Where Is Nigeria Located? This is the first question raised by most persons when the name of the most populous country in Africa is mentioned. This was also the question raised by Robert Langford Ph.D. when he was invited to visit this large growing country and to help a national organization for the blind to review its programs and services. He went to this Western Africa country and interviewed board members of schools and private agencies, government officials, professional staff members of agencies for the blind, and individuals (blind and sighted) who were interested or concerned with the health, welfare, education, spiritual needs, and the rehabilitation and employment of blind persons. All of this was at the request of the Hope for the Blind, a nationwide, privately supported, organization that has primary concerns for Braille and recorded books that would satisfy spiritual and educational needs of blind persons. The observations and findings of the author are based upon reports and information supplied by several governmental and private schools and agencies, interviews with those described above, and telephone interviews and correspondence with international and national organizations that have had experience with programs, services, or equipment present in Nigeria. What Is Nigeria Like? Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, at more than 88 million, and generously endowed with natural resources. Nigeria is struggling towards its goals. It is an English-speaking country with a democratic style of government similar to the United States. It elected its national president for the first time in June of 1993. This completed the transition from a military government to elected officials. Though this election was set aside by the ruling military government, it is expected that the results will be restored. The 30-state federation of Nigeria covers an area roughly the size of Texas. It includes some 300 languages and 3000 dialects. Three languages are employed by the major communication media, and English is the basic common language taught in the schools and used in government and business. The climate is equatorial, but with considerable contrast from the southern and eastern parts which are low and marshy, with high precipitation. The North is arid. They grow yams, cassava, rice, bananas, plantain, and papaya. Education There seems to be a critical shortage of books for school-age children and adults that seek college or vocational training. There is some Braille embossing equipment, but maintenance, repair, and trained persons to operate it seem to be in short supply. The equipment that does exist is not shared, and some equipment sits unused. More communication between different agencies might lead to the development of plans to make better use of all equipment. Plans should be made to train persons in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment. Even one such person, on salary, could train and supervise volunteers, who could do much of the work in other cities. The same approach could be made for recorded books, which seem to be greatly underdeveloped. The recording studio of the Hope for the Blind could be much more fully used. Educational Tools While reading Braille or recorded books is important, being able to write brief messages, take notes, or keep names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other vital information is necessary in an individual's personal, school or employment life. Metal or plastic Braille slates can be obtained less expensively than mechanical writers. Arithmetic problems can be done on Braille slates, or even easier on special slates for the purpose. The abacus is a cheap tool that will do all the calculations that would be needed by students. The disadvantage is the training required. However, Braille and recorded books of instruction are available. Handheld battery-powered electronic calculators are available with a voice that will announce the entry and results. The audio recorder is also a tool for recording lesson assignments for the teacher and for the student. Arithmetic and science assignments can be created step-by-step on the cassette. Manual typewriters are a must for the aspiring middle and upper grade students. This is the first step for a student to prepare reports, class assignments and to learn the keyboard for the computer. To become a part of the mainstream, being able to communicate in printed form for the sighted is a must. Braille and recorded books are available to instruct in touch-typing. Mobility Visually impaired persons face the major problem of transportation from one place to another. The usual solution and the one that provides the greatest comfort and safety is to use a sighted guide. Independent travel is more difficult. It requires special trainers and several weeks of training for the blind person. The white cane is the preferred tool. Travel is accomplished more easily when there is a sidewalk paralleling the street. Absence of a sidewalk or clearly established path makes it very difficult. Using buses can be mastered, but getting to and from the bus, plus getting to and from the destination after leaving the bus, requires advanced training. Without sidewalks to follow, this can be impossible. Sometimes passing persons can offer assistance, but such help is not always available. Dogs trained to guide the blind are expensive to obtain, to feed, and to provide with medical care. Dogs can make independent travel on paths and open areas possible, but may also create new problems of being accepted on buses, in public buildings, restaurants, schools, and friends' homes. Independent Living Skills When one is blind, the simple self-care responsibilities can be difficult or impossible. However, there are many things that can be done. Setting an alarm clock can be handled by removing the glass front of a mechanical clock in order to feel the hands. One can also obtain a battery-powered electronic clock with a voice. Combing hair, trimming nails, shaving facial or body hair, applying cosmetics, selecting clothes, and shining shoes can be learned. Likewise, preparing and eating food, cleaning clothes, and maintaining the home can be taught. Learning sewing, handicrafts, social interaction, and hobbies, keeping personal and financial records can decrease dependence on others. Handwriting can allow for communication with sighted friends and family members. Each acquired skill and ability makes the blind individual that much more independent. Recommendations for the Hope for the Blind Prepare plan describing in writing proposals, detailing how the Braille and recorded books will be distributed. Prepare, put into writing, and distribute a plan for disseminating the used audiocassettes. Prepare, put into writing and distribute a plan for offering a free cleaning and demagnetizing service for audio recorders. Prepare, put into writing and distribute a plan for using the computer, including selection criteria for blind students. How and when will the audio recorded training tutorials be used and where? Determine if this will be enough training or if additional books will be required before allowing hands on the computer. Prepare, put into writing and distribute a plan for the Braille embosser. Should educational books for school children be given a top priority? If so, how will this be coordinated with the schools? Who decides which books will be created first? Who will pay for the recording and the audiocassettes? How many copies will be duplicated? How will they be shipped to the schools and under what schedule? Who will keep the master list of recorded and Braille books? It is vital to success that any program for improved services should be carefully structured. Such a program should be set forth in writing in a detailed step-by-step format. Only by so doing will those responsible for executing the program know exactly what the goals are and what must be done to achieve them.