Vision Across Texas (1959)

Duration: 0:15:04

Year Published: 1959

Sound: sound

Description: Produced in 1959 by the Radio and Television Department at the University of Texas at Austin, this educational film describes the importance of vocational rehabilitation for people who are blind or visually impaired throughout the state. The film follows individual workers in cities, such as Marshall, Houston, Dallas, and Austin, and describes the different jobs held by persons with visual handicaps. The jobs range from craftsman to teacher to salesman. The Texas Commission for the Blind, a vocational rehabilitation agency from 1932 to 2003, funded the project. Many members of the crew were notable public broadcasting figures in Austin. Director Harvey Herbst helped develop the College of Communications at the University of Texas in Austin and worked as Director of the Communication Center and General Manager of KLRU-TV and KUT-FM. Cinematographer Hal Stegman worked for the Petroleum Service Extension Service at UT Austin and the Texas Highway Department, making educational training films. Executive Producer Robert Schenkkan also helped found the College of Communications at UT Austin and served as General Manager of KLRU-TV and KUT-FM.