
Article for March  (Code: ARDIXON.MAR)

                  Let Your Fingers Do the Talking
                       MARVIN E. DIXON, 32 
            Grand Monarch, Grottoes of North America
         1202 Luck Avenue, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111

     The story is typical, yet no less heartbreaking--or 
inspiring--for being common.  Several Grotto officials had 
traveled to Philadelphia on some important Supreme Council 
business and were asked to visit the bedside of a stricken member 
of a local Grotto.  The victim of a stroke, our Brother, we were 
pleased to find, was smiling brightly and sitting in a chair when 
we arrived.  We greeted him warmly and managed the introductions, 
the Brother nodding affirmatively and smiling as each visitor 
said hello and gripped his hand.
     Then we presented him a "Certificate of Honor" to recognize 
him for his long-time support of the Grotto's philanthropies.  He 
was visibly moved, but unable to speak, despite his hardest 
efforts, because of his stroke.  Attempting to assist him, one 
visitor tried to phrase what he thought the helpless Brother 
wished to say.
     Shaking his head negatively, our Brother indicated that he 
wanted to express something else.  A second and third visitor 
tried other messages.  Each was met with increased negative signs 
until, finally, the speechless Brother gave up in frustration, 
covered his eyes and sobbed.  Embarrassed, we withdrew wondering 
how we could help, not realizing that we had neglected to bring 
along the one thing this Brother could use above all else.  
Clearly, what he needed was a "Talking Board."
     For this Brother, as for many thousands of others--the 
speech handicapped for whatever reason of whatever age--the 
"Talking Board" is a way to let their fingers do the talking.  It 
is a simple, smooth-edged piece of masonite on which is mounted a 
plastic-coated sheet grouping common phrases and all the letters 
of the alphabet.  No special training is needed for its use.  The 
handicapped person simply points and his meaning is clear.
     Distribution of the "Talking Board" began in l967 as a 
philanthropy of the members of Ghora Khan Grotto of St. Paul, 
Minnesota, in memory of the man who designed it, Hall Roe.  From 
an early age, Hall was severely disabled by cerebral palsy.  He 
could not speak and was confined to his bed or a wheelchair all 
his life.  He never weighed more than 80 pounds and died at 55 of 
cancer.
     Yet his life has benefited thousands.  In order to 
communicate, he developed the "Talking Board" and made it 
available to the Grottoes whose members have, in turn, made it 
available free to the needy or at cost ($10) to those able to 
pay.  Also, it is often donated to convalescent, rest and 
retirement homes.  Over 3,000 Boards have been sent throughout 
the United States and as far away as England and Australia to aid 
the speech-impaired.
     For these, the "Talking Board" is a golden key that unlocks 
the door of a personal prison.  In fact, it allowed Hall Roe to 
communicate so well that he received an honorary Degree in 
Journalism!  As Grand Monarch of the Supreme Council, Grottoes of 
North America, I am pleased and proud to make known to you 
information on distribution of the "Talking Board" one of the key 
projects of l990, our 100th year of aiding America's handicapped 
and elderly.
     To contribute to this cause, obtain information or place an 
order, please contact the Office of the Executive Secretary, 
Bernard W. Hartman, 34 N. Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or 
call 614-463-9193.

Cutline for photo: Grand Monarch Marvin E. Dixon and his wife 
Madeline present a "Talking Board" to Dr. John W. Boettjer, 
Managing Editor, The Scottish Rite Journal.

Cutline for Dixon portrait: A member of the Scottish Rite Bodies 
of Richmond, Virginia, Brother Dixon is also a member of 
Metropolitan Lodge No. 11, Washington and Henry Lodge No. 344, 
Acca Shrine Temple, and a Past Patron of Mechanicsville Chapter 
No. 138, Order of Eastern Star.

The following excerpts may be used as highlights in the article:
The story is typical, yet no less heartbreaking--or 
inspiring--for being common.

For this Brother, as for many thousands of others--the speech 
handicapped for whatever reason of whatever age--the "Talking 
Board" is a way to let their fingers do the talking.

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