Blind Coloradans Meet the Extra Challenges of COVID-19 Head On!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado launches COVID-19 Hotline & Daily Virtual Meetups.It’s truly the Blind Helping the Blind.

Colorado Springs, Colorado/Littleton, Colorado (March 25, 2020):  The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado last week launched the statewide COVID-19 helpline for the blind. Receiving several calls, a day, the hotline is helping to connect blind and low vision Coloradans with extra support services and volunteers at a time when doing even the simplest, but essential day-to-day tasks are far more complicated than usual.

“We knew from the start of this pandemic that people with disabilities would likely encounter challenges not faced by Coloradans without disabilities,” said Scott LaBarre, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado.

“With an unemployment rate of 70% and a significant portion of citizens who are blind being elderly or with additional disabilities, connecting with a network of volunteers and existing social services is essential. We drafted a number of our blind volunteer members. They in turn recruited dozens of sighted volunteers who have helped with grocery shopping, getting folks to dialysis, and meeting other needs. This truly is the blind helping the blind. It is the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado understanding the real needs of blind Coloradans and taking action,” Labarre said.

Working in collaboration with the Littleton based Colorado Center for the Blind, the Federation says they are hearing from blind citizens and volunteers from across the state.

“Connecting with this service is easy,” said Maureen Nietfeld of Littleton, Hotline Coordinator and star of Breaking Blind on YouTube. “People can call 303-778-1130 extension 219. We check this line several times a day.”

“But our effort is more than just connecting blind people who need services,” Maureen continued, “it is also a way we can find ways to assist others. Blind folks are engaged and making a difference in the world. We are receiving calls from some amazing people.”

The Colorado Center for the Blind (www.cocenter.org) in Littleton, for its part, continues to support its students and participants in seniors’ groups via one-to-one phone calls and daily conference calls in light of increased requirements for social distancing.

“We need to ensure those we work with have what they need, but especially that they don’t begin to feel too isolated,” said Julie Deden, the Center’s Director.

The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado has also set up an email, assistance@nfbco.org. The group is also offering a number of training and networking sessions over Zoom. Information about those sessions can also be found by calling the hotline, 303-778-1130 extension 219, or reaching out to assistance@nfbco.org. Topics range from exercise and isolation, the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind, maximizing your business brand, the value of social media, and much more.

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About the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado is the oldest and largest organization of blind Coloradans. 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.

CONTACT

For information about this initiative please contact

Kevan Worley

Manager, National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Project Literacy

Kevan@nfbco.org

303-929-2369.