For Immediate Release
Blind Coloradans Valentine’s Day Visit to Capitol to
Emphasize equal Parenting rights
Contact:
Scott C. LaBarre, President, NFB of Colorado
303-5203584
Dan Burke, Legislative Coordinator, NFB of Colorado
406-546-8546
• Blind parents will meet all 100 state legislators Feb. 14 to share their stories and argue for a bill protecting their rights
• HB 18-1104 receives first hearing February 20
Denver, Colo. (February 13, 2018): Dozens of blind individuals will converge February 14 on the halls of Colorado's Capitol to meet with state legislators and advocate for the passage of a law protecting the rights of parents with disabilities in the Centennial State.
The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado (NFBCO) applauds Rep. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge for introducing HB 18-1104, the Family Preservation for Parents with Disability Act, and will mobilize individuals from around Colorado to work for its passage. Each legislator will receive a Valentine and hear stories of the love found in families headed by blind parents.
"Parenting is a fundamental right, and disability should in no way limit this right,” says NFBCO President Scott C. LaBarre, Esq. “Far too often fears and misconceptions about blindness and disability result in a child being taken away from a parent with a disability without any proof that the disability puts the child at risk. When my wife and I were bringing our children into the world, we were «email»forced to fend off several intrusive questions that parents without a disability never have to face."
The Valentine's Day activity is part of the NFB of Colorado's annual Day at the Capitol, a tradition dating back to the 1970s. Members of the Federation will gather at 11 a.m. in the Old Supreme Court Chambers, Room 220 on the Second Floor of the Capitol.
Colorado is among more than 40 states in which blindness or other disabilities alone could be the determining factor in decisions about parental rights, parenting time and adoption, foster care or guardianship proceedings. HB 18-1104 would protect those rights and further require That the benefits of providing supportive parenting services must be considered by a court in such proceedings. Similar bills are advancing this year in legislatures in Arizona, Hawaii and other states.
HB 18-1104 is slated for its first hearing at 1:30 p.m. February 20 before the House Public Health Care & Human Services Committee in HCR 0107. More families headed by blind parents and other parents with disabilities will be at the hearing to speak about their triumphs.
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Note for assigning editors and news directors: The NFB of Colorado will gladly help put you in contact with blind parents around the state to talk with you about how they raise happy, healthy and active children. Potential visuals include any number of activities the families do as part of their lives - sports, scouting, going to parks, doing homework and more.
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About the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado (NFBCO) is the state's affiliate of the oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people. Founded in 1955, the NFBCO advocates for the civil rights and equality of blind Coloradans, and develops innovative education, technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and successful. Learn more about the NFB of Colorado at nfbco.org or at theblindcoloradoan.blogspot.com
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About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. Learn more about our initiatives and programs at nfb.org.
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