Blind Coloradoan Blog February 27, 2019
Writer, aggregator Kevan Worley. Contributing
editor Dan Burke.
Here is what you need to know.
First,
this is the 7th Blind Coloradoan since we founded Project Literacy.
We are still figuring out the best format. Our social media folks will be
helping to put the new format together. We want to make it easy for folks to
get to the information they really want while not having to endure my prose.
But we also want to make it inviting to read longer pieces. We will be driven
by your feedback.
For the First Time Ever in
the 30-Year History of the Colorado Center for the Blind, A Member of Congress
Comes to Learn. Our thanks to @RepJasonCrow for spending an
hour visiting and for taking the grand tour. Freshman Congressman Crow serves
Colorado’s 6th District, which includes the Colorado Center for the Blind. Dan
Burke Public Relations Specialist, Colorado Center for the Blind was there. Dan
says, “Thanks for coming, meeting, and listening, Congressman! It meant a lot
to everyone!” Of great interest to our veterans who are blind, Jason is an
outspoken advocate for veterans’ rights. He helped lead the charge to replace
the overcrowded, 60-year-old VA hospital in Denver and bring it to Aurora. Jason
Crow, a man worth knowing. Top of his class at
ROTC, former Army Ranger, Bronze Star recipient, Captain, attorney,
Congressman. Thank you for your service to the nation.
Standing in
front of the tactile Colorado Mountain mural are Brent Batron, Scott LaBarre,
Congressman Jason Crow, Julie Deden, Dan Burke.
Coming Soon! Coming soon,
you and your friends and family will be able to register for the 2019 NFBCO 6
Dot Dash on June 29 at the Colorado Center for the Blind. We need your help! If
you have connections with agencies, employers, or people you think may have an
interest in learning about all of the sponsorship opportunities for 6 Dot Dash
and related weekend activities please make the introduction. Please make the
introduction today! Contact Kevan Worley 303-929-2369, or kevan@nfbco.org.
Live in Power. Rest in Peace. The disability rights movement lost a
true thought leader, woman of heart, and activist on February 24, 2019. Carrie Ann Lucas was a talented
photographer and cook. A citation of Carrie Ann’s activities, accomplishments,
and awards is astonishing. Of heart to the National Federation of the Blind of
Colorado is her strong, intelligent, imaginative advocacy during our fight to
pass H.B. 18-1104, Family Preservation for Parents with Disability Act.
A group of
disabled parents bill supporters the day of the vote. Carrie Ann is bottom left
corner.
According to the obituary on the Colorado
Cross-Disability Coalition website, “Carrie Ann died after an arbitrary denial
from an insurance company caused a plethora of health problems, exacerbating
her disabilities and eventually leading to her premature death. She was 47 years old.” You can read the
entire obituary, www.ccdconline.org/2019/02/24/disability-community-loses-one-of-our-rock-stars.
Dan Burke and Scott LaBarre worked closely
with Carrie Ann during the negotiation to pass Family Preservation for Parents
with Disability Act. Dan said, “what a terrible, terrible loss.” “She was
tireless, man. She was fearless. And, she knew that bill backwards and
forwards.” “She knew every comma in that bill.” Carrie Ann Lucas, we mourn your
passing, we celebrate your life. Your work will impact the lives of people with
disabilities, their families, and society for generations to come. Thank you. At
this writing we do not have information about memorials. Please subscribe to
Colorado Talk, local channel of NFB Newsline, or check out Colorado
Cross-Disability Coalition. On a personal note, the reports on the CCDC
website indicate that Carrie Ann’s death was largely due to a failure of our
health care system. The fact that a life with such soul and humanity could be
lost due to lack of money is truly disturbing. I think what Carrie Ann would
say is “this shows how much further those of us who care about human and civil
rights have to go.”
From the Mountains to the
Plains. NFBCO
Mountains and Plains At Large chapter conference call meeting, 3rd
Thursdays of the month at 7 p.m., call in 641-715-0866, code 405276#. President
ReNae Anderson and the team look forward to hearing your voice.
Hey
Partner! Wild West
chapter saddles up first Saturday of the month. High noon. Carmody Recreation
Center, 2200 S. Kipling Street, Lakewood.
“If everything isn’t black and white, I say
why the hell not?” -John Wayne
Here’s What Happened at The NFBCO Triumphant 2019 Day at
the Capitol. When we last left our state capitol in
2018, State Representative Jessie Danielson was in the midst of marshalling
support for and bringing together stakeholders in order to ensure passage of H.B.
18-1104 - Family Preservation for Parents with Disability Act. Colorado now has
the strongest blind parent protection law. And here we are again asking Senator
Jessie Danielson to sponsor a bill that would make it possible for blind
Coloradoans to vote from home without a sighted person to read or mark their
ballot for them. During the Day at
the Capitol, Monday February 11, attended by dozens of blind Coloradoans and
allies we got the word. Senator Jessie Danielson, S.D. 20, planned to introduce
a bill for an act concerning ballot access for voters with disabilities.
It is fair
to say that Jessie Danielson has dedicated a great deal of her career to ensure
that everyone has a right to vote secretly and independently, but that right
has not always been guaranteed for the blind and visually impaired.
“We
absolutely insist on our right to vote privately and independently,” said Scott
LaBarre, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, on the
Day at the Capitol. “But we also have the right to vote at the time and place
of our choosing, just as our sighted friends and neighbors do now, for the same
reasons they do.”
Colorado
blind citizens fanned out to visit the offices of the General Assembly with
fact sheets in hand. Our legislative memoranda featured three issues.
First, a
solution to the barrier that currently prevents people who are blind from
voting by mail.
Secondly,
we were at the capitol to tell our government that the Blindness and Low Vision
Services unit developed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
(CDLE) in 2016 had largely been successful. However, we detailed for them the
need to protect the unit within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
in statute or at the very least regulation. Furthermore, our legislators needed
to know that despite successes in eliminating waitlists for services,
increasing number of job placements at higher wages, and bringing expertise to
clients from professional staff uniquely qualified to serve the blind; Rural
Colorado was not receiving those specialized services. Funding would be
necessary. (Note: before the day was out, we heard from CDLE management that
they shared our concerns and they pledged their commitment to work with us and
the General Assembly.)
We also
urged law makers to continue supporting NFB Newsline through the Disabled
Telephone Users Fund (DTUF). For 12 years, the Legislature has funded this
unique and dynamic news and entertainment delivery service to the blind of
Colorado.
Visiting
with our legislators and their aides was educational, challenging, and fun.
Button-holing members of the General Assembly wasn’t always easy. The
idiosyncratic nature of the room numbering system was, well, interesting. It
made for a uniquely challenging training experience for Colorado Center for the
Blind students. We met legislative aides in the basement cafeteria. We called
them off the floor during session. The National Federation of the Blind of
Colorado was bringing our message of love, hope, and determination to the
golden dome!
Pictured
left to right is Scott LaBarre, Senator Jessie Danielson, Dan Burke, Ann
Cunningham.
The big
news of the day being able to vote by mail would likely soon be possible for
blind Coloradoans!
In This Issue, We Congratulate Ann Cunningham. She
has been teaching and inspiring blind artists for 20 years. My favorite piece
is the mural depicting a beautiful Colorado Mountain-scape. Stop in and touch
it, see it, and enjoy it in the dining room at CCB. She inspires people who are
blind to live the lives they want through art. The more you learn the more you
will love! Check out acunningham.com.
You may also take joy from her Sensational Books.
NFBCO Grand Valley Chapter Makes a Difference on the
Western Slope. Join
them the first Friday of each month at the Center for Independence, 740
Gunnison Ave., Grand Junction. Join the group at 10 a.m. Thanks for hosting,
CFI!
Students and Parents There
Really is Money for College. Get your
higher education in the art and science of winning those all-important
scholarships. NFBCO will conduct an informative and lively work session from
noon until 4:00 Saturday March 2nd. Be there or be poor. Contact jessica@nfbco.org.
National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Awards
Congressional Experience Scholarships. Deyannira
Villa Cazares, 16, of Denver, and Ian Lee, 18, of Aurora, joined other Coloradoans
who participated in the National Federation of the Blind's Washington Seminar,
January 28-31. Villa Cazares and Lee were chosen in a statewide essay contest.
Two
Colorado High School students traveled with more than a dozen blind Coloradoans
to Washington DC to advocate for legislation to improve the lives of the blind
throughout the country. The group joined
more than 500 blind Americans at the 2019 Washington Seminar held each year by
the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
Deyannira
Villa Cazares, a 16-year-old sophomore at DSST: Conservatory Green High School,
and Ian Lee, an 18-year-old senior at Aurora West College Prep, were the
winners of an essay contest sponsored by the Colorado Center for the Blind in
cooperation with the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado for blind
high school students to attend the annual event. Deyannira of Denver and Ian of
Aurora earned an all-expenses paid trip to the seminar, where they met with
Colorado's congressional delegation and learned from leaders in the National
Federation of the Blind.
"One
of the biggest reasons visiting Washington would enrich my life is that I want
to be able to advocate for people like me, blind or visually impaired, to have
the same rights or opportunities as sighted people," Deyannira wrote in
her essay.
"I need to know what laws impact my life and what I can do
to help influence changes in the future," Ian wrote.
According
to Julie Deden, Executive Director, Colorado Center for the Blind, “Beyond the
legislative issues, these two bright, engaged students will be traveling the
halls of our nation’s capital with blind adult role models. Our nation’s
capital is big and complicated. They will learn that blind can go anywhere and
engage members of congress.”
While in
Washington, the students joined others in educating representatives and
senators about three legislative priorities:
·
The Access Technology Affordability
Act (ATAA), which would provide a refundable tax credit for qualifying
purchases of critically needed access technology. With this bill, Congress
would stimulate individual procurement of this technology and promote
affordability of these tools.
·
The Greater Accessibility and
Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act. The legislation
would have Congress set minimum accessibility requirements for advanced digital
interfaces which create barriers that prevent blind individuals from independently
operating essential devices that enhance quality of life.
·
The Disability Employment Act (DEA) is
intended to spur innovation that will increase and enhance modern employment
opportunities for people with disabilities.
(Note: Much
of the above information about Washington Seminar and our two essay winners was
taken directly from a press release distributed throughout the state by our
contributing editor Dan Burke.)
The Builders. True stories from the
history of the Rocky Mountain blind by Peggy Chong. The History Lady, Peggy Chong, has agreed to
share her research with us in the Blind Coloradoan. I am very excited to share
these columns with you all with greatest appreciation for Peggy’s work. We will
learn of the victories, the vices, the legislation, the lives, the exclusion,
the poverty, the adversity, and the achievements of those who lived lives with
blindness over more than a century. We stand on their shoulders. Of course, we
had our rogues, rats, traitors, and rascals. What would the history of Colorado
be without them? We had our thinkers, our leaders and rank-in-file members,
families and allies working to make it possible for more blind people to live
the lives they wanted. As she digs through the dusty bins of history, I hope
she finds a story about a blind gunslinger. We know there were blind miners,
cowboys, and pioneers. Here is our first
installment from The
History Lady. -KW
As this is our legislative season and we have just come from the Day at the Capitol, I thought a look back just over 100 years at the activities of the blind in the legislative arena would be nice.
As this is our legislative season and we have just come from the Day at the Capitol, I thought a look back just over 100 years at the activities of the blind in the legislative arena would be nice.
From the
Keota News, October 4, 1918
“An
Important measure of constructive initiative law coming up at the forthcoming
election is the inaugurated be the United Workers for the Blind of Colorado
entitled “An Act for The Relief Of The Adult Blind”; And we want everybody to
vote for it. The bill must be alright, as it is officially endorsed by
both the leading political parties, and the Colorado State Editorial
Association, the Denver Press Club, Colorado State Federation of Labor, Denver
Labor and Trades Assembly, Colorado State Grange, Farmers Educational and Co-operative
Union, Colorado State Federation of Women’s Clubs, Women’s Club of Denver, W.
E. T. U., Jane Jefferson Club, Nine United Italian Societies, Sons of Colorado,
Ministerial Alliance of Denver, Colorado Farmers Congress, Farmers Institute of
Greeley, Loveland and other places; Navy League Colorado Pioneer Printer,
Denver Rotary Club, Mothers Congress, Colorado Suffragists Association, Parent
and Teacher’s Association, Society of Ornamental Horticulturists, Royal
Highlanders, National Order of Cow Boy Rangers, Colorado Tourists Bureau,
Colorado Milk Producers’ Association, Jewish Relief Society, besides the
approval of several religious and fraternal societies and labor Unions.”
That was a
long sentence and must have been a lot of work for the blind members of the
United Workers for the Blind. Just think if we had to get the support of
all of these groups today for our legislation.
As We Go to Press, A.K.A BREAKING
NEWS! We are told
by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Colorado School for the Deaf and
Blind, Brent Batron that the appointment of a new superintendent had been
offered to Dr. Nancy Benham. We strongly urge the reading of an article in the Colorado
Springs Gazette dated
February 15 detailing the process, the offer, and different perspectives voiced
by the deaf and hard of hearing community about the process.
Governor Polis Names Cabinet
Appointees. Of special
interest to our community is the appointment of Joe Barela to direct Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). Joe brings more than 25 years of
workforce management leadership to the DOL including working with Arapahoe and
Douglas counties, the State of Colorado, and most recently with Skillful - an initiative of the Markle Foundation. We
look forward to getting to know the new director of the state agency charged to
keep Colorado working. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is under
the management of CDLE. We look forward to getting to know Joe Barela.
Congratulations to Anchor
Center for Blind Children on a Highly Successful Visions of Love Gala. On Friday,
February 8th, Jessica Beecham and Kevin Kovacs joined over 200
members of the community at the Anchor Center for Blind Children. The 9th
Annual Visions of Love Wine Tasting was attended by supporters of the Anchor
Center including parents of blind children, volunteers, staff, donors, eye care
professionals, Delta Gamma alumni, and members of the community wanting to know
more about Colorado’s only brick and mortar early intervention program. Guests were
treated to a tour of the facility while tantalizing the taste buds with wines
white to red. There was a delicious selection of chocolates and hors d’oeuvres.
VIP guests started the tour with an exclusive bubbly and beer tasting and ended
with signature sensory cocktails that tantalized. Beecham said, “it was
exciting to see all of the thought that went into the architecture of the building
as well as the care and love that gushes from each of the staff members.” She
went on to say, “The Colorado Center for the Blind and National Federation of
the Blind of Colorado are great resources for blind people but often come into
contact with families when the kiddos are a bit older. It was excellent to build
connections to families as well as professionals who provide early intervention
services.”
In This Issue We Have the
Duty to Give You Information About the Death of Two Wonderful Human Beings. Our Aurora
chapter mourns the loss of James Knight. The Denver Post says, in part, James Brian Knight of
Aurora, CO passed away peacefully on January 26, 2019 following a long illness.
James served honorably in the Armed Forces as an Army Paratrooper and most
recently served as an officer in the Colorado Department of Corrections. James was
also a Certified Coach with the 1Touch Project, which provides self-defense
training for the blind.
Donations may be made to the National
Federation for the Blind, the National Association of Blind Veterans, or the
1Touch Project. NFBCO honors the life of a hero. His life honored ours. Thank
you for your service.
Have you Enjoyed This Video? You really Should. It truly captures
the essence of our community.
In a time where life can often seem tumultuous this 10-minute piece shows
that sometimes things really can be poignant, poetic, and possible. Love
inspires.
And the Show Must Go On! Members and friends know of the retirement of Lorinda Riddle. We
also know of her dedicated service. She handled the management of a number of
NFBCO activities. One of her duties was to manage some of the affiliate’s
theater fundraisers. Here is a note from
Anahit LaBarre about upcoming theater events to benefit CCB Seniors Programs. She
says, “So, here we are, with an upcoming performance of Hello Dolly on April 7th, at 2 P.M. It will be an audio described performance.
BUT, HOLD THE PRESSES! This Hello Dolly fundraiser is SOLD OUT! But, never
fear! Our next show will be Fiddler on the Roof, June 15. For information email
Anahit LaBarre.
Thanks to Those Exhibitors
Who Made an Early Commitment to Our NFBCO 6 Dot Dash 5k for 2019! Five Wellbeing Studio & Spa
Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh.
I Hear the BELL of Summer Confidence Camp Ringing. This summer,
The Colorado Center for the Blind will combine their experiences and
results-based summer programing with the curriculum of the National Federation
of the Blind BELL Academy. Since our Littleton Center was established more than
30 years ago, NFBCO has empowered many families through a variety of summer-fun
programs. Over the past decade, the NFB Jernigan Institute has been rolling out
Braille Enrichment in Literacy and Learning, BELL, Academies. These BELL
Academies are managed by affiliates all over the country, including Colorado.
Let’s make sure families know about this unique day camp opportunity. Kiddos
love getting their fingers on playdoh, Braille, and peanut butter and jelly.
There is always a host of activities from pizza making to swimming all with the
goal of fun, confidence, and education. Stay tuned for more information about
confidence camp BELL in Littleton June 10-21, Westminster June 24-28, and Grand
Junction July 15-19. The NFB BELL Academy helps blind and low-vision children,
ages four through twelve, develop the literacy skills that will empower them to
achieve their academic goals and live the lives they want. This year, with the
assistance of our Wells Fargo partners, we provide opportunities for students
to imagine, create, and touch their future and dreams; by not only raising expectations
through Braille instruction, but by nurturing their development of tactile arts
and graphics. To apply visit nfb.org/bell-academy. We are also
looking for volunteers. If you or someone
you know enjoys working with blind kiddos and are able to pass our background
check please be in touch with Martin Becerra, mbecerra@cocenter.org, Colorado
Center for the Blind 303-778-1130. Here I am at Camp Granada!
Young BELL
student Asher stepping out to check out the world, cane in hand.
A Victory for Braille
Literacy! Dan
Burke writes: Colorado Center for the Blind hosted the Braille Challenge January
24th, referred to as the “Braille Blizzard Challenge” by CSDB staff
who drove north in the storm. It was slow going for participants,
teachers, and parents who came from as far away as Dillon and Fairplay.
Even took as long as 90 minutes to get to Littleton from Aurora as wind and
snow swirled across the Metro area that morning!
There
were 14 participants in the Braille Challenge hosted at the Center, and
there were 25 in Colorado Springs Thursday January 17th at the Colorado School
for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB). No doubt, BRAILLE RULES!
Four Colorado Students Recently Completed the Braille
Readers are Leaders Contest. Sadie Ainsworth,
Parker, CO received the Kelly Doty Award. These awards are given to students
who have coped with extra challenges in order to become proficient Braille
readers.
Come On, Just Try It! On your mark, get set, GO! Saturday
May 11, Colorado Center for the Blind will be hosting a Try It Seminar. You
will be able to try numerous physical and adaptive sport activities. Details
coming soon.
Second Saturday in March is
March 9. That will be the next meeting of the Colorado
Springs chapter NFBCO. President Jeanette Fortin, VP Brian Smith, and the gang
invite you! to join them! at the Garden Ranch Y. It is 9:30-10 for the great
get-together and 10-11:30 for the meeting. Location 2380 Montebello Drive West.
And dig this, the first Colorado Springs Meet-and-Greet the Blind of the City
will occur at Springs Orleans, 123 E. Pikes Peak. Drop in any time between
5:00-7:00 on Tuesday March 19. People who are blind and are allies and friends
gather to break bread, do some visitin’, lift a toast on your own tab. Bring a
guest and guest gets first beverage on the house. No purchase necessary, void
where prohibited by law.
“May your troubles be less, and your blessings be
more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.” Saint
Patrick’s Day is Nigh. Befittingly on a Sunday, March 17th. We toast the lads from Saint Patrick’s Brewing Company
and Blind Faith Brewing. Thanks for brewing up good times in support of our 6
Dot Dash 5k 2018.
“Luck
is believing you're lucky.” -Tennessee Williams
“To
succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny
bone.” -Reba McEntire
“I try
to be grateful for the abundance of the blessings that I have, for the journey
that I'm on and to relish each day as a gift.” -James McGreevey
“Lucky
is how I feel to be doing what I do with so many of you.” -Kevan Worley
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