An educational poster titled "A World Perspective of Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals" has been published by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in cooperation with the Friends of Libraries for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals in North America Inc. (Friends)
The large-print timeline features nearly 100 key dates from 308 A.D. (the birth of Didymus, blind head of the Catechetical School in Alexandria, Egypt), to 1995 (the publication of the Library of Congress's 10,000th numbered braille book). The poster is illustrated with a dozen original watercolors painted by Alfredo DaSilva, a retired U.S. News & World Report illustrator, who also was designer of the poster. Two dozen color photographs also depict historical events on the poster, which measures 52 by 20 inches and is suitable for framing.
"This project was a joint effort with the Friends to help raise the international level of awareness of library services for blind and physically handicapped individuals provided worldwide over the centuries. The poster traces many of the major people, organizations and events that have helped shape a world perspective on blindness," said Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director.
The poster will be distributed jointly by NLS and Friends to libraries and educational institutions around the world. Individuals and corporations who are members of the Friends will also receive a copy.
Additional copies of the poster may be obtained by writing or calling Friends of Libraries for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals Inc., 1555 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 462-9600; fax (202) 462- 9043.
