Writer, aggregator Kevan Worley.
Contributing editor Dan Burke.
Here is what you need to know
Message from the Director
We are pleased to lead off this blog post of the Blind Coloradan
with a message originally offered in the newsletter of the Colorado Center for
the Blind, CCB. CCB is the principle program of NFBCO. The Executive Director
is Julie Deden. Here is what she relates:
So much has happened since our last newsletter
came out. I want to thank everyone for all of your support in this time of the
coronavirus crisis. I realize how resilient we all are. From day to day, we have
all made so many changes. One of the things that we focus on teaching our
students at the Center is to be flexible. Well, what a lesson we are all
learning right now.
On Monday, March 16, we made the decision to
begin teaching class from the apartments. That day our students gathered their
belongings from their lockers, and we took Braillewriters, books and food over
to the apartments. On March 17, several of our staff members took a trip to the
grocery store in order to buy food for everyone. They found soups, oatmeal,
peanut butter, bread, sandwich meat and even bananas. This was just days after
the first rush of near-panicked buying, and it was difficult to find much of
anything in the supermarkets.
On Tuesday morning March 17, we held our first
telephonic philosophy class. My heart was both warmed and sad hearing everyone
on the phone. But it wasn’t destined to last. When we went to our “remote
learning” model, we thought this would see us through a couple of weeks. We
thought at the time that would be long enough to get a sense of how things
would go for all of us. But by the morning of Thursday, March 19, it was clear
that the COVID-19 crisis would extend far beyond two weeks, and we made the
very painful decision to get our students back to their homes if at all
possible. So, on March 21, most of our students left their apartments to go
home. They were all anxious, sad and overwhelmed to have their training
disrupted and their worlds turned upside down in just a few days. My goal for
all of us was (and is) to be safe and for everyone to take all necessary
precautions to stay healthy.
I reassured our students that they will all be
back with us and be able to finish their training! I can’t tell you all how
anxious I am for that day to come!
Today we have seven students, one former
student, and three staff members at our apartments. We have an 8:15 check-in
call each day. The full Center participates in philosophy class Monday through
Friday. We have already had a number of dynamic guests from all over the
country and will continue to schedule more. This class has been inspirational
as well as instructive for all of us.
Here is a little advice from me: keep a good
routine each day, stay disciplined, look good even though you will not see too
many people, be grateful for everything that we have, bake, exercise, read a
lot and keep in contact with friends and family.
The Adventures of Gus and the Burrito
Gus is the son of Nate Trela. As many of you know, Nate is
the President of our Colorado Organization of Blind Parents. As you will see,
he has some interesting conversations with his son.
G: Hey Dad, did I tell you we almost won a
dodgeball tournament at school on Valentine's Day?
Me: No.
G: Yeah,
we lost and then some friends of the other team rushed the court and they
almost got disqualified.
Me: Ah,
that sucks.
G: Yeah. Everyone was chanting burrito at me.
Me: Hmm
... wait, what?
G: I was
wearing a burrito costume.
Me: For
Valentine's Day?
G: Well
not because it was Valentine's Day, It was because we had a dodgeball
tournament.
Me, trying to remember if I hit my head
recently: So you wore a burrito costume because it was a dodgeball tournament?
G: Well because it was a Valentine's Day
tournament. I was picking up all the ladies.
Let the Blind Be Counted
Thanks to the Colorado Center for the Blind for all of
their effort to educate citizens who are blind, and vision impaired about best
accessible approaches to ensure completion of the census. It is critical that
we play our part and be counted. Even as the CCB building shut down, our own
Dan Burke was hurriedly putting together this video. Check it out! If you have questions,
feel free to email assistance@nfbco.org.
Scott LaBarre Has a Dog?! Not That Kind of Dog! A Family Pet Labradoodle. And Here Is What She Says:
GREETINGS FROM MOKA LABARRE!
Hello Fellow Federationists, Moka LaBarre here. I
just want you to know that I am thinking of all you two leg creatures as you
battle that awful pandemic. I thought, though, I would offer my canine
perspective. Never in my fourteen months here on the planet have I been
so spoiled. Scott, Anahit, Alex, and Emily have all been home, all of the
time. I get to go on so many walks, play with my family so much, eat
yummy treats, and it’s great to be petted and get belly rubs whenever I
want. I know you humans are very worried about this virus, but speaking
on behalf of my dog colleagues, we will get through this together. I also
want you to know that I am very proud of the National Federation of the Blind
and its response to COVID19. We are truly a great family. So, stay
healthy, stay safe, and don’t stop petting me!!
Woof, woof, and with love,
Moka
“Well FUDGE!” Who needs this COVID-19 madness!
Now
more than ever we must share the love, positivity, and possibility. The Blind
Coloradan is happy to share another video vignette from the talented, gracious,
and highly energetic Maureen Nietfeld. She represents so well the members of
the National Federation of the Blind. Why not share another “Breaking Blind” story
from Maureen’s YouTube channel and live the life you want. It’s a good time to
learn how to make fudge.
It’s Elementary Dear Watson
Audio Description Artist Bonnie Barlow invites you to a special audio described showing of Mr. Holmes. Here is what Bonnie says:
Thursday, April 9, at 7:00 I will do an encore
description of Mr. Holmes. Before our main feature, I will provide a
description of the iconic 1984 Olympic gold medal winning skate-dancing
performance of Torville and Dean to Bolero.
When I first started writing audio description
for movies, I did a script for a movie called, Mr. Holmes, starring Ian
McKellan as Sherlock Holmes in his 80s, and retiring to the seaside. His
memory is starting to go which for him, of course, would be extra devastating
given his brilliance and mystery solving abilities. The description
I wrote only accompanied the theatrical release of the film. Gail
and I went to it at the Cinemark Theater and listened. It's not available
on DVDs or streaming, though.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/590111247
https://zoom.us/j/590111247
Meeting
ID: 590 111 247
The
Guide Dog Life. Life in the fast lane or more trouble than it's worth?
Thursday, April 9th at 5 p.m., NFBCO's zoom session will survey the guide dog landscape. President, Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users will facilitate this special session featuring guide dog handlers and representatives from major guide dog schools. NFBCO has been holding these 5:00 Mountain time zoom interactive training and networking sessions since the outbreak of COVID-19. They have become very popular across Colorado and the nation. Feel free to spread the word and join in.
"Is a guide dog right for me? How would I find out?
What's the process? What are the major issues that confront guide dog handlers
and the guide dog community? What are some tricks and tips to support guide dog
wellness during the COVID-19 lockdowns?”
In Colorado we are very lucky to have some experienced and knowledgeable guide dog handlers and trainers leading our effort in the Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users. I am confident we will enjoy their contributions to the call.
Forward, always forward!
https://zoom.us/j/5955066474…
Meeting ID: 595 506 6474
Password: 015571
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,5955066474#
Philosophy in Action. Happy Hour Zoom Session with Maureen 5:00 Friday, April 10
Celebrating the Success of the National Federation of the Blind
of Colorado, Honoring Our Chapter Activities All Over the State We Will Enjoy a
Zoom Happy Hour!
Please join Maureen Nietfeld as she shares an easy peasy dip
recipe. We can make it along with her. Then we can share some of our favorite cocktail
and mocktail recipes.
Ingredients:
15oz
can of chili,
8
oz cream cheese softened,
2
cups cheese I prefer shredded sharp cheddar.
Directions:
Combine
all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and microwave five minutes. Stir until
all hot and combined and serve with your favorite chips.
This
is a great recipe because it’s very versatile. Use vegetarian chili or turkey
chili for a healthier option. You can also choose to use reduced fat cream
cheese and reduced fat cheese. You may also want to use vegan substitutes to
make this dish completely vegan. It’s also gluten-free!!
Winner, Winner, Winner! Zoom, Zoom, Zoom this Saturday Morning in Colorado Springs
Jeanette Fortin, President, Colorado Springs chapter will
gather everyone together at 10 a.m. sharp for the April 11th meeting.
Where! On Zoom, of course! She brings that gavel down at 10.
Join Zoom Meeting
Dial-in: +1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 248 911 1969
Password: 1000
The Games Blind People Play
One of the best attended NFBCO 5:00 Zoom sessions featured
Brett Boyer leading a discussion about accessible e-games. The session also
included presentations from Richard and Emily Gibbs. They are the founders of 64oz
Games. If you love playing games with family and friends but are seeking those
which are accessible contact 64ouncegames.com.
Tell them NFBCO sent you!
Brett, who teaches technology at Colorado Center for the
Blind, has also put together a list of fun accessible games on various platforms.
To receive that list or to add to it email assistance@nfbco.org.
NFBCO COVID-19 Helpline is a Hot, Hotline
It’s doing some biz’ness!
The email, assistance@nfbco.org,
will put blind people directly in touch with our helpline hotline program.
People who may need a little extra volunteer support to handle some outside of
the home tasks made particularly difficult during our COVID-19 isolation, such
as help with groceries, a vital bank run, trip to dialysis, and the like, the
phone number to call is 303-778-1130 extension 219. This line is checked several
times a day.
We are indebted to Jessica Beecham and Maureen Nietfeld for
recruiting the volunteers, working with our callers, and bringing their unique
brand of energy to yet another NFBCO effort.
Flatten Inaccessibility Curve Survey
Important COVID-19 survey. We received this note from the
President of the National Federation of the Blind Mark Riccobono. We are urging
Federation members to take part.
The National Federation of the
Blind joined many other organizations in the field of blindness to develop and
distribute a survey to explore the increased accessibility barriers due to the
coronavirus crisis. Your feedback is needed. This survey may take thirty
minutes or longer, but it is critical in understanding the additional impact
COVID-19 is having on blind people. Take the Flatten Inaccessibility Curve Survey
today.
Avoiding Disability-Based Discrimination in Treatment Rationing
On March 28, 2020, the US
Department of Health and Human Services issued a bulletin entitled “Civil
Rights, HIPAA, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” stating that
“HHS is committed to leaving no one behind during an emergency, and this
guidance is designed to help health care providers meet that goal.” Review the
linked guidance endorsed by organizations with expertise in federal
disability rights laws that provides a more detailed explanation of how the
requirements set forth in the HHS bulletin would apply, and how states and
health-care providers can take steps to modify policies and practices to avoid
disability discrimination.
Tech, Tech, Tech!
NFBCO would like to thank AT Guys for their knowledge and wonderful
support. Tuesday’s April 7 Zoom session featured a wide-ranging discussion of
accessible technology meeting the needs of blind folks teleworking or providing
the knowledge necessary to engage with the world, gain information, and have a
little fun. NFBCO is committed to advancing access to technology. The call
featured facilitators Curtis Chong and JJ Meddaugh. If you have suggestions for
upcoming tech sessions let us know. Curtis is one of the leading experts in the
field. JJ Meddaugh is CEO of AT Guys and cohost of the Blind Bargains podcast.
Check out the lineup of tech gear available through AT Guys! Tell them NFBCO
sent you!
Next Week at 5
It is hard to believe that next week will be week 5 of our
5:00 training and networking Zoom sessions. Next week will feature topics from
the more difficult to the silly to the sublime. Please look for dates and topics
coming soon on Colorado Talk. A session dealing with trauma during the
difficult COVID-19 crisis is planned. As has become the norm. We will have Workout
Wednesday and Philosophy Friday. (That was a bizarre sentence to write. “As has
become the new norm.”)
The Next Blind Coloradan Will Feature Our Kiddos
It’s a time of stress, and the time of stretching to meet
the needs of our families. Share what works for you. Please share your
challenges and joy as you work to provide education and wellness for your
families.
We want to hear from you!
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