Blind CO Blog with all the news you need and more

Writer, aggregator Kevan Worley. Contributing editor Dan Burke.

Here is what you need to know

Blind Coloradans Worry of Plans to Remove Curbs From 16th Street Mall

See coverage from CBS4:
https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/10/08/blind-coloradans-curbs-16th-street-mall/

In this piece, Cody Bair, NFBCO Treasurer and downtown Denver blind resident offers his take to the media.

See also, 9News coverage featuring comments from Dan Burke and CCB student Amanda Williams.
https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/advocates-for-the-blind-worry-about-losing-curbs-in-16th-st-mall-redesign/73-52115ddc-07cc-4799-8803-4bd86adedaa3.

Blind Parents Meet

We received the following from Nate Trela:

The Blind Parents Division of the NFB of Colorado will hold our next meeting at 6:30 PM MT this Thursday, October 10. The meeting will be on the phone only. We'll firm up plans for the blind parents meeting at the state convention and move along with plans for the regional parents seminar, tentatively rescheduled for March.
Dial-in info:
Conference line: 515-603-3194
Access Code:  364151 Pound
Cheers,
Nate

Curtis Chong recommends slow go with new iPhone update

Quite often, your Blind CO Blog features Tech Tips from our tech guru Curtis Chong. Here is what he says about the latest iPhone update:

As it usually does around this time, Apple released a new version of its iOS operating system: iOS 13. The first update (iOS 13.0) was released on September 19. Since then, two additional updates have been released; as of October 8, 2019, we have iOS 13.1.2.

I regret to inform all iPhone users that iOS 13.1.2 (although less problematic than earlier versions) still has some problems for users of VoiceOver, the iPhone's screen reading program. Unless you want to experience some programming bugs for yourself, my recommendation is that iPhone users stick with iOS 12 for at least the next month or two.

Community to join the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind for White Cane Awareness Day celebration

Tuesday, October 15^th is celebrated at White Cane Safety day, a.k.a. White Cane Awareness Day. Many don’t realize that Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, founding President of NFB, marshalled our members and our allies to lead the effort for the establishment of White Cane Day. The esteem in which members of Congress held the National Federation of the Blind in the early 60s was evident when 100 members of Congress attended the 1965 NFB National Convention banquet. That kind of attendance at a banquet of any organization, then or now, is unheard of. We received the following from Diane Taylor, School/Community Liaison, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind:

People who are blind or visually impaired often cannot see barriers in their path, or changes in terrain.  The white cane enables them to feel for steps, uneven ground and obstacles.  It is in this way that people who are blind travel independently and why the white cane is regarded, not only as a tool for travel, but as a symbol of independence. This day also serves as a reminder for drivers to yield to pedestrians who are blind and using a cane.

As President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed on October 15, 1964, “The white cane in our society has become one of the symbols of a blind person’s ability to come and go on his own. Its use has promoted courtesy and special consideration to the blind on our streets and highways. To make our people more fully aware of the meaning of the white cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the blind persons who carry it Congress, by a joint resolution approved as of October 6, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day.”

This year, students and staff from CSDB invite the general public to Acacia Park, in downtown Colorado Springs, for a rally between 12:00-1:30 on October 15^th. During this event, the CSDB Bulldog Band will perform songs throughout the hour and a half, including original music honoring the white cane.    Celebrating the achievements and contributions of those who are blind or visually impaired, CSDB has invited Jessica Beecham, blind runner and Program Director of WE Fit Wellness, as the keynote speaker. 

White Cane Day is a highly anticipated event, at CSDB, because of the opportunity it represents to interact with the public and explain the importance of the white cane. Every year, more people come to Acacia Park to eat their lunches and listen to the Bulldog Band.

Colorado Governor Polis speaks out for Colorado Free College Application Day

This is exciting! On October 15, White Cane Awareness Day, Colorado students can apply to Colorado colleges and universities absolutely free! We received this notice from our friends at Comcast. Comcast is a great sponsor of our NFBCO 6 Dot Dash.

On October 15, students across Colorado can apply for FREE to more than 35 colleges, universities and technical schools. This new Colorado tradition helps to ensure our Colorado youth can continue their educations without worrying about application fees.

Watch this quick message from Governor Jared Polis to learn more: https://highered.colorado.gov/freeappdayco.html.

Colorado VisionWalk

We have received the following notice from our good friend and Business Enterprise Program trainer, Ellie Karre. Each year, she puts together a team to participate in the Foundation Fighting Blindness VisionWalk. This year’s event is Saturday morning, October 12, registration begins at 9 at City Park Pavilion & Bandstand – Denver. Ellie and family put together a team called the Monkeys. Ellie says HERE IS THE LINK TO ALL THE MONKEY FUNDRAISING!

October Springs Chapter Meeting Waits for You and Yours

We have got a chapter meeting in Colorado Springs this Saturday morning at the Garden Ranch Y. We start gatherin’ up between 9:30 and 10 for a bit of conversation. President Jeanette brings down her mighty gavel at 10 a.m. sharp. During the 11:00 hour, Gerald Klein will be demonstrating the NuEyes glasses, whatever they are. I guess they are pretty cool, so we better show up and find out.

We look forward to seeing you all. Bring a friend. Let’s go build the Federation.

When thinking about professional development, career exploration, and continuing education. Think no further than the NFBCO State Convention 

Where else can you meet fellow professionals and former and future consumers.
For information about continuing education opportunities contact Brent Batron, bbatron@cocenter.org, 303-778-1130 ext. 222.
To learn about CE credits for teachers of blind students contact Nancy Cozart, ncozart@lps.k12.co.us, 303-347-7867.
Blind entrepreneurs and Business Enterprise operators can contact Brad Basta, bmfvend@yahoo.com.

There are many connections to be made, much to learn, and professional opportunities to pursue at the upcoming NFBCO convention. Register for Friday and Saturday sessions now!

Boot Scoot Boogie Western Halloween Ball is serious business

Act now, search the closet for whatever you might have on hand that will make your western character come alive. Play dress up and have a ball. Dance the night away and win one of the top prizes at the NFBCO Boot Scoot Boogie Western Halloween Ball, Thursday evening at the convention. We have heard from people who are coming as Country and Western stars, gun slingers, cowboys, heroes and villains. I think I am going to dress up as Martin Struthers from the movie Cool Hand Luke. That way I can say one of my favorite movie lines, “what we have here, is, failure! to communicate.” More of a chain-gang Southern movie, I guess.

 
But it is all about the crazy fun we will have together. YEEHAW! Admission $5 or show your NFB membership coin at the door.

It's hockey time. He shoots! He scores!

Here is a note from the CCB Director of Youth Services Martin Becerra:

Hi everyone,

The Colorado Visionaries Blind Hockey Club will be having our monthly ice skating/hockey practice this upcoming Saturday, October 12.
The practice will take place from 2:30 - 3:45 at the Foothills Ice Arena. Skaters of all levels are welcomed and it’s free of cost.

If interested, contact Martin Becerra at the Colorado Center for the Blind, 303-778-1130 ext. 223.

Hats off to the Aurora Chapter

NFBCO Aurora Chapter, Heather Gardens, and Rendezvous Restaurant sponsor a special Meet the Blind Month Luncheon this Saturday, October 12 at noon. For information contact President Dale Holden, 303-905-9738.

   

If that’s not enough, Aurora chapter has those stylish NFB hats for sale. Contact Dale or buy them at the upcoming state convention.

Live the Life you Want

Forward, always forward!