand-
wants to cross. It should be obvious
ated to provide. Finally, we hope
that a deaf person cannot hear a fire
that you will initiate new programs
alarm. These are just examples of
necessary to fill the gaps between
some of the obvious problems which
existing programs.
frustrate us from day to day and which
no one seems to be doing anything about.
There is no doubt that there is a
Sometimes the answers to these problems
need for an ongoing dialogue with an
are not as obvious as the problems them-
agency that can be responsible for
selves. However, it might not be
meeting all of our needs. We do not
difficult to put a ramp in front of the
need just another office where someone
steps at my school, and it certainly
will listen to our problems and pat us
on the heads. We do not need someone
would not be difficult to put a bell on
the light at the street corner, or a
to tell us that our problems are not
light on the bell of the fire alarm.
their responsibilities, and send us
elsewhere to look for solutions. We
Governor Briscoe, we appreciate
need an office, preferably in the
your being here to listen to our
Office of the Governor, which has the
suggestions. This is a significant
responsibility for coordinating all of
occasion, for it is the first time that
the programs relating to handicapped
elected representatives of handicapped
individuals in the state. We need to
people from throughout the state have
know what services are available to us,
come together to discuss issues that
how to qualify for them, and where to
affect them and offer suggestions for
find them. Conversely, many agencies
implementing solutions. We do not know
need to know who we are, where to find
all of the answers, but we do know most
us, and what our needs are.
of the problems, because we have to live
with them from one day to the next. In
Now, in Texas we are fortunate,
because we already have a lot of
the past, you have listened to us
things going for us. The Texas Reha-
individually and have responded
bilitation Commission, for example,
appropriately on an individual basis.
is the second largest vocational
Now we are gathered before you repre-
rehabilitation agency in the United
senting approximately 15% of the
States and it is well respected through-
population of the State of Texas. We
out the States. In fact, most of the
are handicapped individuals who for one
problems and criticisms that are
reason or another need on-going treat-
directed towards TRC do not even relate
ment or care. We are people from all
to jobs that this agency was mandated
ethnic groups, from all parts of the
to perform. Vocational rehabilitation
state, and from every age group, who
services are confined to those of us
are united as a class of citizens, and
who are working age and who have the
who are being denied our basic rights.
intellectual or physical ability to be
We have certain basic needs which
5
must be met in order for us to be the
it to all children up through age 60.
productive and useful citizens we
know we can be. We hope that Texas
Through various situations, handi-
takes a leadership role throughout the
capped adults are still hidden in closets
states by insuring that handicapped
and back rooms. Up in my part of Texas
individuals in this state have their
they are hidden on ranches.
rights protected and their needs met
Our school systems have a mandatory
in order that they can benefit as
termination at age 21. If it takes 12
everyone else does, from the fruits of
years to educate nonhandicapped children,
our great society.
how in the world do we expect to begin
with a deaf boy at age 12 and educate him
for life by the age of 21?
EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS
Some provisions must be made for
by Willis L. Williams
extending education to handicapped young
adults.
Thank you, Jim, Governor, delegates,
and guests.
Sir, what about those who become a
handicapped later in life? We must
Governor, we of the education con-
consider education of handicapped adults
cerns group wish to say "thank you" for
geared to vocational training, but to
"Child Find". This is the greatest
include those skills necessary for
thing that has ever happened in the
independent living.
State of Texas for handicapped children.
In essence, Sir, we are talking
However, Sir, you have caused some
about support services for the entire
problems.
educational system. We are talking about
As a result of "Child Find" parents
readers for the blind, communication
of handicapped children are expecting
specialists for the deaf, attendants and
an education for their children. Their
aids as required.
greatest concern at the moment is to be
We are talking about professional
involved in choosing the type of
training and the evaluation of the
education their child will receive.
performance of those professionals.
Sir, they want alternatives.
Now the good Governor and he is
Perhaps the best education for their
a good Governor
has listened patiently,
child would be a special school.
but going through his mind is alquestion.
Perhaps the best education for their
"How can we pay for this without
child would be a special school within
raising taxes?"
a local school district. Perhaps the
best education for their child would be
What we have requested in our reports
a special class within a regular school.
will cost money.
Perhaps the best education for their
Governor, I submit to you, Sir, that
child would be sitting in a regular
our only choice is will we pay the
classroom participating in the regular
costs, or, will our children and our
class activities.
grandchildren pay the costs. The
Parents of handicapped children want
alternatives are to supply what is
and deserve these alternatives.
necessary to make handicapped people
Please permit me this personal
self supporting, or, let their brothers
reference. At this hour my wife is in
and sisters pay the cost of keeping them
a classroom with seven 12 year old
in nursing homes or other institutions.
deaf boys. Deaf persons are frequently
The most valuable resource Texas
in our home. I work with handicapped
will ever have is her people, and every
adults. My two daughters have the
citizen is valuable.
distinct advantage over other children
in their classes because they have
As the little boy said, "God made me
and God don't make no trash".
handicapped friends and have a deeper
understanding of life.
We realize that this request is
Thank you again for "Child Find" but
political, but the education concerns
it didn't go far enough. We must extend
group has specifically instructed me to
6
ask, "please, Sir, could we have direct
Share This With A Friend
allocation to special education on a
Better Yet,
local level"?
Let Us Include Your Friend On Our Mailing List:
Football stadiums and field houses
are built with tax funds while the needs
NAME
of handicapped children go unanswered.
Sir, I love football, but we must
ADDRESS
put first things first.
CITY
STATE
ZIP
In effect, Sir, we are asking for
your leadership in re-ordering of the
PHONE NUMBER
funding priorities in Texas ... priori-
ties to provide opportunities for
HANDICAPPED
ABLE BODIED
handicapped Texans.
Sir, all children deserve this type
clip and mail coupon
of special understanding, and it will be
given only as we integrate our handicapped
children into the local classrooms.
San Antonio News
Parents of handicapped children
should have alternatives.
editorials
In the previous reports you have
heard the plea for removal of architec-
tural barriers. If we are to have a
Charles O. Kilpatrick
Editor and Publisher
possibility of integrating handicapped
children into regular public schools,
Sterlin Holmesly
Bert Wise
Editor of Editorial Page
Managing Editor
the buildings must be built without
barriers to handicapped children.
Page 10-A
Tuesday Dec. 7 1976
This means ramps instead of steps. This
means lights to flash with all bells and
Briscoe backs
bells to ring with all warning lights.
This also means that all teachers must
the handicapped
have exposure training and professional
Gov. Dolph Briscoe has taken a much-needed
training to the needs of the handicapped
step toward remedying some of the problems
child.
faced by the state's handicapped citizens.
Speaking at a Texas Conference on the Han-
Again, thank you, Sir, for "Child
dicapped in San Antonio, the governor pledged to
Find" but it did not go far enough.
create a state office to help meet the needs of
"Child Find" should be extended to begin
handicapped Texans.
in the pre-natal stage of life
Briscoe said that the office would give special
identifying high-risk infants and their
attention to removing architectural barriers in
early training.
public buildings and ensuring that handicapped
persons are not discriminated against in state
Communication training for the deaf
employment.
should start immediately. Mobility
He proposed to accomplish those tasks
training for the visually impaired should
through executive orders, legislation and en-
begin in infancy. Self care education
forcement of existing laws affecting the handi-
for the orthopedically impaired should
capped.
To emphasize his commitment to the new
begin as soon as the problem is indicated.
program, Briscoe has asked his wife Janey to
In working with handicapped adults,
coordinate the initial planning and organization
our biggest problem is the parents of
of the proposed office.
the handicapped person. All parents
The governor's action is the best news the
state's handicapped citizens have heard in a long
desire the best for their children, but
time. Briscoe does not make such commitments
when there is a handicapped child, often
lightly. The lot of mentally and physically han-
the parents do not know how to cope with
dicapped Texans is bound to improve with the
the disability and compound the problems.
state's chief politico as their champion.
The governor has given them a well-deserved
Attention should be given to parent
and undoubtedly long-remembered Christmas
education.
present.
7
STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
State Staff
Sam D. Millsap, Sr., Director
A. J. Bob Blase, Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield, Assistant Director
Editors/Information Coordinators
Jim B. Grey, Fort Worth
Marolyn Stubblefield, San Antonio
State Members
Mrs. Janey Briscoe, Austin
Sam D. Millsap, Sr., San Antonio
A. J. Bob Blase, San Antonio
Marolyn Stubblefield. San Antonio
Muriel LeBlanc, Beaumont
Mary Ann Board, Houston
Pat Pound, Austin
Willis Williams, San Antonio
Lex Frieden, Houston
Joe Villarreal, Houston
Honorary: Jess Irwin, TRC Commissioner
The State Advisory Committee of the White House Con-
ference on Handicapped Individuals was formed as a result
of the Texas Conference, December 1 & 2, 1976. It is de-
signed to coordinate information from the five regions and
will serve as an advocate for the physically and mentally
handicapped within the Lone Star State. This newsletter is
an outgrowth of an initial meeting, under the leadership of
Mrs. Janey Briscoe, held at the Governor's Mansion on
December 16, 1976.
Questions, comments, and letters for HIT may be addressed
to the State Office: 1222 N. Main, Suite 711, San Antonio,
Texas 78212 or by calling (512) 223-3831. We enthusiasti-
cally welcome your input.
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
1222 N. Main, Suite 711
San Antonio, Texas 78212
This is the text of a speech made by Lex Frieden to the Honorable Dolph Briscoe,
Governor of the State of Texas on December 2, 1976 at the Texas White House
Conference on Handicapped Individuals in San Antonio, Texas.
Governor Briscoe, it is a privilege for me to represent here a number of hard-
working and well chosen individuals who, for the past two days, have been working
with this conference on areas of special concern to handicapped individuals.
Some of my friends have tried to tell me that Special Concerns are those issues
that could not be fit into any of the other categories. However, I believe that
Special Concerns are those issues which are so important that they must have a
category of their own. Those issues include housing for handicapped persons,
service delivery systems, civil rights, problems of severely and multiply handi-
capped individuals, and unique problems of handicapped minorities, handicapped
aging and disabled veterans.
We have identified for you a number of problems. We have suggested solutions
which, if they were all acted upon, would keep you and the legislature busy for
the next two sessions.
We hope that you will at least consider each and every one of these recommenda-
tions, and we hope that you will personally assume the responsibility for finding
the necessary funding to support the programs which are needed. We hope that you
will hold those programs which are now in existence, and which we find ineffective,
accountable for providing the services they were mandated to provide. Finally, we
hope that you will initiate new programs necessary to fill the gaps between
existing programs.
There is no doubt that there is a need for an ongoing dialogue with an agency that
can be responsible for meeting all of our needs. We do not need just another office
Page 2
where someone will listen to our problems and pat us on the heads. We do not
need someone to tell us that our problems are not their responsibilities, and
send us elsewhere to look for solutions. We need an office, preferably in the
Office of the Governor, which has the responsibility for coordinating all of
the programs relating to handicapped individuals in the state. We need to know
what services are available to us, how to qualify for them, and where to find
them. Conversely, many agencies need to know who we are, where to find us, and
what our needs are.
Now, in Texas we are fortunate, because we already have a lot of things going
for us. The Texas Rehabilitation Commission, for example, is the second
largest vocational rehabilitation agency in the United States and it is well
respected throughout the States. In fact, most of the problems and criticisms
that are directed towards TRC do not even relate to jobs that this agency was
mandated to perform. Vocational rehabilitation services are confined to those
of us who are of working age and who have the intellectual or physical ability
to be gainfully employed. TRC cannot meet the needs of handicapped children,
the elderly handicapped, or persons who have progressive or developmental disa-
bilities which make vocational goals unrealistic.
Additionally, many of our problems fall outside the realm of strictly vocational
activities. Take, for example, the more obvious problems of routine accessibility
and communication-environmental problems that may not relate directly to vocational
goals. No one has to tell me that I cannot get up the steps in front of the school
house where I am supposed to go and vote. Anyone should be able to tell that a
blind person cannot see the lights at a street corner which he wants to cross. It
should be obvious that a deaf person cannot hear a fire alarm. These are just
examples of some of the obvious problems which frustrate us from day to day and
Page 3
which no one seems to be doing anything about. Sometimes the answers to these
problems are not as obvious as the problems themselves. However, it might not
be too difficult to put a ramp in front of the steps at my school, and it
certainly would not be difficult to put a bell on the light at the street corner,
or a light on the bell of the fire alarm.
Governor Briscoe, we appreciate your being here to listen to our suggestions.
This is a significant occasion, for it is the first time that elected represen-
tatives of handicapped people from throughout the state have come together to
discuss issues that affect them and offer suggestions for implementing solutions.
We do not know all of the answers, but we do know most of the problems, because
we have to live with them from one day to the next. In the past, you have listened
to us individually and have responded appropriately on an individual basis.
Now we are gathered before you representing approximately 15% of the population
of the State of Texas. We are handicapped individuals who for one reason or
another need on-going treatment or care. We are people from all ethnic groups,
from all parts of the state, and from every age group, who are united as a class
of citizens, and who are being denied our basic rights.
We have certain basic needs which must be met in order for us to be the productive
and useful citizens we know we can be. We hope that Texas takes a leadership role
throughout the states by insuring that handicapped individuals in this state have
their rights protected and their needs met in order that they can benefit as every-
one else does, from the fruits of our great society.
IMPLEMENTING ASPIRATIONS EXPRESSED
BY PARTICIPANTS IN THE
TEXAS WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
AND THEIR TWO PARAMOUNT RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) that there be an annual conference
of handicapped Texans; and
(2) that the Governor's Coordinating
Office for the Visually Handicapped
be expanded to include all handi-
capped.
(Note: It is felt that major implementation efforts
should focus on these two recommendations,
for, in obtaining these, all other recommen-
dations could be realized.)
IMPLEMENTING ASPIRATIONS EXPRESSED
BY PARTICIPANTS IN THE
TEXAS WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
The response of Governor and Mrs. Briscoe to the obser-
vations and recommendations offered by and on behalf of handicapped
Texans at the Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Indivi-
duals is both greatly encouraging and deeply appreciated. For
they have taken the position that improvements in services for
handicapped Texans need not await or be dependent upon the proceed-
ings of the national White House Conference in Washington this
summer. Instead, the Governor and his wife have challenged the
handicapped, their families, and their friends to determine what
can be immediately accomplished in Texas - - and to move forward
now.
At a followup meeting on the Texas White House Conference
held in the Governor's Mansion on December 16, 1976, Mrs. Briscoe
suggested that the recommendations growing out of the Texas White
House Conference on Handicapped Individuals be reviewed to deter-
mine which of the recommendations could be administratively imple-
mented at this time without necessity for new legislation or new
funding, to identify the action which would require additional
legislation, to get started on matters which can be improved upon
through immediate administrative action, and to formulate an approp-
riate legislative program for other matters.
-2-
This paper is responsive to the suggestions made by the
First Lady of Texas at the December 16 meeting. It is based upon
input which has been solicited from many sources, including indivi-
duals who participated in the state or regional meetings, and
technical assistance from individuals who have in the past been
heavily involved in the development of legislation affecting handi-
capped Texans.
The following thoughts are offered concerning the imple-
mentation of major recommendations developed at the Texas White
House Conference on Handicapped Individuals.
(1) Funding. The comments offered on funding by Willis
L. Williams in this paper on educational concerns are generally
applicable to most meaningful action which might be taken to improve
services for handicapped Texans. In looking over all of the
recommendations, two facts readily became apparent: first, mean-
ingful effort to improve these services in a significant way will
require a somewhat expanded investment of public funds but, secondly,
unless that investment is made the long-term costs for all citizens
of the state will be enormously greater than the cost of funding
essential services for handicapped individuals at a realistic and
responsible level.
This does not, however, mean that the directors, Advisory
Board, and delegates to the Texas White House Conference are urging
that the 65th Legislature dramatically increase appropriations for
existing programs. There is substantial evidence that a significant
amount of the funds already appropriated are not being used as
effectively as these funds might be in serving handicapped Texans.
-3-
Particularly this is true with respect to educational programs and
Title XX social services program--two programs currently being
operated in Texas with budgets approaching a half billion dollars
in public funds annually.
Those who are associated with the Texas White House Confer-
ence will support proposals for realistic and responsible increases
in the budgets for programs through which handicapped persons are
being served with demonstrable effectiveness. However, there is not
any commitment toward increases in appropriations for programs that
are supposed to be serving handicapped Texans, that already have
substantial budgets which could be used for precisely that purpose,
but which have not, to date, demonstrated the inclination or capabil-
ity to provide such services effectively. What participants in the
Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals were saying
was that a hard look should be taken at all publically funded
programs that are supposed to be assisting the handicapped; that
those programs which have been effective should be recognized;
that alternatives to current funding approaches should be considered;
and that adjustments should be made in current allocations of public
funds whenever there is a reasonable basis for believing that other
approaches to the delivery of services will be likely to get a better
job done for handicapped individuals more efficiently.
Two basic implementation actions seem essential. First,
the continuation of the Governor's Coordinating Office for the
Visually Handicapped should be assured at an early date by approp-
-4-
riate action on the part of the Finance Committee of the Senate
and the Appropriations Committee of the House. Secondly, these
committees, as well as the staff of the Legislative Budget Board
and of the Governor's Budget Office should obtain GCOVH analysis
and recommendations on all budget proposals which relate to
services for the handicapped. It is felt that this kind of tech-
nical analysis by the GCOVH, together with the formulation of
recommendations on possible alternative approaches to service
delivery (developed with the benefit of input from handicapped
individuals), will tend to guarantee significant improvements in the
already established level of support for these services. In fact,
it is possible that this process of analysis and consideration of
alternative approaches to service delivery might well result both
in significantly improved services for people who are truly handi-
capped and significant savings for taxpayers.
(2) Creation of Governor's Coordinating Office for the
Handicapped. The nucleus for this is already in place, because of
House Bill 1673 and the GCOVH which is established.
House Bill 1673 is an exciting, innovative and inspired
piece of legislation. It is, furthermore, a progressive alternative
to the traditional approach of simply throwing additional money at
identified human problems. This legislation is a model for the entire
nation and, in fact, Congress has already tracked various provisions
and concepts of House Bill 1673 in recently approved federal legis-
lation.
-5-
Handicapped Texans need and want H.B. 1673, including the
GCOVH, to be extended to cover all citizens of this state who are
disabled by major handicapping conditions. This need and desire
was universally and overwhelmingly expressed at every regional
meeting and then again at the Texas White House Conference in San
Antonio.
Accomplishing this will require legislative action, as
well as a modestly expanded appropriation. Specific planning,
therefore, needs to be initiated immediately.
That planning should give detailed consideration to all
possible types of federal support for the functions of a Governor's
Coordinating Office for the Handicapped. It is possible that, if
existing federal resources may be utilized, the already existing
GCOVH might be extended to all major disability categories without
requiring any significant infusion of new state money. Possible
sources of such federal funding include cleint assistance grants
under the Rehabilitation Act, support through various titles
relating to education, and possible assistance under different
provisions of the Social Security Act.
The cost of this undoubtly will be recouped many times
over by improvements in the intermeshing of existing programs,
better performance and heightened service outcomes, and the identi-
fication of spending proposals which would tend to duplicate rather
than interface with service effort already being carried out. For
these savings and economies to be maximally accomplished, teeth
need to be put into those provisions of House Bill 1673 which
relate to accountability, coordination and evaluation. Specific
improvements include: (a) placing in the Governor's Office,
-6-
review powers to be exercised as a precondition to any state-supported
agency's implementation of a services program for the handicapped;
and (b) authority to stop an agency from expending public funds on
services for the handicapped if those funds are not being expended
in strict conformity with the letter and basic intent of existing
legislation.
(3) Annual state conference for the handicapped. Everyone
is in principle agreed as to the desirability of making an annual
event out of something similar to the Texas White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals. The specific problem with implementation
relates to funding mechanisms for the planning, coordinating, conduct-
ing and attending of such a conference.
It is noted that a number of annual state conferences are
already being held that deal with the problems of the handicapped.
The Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped has an
annual meeting. So too does the Texas Rehabilitation Association,
an organization with a membership basically consisting of individuals
regularly engaged in providing services to the handicapped. Typically,
the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped meets for
one day or, at most, a day and a half; meetings of the Texas Rehabil-
itation Association usually require two or three days to be completed.
One possibility for having an annual state conference on
the handicapped would be to consolidate the annual meetings of the
Texas Rehabilitation Association and the Governor's Committee on
Employment of the Handicapped into one annual meeting. The annual
conference of handicapped individuals might benefit by being held
just before or after such a meeting, to facilitate an exchange of
-7-
ideas and information between consumers and professionals. However,
it is felt that consumers need to have a right to a separate confer-
ence which is dedicated solely to their needs and desires. Travel
expenses must be made available to insure consumer involvment.
Implementation would not require legislative action.
Discussions of feasibility should therefore be initiated with repre-
sentatives of the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handi-
capped and the Texas Rehabilitation Association at an early date.
(4) Followup communications on implementation of action
recommended by Texas White House Conference on Handicapped. Plans
have already been developed for a periodic newsletter to be prepared
and mailed to all who participated in the regional meetings and in
the state meeting in San Antonio.
Initially, this is being accomplished through volunteer
effort and the work of those staffing the Texas White House Conference.
Eventually, this may logically become one of the routine information
services of the Governor's Coordinating Office for the Handicapped.
(5) Enhancing the quality of the lives of handicapped
individuals. Most of the current service effort for handicapped
individuals in Texas, as elsewhere in the nation, is directed towards
those handicapped individuals for whom employment is feasible,
realistic and beneficial. As a result, services for the handicapped
continue to be vocationally oriented for the most part.
This is fine for those handicapped individuals who can
benefit from vocationally oriented services. There are, however,
many individuals whose handicapping conditions or other circumstances
-8-
are SO extreme that employment is neither realistic, practical or
beneficial. In the main, these individuals are now being denied
access to the specialized resources, methodologies and acumen of
the programs that have been proven to be the most effective in
serving the handicapped. Included among this handicapped group are
individuals who are aged, who are too young to work, who are
profoundly handicapped, or whose economic or family circumstances
contraindicate effort to enter the job market.
Great dissatisfaction was expressed about this at both
the regional meetings and the Texas White House Conference. It has
been stressed in forceful and persuasive terms that special services
which reduce the dependency of handicapped individuals are inherently
desirable and cost-effective, regardless of whether or not those
services might immediately result in the handicapped recipient of
such services entering into remunerative employment. The record of
the Texas White House Conference is replete with expressions of
concern about the need to expand current service effort SO as to
assist certain severely handicapped individuals in simply developing
the capacity for independent living, where employment objectives
are not practical or feasible.
Implementation carries no requirement for significant new
state legislation; most of the necessary authority is already on the
books. Neither would implementation seem to require substantial
amounts of additional public funds, providing that resources such as
the federal allocation for Title XX social services were used in
Texas in a manner more equitable to handicapped individuals.
-9-
The Texas Rehabilitation Commission has subsequent to
the Texas White House Conference commendably initiated a pilot program
for handicapped individuals whose entry into the competitive employ-
ment market is not realistic. This pilot project should not only
be applauded, but strongly supported, extended upon, and emulated
by other service organizations.
Concerns about other issues which bear upon the quality of
the lives of handicapped individuals are conspicious and consistently
found in the record of the Texas White House Conference. Among those
issues, the matters of adequate housing, transportation services,
and architetural barriers are paramount and recurrent.
The housing and transportation problems of the handicapped
are SO complex and massive that the best approach seems to involve
a national policy and the development of signficant national resources
for dealing with these particular problems. Steps have, however, al-
ready been made in that direction. There currently exist a number
of federal statutes which address the right of handicapped individuals
to certain housing and transportation services and which provide a
limited level of federal resources for the development of these services.
The problem is that it is virtually impossible for any
handicapped individual, working alone or through a local organization
of handicapped individuals, to untangle and make his way through the
complex web of these assorted federal programs. Further, in the
absence of an effective advocacy mechanism to focus attention upon
the special housing and transportation problems of the handicapped,
those problems generally do not receive adequate consideration and
attention by local authorities responsible for housing and transporta-
-10-
tion services. Practicalities of this type, of course, tend to
emphasize additionally why advocacy, information, and ombudsmanship
services are required through an entity such as the recommended
Governor's Coordinating Office for the Handicapped.
Action to reduce problems associated with architectural
barriers does not, however, need to await either federal action or
leadership by a Governor's Coordinating Office for the Handicapped.
For a number of years, Article 678g, V.T.C.S., has required buildings
owned by the State of Texas and its various political subdivisions
to be barrier-free. Article 678g also requires that buildings leased
by state agencies be barrier-free.
Enforcement responsibilities for Article 678g are placed
with the State Building Commission and the statute requires the
Texas Rehabilitation Commission and the State Commission for the
Blind to provide technical assistance and support to the Building
Commission. The three agencies have attempted to do a thorough and
diligent job in carrying out both the specific requirements and basic
purposes of Article 678g.
Particular problems and frequent conflict have unfortunately
been encountered in relation to space leased by state agencies. Pro-
cedures for entering into state leases are set out in Article 666b,
V.T.C.S. The administrative responsibility for handling state leases
under Article 666b is placed with the State Board of Control.
The Board of Control has adopted rules and procedures which
allow bidders for state leases to make their buildings barrier-free
after a lease contract has been awarded by the Board of Control. This
necessarily tends to defeat oneof the more basic purposes of Article
678g: providing incentive to propertyowners to make their buildings
-11-
barrier-free as a condition precedent to the right to bid on a state
lease.
An attorney general's opinion could be requested on whether
or not the Board of Control's rules and procedures on state leases are
consistent with the purposes and intent of Article 678g. While it
is felt that the ruling would in all probability be to the effect
that the Board of Control's rules and procedures tend to frustrate
and defeat the basic purposes of Article 678g, an opinion to the
contrary would provide occasion for requesting a legislative remedy.
One legislative remedy to be considered might be making
the State Building Commission solely responsible for handling every-
thing associated with state leases. The Building Commission has
demonstrated sensitivity and enlightenment about the burdens and
frustrations which architectural barriers pose for handicapped persons.
The Board of Control, on the other hand, has made it abundantly plain
that these human problems must in its view be subordinate to the objective
of trying to lease state space at the lowest of all possible prices--
regardless of how accessible and useable the space might or might
not be for people with handicapping conditions. Given this type
of philosophical conflict between state agencies, it seems obvious
that it would be desirable to place enforcement responsibilities with
an agency committed to the proposition that the State of Texas should
provide leadership, incentive and a moral example in the elimination
of architectural barriers.
Regardless of whether additional legislation is required
to resolve an unwholesome and inadequate situation in relation to
state leases, it is understood that legislation will again be
considered in the 65th Legislature to extend the barrier-free
-12-
requirements of Article 678g to shopping centers and other facilities
constructed and operated for frequency by the general public. Approval
of such legislation would be totally consistent with the record developed
during the White House Conference activities in Texas.
(6) Coordination of information. Regional testimony
overwhelmingly highlighted the need for coordination of information.
Establishment of an entity such as the Governor's Coordinating Office
for the Handicapped would, of course, be responsive to this.
Without question, much can and should be done to exploit
modern computer capabilities and high-speed information transmission
techniques as part of this process of coordinating and disseminating
information. Steps have already been taken in this direction by the
GCOVH, through the use of such mechanisms as an incoming WATS line
which the visually handicapped can use in contacting that office for
information or for assistance in overcoming problems encountered
in the receipt of services.
It is possible that federal research and demonstration
funds could be used for designing and implementing the information
computerization processes discussed during the White House Conference
activities in Texas. That possibility should be investigated and,
if viable, used for the general advantage of all severe disability
categories.
The coordination of information in Texas should, however,
complement and elaborate upon related efforts already undertaken or
being planned in other places. For example, an Office for the Handicapped
is being established in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare,
and one of the defined purposes of the federal Office for the Handicapped
will be the coordination and dissemination of certain types of
-13-
pertinent information to handicapped individuals. Movement in this
direction in Texas should, therefore, be coordinated with similar
efforts now being undertaken in Washington.
(7) State Merit System. At all of the regional meetings,
as well as the state conference in San Antonio, much disappointment
was voiced about the manner in which the procedures of the State Merit
System discriminate against and effectively preclude many handicapped
persons from entering employment with the State of Texas. This problem
is seen as objectionable because of the number of job opportunities
denied to particular handicapped persons and is viewed as outrageous
because of the negative example the State of Texas thereby provides
to other employers.
State officials, however, are not solely responsible for
this unfortunate situation. State merit systems are designed for
use by a number of state agencies which receive heavy federal financial
support. The state merit systems are operated pursuant to standards
and guidelines of the US Civil Service Commission.
At this time, the US Civil Service Commission is conducting
hearings to revise those standards and guidelines. Strong effort is
being exerted to change existing rules SO that state merit systems
may use an "excepted appointing procedure" similar to that approved
for the federal civil service system a number of years ago. Through
the use of the "excepted appointing procedure" there has been a dramatic
increase in the number of handicapped individuals employed by the
federal government.
Along with other interested and concerned parties, the
directors of the Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals
have already forwarded to the US Civil Service Commission appropriate
-14-
recommendations based upon the record developed during the Texas
White House Conference activities.
(8) Placement assistance. The recommended expansion
of the use of placement specialist programs would not appear to
require new legislation, nor even signficant amounts of additional
new funding. Implementation of this recommendation might be pursued
by a special task force consisting of representatives of the Texas
Employment Commission, the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, the
State Commission for the Blind, and consumer organizations.
(9) Special communications services. Action supportive
of the special concerns expressed by representatives of such disability
groups as the blind and the deaf can currently be pursued before the
newly created Texas Public Utilities Commission. This new agency
has already demonstrated a certain sensitivity to these problems.
What is required is some mechanism which may be used to
alert the handicapped to matters arising before the new agency, and
for assuring an adequately coordinated input on these matters. A news-
letter directed toward all who participated in the regional meetings
and in the state conference is one device which can be used to contribute
toward this.
(10) Sheltered workshops employing the handicapped. After
review of the extensive amount of testimony received on this, it is
felt that many of the identified problems can only be effectively
addressed through federal action.
It may be possible, though, to accomplish a number of
improvements through immediate administrative action which can be
taken independent of any new state or federal legislation. State
rehabilitation agencies are already required to periodically review
-15-
the cases of individuals closed in marginally remunerative employment.
The state rehabilitation agencies are vital links in the conduit
through which sheltered workshops receive federal funds. State
rehabilitation agencies are empowered to develop and promulgate
standards regarding the facilities with which they will do business.
(11) Amendment of the federal Civil Rights Act to include
the Handicapped. Obviously, this is a matter beyond state jurisidiction.
However, any state legislation relating to civil rights will be
examined carefully and specific proposals supportive of this particular
recommendation will be made to the authors.
(12) Eligibility of handicapped persons for Medical Assistance
Only (MAO) program of Department of Public Welfare. This recommendation
has fiscal and programmatic implications of a fairly complex nature.
It needs to be pursued with appropriate representatives of the Department
of Public Welfare and through appropriate committees of the Texas
Legislature to determine exactly what would be involved.
(13) Improvements in educational services for the handicapped.
The record developed as a result of the regional meetings and the state
conference amply documents the reality that these services continue
in many ways to be grossly deficient. It is felt that much improvement
could be accomplished administratively, without a need for new legislation,
and certainly without a need for as much additional funding as is fre-
quently suggested.
House Bill 1673 provides the basic framework and authority
through which many improvements in these particular services could
be accomplished.
To date, the Texas Education Agency has not even developed
-16-
adequate administrative regulations for implementing House Bill
1673.
(14) Recreational services for the handicapped. It is felt
that most of the recommendations consistently offered in this area
could be substantially advanced administratively, without requiring
significant new outlays of public funds, and with improved utilization
of volunteer effort.
To a large extent, improved recreational and cultural
activities for handicapped persons require greater public awareness
and understanding of the problems and potential of handicapped citizens.
Again, a formalized, systematic and effective mechanism for providing
this kind of information and advocacy service on a statewide basis
would be extremely utilitiarian and efficient.
Respectfully submitted,
Pot Pound
Pat Pound
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
February 16, 1977
TO
: State Delegation
FROM : Sam Millsap, Sr.
SUBJECT: Meeting
A meeting of the State Delegation to the White House
Conference on Handicapped Individuals will be held
on Saturday, 5 March at 10:00 a.m. at the Governor's
Mansion in Austin. Mrs. Briscoe has offered generously
to host our meeting so we can prepare for Washington.
Representatives from HEW and the White House Conference
have been invited to attend.
Because of budget limitations, we can reimburse only
your transportation expenses. We must request that
you make your own arrangements for accommodations
Enclosed are a list of Delegates and Alternates for
your information.
We look forward to meeting with you soon.
SM/rp
Enclosures
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
ALTERNATE DELEGATES
White House Conference
(Name)
(Address)
(Phone)
Frank A. Borreca
P. O. Box 13403
713 528-6371
Houston, Tx. 77019
Glenda Carlock
Port Ridglea East #260
817 326-4775
Granbury, Tx. 76048
Criss Cole
6131 Hurst
713 862-5627
Houston, Tx. 77008
Ruthe B. Cowl
1602 Musser
512 723-9403
Laredo, Tx. 78040
Don Drewery
3407 Oriole
817 382-1656
Denton, Tx. 76201
Virginía Eernisse
719 S. Hill
713 - 331-3813
Alvin, Tx. 77511
Charles Eskridge, Jr.
4500 Edendale Court
512 452-5424
Austin, Tx. 78756
Efton F. Geary
2614 Lazy Oaks
512 442-0480
Austin, Tx. 78745
475-5484
Mary Virginia Griggs
1720 Koster
713 331-4169
Alvin, Tx. 77511
Jim Hayes
260 Davis Hall
817 273-3361
UT Arlington
Arlington, Tx. 76010
ALTERNATE DELEGATES
White House Conference
(Name)
(Address)
(Phone)
Linda Hutcheson
30242 Littlecraft
713 - 367-9292
Spring, Tx. 77373
Muriel LeBlanc
5415 Seale Road
713 - 835-2511
Beaumont, Tx. 77705
Tex-An - 855-8235
Paul Moreno
550 E. Paisano
El Paso, Tx. 79901
915 - 533-8767
533-9641
J. R. Thomson
7515 Troulon
Houston, Tx. 77074
713 - 771-9181
Carol J. Whitcraft, Ph.D. 7745 Chevy Chase
512 - 452-8192
Austin, Tx. 78752
Mary Lovey Wood, Ph.D.
2825 Hancock #100
512 - 454-4225
Austin, Tx. 78731
DELEGATES
White House Conference
(Name)
(Address)
(Phone
Mary Ann Board
8903 C.E. King, Pkwy. #111
713 - 458-0619
Houston, Tx. 77044
Joan G. Fernandes
6000 Winn Place West
817 - 293-9494
Ft. Worth, Tx. 76134
Buffy Fetter
Eastfield College
214 - 746-3297
3737 Motley
Mesquite, Tx. 75150
Bill Flynn
404 W. 13th Street
512 - 471-4161
Austin, Tx. 78701
Lex Frieden
9667 Meadowvale
713 - 781-8949
Houston, Tx. 77063
Lee Kitchens
938 Blue Lake Circle
214 - 231-1728
Richardson, Tx. 75080
Tom Morrison
7505 Parwelk
214 - 638-6340
Dallas, Tx. 75235
Jim Patton
3716 Wedghill Way
817 640-1880
Ft. Worth, Tx. 76133
589-0587
Pat Pound
11511 Fast Horse
512 - 345-4981
Austin, Tx. 78759
454-4721
Richard Rubin, M.D.
1115 Curlew
512 - 349-1027
San Antonio, Tx. 78213
Gay Rutherford
15 Ravens Worth
713 - 273-1331
Conroe, Tx. 77301
DELEGATES
White House Conference
(Name)
(Address)
(Phone)
Dale N. Simpson
800 Dudley
214 - 753-5664
Longview, Tx. 75601
Joe Villareal
3519 Link Valley #55
713 - 665-5450
Houston, Tx. 77025
Ralph White
2504 Bluffview Dr.
512- 441-1129
Austin, Tx. 78704
Willis Williams
3838 Pleasanton Road
512 - 923-7793
San Antonio, Tx. 78221
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A.J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
ADVISORY BOARD ROSTER
Mary Ann Board
Coordinator of Handicapped Students
Univ. of Houston
2132 Colquitt
Houston, Texas 77098
713-852-1741 Tex-An
Mr. Jack Blanton
Dept. of Public Welfare
John H. Reagan Bldg.
Austin, Texas 78701
512-822-3555 Tex-An
Mrs. Janie Clements
State Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities
1906 Elizabeth
Brownwood, Texas 76801
915-646-6385
Mr. Don Culwell
2502 Waterford
San Antonio, Texas 78217
512-824-8618 or 924-7161
Betty Ellis
5104 Woodmoor Dr.
Austin, Texas 78721
512-926-8977
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
Ms. Joan Fernandez
Tarrant County Junior College, N.E. Campus
828 Harwood Road
Hurst, Texas 76053
817-281-7860 ext. 333 or 337
Thomas E. Foster
15614 E. Country Circle
San Antonio, Texas 78247
512-653-2222 or 223-3822
Lex Friedman
9667 Meadow Vale
Houston, Texas 77713
713-797-1440
Arnold Grayless
1139 Basse Road
San Antonio, Texas 78212
512-732-1216
William H. Henderson, Vice President
Management Services Associates
P.O. Box 3750
Austin, Texas 78764
512-327-2680
D.H. Howell
Handicapped Program Specialist
OHD-City Manager S Office
500 S. Ervay, Suite 647-A
Dallas, Texas 75201
214-748-9711 ext. 1403
Ms. Muriel LeBlanc
Texas Rehabilitation Commission
2209 Calder
Beaumont, Texas 77701
713-855-8235 - Tex-An
Paul Monreno
550 East Paisano
El Paso, Texas 79901
915-533-8767
Tom Morrison, Executive Director
United Cerebral Palsy
7505 Parwelk
Dallas, Texas 75235
214-638-6340
Ms. Marti Patterson, ED.D.
TARC Representative
P.O. Box 1249
Waco, Texas 76703
Ms. Pat Pound, President
Mobility Impaired Grappling Hurdles Together
P.O. Box 686
Austin, Texas 78767
512-475-4410
Ms. Caren Phelan, Ph.D.
TD-MH-MR
Box 12668, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
512-824-4210 - Tex-An
Ms. Rachael Rodriguez
514 Linden
San Antonio, Texas 78211
512-922-6641
Charles Sabatier, Jr.
Pres , Texas Station Chapter
Paralyzed Veterans of America
3874 Laura Leigh
Friendswood, Texas 77546
713-482-0938
Mrs. Marvin Selig
Box 722
Seguin, Texas 78155
512-379-3640
Doyle Wheeler
7745 Chevy Chase Dr.
Austin, Texas 78752
512-452-8192
Willis L. Williams
Goodwill Industries of Amarillo -
P.O. Box 4005
Amarillo, Texas 79105
806-355-2375
Ms. Julia Young
State Commission for the Blind
P.O. Box 12866
Austin, Texas 78711
512-474-1901
Willis L. Williams
Goodwill Industries of Amarillo
P.O. Box 4005
Amarillo, Texas 79105
806-355-2375
Ms. Julia Young
State Commission for the Blind
P.O. Box 12866
Austin, Texas 78711
512-474-1901
Gwendel Butler
2119 Barton Hills Drive
Austin, Texas 78704
512-442-1149
J.Q. Sutherlin
3726 Dutton Drive
Dallas, Texas 75211
214-339-3697
Julian Castillo
Pan American University
Edinburg, Texas 78539
512-381-2291
Report of 12/16/76 meeting by Lex Frieden
On Thursday, December 16, 1976, the Director and Assistant Directors
of the Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals, the State
Conference Moderator, and the Issue Presentors from the San Antonio Confer-
ence met with the First Lady of Texas, Mrs. Dolph Briscoe, in the Governors
Mansion in Austin. The meeting was held to discuss the implementation of
plans for solving the problems relating to handicapped individuals in the
State of Texas. Also present at the meeting and assisting with the plans
were Mr. Jess Irwin, Commissioner of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission,
and
representing the State Commission for the Blind.
At the meeting, Mrs. Briscoe reiterated the Governors interest in the
important issues developed at the State Conference. She also expressed her
own commitment to working with handicapped individuals who are citizens
of Texas in an effort to eliminate barriers which may interfere with their full
participation in society.
Each person present agreed to assume certain responsibilities, including
the documentation of specific issues which require immediate attention.
Since many of these issues involve the legislature, it was suggested that
interested individuals approach their respective representatives to develop
support for future action involving the handicapped. A decision was made
by the group to meet again in late January or early February. Before the
meeting was adjourned, everyone present agreed to continue working together
with the same commitment and spirit of unity that characterized the first
State Conference on Handicapped Individuals.
Texas Rehabilitation Commission
STATE
OF
THE
COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION Jess M. Irwin, Jr.
January 17, 1977
BOARD MEMBERS
John D. Simpson, Jr.
CHAIRMAN
Mrs. Marjorie C. Kastman
VICE CHAIRMAN
John T. Bean
SECRETARY
Jack B. Dale, Jr.
Clifford S. Knape, Ph.D.
Jerry E. Miller, M.D.
Mr. Lex Frieden
9667 Meadow Vale
Houston, Texas 77713
Dear Lex,
Congratulations for being elected as a Texas delegate to
the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals.
I am delighted that you were elected because I know you
are capable of making a contribution to the national
conference and you will represent us with dedication and
knowledge. Please accept my best wishes for a rewarding,
successful and enjoyable trip to Washington.
Sincerely,
Doyle when
Doyle Wheeler
Deputy Commissioner
for General Programs
DW/sah
7745 CHEVY CHASE DRIVE (512) 452-8192 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
TO:
All Delegates to the Texas Conference
FROM: Sam D. Millsap
January 14, 1977
Here is the official list of those elected Delegates and Alternates to the White
House Conference. On the reverse side is the complete vote count for all candi-
dates.
Although I reserved the right to appoint Alternates, I did not exercise such
privilege and the Alternates listed are the runner-ups with the next highest vote.
Expenses of Delegates will be handled by Washington. There is no provision
for expenses of Alternates; however, we will make a concerted effort to find at
least a part of the funds for the Alternates. If you will require such assistance,
please advise me.
Meanwhile, your names have been submitted to Washington and you should
shortly receive information and instructions from there.
It was our plan to hold a meeting of the Texas Delegation, but our funds are
so low this is not possible at present, SO we will keep in touch by mail.
Plans are underway to send a Newsletter to all persons who registered at the
five regional forums with news of the final report and an update on happenings
since.
Washington has notified us today that we do not have the authority to name
Participating Observers, as we thought, so our Delegation is limited to 32 persons
at this time. We will continue our effort to get more positions approved.
Congratulations to the winners and, to those who did not make it this time,
a large thank you from Marolyn, Bob, & me.
SDM:vl
Sam
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
TEXAS DELEGATION TO THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE 1977
I.
Handicapped (regulations require at least 50% of delegates be handicapped persons)
DELEGATES
ALTERNATES
1.
Willis Williams, Amarillo
35
1. Jim Hayes, Arlington
21
2.
Pat Pound, Austin
33
2. Criss Cole, Houston
19
3.
Tom Morrison, Dallas
28
3. Muriel Le Blanc, Beaumont
19
4.
Buffy Fetter, Mesquite
27
4. Charles Eskridge, Jr., Austin
15
5.
Lex Frieden, Houston
24
5. Don Drewery, Denton
14
6. Lee Kitchens, Dallas
24
6. Paul Moreno, El Paso
13
7. Joe Villareal, Houston
23
7. Glenda Carlock, Granbury
12
8. Ralph White, Austin
23
8. Mary Virginia Griggs, Alvin
12
II.
Family of (regulations require 25% be family of handicapped persons)
9. Dale Simpson, Longview
18
9. Jim Thompson, Houston
12
10. Gay Rutherford, Conroe
16
10. Carol Whitcraft, Austin
12
11. Jim Patton, Fort Worth
16
11. Efton Geary, Austin
11
12. Richard Rubin, San Antonio
14
12.
Linda Hutcheson, Spring
10
III.
Other (with no regulatory requirements, these positions were awarded to persons with
the next highest vote)
13
Bill Flynn, Austin
24
13. Frank Borreca, Houston
21
14.
Mary Ann Board, Houston
22
14. Ruthe B. Cowl, Laredo
19
15.
Joan Fernandes, Ft. Worth
22
15. Mary Lovey Wood, Austin
16
16, State Chairman Sam Millsap,
16. Virginia Ernisse, Alvin
13
San Antonio
Complete Vote Count on Reverse
Askew
10
Kitchens
24
Benavides
2
Law
6
Board
22
Le Blanc
19
Borreca
21
Lee
10
Bunting
4
Lerma
2
Burks
3
McCandless
8
Campos
2
McCoy
8
Carlock
12
Moreno
13
Cawley
7
Morrison
28
Cole
19
Moss
6
Cowl
19
Murillo
3
Craig
3
Patton
16
Culwell
10
Pope
9
Davidson
10
Pound
33
Davis
6
Priest
9
Douglas
5
Putteet
11
Drewery
14
Rogers
3
Dunn
9
Rubin
14
Ernisse
13
Rutherford
16
Eskridge
15
Salinas
3
Fernandes
22
Sharb
2
Fetter
27
Simpson
18
Flynn
24
Thielmann
9
Frieden
24
Thompson
12
Fulkerson
9
Villareal
23
Gamblin
4
Vinson
4
Geary
11
Virjan
7
Griggs
12
Wade
11
Hayes
21
Whitcraft
12
Hayhurst
7
White
23
Holmes
7
Whittemore
9
Hughes
7
Williams
35
Hutcheson
10
Winchester
4
Johnson
9
Wood
16
Keele
13
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
December 1, 1976
1:00 p.m.
Delegate Registration
2:00 p.m.
Opening General Session
Lava A & B
Sam Millsap
Dennis Wynant
3:00 p.m.
Concerns Workshop I
See Below
6:00 p.m.
Delegate Reception
Lava C
6:30 p.m.
Delegate Dinner
Lava A & B
8:00 p.m.
Concerns Workshop II
See Below
December 2, 1976
7:00 a.m.
Delegate Breakfast
Heritage
8:30 a.m.
Concerns Workshop III
See Below
12:15 p.m.
Luncheon
Lava A,B,C
Media Presentation
Report to the Governor
Jim Grey Moderator
Response
Gov. Dolph Briscoe
Concerns Workshops:
Health Concerns
- Parlor 112
Economic Concerns
- Regency I
Social Concerns
- Regency II
Special Concerns
- Lava C
Educational Concerns - Petite
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A.J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
LUNCHEON PROGRAM
INVOCATION
BOB BLASE
LUNCHEON SERVED
WELCOME
SAM MILLSAP
DENNIS WYNANT
MEDIA PRESENTATION
RICHARD C. GIBBE, III
REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR
JIM GREY, MODERATOR
HEALTH - JOE VILLAREAL
. ECONOMIC - MURIEL LE BLANC
SOCIAL MARY ANN BOARD
PAT POUND
SPECIAL - LEX FRIEDEN
EDUCATIONAL WILLIS WILLIAMS
RESPONSE
GOVERNOR BRISCOE
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT DALLAS
SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL SCHOOL
DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS
UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED CENTER (UAC) FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN
University Affiliated Facility (UAF)
Diagnostic and Evaluation Center (DEC)
Stephen J. Hay Elementary School Building
Children's Medical Center of Dallas
MEMORANDUM
November 30, 1976
TO:
Members of the Delegation from the North Central 68
Counties to the Texas White House Conference on the
Handicapped
FROM: Doman K. Keele, M.D., Delegate
A check-off sheet was mailed to 84 agencies in the 68 North Central
Counties of Texas. A total of 56 family members, 5 clients, and
101 professionals serving the handicapped responded. A copy of the
check-off sheet and accompanying correspondence is attached and a
list of agencies as well as a summary of the results. A significant
number of check-off sheets were not returned by clients. It can be
seen that 7 items needing improvement are ranked in the top 10 in
3 groups as being priorities; these include:
1. Prevention in HEALTH CONCERNS
2. Psychological adjustment of Handicapped Individuals and
Their Families in SOCIAL CONCERNS
3. Attitudes of the General Public in SOCIAL CONCERNS
4. Diagnosis in HEALTH CONCERNS
5. School Age, 5-21 years in EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS
6. Preschool, 0-5 years in EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS
7. Post School, 21 years plus in EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS.
Others in the top 10 include:
1. Treatment in HEALTH CONCERNS
2. Economic Opportunity in ECONOMIC CONCERNS
4. Research in HEALTH CONCERNS
5. Community & Residential Housing in SOCIAL CONCERNS (SPC)
6. Problem of the Severe and Multiple Handicapped in SOCIAL
CONCERNS (SPC)
It is my opinion that the Texas delegation to the White House Confer-
ence in Washington should be instructed to rank the needs of the handi-
capped according to priorities in the above in a similar manner.
DKK:mh
(UAC) 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75235
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
Director of Special Education of:
Plano Independent School Dist.
Richardson Independent School Dist.
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School Dist.
Irving Independent School District
Dr. Allen Sullivan, Dallas Independent School District
Callie Huggley, Lancaster Independent School District
Texas State Commission for the Blind, Ft. Worth
Child Guidance Clinic, Ft. Worth
Speech & Hearing Clinic, TCU
Easter Seal Soc. for Crippled Children & - Adults of Tarrant County
Tarrant County Day School for the Deaf
Tarrant County Service for the Hearing Impaired
Child Study Center, Ft. Worth
Goodwill Industries, Ft. Worth
Tarrant County Assn. for the Handicapped
United Cerebral Palsy, Ft. Worth
Community Sheltered Workshop, Ft. Worth
Epilepsy Center, Ft. Worth
Lighthouse for the Blind, Ft. Worth
Texas State Rehabilitation Commission, Ft. Worth
Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ft. Worth
Muscular Dystrophy Assn., Ft. Worth
Child Guidance Clinic, Ft. Worth
Child Study Center, Ft. Worth
Retarded Children's Serv. of Tarrant County
Tarrant County MH/MR Center
East Texas Treatment Center for Handicapped Children, Kilgore
Essin Clinic, Sherman
B. Clanton, M.D., Longview
Longview MH/MR Center
Sherman Special Education Center, Sherman
In Dallas:
Angels, Inc.
Children, Inc.
Children's Development Center
Dallas Academy
Dallas Assn. for Children with Learning Disabilities
Dallas Assn. for Retarded Children
Dallas Child Guidance Clinic
Dallas Council for the Deaf
Dallas County Assn. for the Blind
Dallas Epilepsy Assn.
Dallas Rehabilitation Institute
Dallas Services for Visually Impaired Children
Dallas Society for Crippled Children
Dallas Taping for the Blind
Dean Memorial Learning Center
Goodwill Industries of Dallas
Grand Prairie Assn. for Retarded Children
Helping Hand School
Irving Assn. for Retarded Children
Loving Care Opportunity Center
Marbridge House of Dallas
Muscular Dystrophy Assn. of American, Inc.
National Society for Autistic Children, Dallas
Notre Dame of Dallas Special School
Special Care School
Texas Rehabilitation Commission
Dallas Central District
Dallas North District
Dallas Oak Cliff Dist
Dallas West Dist
Dallas East Dist.
Dallas Crossroads Community Center
Dallas County Adult Parold Office
Dallas Caounty Juvenile Dept.
Garland Dist. Office
Goodwill Ind.
Grand Prairie Dist. Off.
Irving Dist. Off.
Plano Dist. Off.
Texas Special Schools for Blind and Deaf
School for the Deaf
School for the Blind
United Cerebral Palsy Assn. of Dallas County, Inc.
Callier Center for Communicative Disorders
Collin County Assn. for Retarded Citizens
Ft. Worth:
Texas State Commission for the Blind
Child Guidance Clinic
Speech and Hearing Clinic
United Cerebral Palsy (Dental Clinic)
Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children & Adults
Tarrant County Day School for the Deaf
Tarrant County Services for the Hearing Impaired
Child Study Center
United Cerebral Palsy
RANK PROFESSIONALS (#101)
FAMILY MEMBERS (#56)
ALL RESPONDENTS (#162)
1.
Prevention (HEC)
Post School, 21 yr.+ (EDC)
Prevention (HEC)
2.
Psychological Adjustment of Handi-
Treatment (HEC)
Psychological Adjustment
capped Individuals and Families (soc)
of Handicapped Individuals
(soc)
3.
Attitudes of the General Public (soc)
School Age (5-21 yrs) (EDC)
Attitudes of the General
Public (soc
4.
Treatment (HEC)
Preschool (0-5 yrs.) (EDC)
Diagnosis (HEC)
5.
Economic Opportunity (ECC)
Research (HEC)
Economic Opportunity (ECC)
6.
Diagnosis (HEC)
Prevention (HEC)
School Age (5-21 yr.) (EDC)
7.
Employment (ECC)
Diagnosis (HEC)
Post School (21 yr.+) (EDC)
8.
School Age (5-21 yrs.) (EDC)
Attitudes of the General Public
Preschool (0-5 yr.) (EDC)
(soc)
9.
Preschool (0-5 yrs.) (EDC)
Psychological Adjustment of Han-
Research (HEC)
dicapped Individuals (soc)
10.
Post School (21 yrs. +) (HEC)
Community & Residential Based
Problems of Severe or
Housing (SPC)
Multiple Handicapped (SPC)
11.
Research (HEC)
Problems of the Severe or
Treatment (HEC)
Multiple Handicapped (SPC)
12.
Problems of Severe or Multiple
Economic Security (ECC)
Employment (ECC)
Handicapped (SPC)
13.
Economic Security (ECC)
Economic Opportunity (ECC)
Economic Security (ECC)
14.
Transportation Accessibility (SOC)
Technology (HEC)
Community & Residential
Based Housing (SPC)
15.
Community & Residential Based
Employment (ECC)
Technology (HEC)
Housing (SPC)
16.
Recreation (snc)
Recreation (soc)
Recreation (SOC)
17.
Technology (HEC)
Communications: Techniques,
Transportation Accessi-
systems, devices (soc)
bility (SOC)
18.
Communications: Techniques, systems,
Unique Problems of the Handi-
Communications: Techniques,
devices (soc)
capped Aging (SPC)
systems, devices (SOC)
19.
Architectural Accessibility (soc)
Civil Rights of the Handicapped
Unique Problems of the
(SPC)
Handicapped Aging (SPC)
RANK
PROFESSIONALS (#101)
FAMILY MEMBERS (#56)
ALL RESPONDENTS (#162)
20.
Unique Problems of the Handicapped
Transportation Accessibility
Civil Rights of the
Aging (SPC)
(SOC)
Handicapped (SPC)
21.
Service Delivery Systems (SPC)
Unique Problems of Handicapped
Architectural Accessi-
Minorities (SPC)
bility (SPC)
22.
Civil Rights of the Handicapped
Participation in Cultural Activ-
Participation in Cultura
(SPC)
ities (soc)
Activities (SOC)
23.
Participation in Cultural Activi-
Service Delivery Systems (SPC)
Service Delivery
ties (SOC)
Systems (SPC)
24.
Unique Problems of Disabled
Architectural Accessibility
Unique Problems of Handi
Veterans (SPC)
(SOC)
capped Minorities (SPC)
25.
Unique Problems of Handicapped
Unique Problems of Disabled
Unique Problems of
Minorities (SPC)
Veterans (SPC)
Disabled Veterans (SPC)
HEC = HEALTH CONCERNS
SOC = SOCIAL CONCERNS
ECC = ECONOMIC CONCERNS
EDC = EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS
SPC = SOCIAL CONCERNS
UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED CENTER (UAC) FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT DALLAS
OUTHWESTERN MEDICAL SCHOOL
DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS
UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED FACILITY (UAF)
Stephen J. Hay Elementary School
Dallas Independent School District
DIAGNOSTIC AND EVALUATION CENTER (DEC)
Children's Medical Center of Dallas
October 29, 1976
TO:
Agencies dealing with Handicapped Individuals
FROM:
Doman K. Keele, M.D.
Director, University Affiliated Center for the
Developmentally Disabled
SUBJECT:
The White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals: Texas
Conference
-
have been selected as a delegate to the Texas Conference and in order to do a good
job, I would like some input from clients, family members, and professionals connected
with your organization. Would you help by reproducing the attached form, providing a
copy of the attached to clients, family members of clients, and professions in your
agency and mailing them to me by November 22nd, 1976. I will use the information for
my presentation at the Texas Conference in San Antonio.
Down 71. Herle
Doman K. Keele, M.D.
DKK:mh
encls.
(UAC) 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75235
Please, number in consecutive order from 1 to 25 your opinion the area
needing the most improvement in the North Central 68 counties of Texas.
The item with the highest priority should be given to #1, second highest
to #2, etc.
# TOPIC
COMMENT
HEALTH CONCERNS
Research
-
- Technology
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Prevention
-
SOCIAL CONCERNS
- Attitudes of the General Pub-
lic Toward Handicapped In-
dividuals
-
Psychological Adjustment of
Handicapped Individuals
and Their Families
Recreation
-
Participation in Cultural Acti-
-
vities
Architectural Accessibility
-
Transportation Accessibility
-
-
Communications: Techniques,
systems, Devices
ECONOMIC CONCERNS
Employment
Economic Opportunity
-
Economic Security
-
# TOPIC
COMMENTS
EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS
Preschool (0-5 yrs.)
-
-
School Age (5-21 yrs.)
-
Post School (21 yrs. plus)
SOCIAL CONCERNS
Problems of the Severe or Mul-
-
tiple Handicapped
Community and Residental Based
-
Housing
-
Service Delivery Systems
-
Civil Rights of the Handicapped
I
Unique Problems of Handicapped
Minorities
Unique Problems of Disabled
-
Veterans
Unique Problems of the Handi-
-
capped Aging
I am a: (check one)
Handicapped Individual
Family Member of a Handicapped Individual
Professional serving Handicapped Individuals
Signed
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
STATE CONFERENCE
Concern Group
Group Leader
Presenter of Concern
Health
Buffy Fetter
Joe Villareal
Economic
Paul Moreno
Muriel Le Blanc
Social
Tom Morrison
Mary Ann Board
Pat Pound
Special
Joanie G. Fernandés Lex Frieden
Educational
Marti Patterson
Willis Williams
Moderator: Jim Grey
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals - Texas Conference
Regional Forum - Houston, Texas
Subject: Special Concerns Session
November 6th, 1976
THE FOLLOWING MAJOR CONCERNS AND ISSUES WERE PRESENTED AT THIS
SESSION IN THIS ORDER:
1) Improved employment enviroment
2) Lessen social stigma
3) Increase social activities for the severely disabled
4) Adequate funding for All programs
5) Adequate housing
6) Adequate salary
7) Educational opportunities
8) accessable means of transportation
9) Adequate and timely equipment repair
10) Right to privacy
11) Rights of retarded - 18 years and older
12) Natural guardianship of the retarded
13) Improved community services
14) Total deliver of services
15) Funds for extended living facilities
16) Right to vote - voting facilities inaccessable to the mobility impaired -
Absentee voting not desired
17) Establishment of a clearing house of services available to the handicapped
(State-wide, nation-wide) possibly through government or other agencies
18) Housing Bill in regards to the mentally retarded. This disability group wants
acceptance and not pity and the right to choose. when feasible, where to live
19) More funding for treatment and research of Alcholism - Stress and encourage em-
ployment of the
alchololics
20) Visable impairment - Expand rehabilitation act or old american act to provide
services for age/blind
21) Funding and improved services delivery for the juvenile public offender, stress-
ing community level treatment and adequate assestment of needs including pro-
vision of much needed residential facilities
22) Total rentavation of the present services delivery system of suggestions that the
system be placed in the hands of handicapped persons as oppossed to the provider
23) Suggestions also included changes in policy and state legislation
24) More programs for multi-handicapped persons including residential programs early
child-hood programs and sheltered workshops and a uniform service delivery system
agency
25) Improved transportation conditions on inter-state carriers and intra state carriers
I.C.C. & F.A.A. Indentification cards in lieu of driver's license in purchase of
auto insurance
26) Inadequate maintenance funds
27) Housing inadequate - federal government funds needed for adequate accomodations
28) Federal funding for housing for the mentally retarded
29) Federal funding for housing for the mentally retarded
30) Transportation for mentally retarded, over crowded
31) Increased funding, required accreditation, improved services, qualified staff,
less fragmentation of services - sound program evaluation
32) Transportation problems - waivers needed by blind persons, canes
restricted, blind persons placed in wheelchairs
33) Need public education regarding all handicapping conditions
34) Blind persons urged to accept responsibile to themselves thereby improving
some of their conditions
35) Visually impaired persons want rehabilitation services equal to those provided
by T.R.C.
36) Visually impaired persons perfer seperate training facilities
37) Insurance - ?
38). Needed changes in T.R.C. policies and procedures - Need handicapped people
on T.R.C. board
39) Increased rehabilitation medical services
40) Provision of long-termed service
41) Improved services delivery system to insure continuity of services
42) Multible agency involvement hinders services to the disabled person
43) Review HEW guidelines for providing housing for more than 2 persons
44) Needed individual living facilities with a minimum of supervision and
possibly specific and/or tailored vocational training
45) Strive to improve relationship between consumer and provider/supplier
46) Stress consumer unity
47) Encourage cooperation amoung all disability groups in reference to federal funding
48) Cooperation amoung all disabilities/funding
49) Need for central information center for handicapped services and agencies
50) Need to utilize services of interested and capable Colunteer senior citizens
51) Civil rights of handicapped persons - basic human needs and rights as needs of other
individuals
52) Needed residential facilities with transportation and attendent care
53) Suggested consolidation of federal and state agencies/cut cost and improve services
54) Lack of cooperation between state and federal governments hinder proper services to
handicapped persons
55) Agencies quotas ( numbers game) lessens quanity and quality of services to the more
severely disabled persons
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
November 22, 1976
TO: Advisory Board
FROM: Sam Millsap, Sr.
SUBJECT: State Conference
We have completed the regional forum schedule
with great success and participation from more than
1500 interested individuals. We feel the overall
experience was very productive, enlightening, and
certainly not dull. The initial contacts made across
the state have the potential for a first-rate advocacy
group.
We are well on the way toward the State Conference.
A planning and consultation meeting on 19 November
with the regional chairpersons and issue spokespersons
was most productive. Check in with them for a report.
We need your help on clarifying one particular issue:
please let local folks know that the State Conference
is open only to delegates, and Gov. Briscoe's invited
guests (that includes you). The regional forums were
the general public's opportunities to participate and
the State Conference is a workshop in which to
integrate and prioritize the testimony they presented.
For those of you who are not delegates, we need
your assistance in making sure that the State Conference
runs as smoothly as possible. We would appreciate your
acting as volunteers and being aware of special needs such
as acting as sited guides or readers for the blind, being
helpful to the mobility impaired, assisting in issue
workshops, and being of general good will. Bob Blase plans
to enlist an Election Committee from among you, too.
Please and thank you.
We look forward to seeing you next week. Cheers.
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
November 19, 1976
TO: State Delegates
FROM: Sam Millsap, Sr.
SUBJECT: State Conference
For the State Conference on 1 & 2 December, you
need to be prepared to deal with the issues brought
up in testimony at the regional forums. In the issue
workbooks sent to you, study several parts - "Roles
and Responsibilities of Delegates to the State
Conferences" on page 8; the "Issues" sections following
each sub-topic.
The issues should receive emphasis rather than
regional differences, delegate selection, and
personalities. Without an effort for unity, the Texas
program for handicapped individuals will not be effective.
To insure this approach, you need to be aware of
guidelines established by the state-wide Advisory
Board
No electioneering is allowed. No materials or
campaign speeches will be used.
The election for White House Conference delegates must
be focused on individuals who are willing to represent
all handicapping conditions and the best interests of
the State of Texas. Ethnic and geographic representation
must be taken into account.
At the State Conference, workshops will be held on
each of the five concern areas. Each delegate will be
assigned to a concern workshop, hopefully of the first
choice. Issues will be divided by topic and sub-topic
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
Page 2
for review by the delegates in small groups. Each piece
of testimony will be considered, reported and put in
priority order. A report of the concern workshops will
be made to the Governor at the final session.
The State Conference is a work session for the delegates
and although people might be interested in seeing what
transpires there, the meeting is open only to State Delegates
and Governor Briscoe's invited guests. The regional forums
were for the general public. We trust you to bring forward
the issues and I'm sure this belief is well-grounded. If
people in your area express an interest in attending, please
explain the situation to them.
We're looking forward to seeing you in San Antonio,
full of energy and ready to work.
SM/dj
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
November 19, 1976
TO:
Gulf Coast Region Delegates
FROM:
Mary Ann Board. Chairperson
Gulf Coast Region MAB
Enclosed is a list of all of the delegates from the Gulf
Coast Region of Texas. You will be expected to attend the
Texas White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals on
December 1 & 2. If for any reason you will not be able to
attend, please let me know immediately SO that an alternate
can be notified.
The Conference will begin on December 1 at 1:30 p.m. and
will conclude on December 2 with the presentation of the
issues to Governor Briscoe. The State Conference will be a
work session rather than a convention format. Delegates
should be prepared to work with testimony from their regions
as well as with issues.
The Conference will be held at the Oak Hills Motor Inn near
the South Texas Health Service Center in San Antonio.
Further information will be forthcoming. Contact me if you
have any questions at (713) 527-9561.
MAB:ca
Enclosure
GULF COAST REGION DELEGATES
NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE
Mary Ann Board
8903 C.E. King Pkwy #111
713-458-0619
Houston, Texas 77044
Frank A. Borreca
P.O. Box 13403
713-528-6371
Houston, Texas 77019
Criss Cole
6131 Hurst
713-862-5627
Houston, Texas 77008
Jimmie Harold Douglas
810 Marston
713-523-6741
Houston, Texas 77019
Virginia Eernisse
719 S. Hill
713-331-3813
Alvin, Texas 77511
Lex Frieden
9667 Meadowvale
713-781-8949
Houston, Texas 77063
Mary Virginia Griegs
1720 Koster
713-331-4169
Alvin, Texas 77511
Lynda Hutcheson
30242 Littlecraft
713-367-9292
Spring, Texas 77373
James A. Law
2100 Preston
713-342-4681
Richmond, Texas
Gary E. Marple
15.02 Robinhood
713-632-7076
Lufkin, Texas 75901
Paul McCoy
3334 S. Mac Gregor Way
713-748-3651
Houston, Texas 77021
Eleanor Rogers
204 Church
713-598-3571
Center, Texas 75935
Gay Rutherford
15 Ravens Worth
713-273-1331
Conroe, Texas 77301
J.R. Thompson
7515 Troulon
713-771-9181
Houston, Texas 77074
NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE
Joe Villareal
3519 Link Valley #55
713-665-5450
Houston, Texas 77025
Glynn Whittemore
5723 Berry Creek Dr.
713-944-1783
Houston, Texas 77017
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
November 17, 1976
TO: State Conference Delegates
FROM: Sam Millsap
SUBJECT: State Conference
The State Conference will begin at 1:30 p.m. on
December 1 and will conclude mid-afternoon of December
2 at the Oak Hills Motor Inn in San Antonio. The
Conference will be a work session rather than a convention-
type fling, so come prepared to deal with the issues!
To insure a smooth program, we would appreciate
your returning the enclosed information as soon as
possible. Travel expenses, for you and your attendant,
if one is necessary, will be paid by The White House
Conference. Please keep all receipts to turn in at the
end of the Conference so you can be reimbursed.
Thanks for your cooperation. We're looking forward
to seeing you soon.
SM/MS/dj
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap. Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
November 12, 1976
TO: Advisory Board Members
FROM: Sam Millsap
SUBJECT: State Conference
We are well on our way into the Regional Forum schedule
and have experienced successful times in Lubbock, Ft. Worth,
Austin, and Houston. Since everything is happening SO
rapidly, we want to thank all of you for your efforts -
for what you have done and plan to do.
Since our financial situation has improved, we would
like all of you to plan to attend the State Conference on
1 & 2 December. Members who are not delegates will be
"Participant Observers", and expenses will be paid. Because
of your involvement throughout this project, we feel you
will be valuable consultants.
Further information is forthcoming. The State Con-
ference will have a work session rather than a convention
format. Delegates should be prepared to work with testimony
from their regions as well as with issues.
The Conference will begin on 1 December at 1:30 p.m.
and conclude on 2 December with the presentation of the
issues to Governor Briscoe. The conference will be held
at the Oak Hills Motor Inn near the South Texas Health
Science Center rather than at the Hilton. The Oak Hills
is preferable for two very important reasons: It has more
barrier free rooms and it is less expensive. Please spread
the word on the changes.
Thanks for being so helpful - we need you and appreciate
you.
SM/MS/dj
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
November 8, 1976
Mr. Lex Frieden
9667 Meadowvale
Houston, Texas 77042
Dear Lex:
Well, we managed to successfully pull it off! I
wanted to personally thank you for the leadership
role you played at the Gulf Coast Regional Forum and
to congratulate you on being selected a delegate to he
State Conference.
I would like for us to get together a couple of times
before the State Conference to firm up plans for the
regional chairmens' meeting on November 19th and to
solicit your ideas, opinions and recommendations for
input into the State Conference on December 1st and 2nd.
Again, thanks for all your help. It wouldn't have
happened without you!
Sincerely,
Mary mary Ann Board ann
Chairperson
Gulf Coast Regional Forum
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A.J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
TO: State Conference Delegates
FROM: Sam Millsap
SUBJECT: State Conference
DATE: October 6, 1976
Congratulations on your selection as a delegate to
the State Conference on The White House Conference on
Handicapped Individuals. Your regional forum was a lively
and successful effort, and I'm sure you will represent
your region well.
Enclosed are materials that will inform you further
about the Conference. As more information becomes available,
we plan to share it with you.
The State Conference will be in San Antonio December
1 & 2 so make plans to attend. Further information will
be fòrthcoming.
We are looking forward to working with you on this
important project. If you have any questions, feel free
to call me or Marolyn.
SM/dj
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
TO: State Conference Delegates
FROM: Sam Millsap
SUBJECT: State Conference
As part of your participation with the State Conference,
we need to know one another better. Since all 66 State
Delegates will be canidates to be the 15 National Delegates,
please send us a short biographical sketch. Send us
information about yourself that relates to our work together-
your interests, your advocacy efforts, your work, your
disability or group you represent. This is a chance to be
known as you would like.
Please forward this information to this office as soon as
possible so we can include you on the ballot.
Thanks for your cooperation.
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
GULF COAST REGIONAL FORUM
ON
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS
KWIK KOPY
3825 Richmond Ave.
is
CLAMPITT PAPER co.
702 Bastrop
HOLIDAY INN, DOWNTOWN
o
801 Calhoun
LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
Clerical Classes
MH- MR
HOLIDAY INN, DOWNTOWN
November 6, 1976
GULF COAST REGION
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
REGIONAL FORUM PROGRAM
MARY ANN BOARD, CHAIRPERSON
9:00 a.m.
Registration
10:00 a.m.
General Session
a. Introductions
HEALTH CONCERNS
Joe A. Villareal
Mary Ann Board, Regional Chairperson
b. Media presentation
ECONOMIC CONCERNS
Herman Litt
10:30 a.m.
Presentation of Issues I
EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS
.......
Bob Kafka
Noon
Lunch
SOCIAL CONCERNS
Mary Ann Board
"Brown Bag" or on your own
Dr. Albert Gunn
1:30 p.m.
Delegate Selection for State Conference
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Lex Frieden
Muriel Le Blanc
2:30 p.m.
Presentation of Issues II
4:30 p.m.
Wrap-Up
5:00 p.m.
Meeting of State Conference Delegates
STATE DIRECTOR
Sam Millsap
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Marolyn Stubblefield
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
.........
Bob Blase
NEW OPTIONS TRANSITIONAL PROJECT
TEXAS INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH
IN THE
TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
1333 MOURSUND AVENUE
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77030
October 27, 1976
P. O. Box 20095
Telephone
Houston, Texas 77025
Area Code 713, 797-1440
Dear friend,
The Gulf Coast Regional Forum of the White House Conference on Handicapped
Individuals Texas State Conference will be held in Houston on Saturday,
November 6, at the Downtown Holiday Inn. An integral part of this Forum
will be the presentation of issues, needs, problems, and solutions to pro-
blems facing handicapped individuals. I have been asked to co-chair a
topical session dealing with Special Concerns of Handicapped Individuals.
This session is scheduled to be open from 10:30-12:00 and from 2:30-4:30.
The meeting room will be marked.
Special Concerns include:
1. Problems of the Severe or Multiple Handicapped
2. Community and Residential Based Housing
3. Services Delivery Systems (Agencies)
4. Civil Rights of the Handicapped
5. Unique Problems of Handicapped Minorities
6. Unique Problems of Disabled Veterans
7. Unique Problems of the Handicapped Aging
Your background and personal experience in these areas make you an authority
in the field. I hope that you will join me on November 6, and present your
viewpoint on Special Concerns of Handicapped Individuals for inclusion into
the record of the White House Conference.
Sincerely,
Lex Frieden
New Options Research Director
LF/asm
Regional Forum Program
9:00a.m. Registration
10:00a.m. Forum Begins
Introductions
Multi-Media Presentation
10:30a.m. Presentation of Issues I
Noon
Lunch
"Brown Bag" or on your own
1:30p.m. Delegate selection for State Conference
2:30p.m. Presentation of Issues II
4:30p.m. Wrap-up
5:00 p.m. Meeting of State Conference Delegates
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Individuals may speak on an issue for three (3) min-
utes.
Group representatives may speak on an issue for five
(5) minutes.
Presentations should be made in writing to assure
clarity of opinion.
Thanks for your concern and participation.
White House Conference Issue Topics
HEALTH CONCERNS
ECONOMIC CONCERNS
I. Research
I. Employment
II. Technology
II. Economic Opportunity
III. Diagnosis
III. Economic Security
IV. Prevention
V. Treatment
EDUCATIONAL CONCERNS
I. Preschool (0-5 years)
II. School Age (5-21 years)
SOCIAL CONCERNS
III. Post School (21 years plus)
I. Attitudes of the General Public Toward Handicapped
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Individuals
I. Problems of the Severe or Multiple Handicapped
II. Psychological Adjustment of Handicapped Individuals
and Their Families
II. Community and Residential Based Housing
III. Recreation
III. Services Delivery Systems (Agencies)
IV. Participation in Cultural Activities
IV. Civil Rights of the Handicapped
V. Architectural Accessibility (Structural Barriers)
V. Unique problems of Handicapped Minorities
VI. Transportation Accessibility
VI. Unique Problems of Disabled Veterans
VII. Communications: Techniques, Systems, Devices
VII. Unique Problems of the Handicapped Aging
CUT HERE AND RETURN
REGIONAL FORUM PARTICIPANT PREREGISTRATION
Mail To: The Texas Conference
NAME:
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
1222 N. Main, Suite 711
San Antonio, Texas 78212
ADDRESS:
STREET
CITY
ZIP
TELEPHONE:
(AREA CODE) NUMBER
AREA OF INTEREST:
ETHNIC GROUP:
SEX:
CONSUMER*
AFRO AMERICAN
MALE
FAMILY MEMBER OF HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUAL
ANGLO AMERICAN
FEMALE
PROVIDER**
AMERICAN INDIAN
ADVOCATE
MEXICAN AMERICAN
OTHER
ORIENTAL
OTHER
*IF YOU ARE A CONSUMER, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PARTICULAR DISABILITY:
**IF YOU ARE A PROVIDER, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PROFESSION AND AREA OF WORK:
I ALLOW THIS RELEASE OF INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
SIGNED
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Texas' role will be to advocate for the
mentally and physically handicapped individ-
ual by stating the problems facing the handi-
capped and by recommending solutions to
those problems.
Delegate Election and
Mission Statement
Requirements
The mission of the White House Con-
Texas has been alloted 16 delegates to the White
ference on Handicapped Individuals is com-
House Conference, plus 16 alternates.
prised of three goals:
At least 50% of the delegates must be handicapped,
another 25% must be parents, siblings or guardians
To provide a national assessment of pro-
of handicapped individuals, and the remaining 25%
blems and potentials of individuals with
friends of the handicapped. At the Regional Forums
mental or physical handicaps;
held in Texas prior to the State Conference, each
region will elect delegates in the above ratio to attend
To generate a national awareness of these
the State Conference in San Antonio, Dec. 1st and
problems and potentials;
2nd.
At the State Conference, the 16 delegates and 16
To make recommendations to the President
alternates in the prescribed ratio are to be elected to
and Congress which, if implemented, will
attend the White House Conference in Washington,
enable individuals with handicaps to live
D.C., May 25-29, 1977.
their lives independently, with dignity, and
The White House Conference will pay all expenses
with full participation in community life to
for delegates. However, expenses for the alternates
the greatest degree possible.
must be paid by their sponsoring agencies, or by the
individuals themselves.
Regional Forum Schedule
WESTERN AREA: LUBBOCK
25 September, University Center, Texas Tech University
Contact: Willis Williams; (806) 335-2375
NORTHERN AREA: FT. WORTH
23 October, Center Corner, Tarrant County Jr. College, NE Campus
Contact: Joan Fernandes; (817) 281-7860 ext. 333
CENTRAL AREA: AUSTIN
30 October; Joe C. Thompson Conference Center
Contact: Pat Pound; (512) 475-4410
GULF COAST AREA: HOUSTON
6 November; Downtown Holiday Inn
Contact: Mary Ann Board; (713) 527-9561
SOUTHERN AREA: EDINBURG
13 November, Pan American University
Contact: Julian Castillo; (512) 381-2291
BURLESON
CALONMELL
-
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Role of Issue Group Facilitators
be objective, be fair, be courteous, be firm.
time each presentation. Federal guidelines state 3
minutes for an individual, 5 minutes for a group
representative.
take up written testimony; record verbal testimony.
no discussion is allowed, just statements.
each presentation is given equal consideration.
everyone is allowed to have his/her say; disagreements
can be dealt with between persons later rather than
during conference.
record topic of issue on large sheet; post outside room
as page is filled.
issues from this forum will be presented by regional
delegates (10 of 66) State Conference during 1 and 2
December, and by state delegates (16) to White House
Conference during 25-27 May, 1977.
return all materials to regional chairman at conclusion
of forum.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP! WE APPRECIATE YOU!
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
REGIONAL FORUM PARTICIPANT FORM
NAME:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
SEX:
MALE
ETHNIC GROUP:
AFRO AMERICAN
FEMALE
ANGLO AMERICAN
AMERICAN INDIAN
MEXICAN AMERICAN
ORIENTAL
OTHER
AREA OF INTEREST:
CONSUMER*
FAMILY MEMBER OF HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUAL
PROVIDER**
ADVOCATE
OTHER
*IF YOU ARE A CONSUMER, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PARTICULAR DISABILITY:
**IF YOU ARE A PROVIDER, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PROFESSION AND
AREA OF WORK:
I ALLOW THIS RELEASE OF INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE.
SIGNED
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
TO: Advisory Board Members
FROM: Sam D. Millsap, Sr.
SUBJECT: Board Meeting
We are looking forward to meeting with you on Thursday, 26 August 1976
for a planning session for the State Conference and regional forums. As re-
presentatives of all parts of the state, all handicapping conditions and ad-
vocacy groups, we need to learn your concerns and get your help before final
plans are made for the conferences.
Two names need to be added to your list of members, J. Q. Sutherlin
of Dallas and Gwendel Butler of Austin. Their names were inadvertantly left
off of the mailing list and I'm sure their participation will enhance the work of
the board.
Since the selection of delegates to the State and White House Conference
is of great interest, further information regarding this process is enclosed.
Reservations are available at the Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel and you
need to inform them of your room requirements. If you need attendant care,
that individual's expenses can be assumed by the White House Conference.
Because of budget limitations, the conference is able to pay for only the night
of 25 August preceeding the meeting.
We are anticipating a good meeting with you and look forward to seeing
you at 10:00 a.m. in the La Vista Room of the Hilton. Lunch will be served to
our group and the meeting will adjourn at 3:00 p.m.
See you soon.
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
TEXAS INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH
IN THE
TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
1333 MOURSUND AVENUE
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77030
P. O. Box 20095
Telephone
Houston, Texas 77025
Area Code 713, 797-1440
September 13, 1976
Mr. Sam D. Millsap, Jr.
Director, The White House
Conference on Handicapped
Individuals
Texas Conference
1222 N. Main St.
Suite 711
San Antonio, Texas 78212
Dear Sam,
I sincerely expect our State Conference to produce a model set of pro-
gressive recommendations for the White House Conference, as well as a
knowledgeable and committed group of representatives. In order to insure
a smooth and successful meeting, we must plan now to meet the needs of
all handicapped individuals in attendance.
Pursuant to our conversation following the Advisory Board meeting on
August 26, I should like to reiterate my concerns about the State Confer-
ence location. I believe persons in wheelchairs should be able to safely
use all public facilities and conveniences in the host hotel (including
bathrooms, bars, lounges, restaurants, telephones, drinking fountains, etc.)
in addition to their sleeping rooms. I believe a ramp should be added to
the curb in front of the entrance, a ramp should be added to the River Walk,
and the slope of the ramp to the front door should be extended so that the
grade or slope does not exceed the Federal Standards of 12 feet per 1 foot
rise or 8% (P.L. 90-480). It is our responsibility not only to insure access
to the Conference but also to set an example for others to follow.
If the Hilton Hotel cannot accommodate us in these matters, then we must
find one which can. In either case, it would be wise now to identify add-
itional truly accessible hotels in San Antonio so that observers who are
handicapped may be directed with consideration.
In anticipation of further logistics problems, I suggest that barrier free
-L-
transportation be identified and contracted for use by Conference partici-
pants during their visit to San Antonio. I suspect that individuals with
mobility impairments will need to get back and forth to the airport and I
doubt that many would care to be confined to the host hotel because they
are unable to use taxies or public transit. In the same vein, I believe
an accessibility guidebook to the city should be available for use by our
guests.
I hope my comments are well taken and constructive. I am convinced that
you and your staff are putting forth an honest effort to make ours the best
State Conference in the nation and I support you in this endeavor.
Yours truly,
Let Lex Frieden
New Options Research Director
LF/asm
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A.J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
September 7, 1976
TO: Advisory Board
FROM: Sam Millsap, Sr.
SUBJECT: Follow-up of Board Meeting
Our meeting was a great delight as well as a
productive time to me. I think the group is energetic,
dedicated and competent, a rare and successful combi-
nation.
Since our meeting several items have become further
developed. The coverage of the media - newspapers,
radio and TV - will be handled from our office with
professional consultation to insure uniformity. Infor-
mation regarding this important part of planning will
be forwarded to regional PR representatives with guide-
lines. We still need the Board's participation in
local media presentations, so keep your act together.
Space requirements are important to establish as
soon as possible for a brochure with time and place of
the regional forums. Be sure space is barrier free and
large enough to accommodate all comers. More information
will be shared with the regional space representatives.
Bob Blase is finishing the delegate selection
process to assure conformity to federal requirements
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
Page 2
as well as uniformity throughout the state.
Enclosed is your expense check from our first
meeting, if you applied for reimbursement.
If you want consultation on your regional planning
meetings, feel free to contact Marolyn. Call her collect
and she 11 make arrangements to get with you.
SM/MS/dj
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION NAC COUNCIL
ACCREDITED MEMBER
Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston
3530 WEST DALLAS
P. O. BOX 13435
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77019
527-9561
September 17, 1976
Lex Frieden
9667 Meadowvale
Houston, Texas 77042
Dear Lex,
I recently talked with Marolyn Stubblefield, Assistant Director
of the Texas White House Conference, about our next planning meeting
for the Regional Forum. We have tentatively changed the date and
time of that meeting from October 1 at 3:00 p.m. to Monday,
October 4 at 2:00 p.m., at the Lighthouse for the Blind, 3530 W.
Dallas. Ms. Stubblefield's schedule would not allow her to be
present at the October 1 meeting. Both of us feel that the committee
members should have an opportunity to ask direct procedural and
operational questions of a top representative from San Antonio;
thus the change of date and time.
If the change is not conducive to your schedule, please let me
know immediately. I hope that everyone can be present.
See you soon!
Mary ann
Mary Ann Board
Chairperson
Gulf Coast Regional Forum
MAB:ca
September 10, 1976
Mr. Sam D. Millsap, Director
The White House Conference on
Handicapped Individuals
1222 N Main, Suite 711
San Antonio, Texas 78212
Dear Mr. Millsap,
I have received, from Mr. James L. Jackson, a copy of the memo Texas Re-
habilitation Commission sent to Regional Directors concerning the White
House Conference in San Antonio in December, 1976. This was sent after
several conversations with Texas Rehabilitation Commission, with Mr. Irwin
and Hr. Jackson concerning their services to the handicapped and proposed
changes in the commission.
Since receiving that communication I have visited with all of the Special
Education directors served by the Region VII Service Center. This re-
presents approximately 150 independent school districts. We, collectively
and individually, are very interested in your conference and the outcome.
I have been asked, by this group, to see about attending and reporting
back to the, since none of the advisory board comes from the Deep East
Texas Area. Will it be possible for me to get more information so that I
can plan to participate and perhaps even involve some of the other directors
from this area?
We are very interested in the changes and programming that is taking place
for handicapped individuals and want to be as involved as possible to try
and provide the best possible service.
Thank you for your concern for handicapped people and all of the continuing
efforts that are bringing our children better opportunities and providing a
better place to live.
Sincerely,
as
A1 Strickland
AS/il
CC: Ms. Mary Ann Board
Ms. Muriel Le Blanc
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The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
September 7, 1976
Mr. William Hunter, Manager
Hilton Palacio Del Rio
200 South Alamo
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Dear Mr. Hunter:
The meeting of the Advisory Board of The White
House Conference on Handicapped Individuals had a
very pleasant and successful meeting at your hotel on
26 August. At that time several suggestions were
made relative to the State Conference planned for
1 & 2 December at the Hilton.
Because of the very nature of the Conference, at
least 50% of those attending the State Conference will
be handicapped individuals. It was pointed out that
the Hilton does not have a curb cut for the mobility
impaired at the front entrance. It was further noticed
that, while the Hilton has some rooms especially
equipped for the mobility impaired, the existing rooms
will not be adequate in number for the December meeting.
It is hoped that the Hilton will be more suited
for the handicapped by becoming barrier free by the
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
Mr. William Hunter
September 7, 1976
Page 2
time of the meeting. We suggest this action strongly
to insure an effective meeting.
Please let us know your plans as soon as possible
so we can inform the concerned consumers. Your assistance
in this matter is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Sam millsap" MS
Sam Millsap, Sr.
Texas Conference Director
Marolyn Stabblefield
Marolyn Stubblefield
Assistant Director
SM/MS/dj
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
Delegate Election and Requirements
Texas has been alloted 16 delegates to the White House Conference,
plus 16 alternates.
The White House Conference has set up strict guidelines for selection
of delegates. At least 50% of them must be handicapped, another 25% must
be parents, siblings or guardians of handicapped individuals, and the re-
maining 25% providers and other advocates for the handicapped.
Regional forums are to be held in Texas prior to the state conference.
Each region will elect delegates in the above ratio to attend the State
Conference in San Antonio, Dec. 1st and 2nd.
At the state conference, the 16 delegates and 16 alternates in the
prescribed ratio are to be elected to attend the White House Conference
next spring.
The White House Conference will pay all expenses for those chosen
as delegates. However, expenses for the alternates must be paid by
their sponsoring agencies, or by the individuals themselves. If, however,
any of the chosen delegates cannot attend, an alternate will be chosen to
replace the delegate, with all expenses paid.
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
NADE
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
Dear Friend of the Handicapped,
Plans for The White House Conference on Handicapped
Individuals are well under way. With your involvement this
effort to assess the needs of handicapped individuals will
be effective. Please notify your organizational affiliates
across the State and encourage their participation in the
regional forum in their area.
Enclosed is a description of the Conference in the
planning stage. As more information becomes available, we
plan to share it with you. If you have particular concerns,
feel free to communicate them to this office.
In an effort to involve as many advocates for the handi-
capped as possible, we would appreciate your assistance.
Please send a directory of your organization's offices through-
out the state. If you have information concerning other
consumer groups of which we should be aware, please share
that also.
We appreciate your concern for the handicapped and look
forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Sam D. Millsap, Sr.
Texas Conference Director
SDM/dj
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
August 2, 1976
Mr. Sam Millsap, Sr.
The White House Conference on Handicapped
Individuals
1222 N. Main Suite 711
San Antonio, Texas 78212
Dear Mr. Millsapt
I am honored to be appointed to your Planning Board. I am
tentatively planning to drive to San Antonio on August 25
and return to Houston on August 27. Please inform me if I
should make my own hotel reservations for the 25th and 26th.
Also, please correct your mailing list and master files as_
my last name is correctly spelled FRIEDEN and my zip code is
77063.
Sincerely,
Lex Frieden
New Options Research Director
LF/asm
The White House Conference
on Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
Sam D. Millsap, Sr. Director
A. J. Bob Blase Assistant Director
Marolyn Stubblefield Assistant Director
TO:
Advisory Board Members
Hi, Luf
FROM:
Sam D. Millsap, Sr.
SUBJECT: Conference Planning Meeting
We are pleased to announce your appointment to the Advisory Board
for The White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. As a citizen
concerned with the well being of the handicapped, we know you will be an
effective advocate. Your willingness to participate in this venture is indeed
appreciated.
Enclosed is a general description of the conference in the early plann-
ing stages and a roster of the Advisory Board Members. The role of this
group is to advise the Texas Conference Director concerning the planning of
the regional forums and the State Conference. Representative of all parts of
the state and disabilities, your involvement and consultation will assure a
successful program.
A meeting of the Board will be held on Thursday, August 26, 1976 in
San Antonio. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at
the Hilton Palacio Del Rio Hotel. Reservations are available at the Hilton
and your travel expenses can be paid by the conference. Please write the
conference office to confirm your plans to attend.
We will be in touch with you to share further information. We look
forward to working with you in this important effort.
so pleased to have you serving
with us in this board
Sam
1222 N. Main Suite 711 San Antonio, Texas 78212 (512) 223-3831
Plans for State Conference
Firm planning has begun for the State Conference on the White House
Conference on Handicapped Individuals. Sam D. Millsap, San Antonio
businessman appointed by Governor Dolph Briscoe as Director of the State
Conference, says it will be held in San Antonio, December 1 & 2.
Millsap has also announced that A. J. Bob Blase, Executive Director
of San Antonio Goodwill, has been appointed Assistant Director of the
State Conference, and Marolyn Stubblefield, Coordinator of Outreach Services
at the San Antonio State Hospital, has been named to serve as Assistant
Director and Coordinator.
The office of the state conference will be in Suite 711 of the Cypress
Tower, 1222 N. Main, San Antonio, in space loaned to them by the State
Commission for the Blind. Further support is being offered by the Texas Rehabi-
ilitation Commission located in the same building.
The state conference is one of 56 to be held in the different states and
territories, and will gather information from handicapped individuals and people
who work with the handicapped in each state. Their input will then be prepared
and taken to the national conference next year in Washington, D. C..
Mrs. Stubblefield stressed that they are earnestly trying to listen to
suggestions from all people concerned. She says they are hoping not to be a
sounding board for complaints and gripes, but more of a sympathetic listener
to assess the needs of people who have real problems, and to take suggestions
on what might be done to alleviate or solve those problems.
1
The Act of Congress which set up the National Conference listed
three specific goals:
1. Stimulate a national assessment of problems faced by individuals
with physical or mental hardships:
2. Generate a national awareness of those problems:
3. Develop recommendations for legislative and administrative
actions to allow individuals with handicaps to live their lives independently,
with dignity, and with integration into community life.
Mr. Blase says a series of forums will be held in various sections of
the state during the next few months. This should make it easier for concerned
people to be on hand in person to make their views known.
And the staff is making a concentrated effort to find each handicapped
person or group in the state, to inform them of the conference. They are
trying to locate each group that works with the handicapped, SO the people
with whom they are working can be informed.
Mr. Millsap emphasizes that this is not an effort by a few people
with PhD's to sit down and solve everything. The purpose of the state and
national conference is to gather suggestions from people who actually face
the problems daily, whether it be trying to find a way to get to and from
work, or taking the constant rebuff of job turndowns because of a disability
of some kind. All types of media will be used in an effort to publicize each
of these forums well in advance so people can make plans to attend.
These forums will deal with a number of concerns of the handicapped
in the fields of health, social, economic and educational concerns, as well
as a wide range of special concerns. At the regional forums delegates will
2
be elected to the state conference in the same manner as state delegates
will be elected to the national conference.
Everyone interested in making known his problems and suggestions
should make plans to attend the forum nearest his home when it is announced.
He should also keep in touch with the organization with which he normally
deals, such as TRC, the State Commission for the Blind, Goodwill, State
Hospital, Association of the Deaf, and other groups. These organizations
will be informing their members and clients about the forums and plans for the
state conference.
More information can be obtained by writing the State Conference,
711 Cypress Tower, 1222 N. Main, San Antonio, Texas, 78212.
The information from all these sources will be gathered, processed,
then prepared for the national conference in Washington, D. C., in the
spring of 1977.
Texas will be allocated 16 delegates to the national conference.
They will be selected at the State Conference in December. At least 50% of
them must be handicapped, another 25% must be parents, siblings or guardians
of handicapped individuals, and the remaining 25% providers and other
advocates of forward strides for the handicapped. Texas may also select 16
alternates, who will be eligible to go in place of delegates unable to attend,
or they may go at their own expense, if they so choose. Or their sponsoring
agency may pay their expenses.
The findings of the various state conferences will be studied and used
in determining the agenda and priorities for the national conference, which
was authorized in an act of congress signed by President Ford in 1974.
3
The Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare has appointed a 28 member
National Planning and Advisory Council. It includes nationally known
educators, rehabilitation specialists, medical personnel, social workers,
government officials, families of handicapped individuals, and consumers--
meaning the handicapped themselves.
Planning for the state conference continues at a brisk pace.
Mrs. Stubblefield will be handling the primary planning for the state
conference, so any questions or suggestions should be addressed to her
at the State Conference headquarters in San Antonio.
It is hoped to have plans for the regional forums throughout the
state completed soon, with publicity ready to go out shortly thereafter.
In addition to the job of planning the conference, the problem of
getting everyone, including the public, informed of this program occupies
a high priority. Newspapers, consumer publications, TV, radio, company
house organs and the like will be used, and Mr. Millsap, Mr. Blase and
Mrs. Stubblefield may be heard or seen on some of the radio and TV talk
shows across the state as time for the forums approaches.
The White House Conference
On Handicapped Individuals
Texas Conference
1222 N. Main, Suite 711
San Antonio, Texas 78212
(512) 223-3831
4
June 21, 1976
State Conference Director
White House Conference
Mr. Sam Millsap
5930 Winding Road
San Antonio, Texas 77329
Dear Mr. Millsap:
It was a pleasure meeting you on the telephone last week and I
am anxious to visit with you in person. I am enclosing a copy
of the agenda I have planned for Jack Smith's forthcoming visit
to Bouston. I hope you can join us, and I would appreciate know-
ing of your plans in that regard.
Congratudations again on your appointment as State Conference
Director. Let me reaffirm my desire to assist you in any way
on this important project.
Sincerely,
Lex Frieden
New Options Research Director
LF/asm