Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
364776595
label
CBS Story '79
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
364776595
contentType
document
title
CBS Story '79
citationUrl
collections
Lex Frieden Collection: Records on Disability Rights
Printed Materials
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
364776595
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
399a950462ab85d2
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection: Donated Historical Materials
Collection/Office of Origin:
Frieden, Lex, Collection
Series:
Printed Materials
Subseries:
Reference Materials
OA/ID Number:
52137
Folder ID Number:
52137-007
Folder Title:
CBS Story '79
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
her -
Marlence SAnders of
CBS Reports" - new york
interested in doing a documentary
on handicupped rights
would like to know:
- - good important projects issues around wentry
material on
- wanted your to know if we handles
background back, (hew options)
*
send She material to
:
CBS Reports
524 W. 57th Street
new York n.y. 10019
(over)
4171
5964
1401 Brookwood Dr.
Little Rock, Ark. 72203
April 19, 1979
371-2502
Your Turn
CBS News
524 West 57th St.
New York. City, New York 10019
Gentlemen:
I would like to commend the CBS Television Network for the out-
standing April 3 presentation of "How Much for the Handicapped?".
Having been confined to a wheelchair since polio as a child, I am
acutely aware of the barriers facing disabled citizens of our nation
and could identify with many of the situations presented in your
special. The general consensus among disabled individuals with whom
I have discussed this matter is that "it could have been worse" and
that your presentation could have been much more slanted toward the
narrow-minded, cost cutting bureaucrats who are unable to see past their
mad craze to "balance the budget".
It is indeed regretable that disabled persons had to take their
cause to the streets merely to get the attention of our elected
and appointed officials. It was also regretable that you elected to
stress this confrontation rather than stressing the inalienable
constitutional rights of American citizens to be abroad in the land
and participate in government programs as they see fit. I feel that
it would have also been helpful to discuss not only how much it
"costs" to make our environment accessible and usable by all persons
but to discuss how much it costs not to make services, employment
and other aspects of our society usable by all persons.
You may be interested to note that "the handicapped" are the
largest minority in the United States today. Disabling conditions
and handicaps cut across all lines and barriers of race, color,
sex, creed and national origin as well as all age groups; 100%
of the American population will at one time or another be confronted
with a mobility impairment and limitation such as those encountered
in early childhood or advanced age or due to temporary conditions
such as a sprained ankle or advanced pregnancy.
According to figures provided by the American Public Welfare
Association of the 36 million disabled persons in the United States
today, over 7 million are receiving some type of Federal, State or
local welfare benefits and 60% of the $8.1 billion in HEW Medicare-
Medicaid benefits go to disabled individuals. The cost of the
Federal, State and local income maintenance programs exceeded
$100 billion last year and the estimated cost by 1981 is that it
will exceed $200 billion. Another study indicates that if all
the severly disabled individuals eligible to be employed were
Your Turn, April 19, 1979, page 2
provided adequate "auxiliary" services such as accessible housing,
transportation, attendant care, etc. and worked at employment
earning only $6,000 per year, they would generate over $12 billion
per year in new taxes (this does not include the savings in various
income maintenance, disability, Medicare-Medicaid or other Federal,
State and local payments to these persons)
It should be obvious (to everyone except President Carter and
the gentleman from Dallas, Texas quoted in your special) that our
nation can no longer afford not to take advantage of the tremendous
latent potential available through services and talents of our
handicapped citizens (including myself)
The absurd quote of the gentleman fron the University of Texas
about the $100 million per year cost of campus transportation
services is a typical example of the ridiculous overreaction of
supposedly intelligent and knowledgeable persons when faced with
unusual situations. It should be noted that these accomodations are
usually one time costs only and once accomplished do not have to be
repeated while Federal benefits and welfare payments continue year
after year after year.
It should be noted that the handicapped citizens of our nation
are the most abused and discriminated against persons in society
today. It is difficult to "stand up for your rights" or "make your
voice heard" when we are unable to reach the levers on voting
machines or unable to speak over the the telephone (even if someone
is willing to listen). The Federal government has been the greatest
villian in the comic tragedy being discussed. The Federal Architect-
ural Barriers Act went into effect in 1969 (PL 90-480 of 1968).
Federal, State and local officials have ignored or misinterpreted
accessibility specifications and now are screaming to be rewarded
for their villianous, apathetic, hostile, ,negletful attitude by
asking for funds to remove architectural barriers which were built
illegally to begin with. I oppose this philosophy; my taxes should
not be used to pay high salaries of incompetent administrators or
the cost of construction or modification of facilities when we
have been pleading for their attention for years.
Design professionals and construction personnel must share in
the responsibility of designing our present hostile man made
environment. The American National Standards Institute's Accessibility
Specifications were first published in 1961 and are just now being
"discovered" in such backward states as Arkansas by architects and
design professionals. We must break this vicious cycle in order
that millions of persons might contribute their fair share to society.
Your Turn, April 19, 1979, page 3
I would suggest that it would be helpful for you to include
some of the above mentioned items in some brief follow-up to the
excellent April 3 presentation. Thank you very much for the oppor-
tunity to comment on this program.
Sincerely,
Delberto Lewis
Delbert 0. Lewis
cc
Dr. Frank Bowe, American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities
Mr. Lex Frieden, Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
KTHV - Channel 11
Arkansas Congressional Delegation
Interested Individuals
DOL/rt
Central Administrative Office
Formerly the National
Regional Divisions
369 Elliot Street,
Paraplegia Foundation,
Midwest Region
Newton Upper Falls,
Founded by the
3575 North Oakland Avenue,
Massachusetts 02164
Paralyzed Veterans of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211
(617) 964-0521
America in 1948
(414) 332-3930
Research Division
Robert R. Jackson, M.D.
New England Region
President
4440 Northwest 19th Street,
369 Elliott Street,
Lauderhill, Florida 33313
Bruce E. Marquis
Newton Upper Falls,
(305) 735-9050
Executive Director
Massachusetts 02164
(617) 964-0521
Rocky Mountain Region
3043 South Downing,
Englewood, Colorado 80110
(303) 789-0471
April 9, 1979
Mr. Lex Frieden
Project Director
Texas Institute For Rehabilitation & Research
1333 Mourfund
Houston, Texas
Dear Lex:
Congratulations for making National television; your segment in the
CBS documentary "How Much For The Handicapped" was excellent. It aired
in Boston on channel 7, during prime time last Thursday night.
To my knowledge, this is the first national look at an Independent
Living Program and, I was pleased to see T.I.R.R. receive the honors. It
seems to me that represents quite a bit of work for all concerned.
All though CBS came right out and said they were trying to be objec-
tive, there seemed to be some very undo negative sentiment that was trans-
lated. I guess this is almost inescapable. But paramount in my mind is
the positive awareness for the general public that equaled, and in my op-
inion, far surpassed any of the negative overtones.
As a representative of the Independent Living Program movement I can't
thank you enough. Hope to see you soon.
With warm regards,
Charlas
Charlie Carr
Associate Resource Coordinator
Northeastern Massachusetts
Independent Living Rehabilitation
Program
c/o Mass. Rehab. Commission
499 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
CC/dp
National
Spinal Cord
Injury
SC
Foundation
Alva, Okla. 73717
April 4, 1979
Dear Electa Lee and Dale:
Will you, please, send to Lex our compliments, telling him he is quite
a T.V. personality, after seeing him on Channel 9 out of Okla. City last
nite. I'd write to him, personally, but don't know how to reach him.
As I used to say to both of you, he certainly has the mark of greatness,
with his courage, incentive, and understanding of human nature and the
values of rare strength and compassion that not only have sent him soaring
in this world, but give others the vision he has carried through this time.
Usually we both go home from the office 'the usual tired business man' syndrome
personified. With a glass of juice we sprawl in our big chairs to watch the
news, and, perhaps, half dozing what might follow. Last nite the name of Lex
Frieden woke both of us at once and watched the entire program, TT What's
for the Handicapped?" with great interest. Not only for Lex part, but because
we've just spent 12 years caring for my sister, who has lived with us, after
a stroke left her very handicapped, too. John Pangburn was her therapist,
and did wonders for her physically, but we picked up there and taught her
that wheel chairs could vacation in N. Mexico etc. Just this past month, at
age 80, she has had to let others do many things for her, as arthritic knees
etc. told her it was time to rest. Hence, we have only 'smattering of igno-
rahce' compared to Lex's knowledge and experience. But, we certainly do listen
and understand with an open mind and heart.
We have learned of Lex's marriage and send best wishes. Are delighted that
he manages to live. I'd like to tell people to open their eyes and see.
Too, we read of Brook's marriage. Surely you aren't old enuf to have grown
children. "Time has went" instead of gone, hasn't it?
Now and then we see Naomi Nicholson when they happen to be in town, so have
known about your family and you. Happiness comes in small items, doesn't it?
Seeing Lex conquer so many must be rewarding beyond compare. And, I'm so
pleased for him and for you.
Alva changes, as all things, places and people do. The oil and gas play west of
town pushes Frank and me, since most of the oil companies want their abstracts
'yesterday' instead of tomorrow. But, we can't have time to get into mishhief
that way----nor can I keep my house the way I'd like. Help just isn't anymore
around here, so we give priorities to the important things and try to ignore
the others.
We'd always have the welcome mat out to all of you.
Fondly,
Lianx Majorie Hauts
REHABILITATION INDICATORS PROJECT
New York University Medical Center
Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine
400 East 34th Street
New York, N.Y. 10016
Telephone 212 679-3200
April 4, 1979
Mr. Lex Frieden
9667 Meadowvale
Houston, Texas 77063
Dear Lex:
I saw the CBS TV production last night and just wanted to send a
note to tell you how terifically you "came across" in the show. I
thought the show was well done and liked your part in it very much. The
"spirit of independence" really lit up the night for me -- what a refreshing
breeze, a change from the usual emphasis on dependence in films about people
with disabilities.
Sincerely yours,
margaret
MB : bh
Margaret Brown
Project Coordinator
8A /The Houston Post/ Tues., 3, 1979
Bush Library Photocopy
CBS News special takes look
Preservation
at problems of handicapped
Junano
The disabled, led by handicapped veterans of the
tendant is a Vietnam veteran whose memory has been
Vietnam conflict who refused to disappear into hospi-
affected.
tals or nursing homes, have come out swinging.
"One of my favorites was in Austin," Sanders said.
An increased militancy of the handicapped is being
"He is Rep. James Collins (R-Texas, from Dallas), who
Television
observed throughout the land. The problems of the disa-
bled are peaking at a time when the public perhaps
has a Proposition 13 mentality. He is against spending
money."
feels more compassionate about their problems, but
also is concerned about inflation and higher taxes.
CBS News takes a long (7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Channel
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS has a money problem
in attempting to care for handicapped students.
11) look at the problem, with much of the film for the
Of a student body of 45,000, 250 are disabled and 30
CBS Reports shot in Houston and at the University of
are in wheelchairs. Yet the biggest problem in this area
Texas in Austin.
for the university may be Walter Camenish, a former
graduate student who is deaf.
MARLENE SANDERS IS the producer-director-
He pointed out that while funds are available for the
writer-reporter of the special. She said on the phone:
"This is an exploration of the latest civil-rights move-
physically handicapped students - the crippled, the
blind - there is nothing for the deaf. He had to pay for
ment the handicapped.
his own interpreter at the university.
"The Vietnam vets spearheaded the movement, and
Sanders said, "Two million Americans can't under-
it has attracted the deaf and others with ailments.
"Any one of us could join the movement," Sanders
stand speech, and other millions have hearing
impairment."
said. "Many of us have a hearing loss, have had a
By C.W. SKIPPER
stroke, a fall that broke a hip. We're living longer."
THE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM seems to be that while,
Post Television
slowly, improvements are being made to make the disa-
Editor
AN EARLY SEGMENT in the special, CBS Reports:
How Much for the Handicapped?, homes in on Lex
bled more self-sufficient, they are not nearly enough.
Frieden, a quadriplegic who is research director of the
The principal goal in life of a handicapped person
seems to be to take care of himself or herself. To do
New Options for Independent Living project.
this, help is needed.
Frieden, now in his late 20s, became paralyzed when
An early segment of the film shows a wheelchair con-
he broke his neck in an auto accident when he was 18.
voy at the Galleria in Houston, where the disabled must
Wheelchair-bound gather at Galleria in 'CBS Reports' segmer
He finished college while living at home, Sanders said,
sit outside a door until somebody holds it open SO they
and married a young woman with spinal meningitis.
can wheel in.
been cut down SO wheelchair can roll up on the side-
Frieden needs an attendant, Sanders said, and the at-
In some places in downtown Houston, curbs have
walks. Some elevator buttons have Braille legends. At
Adding on
UT, a map is published in Braille, and there is a guide-
book for disabled students. There are buses for the
U.S. GOVERNMENT REPORT:
wheelchair-bound, but not enough, the report says.
KTSU-FM, Texas Southern University's radio st
has been granted a permit by the Federal Comm
HOUSTON'S HANDICAPPED are concerned about
tions Commission to increase its power and reloca
building codes. "Our biggest hassle in dealing with
studio facilities.
CARLTON IS LOWEST.
apartment builders is that they won't make modifica-
The station can increase its power from 10
tions in bathrooms," a disabled resident said.
which enables it to cover an area of two to five mil
Carlton
One segment describes how an apartment owner
18.5 kilowatts and a potential coverage of 48 miles.
wants to get out of a government subsidy program and
The station has permission to construct a 29
force all of a colony of handicapped tenants to leave.
tower to be located at the station's new site,
Carlton claim confirmed.
Wheeler.
The purpose of the several programs for the hand-
icapped is not SO much rehabilitation, but to get them
HELEN O'CONNELL AND Bob Barker will CO
to integrate into the community.
the Miss USA Beauty Pageant, 8-10 p.m. Monday,
Less than 1 mg. tar,
And that is exactly what the disabled themselves
30, on Channel 11. The winner will represent the
Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined
want.
States in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, also
That Cinaratte Smoking
0.1 mg. nic.
broadcast by CBS later from Perth, Australia.
Bush Library Photocopy
Preservation
Tuesday, April 3, 1979
Houston Chronicle
Section 6, Page 5
fascinating drama
Hostilities overcome, George
tain
ists of TV's Nielsen masses, perhaps, but it is a
Peppard is ready to act again
lay.
fascinating drama, and also a faithful and affecting
translation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous tale of the
ma-
rigid society that formed the fabric of our Puritan herit-
BY MARILYN BECK
den on Lake Conroe. Between sets of
wer
age in America.
©1979, United Features
the annual tourney, which benefits the
and
The Scarlet Letter provides a vivid portrait of life in
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, George
for
that Massachusetts Pilgrim village of Boston circa 1640.
LAKE CONROE - George Peppard
spoke candidly about his disappoint-
em-
And as spelled out quite effectively in the opening epi-
says he's rid himself of his hostilities
ment over the lack of push Universal
sode, the insecurity of that lifestyle was reflected in the
toward acting and that, "I want to act
Studios is giving the U.S. release of
cap-
hellfire and brimstone fears of its inhabitants.
again and I need a good role. The Sam
Five Days From Home. That's the film
That tiny island of wilderness civilization between sea
Sheppard
he financed, directed, produced and
and savages laid its safety in the hands of God's blessing
story I did for
ended up starring in because "I could-
and lived in terror of incurring God's wrath. The mortal
TV (in 1975)
n't hire anyone else as cheaply."
enemy was sin, and woe betide any member of that flock
was the only
who risked God's vengeance. As the judge so clearly put
good role I've
WHAT PRICE FAME: Producer
it, "The sin of one imperils all."
had in the last
Larry Gordon is talking to Suzanne
In The Scarlet Letter, it is Hester Prynne who is
seven to 10
Somers about starring in the film
branded sinner, an adulteress condemned forever to
years.'
translation of Irving Wallace's The
wear the sign of her fall from grace for the sin she bears
He feels he's
Fan Club. If some in the industry feel
in her arms, a beautiful little girl child. And besides that
never been in
she'll grab the assignment if the price
letter A, Hester's punishment includes an ostracism so
better shape to
is right, she has no one to blame but
devastating that it would have destroyed a lesser
handle one.
herself and her business representa-
woman.
"I've stopped
tive.
Hester, however, is a survivor, determined to endure
drinking,
Peppard
In the last few months, the Three's
her penance in silence and refusing to reveal her partner
says the for-
Company actress has garnered consid-
in crime.
mer Banacek star whose consumption
erable newspaper space with reports
It's basically a three-character play, and all the actors
of alcohol was once up to a fifth of
of the many millions she'll reportedly
involved are splendid. As Hester, Meg Foster radiates
bourbon a day. "I've stopped drinking
be earning from assorted acting deals.
dignity and pride, with the pain of that suffering showing
before," he admits, "but this time,
As her manager goes around town
only in her expressive eyes.
I've stopped drinking for the rest of
boasting about those deals, (which
Arthur Dimmesdale, the young minister who is her
my life.
amount to $6 million, by his figuring
secret lover, is John Heard. He undergoes a dramatic
Peppard, who's dropped 25 pounds in
though others insist those figures are
transformation from "a miracle of holiness" to a human
his five months of alcoholic absti-
exaggerated) it seems to be the money
tortured unto death by the unconfessed sin in his heart.
nence, was showing off his new form
and never the quality of the project
And Heard's performance, too, is fine.
over the weekend at the Jack Benny
that's stressed. Quality is something
The third member of Hawthorne's unhappy triangle is
Memorial Tennis Tournament at Wal-
that can't be overlooked.
Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband, whose VOW to
revenge upon the man guilty of bringing his wife to
shame eventually grows to a cancer that destroys him.
Kevin Conway is riveting in that role.
At this point, I've really done just about everything, from
Strangely enough, Conway at first turned down the
voice-over commercials, which are very nice for the
Previews
part.
bank account, radio and stage to TV and movies. And I
"Two reasons," he enumerated when he called the
figure I'm lucky getting a late start, because I've been
other day. "First, I thought The Scarlet Letter was an
able to exercise more quality control. I just don't take a
CBS Reports (7 p.m.,
odd choice to do as drama. I didn't realize until I read
role I don't consider worthwhile."
Ch. 11) How Much for the
the script how relevant it is to today, and how much
Handicapped? An interest-
In electing to take The Scarlet Letter, Conway now
effect those Puritan beginnings have had on our national
judges, he picked a winner.
ing and sometimes poi-
character. Second, I didn't think I was right for the part.
'Whatever the final outcome, it's a noble attempt at
gnant essay about the in-
Chillingworth is a bald, misshapen old man. I had to
the kind of TV drama that should have been started in
creasingly difficult
nds
spend 2 1/2 hours in makeup every morning. And believe
this country a long time ago," he declares. "We let the
problem of satisfying the
me, in Rhode Island last summer, that skullcap could get
English do it for us much too long."
needs of the physically
pretty uncomfortable."
Kevin, old boy, I could not agree more.
handicapped regarding
Kevin got the role because he caught the producer's
their access to transporta-
eye in the theatrical production of When You Comin'
On the dial
tion, housing and educa-
Back, Red Ryder, a performance that also won him an
tion, and society's lessen-
Obie (the off-Broadway honor) and a New York Drama
ing willingness and ability
Critics' Award.
A segment of tonight's CBS Reports: How Much for the
to pay the enormous sums
"There was something in that performance that the
Handicapped was filmed at Houston's Galleria, and
involved in caring for this
producer wanted in Chillingworth," he explained. "He
there are several interviews here (with Bob Geyer of
large minority group. It
didn't just want a burned-out old man; he wanted to
Houston's Coalition for Barrier-Free Living, among
seems that providing ac-
show there was still a spark of eroticism, a basic feeling,
others) and in Austin to show the advances and back
cess to these necessities
between him and Hester. And think we pulled that off.
steps - in providing for special needs of handicapped
which everyone else takes
livier,
When he called, Kevin was in Dallas working on anoth-
persons. There's also a report on a local apartment
for granted will cost bil-
er unusual PBS project, a new miniseries based on the
project that recently won a court decision ordering that
lions of dollars for the
science-fiction book, The Lathe of Heaven. It takes place
all disabled tenants whose rent is subsidized by the
disabled. There is one spe-
(R)
25 years from now, in a world gone ultrafuturistic. And
Houston Housing Authority move out." The owners, said
cially absorbing segment
it's being shot on Texas locations, including Dallas'
Marlene Sanders, would not meet with CBS News. It's at
concerning new technolog-
Hyatt-Regency Hotel, and Fort Worth's Water Gardens
7
p.m.
on
Ch. 11. After tonight's episode of Jesus of
ical devices for the home
and Tandy Co. Building.
Nazareth, NBC will hold the concluding chapter until
TV set that can aid those
"We're working 12 to 14 hours a day," Kevin sighed.
Palm Sunday, as a fitting reminder of Easter Holy Week.
with impaired hearing.
'Much as I love to be busy, I'm beginning to run down."
It's been reported, by the way, that when about 6,000
It was a lucky break of schedule that allowed Kevin to
people in England were sampled, 40 percent said this
do the PBS role. He's on hold awaiting the imminent
film did more than either the Bible (33 percent) or the
DENTIST
move of his smash off-Broadway show, The Elephant
church (27 percent) to give them insight to the life of
Immediate Appointments
Heav-
Man, to Broadway proper.
Christ. Black Man's Land, a series of three hour-long
Mon.-Sat.
If you have dental problems
Stack.
Things are moving right along for Conway these days,
documentaries on the turbulent history of Kenya, as told
We can help You
sup-
and there are times he still can't believe it's happening.
from the black point of view, starts at 9 tonight on Ch. 8,
Over 30 yrs. experience
Insurance accepted
W to
etting
Acting was Conway's second career choice. Until age 26,
with following episodes same time Wednesday and
644-3886
he was a sales analyst for IBM.
Thursday.
"I had a darned good job," he relates. "Being an actor
had never even occurred to me until the girl I was dating
insisted I take her to the theater. I'd never even seen a
Boston is
SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS
SPECIALS!
play before, but after that one, I thought it might be fun
to take some acting lessons. I still never dreamed,
a contraction
HTH Granules 100# Drum $85.15
HTH Granules 35# Drum $44.39
Today
though, that I'd do it for a living.
United Press International
HTH Tablets 100#
$87.15
Rasco,
When he did decide to go all the way, Conway took his
Boston is a contraction
REDWOOD CHEMICAL, INC.
year's severance pay from IBM and planned his strategy
of "St. Botolph's Town.
1215 JACKSON
658-0231
as carefully as any company sales campaign.
"That hand-to-mouth existence of so many young
at 7:00 p.m.
actors - the ones who moonlight between jobs as waiters
or busboys or cabbies just to earn enough money to live
Economy
KHTV
until the next show - just isn't my style," Kevin said.
alleza,
"I'd had a good job in business, and I didn't want to step
back. So I studied very hard and I planned every move.
39
Dentistry
HOUSTON