Blind Coloradoan Blog
January 19, 2022
Writer,
Aggregator: Kevan Worley.
Contributors: Dan Burke & Erin Daley
Here is what you need to know-
Chapters and divisions form the bedrock of our organization
Happy 2022! As the leaders of our local chapters and special interest divisions build exciting agendas to make sure all members are informed and inspired. We have received the following ideas. Go beyond the presidential release, treasurer's report, secretary's report, fundraising reports, etc. Add the flair of our compelling philosophy, fit breaks and what members think of when they hear “Live the life you want.” Discuss articles in the most recent Braille Monitor. How are guide dog users impacted by rideshare denials? Some chapters ask members to read one of our important banquet addresses from our history to discuss at chapter meetings. What does equity, inclusion, and diversity mean for our federation? There is so many ways to go beyond fundraising and socializing to engage our members and build The National Federation of The Blind. Let us know what chapter content is working to galvanize your chapter or division.
How about a Lyft?
Well, many blind people would love to get a Lyft when we need a ride but, all too often Lyft drivers turn those of us down when we are with our guide dogs. The National Association of Guide Dog Users is launching a vigorous campaign to document ride denials. Doggers! We need your help. From January 24-January 30 we are urging all guide dog handlers to do the best they can to take pictures and videos if you are denied rides on Lyft. This active exercise in advocacy is targeted only at Lyft during next week's action. If you have questions or need guidance to help you with your video and reporting form? Please contact board@naogdu.org. We would suggest that those of us who use both apps stick with Lyft only throughout our week of action. Every time you call Lyft document any turndowns. Be ready to take videos or pictures. We think this action is an absolute necessity for our Denver handlers. We know that the Lyft denial frequency is far greater in Denver metro. We have a right to get to the store, to our child's recital, and to our job interview just like everyone else. So, please participate. “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance” -Thomas Jefferson
WINNER WINNER WINNER!
The winner of a $100 gift certificate to the independence market as advertised in last month's issue goes to Kishia Mason. Thanks for playing. Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing your Blind Coloradan.
Charity From Ashes: Colorado Center for the Blind Students Organize Donation Drive for Avista Hospital NICU Babies
Student Association President Amanda Juetten has organized a drive to provide these needed supplies to the Avista NICU. She set up an Amazon registry, monetary donations are being converted into tangible items requested by Avista for their NICU, with deliveries coming daily to the Colorado Center for the Blind. Dozens of items have been gathered for the donation already, alongside hundreds of dollars in cash donations yet to be converted into items. Our student body, comprised mainly of students from outside Colorado, has shown such compassion for those living in our wonderful state, as well as actively working with our staff to make things happen. This effort is scheduled to run until Thursday, January 20, with the donations, gathered being delivered Friday the 21st. For more information please contact The Colorado Center For The Blind at 303-778-1130.
CCB Student Association’s Amazon Registry: https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/1PRELW0LHJ2GQ
Avista Adventist Hospital Foundation: https://www.rmahf.org/avista.html
SCl Health emergency fund: https://www.sclhealth.org/ways-to-give/foundations/scl-health-foundation/
GoFundMe for Centennial Peaks staff: https://www.gofundme.com/f/employee-marshall-fire-relief?qid=a42902b57e87dc442d746507400e754f
Marshall Fire Donations and Resource Center website:https://www.boulderoem.com/marshall-fire-donations-and-resource-center/
Community Foundation Boulder County: https://www.commfound.org/wildfirefund
National Federation Of The Blind Washinton seminar is coming!
There was hope that this year's Washington seminar slated for February 7-February 10 would be at least partially in person. However, due to the influx of COVID cases hitting the DC area. Along with members of congress taking very few in-person meetings. This year's seminar will be virtual. Still, never doubt the impact that your advocacy will have on congress. We have met with members of Congress and their legislative aids for many years. The results of our individual advocacy collectively focused has changed lives. Dan Burke, our NFBCO legislative chair will be working with our president, Jessica Beecham to manage our virtual meetings with congress. Please check Colorado Talk. Please be in touch with Dan Burke and please learn about our 2022 legislative priorities. As you will read here these priorities meet the needs of blind people. So that we can live the lives we want. We hope you will join us for some of the meetings with our legislators. Also, please stay tuned for information about the Great Gathering In, Monday, February 7, 5 pm mountain time. It's sort of a Super Mountain Time At 5. Below find our 4 priorities and a link to read all of the details. Access Technology Affordability Act, Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, Twenty-First Century Website and Applications Accessibility Act, and Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act.
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/washington-seminar-priorities
Attend January Boutique on Digital Streaming Services
As a blind person, I want to access movies, TV shows, and music, but there are endless options. and I’m not sure where to start.
On Tuesday, January 25 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., eastern, the National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility will present a boutique about digital streaming services. Learn what streaming services are, what they offer, and how you can access them. Hear our panel of accessibility experts discusses the factors to consider when deciding on what services might be right for you. Find out about:
• Music services
• On-demand services
• Live TV services
Take advantage of this free opportunity. https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration
About Accessibility Boutiques
Accessibility boutiques are workshops presented by our access technology experts of our Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility that provide introductions to accessibility best practices and the latest trends in access tech. These events are offered by the National Federation of the Blind at no cost to Maryland citizens, with support from the state of Maryland through the Nonvisual Accessibility Initiative grant administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Learn more about our programs https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events
Unfold your creativity?
From the aggregator: We are always happy to read these announcements from Rishika Kartik. Rishika is one of our non-blind members. While still in high school she and her non-blind father went to the 2019 Washington Seminar. She continues to work with folks who have an interest in art. Her emphasis is on tactile arts and crafts. We encourage those of you who enjoy arts or have never investigated working in various mediums of art to join this monthly gathering.
Here is a quick reminder to join us for the Tactile Art Club meeting via zoom next Tuesday, January 25th from 5 pm MT to 6 pm MT. We will be creating beautiful Valentine’s day inspired pop-out cards! These cards are perfect to give to a loved one, express gratitude, or show appreciation for something in your life. The only material you will need for this virtual meeting is paper, glue or tape, scissors, and your own creativity :) Optional items include Cotton Balls, Aluminum Foil, Markers, and other household items!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87150369295?pwd=QzUxMEJEVlhXVTFhODlCR2RPWS8zQT09
Dangerous Opportunity
From the aggregator: We frequently receive emails from Gail Hamelton providing information about her latest inspirational blog. Gail certainly lives the life she wants. She has so many interests. Including her membership in Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users. You can check out her blog posts here.
https://soaringintogreatness.com/dangerous-opportunity/
Audio description survey
From the aggregator: With the advent of more and more audio description we thought readers might be interested in the following notice.
Interested in guiding the future of online videos to better meet your needs? You can help with a Johns Hopkins University research study to better understand how people learn from animated videos and audio description. We are recruiting people with low vision as well as functional vision to help with a 10-minute survey. The survey includes watching a short animation, answering survey questions, and providing feedback on the video. The survey is entirely online. For information:
https://jhmi.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42av9J7HsmpKAHY
NFBCO and partners defend the rights of Colorado prisoners who happen to be blind
From the aggregator: We asked long-time president of this affiliate and civil rights attorney Scott LaBarre for an update on our effort to defend the rights of blind prisoners. Some might say, “why? They have committed crimes. They are incarcerated.” The answer is, we are a civil rights organization and we are here to protect and defend the rights of all legally blind people. When those in the corrections system are given access and opportunities to information, work programs, and other rehabilitation services, blind people should have those same opportunities. Here is Scott's update on, the Mackes case.
Working with the Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center and Brown Goldstein and Levy, the NFB of Colorado, Brian Mackes, and Adrian Chavez filed an ADA lawsuit against the Colorado Department of Corrections in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. Mackes, Chavez, and other blind inmates face discrimination on a daily basis due to their blindness in that they cannot access written information given to other inmates, are not allowed to hold down jobs like other non-disabled inmates, and cannot access educational classes. The case is currently in the middle of discovery.
Blind parent and author Jo Elizabeth Pinto to share her experience at monthly parents meeting
By: Pipi Adams
Happy new year from the Blind Parents Division!!! Join us Wednesday, January 26th Jo Elizabeth Pinto will lead us in a discussion about crafting with our kids as a blind parent. Jo Elizabeth Pinto was elected to our board at our state convention and we are super excited to learn from her this month. Working on crafts can be intimidating to anyone but they can especially be intimidating when you are a blind parent. Come join us and listen in for some great tips and tricks!!
The Blind Parents Division is excited to announce that we will be holding a monthly open conversation on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Different parents throughout the state will be facilitating these open discussions about a variety of topics pertaining to us as blind parents. The blind parents are committed to providing an open, safe, and inclusive space for all of us to grow, learn, and share together.
This will take place on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 7 PM until 8 PM. Our Blind Parents Division board meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and all are invited to listen in. We look forward to you joining us.
Maureen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting for NFBCO Parents
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83076599743?pwd=cmp6SnMzem9tVkNXNkh1a1puZjUvdz09
Body Mapping?
From the aggregator: We were fascinated to read the following announcement from our NFB Performing Arts Division. It occurs to us that body mapping may even be more relevant for people who are blind. Not being able to see postures, positions and body language can be a disadvantage. And even more so for those who are performing. Here is the announcement.
On January 30 at 7 PM Eastern 4 PM Pacific, the performing arts division will hold a don’t miss body mapping program. We are fortunate to have Christina Ebersohl, a certified body mapping instructor, leading a master class all about this important and useful technique for musicians and performers. To learn more about this fantastic science and how it applies, check out the following resource: https://www.bodymap.org/recommended-reading
Licensed ABME Instructor Christina Ebersohl is offering a free Body Mapping Masterclass on Sunday January 30th at 7 PM EST to members of the NFB Performing Arts Division, open for participation and observation. Musicians who are interested in participating in the Masterclass should email pad@nfb.org to register for one of the limited slots.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87265893706?pwd=dHJDaUQ0UG5RamhDaUJIQXJsdXdhUT09
Washington Seminar Career Fair
The National Federation of the Blind will hold the 2022 Washington Seminar Career Fair virtually on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. eastern. Connect with diverse and dynamic employers and job seekers from across the United States.
This event is organized by the National Federation of the Blind Employee Committee. The NFB Employment Committee runs employment activities during the year. It is our goal to bring employers who are interested in hiring blind people in contact with blind people who are looking for employment. We do seminars and other activities to help blind job seekers develop interviewing and other skills. We also help answer employer questions about hiring blind people.
Registration open. Register by January 25, 2022, 8 p.m. eastern time.
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/washington-seminar-career-fair
Inspiring determination: At 66, blind Colorado woman gives ballet a twirl
From the aggregator: We were delighted to read this article in the January 11, 2022, Denver Gazette. It seems that NFBCO Mile High Chapter Member Brenda Mosby is always trying something new. Brenda served as the Colorado Center For The Blind employment specialist for a number of years before starting her own company. Here is the profile from the Denver Gazette.
At first, she cried, she was angry, she hated herself and the world. But during this painful period, there was one thing that kept a smile on her face and made her feel beautiful and carefree: dancing.
Dance has been an integral part of Mosby's life since she was old enough to stand, she said, and she feels an urge to get up, twirl and wave her arms whenever music is on.
While growing up in South Bend, Indiana, Mosby and her seven siblings — and sometimes her parents — would jump onto the dining room table and dance the night away as Motown classics by the Supremes and the Jackson Five roared throughout the house.
But it wasn't always like that and over the years, Mosby has come to see her blindness as a blessing rather than a curse.
Since losing her sight, she has earned both a bachelor's and master's degree, started a business, wrote a book and recently got married. Each of these milestones has instilled confidence and led her to her newest challenge: learning ballet.
"I'm a dancer at heart. I really love to dance," Mosby said. "One day I said, 'I want to do ballet,' so now I'm giving it a try."
When Mosby lost her sight nearly 30 years ago, she rented a cabin in Evergreen where she spoke to God on a daily basis.
"I didn't think I would ever work again, I didn't think I'd get married, I didn't think I'd be able to have a normal life and those are the things that kept me depressed," Mosby said.
Mosby's life changed when she met and hired a spiritual counselor, Constance Wilson.
"She helped me understand that being blind is just another aspect of me, like being able to walk and do everything else," Mosby said. "And just because I couldn't use my eyes doesn't make me less than (anyone else)."
Wilson encouraged Mosby to attend a retreat in Kansas City, where she met a retired rehabilitation counselor who worked for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation — an agency devoted to helping people with disabilities gain skills to join or rejoin the workforce.
Mosby enrolled in the agency's training courses and learned how to get around with her white cane — on the streets, on a train, on a bus. She also learned how to maintain her household despite not being able to see.
With her newly acquired skills, Mosby looked to help others around her. She enrolled at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she obtained a degree in human services. After graduating, Mosby enrolled at New York University to pursue a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation.
Afterward, she started her own business, Mosby Services, which offers career coaching.
"I had built so much love and confidence in myself, it made me feel empowered and showed me I can do anything," Mosby said.
Mosby became intrigued with ballet while taking dance classes at Spoke N Motion, where she noticed that many dancers integrated ballet into their warmups.
A few months ago, she decided to give ballet a try.
"I knew I needed to do something with myself and my body and try and get in shape. And one day I just said, 'I want to do ballet,'" Mosby said.
But finding the right instructor — like coming to accept losing her sight — didn't happen overnight. Mosby joined a class that was supposed to include dancers of all skill levels, including beginners, but many of her classmates had previous experience with ballet.
She approached one of the instructors and began taking lessons one on one, but again, it wasn't a good fit.
"They were young and I explained to them I just wanted to get in shape, have good balance and have fun, and I didn't feel like they were really hearing me," Mosby said. "But that's when I met Diane."
Diane Page, a longtime ballet teacher at the Colorado Ballet Academy and the Denver Dance Center, struck up a conversation with Mosby one day at the dance studio. She told her if she wasn't enjoying her experience she should try a session with her.
It was an instant match, they said.
"I'm at an older age like Brenda, so I understand that not everyone wants to jump or do certain things, so we just adjust," Page said. "We've learned several methods that help Brenda learn."
Each of those methods include using touch and sound. For instance, if Mosby is struggling to understand how her feet should be positioned, they'll both get on the ground and Mosby will touch her instructor's feet to understand how hers should look or how they should move.
Mosby says the relationship works perfectly because they're both older women and because of the amount of patience Page has shown over the last four months.
"I feel I don't have to be perfect," Mosby said. "I feel that if I can't do it, I can keep trying and trying and she'll help me improve."
Mosby plans to learn ballet for one year and then reevaluate whether she wants to continue. Page said Mosby's determination is inspiring.
"I've never known anyone blind (who has studied) ballet and she's just stuck with it and continues to improve," Page said. "Every week she works hard and remembers that's what it takes to learn ballet."
Some had their doubts when Mosby began taking ballet lessons, but family and friends have noticed that her posture is better and her overall well-being has improved.
Mosby's husband, Gregory Gisbert, said Brenda's decision to pursue ballet and stick with it epitomizes who she is.
"She has a very 'I can do it if I want to do it' attitude and belief system," he said. "And the way she carries herself affects myself and other people who have met her in the way that she's been able to share that joy of life and her can do attitude and belief system that very few people have in these dark times."
In addition to learning ballet, Mosby continues to run her company, write books and inspire others.
"Step out of your comfort zone and be willing to try something new. Challenge yourself," Mosby said. "Ballet is a challenge. I mean, who starts ballet at 66 years old, right? There are so many things in our lives that we can do if we just try. And if it doesn't work the first time, try again or try something else... You know, for a while I thought I was worthless and (would) never live again because of a disability, but now I realize it's just one aspect.
"So, wherever you are in life there is that power to be (what) you want to be, do what you want to do, go where you want to go and you just have to believe in yourself and that can only happen if you love yourself."
That’s It for This Edition of the Blind Coloradan
Forward, always Forward!
