February Blind Coloradan

 

Blind Coloradoan Blog

February 1, 2023

Writer, Aggregator: Kevan Worley.
Contributors: Dan Burke & Erin Daley. With assistance from Lisa Bonderson, National Federation Of The Blind Of Colorado

President, Jessica Beecham jbbeecham@gmail.com

Here is what you need to know

From the aggregator: First, an apology from me. As you know, dear readers, the Blind Coloradan Blog is the newsletter of our NFBCO family. It is for our federation family members, allies, supporters, partners, and sometimes foes. Our federation family suffered a great loss on December 10, 2022, with the passing of our beloved colleague and friend Scott LaBarre. Dealing with the tragedy of such a great loss has been difficult. This is a major part of the reason our family newsletter did not appear in December and January. This doesn’t mean that activities and plans affecting the lives of blind and low-vision people haven’t continued.  As you will see in this Blind Coloradan and in those to come, NFBCO and our Colorado Center for the Blind continued to do the hard work and heavy lifting to change the world. We will be writing more about Scott and his life’s work later in this post and newsletters to come. And I know there will be a great deal of material about my very best friend and immediate past president of NFBCO in a Braille Monitor coming soon.

We want to take a moment to thank all of those who joined in the celebration of life for Scott on January 21^st at the Denver Marriott South and those who joined on zoom and over YouTube. There were over 300 at the event and well over 300 on zoom. Along with many, many more who joined on YouTube during the event and during the days following the celebration of life. And what a life it was. You can still see or hear this amazing event on YouTube.

With special thanks, appreciation, and love we send our most sincere condolences to Anahit LaBarre, Alex LaBarre, and Carter LaBarre. The family has asked those who wish to make contributions in Scott’s honor to consider making a gift to the Scott C. LaBarre Leadership and Justice Fund. The fund will support many things that were near and dear to Scott, such as our advocacy work and our work around education. To give to the fund, visit https://nfb.org/donate and indicate that your donation is in memory of Scott.

As we post this blog, there is a delegation from NFBCO in Washington DC on capitol hill this week meeting with members of Congress. In addition, we can now announce that our NFBCO day at the capitol will occur on the morning of Monday, February 13^th. These two annual activities were two of Scott’s very favorites. As Scott would say, “let’s get to work.”

 

Wild West indoor golf course fundraiser at SuperFly

We received the following from NFBCO board member Nate Hecker.

Are you golf curious?

Do you want to get a taste of what it’s all about without dropping a bunch of money or spending hours outside?

Now you can experience the action of golf alongside your friends from across the front range with the Wild West Golf Preview!

When: Saturday, February 4, 4-6:00 p.m.

Where: The Superfly Golf Lounge, 2100 W. Littleton BLVD Suite C

Littleton, CO 80120

Cost: $20 for golfers, free for all the rest. Kids welcome

We rented both bays, so it will be just our group at this facility! So don’t be scared. Come on down!

These guys have TrackMan golf simulators, which allow you to play foursome matches just like we’ll have on June 6 at the Wild West Golf Classic.

It’ll be a fun way to dip your toe in and get professional-caliber feedback on how you’re doing; no clubs required.

Never swung a golf club in your life? Now’s the time! You’ll be able to get a feel for a proper golf swing and how that changes based on the type of club you’re using.

 Not a golfer?

This place has a little sports bar with TVs, beer, and cocktails, plus some food from the highly regarded Bacon Social House right next door.

 So, whether you want to see what golf is all about, especially the kind we’ll be playing at the Wild West Golf Classic, or you just want to lounge around with some of your faves, join us this Saturday at the Superfly Golf Lounge in Littleton. $20 gets you some time in the golf simulator and helps support the Wild West Chapter!

 

This just in!

Dear reader, we have just learned about a seminar to address blind students seeking scholarships. It will be held on the afternoon of Friday, February 10^th, at the Colorado Center for the Blind. Both the applications for our state and national NFB scholarships are now available. And there are numerous scholarship opportunities available to college students. Get your questions answered and share ideas. For complete information, call 303-778-1130. More details as they become available will be posted on Colorado Talk. Not a subscriber to Colorado Talk? Subscribe to our list serves today.

 

 

Making Christmas a joy for all members of the family

By Maureen Nietfeld

From the aggregator: Taking care of some unfinished 2022 business. We know you will love this account of a wonderful family holiday experience sponsored by our parents of blind children division. What shines through for me when I read Maureen’s article is how blind people, when working together, can create dynamic, fun-filled, and educational experiences that will last a lifetime. Certainly, blind parents can find many ways to make sure that their sighted and blind children will be able to take part in holiday traditions. And we do. However, it’s not very easy or practical to spend money on an Uber or Lyft to take in a light display. The excitement and empowerment a blind parent, grandparent, or other family member gets when bringing these family experiences home through our wonderful NFBCO communities makes the holiday just that much more special. I wish I had been there to hear the children sing and the oohs and ahs as the kiddos found delight in the shimmering light displays. Here is what Maureen says.

As a cited child, I have wonderful memories of driving around during the holiday season to look at Christmas lights. My parents would bundle us up, kick the heat up in the car, and we would spend hours driving around, admiring all of the beautiful sites. Now, as a blind parent who doesn’t drive, this often weighs on my heart as something I wish I could do for my son. this season, we found a solution!! On December 4, Sunday evening, 25 of us met at the Colorado Center for the Blind to have our first annual Christmas light extravaganza!! We started the evening with cookies and let our kids run around the center to play. The Blind Parents Division is a dynamic group, and all of our kids have grown up together. Our kids range in age from 2 to 17. It’s very special to watch our older kids look out for the younger ones and have the opportunity to watch our little ones grow and learn together.  As all the kids ran around excited for the evening ahead, we passed out Christmas stockings complete with reindeer ears, fiber optic ones, end, of course, Hershey kisses. we then all piled up into the Colorado Center for the Blind‘s two largest vehicles. We made our way to Bandimere Speedway for the drive-through Christmas light display. The vans echoed with laughter, Christmas caroling, and excited voices as we all headed to the big show. all of the kids had faces glued to the windows as we drove through the elaborate display. The best part of all was the animated descriptions of all of the displays coming from our children. the only word to describe the night was magical. We can’t wait till next year!!

 

Announcing the 2023 NFBCO Scholarship Program

From the aggregator: Robert Lamm is now leading our effort to establish our Northern Colorado Chapter. He heard about us through our robust scholarship program. Here is what we received from the NFBCO scholarship chairperson, Cody Bair.

It is with great excitement that I announce the opening of the application for the NFBCO 2023 Scholarship Program! To view further information on the Scholarship and to apply, please visit the below link.

https://nfbco.org/scholarship-programs

Please don't forget that all applications must be completed by 11:59 P.M. on April 15, 2023. Scholarship winners will receive expense-paid trips to both our National convention in Houston, TX, and our state convention in Lone Tree, CO, along with an academic scholarship.

If you aren't a student and thus not eligible please help us by getting this application in the hands of all blind students you know. As a past NFBCO scholarship recipient myself, I can attest to the fact that the mentorship received through the scholarship program is priceless and has played a significant role in allowing me to live the life I want as a successful professional. Of course, the cash scholarship was extremely helpful in my educational pursuits as well.

Should you have any questions regarding the application or application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at codyjbair@yahoo.com or (970)673-6998.

 

Who makes the very best chili? The Mile High Chapter is about to find out.

Save the date

On the afternoon of February 25  from 2:30-4:30 P.M. for our first annual chili cook-off at Broadway Shot Spot located at 4011 S. Broadway Englewood, CO 80113.

Are you interested in entering the Chili Cook-Off? If so, the entry fee is $25, and you will have the opportunity to win fabulous cash prizes should you finish in the top three as voted by are tasters. Participants are encouraged to bring a crock pot full of Chili for entry. We will be providing bowls and spoons; However, participants are encouraged to bring any side items they may want to serve with their chili. The link to enter as a participant is pasted below. We need all individuals who want to make chili to enter prior to February 17.

https://checkout.square.site/buy/46IOKTD6HCTU556YACDGOCLR

Not interested in making Chillie. No problem. You are welcome to participate as a Chillie taster for the low cost of $15. Your $15 will get you a bowl for tasting all of the various Chilies and a  voice in crowning our Mile High Chapter Chillie Cook-Off Champion.

The link to make payment of your $15 can be found below. Payment ahead of time/RSVP’ing to be a taster is not required but is encouraged.

https://checkout.square.site/buy/ASSCG22TCQ55NT3ILIGHQ4XM/checkout

In addition to the Chillie Cook Off we will be hosting a live auction with descriptions of the items to be auctioned to come in the next couple of weeks. This is bound to be a time you will not want to miss.

Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to Cody Bair at codyjbair@yahoo.com or Nate Hecker at heckerhead @gmail.com.

PS, your intrepid aggregator has already paid my entry fee. So, chili champions, bring it on!!

 

Big day at the capitol coming sooner than you think.

Big day at the capitol coming fast!

From the aggregator: Federationists and friends will gather at the state capitol on Monday, February 13, beginning at 8 a.m. for our first in-person Day at the Capitol in three years. In conjunction with that event, Sen. Jessie Danielson plans to honor number one advocate Scott C LaBarre on the floor of the Senate. A delegation will be asked to join Senator Danielson, sponsor of our parents with disabilities rights and accessible voting bills in previous years,  Details are still being hammered out, but we anticipate that the tribute to Scott will begin when the Senate comes into session sometime after 9 am that morning.

After members of the general assembly honor the life and many achievements of our long-time affiliate president, members of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado and our allies will do what we always do – we’ll visit the offices of all 100 general assembly members. Those who aren’t planning to go on the floor will have gallery seating.

We realize this is short notice. But the federation is always ready to be on the move. Each year our Day at the Capitol events do much to raise awareness and continue to change laws that change the world. Please work through your chapters and divisions. Pull out the stops. Work with President Beecham and Dan Burke to help encourage and arrange a great crowd to honor Scott and continue his work.

We will gather at 8 am in the old supreme court chambers. As directed by the NFBCO board of directors and by resolution, we will be reaching out to the members of the legislature regarding 3 priorities. We want to ensure that funding for NFB Newsline continues. We want to urge the members to consider legislation to require pharmacies to provide accessible prescription labels for blind and print-disabled users.https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fnfb.org%2Fsites%2Fnfb.org%2Ffiles%2Ffiles-word%2FModel%2520Accessible%2520Prescription%2520Labeling%2520Legislation%2520v2.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

This year we will also ask that the Joint Budget Committee, JBC adjust how dollars funding the Business Enterprise Program are apportioned.  We are working to support the effort of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, CDLE, to mitigate damage to the program by recent trends, pandemic impact, and recent US Department of Education rulings. We are also asking the general assembly to authorize an additional $500,000 to study challenges faced by this program and institute changes and develop new opportunities.

We have a robust agenda. The General Assembly will be honoring one of our beloved leaders.  The joy of working in collaboration with our membership across the state will all make for a great day at Colorado’s historic state capitol.

For further information, contact Dan Burke at 303-778-1130 or dburke@cocenter.org.

 

Aftersight podcast starring Penn Street discusses the life of Scott LaBarre

From the aggregator: Penn Street is the Development and Outreach Director of Audio Information Network of Colorado. She also serves as a leader in our NFBCO Northern Colorado Chapter. One facet of Penn’s work with AINC is to host the Aftersight podcast. If you have not listened to her interviews of interesting blind people, we urge you to take a listen. In the latest episode, Penn and guests Julie Riskin of the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition and Kevan Worley discuss friend and mentor Scott LaBarre, his life, and his legacy. Here is the link. And let Penn know what you think. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-memoriam-scott-lebarre/id1589864901?i=1000595392004

 

Scott C. LaBarre a place in history

July 2, 1968 – December 10, 2022

Scott C. LaBarre has made his place in history as a giant among those in search of civil rights for blind people and for all who receive less than they are due in the world that those who love justice pursue. He was the general counsel to the National Federation of the Blind and managed a multi-million dollar legal advocacy program. Because of him, applicants can use assistive technology as an accommodation on the multistate bar examination and can pursue a doctor of chiropractic degree with their desired accommodations. More systemic in nature were his victories in employment law, disability rights, and international policy work, particularly in the area of copyright law. There he was a primary advocate for an amendment to the Copyright Act, allowing materials to be transcribed for use by the blind without having to undergo the long and tedious process of prior approval that was the case prior to 1996. Extending this work, he was instrumental in the drafting and adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty, permitting the sharing of books in special formats among the blind and print-disabled of many countries.

Scott was permanently admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States; the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and DC Circuits; the United States District Court for the District of Colorado; the Supreme Court of Colorado; the United States District Court for the District of Maryland; and the Maryland Court of Appeals (Maryland’s highest court). He was named one of Colorado’s Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, distinctions recognizing the top five percent of Colorado attorneys.

This role model understood the importance of serving in the American Bar Association, believing that advancing his career must proceed hand in hand with advancing his career field. He was a founding member of the Disability Rights Bar Association and served on its Executive Board as Vice Chair. He served a three-year term on the American Bar Association’s Board of Governors, where he chaired the Member Services Committee and served on the Board’s Executive Committee during his last year. Scott was also active in the ABA's Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice Division, holding a position on its governing council for several terms. He recently became Chair of the Division in August of 2022.  ABA President Reginald Turner asked him to serve on the ABA’s Standing Committee on Meetings and Travel and the Steering Committee of ABA’s Practice Forward, a committee appointed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the practice of law.  Lastly, Scott represented the Denver Bar Association as a Delegate to the ABA’s House of Delegates.

More impressive than his professional accomplishments are the things Scott did for his family, biological and spiritual. He knew he was one of the luckiest men alive when Anaheit agreed to be his wife and life-long partner. Together they brought into the world and nurtured two souls who would mean more to Scott than any hired or elected position. Biology gave him the title of father; love and commitment affirmed that the biology was right, and being the finest father he could be was a commitment he strove to affirm throughout his life. He cheered on Alexander as he played baseball and was immensely proud when he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout even before he could drive. Scott was enthusiastic in Karter’s participation in the choir, on the basketball court, and in the theater activities, where set design became a major focus and may well become a career. We dare not forget his beloved labradoodle, Moka

Scott loved the mechanics of flying, even when his life was made more difficult as a blind consumer who would not be left alone by those intending on learning where it was he was trying to go and telling him how slow and deliberate he should be in getting there. He loved anything to do with space and space travel, and when there was a launch or landing, he was often found in front of a television set cheering on the activity in the same way he would celebrate the victories of his favorite college and professional sports teams.

This outstanding Federationist will always be remembered for his distinguished service to our Colorado Affiliate, The Colorado Center for the Blind, and his long-standing and successful efforts to raise funds through our monthly donation program. Beyond his work, our love sprang from his determination to make us laugh, feel better about ourselves, and to know that we are appreciated and loved. Scott was one of the finest examples of an integrated human we have ever known, and may his work and example propel us not only to grater victories as a class but to even grater successes as we strive to live as full and balanced human beings.

It is time for us to tell our story, Scott’s story, in order to dramatically enhance the public understanding of blind people and our contributions within society. Our legal and legislative victories are central to our stories, and Scott’s work, including the Marrakesh Treaty, will be highlighted in the museum. The museum is encouraging five-year pledges during this phase of the campaign. Please contact Patti Chang for more information at 410-659-9314, extension 2422, or pchang@nfb.org.

We also want to express thanks to each of those who spoke to honor Scott during the celebration of life.

Mark A. Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind

Dianne Primavera, Lieutenant Governor, Colorado

Julie Deden, Executive Director, Colorado Center for the Blind

Julie Reiskin, Executive Director, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition

Jessie Danielson, State Senator, Colorado

Alan Olson, Thirty-Year Friend of Scotty

Maryanne Diamond, Past President and Representative to the Marrakesh Diplomatic Conference, World Blind Union

Francis Gurry, Former Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization

Daniel Goldstein, Founding Partner, Brown Goldstein & Levy

Judy Perry Martinez, Past President, American Bar Association

Pam Allen, First-Vice President, National Federation of the Blind

Marc Maurer, Immediate Past President, National Federation of the Blind

Jessica Beecham, President, National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

Anahit LaBarre, Wife of Scott

 

Seize the Clay!

From the aggregator: We received this from our friend Dianne Taylor Community Relations Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. Dear readers of this blog, know how important we think tactile art is. We explore it at our Colorado Center for the Blind. Here is what Dianne says about recent efforts at CSDB

Allie Unker, the CSDB art teacher and Michael Christiano, director of the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, applied for the Gerald Erickson Trust Fund grant and won! The grant provides the funds to invite a guest artist to teach our students tactile art or music/theater, on a weekly basis through second semester. Recently, students from the School for the Blind art class hosted an Artist-in-Residence joined by Michael Christiano from the FAC, as they taught the students about clay. The following week, an Artist-in-Residence came to the music class, building trust so students could confidently express themselves. In addition to the Artist-in-Residence program, the grant will fund the partners to make the shows that the FAC puts on and the displays within the museum more inclusive.

 

The Wild West chapter will hold our annual elections at the February meeting.

When Saturday, February 4, at high noon!

Meeting location:

Belmar Library

555 S. Allison parkway

Lakewood, CO 80226

And, on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/7206208007

 

CTBL Winter News Letter available on NFB Newsline

From the aggregator: there is always something for readers on NFB Newsline. More than 500 publications, including this blog and our Colorado Talking Book Library newsletters. NFB Newsline is free. I will always remember those mornings when I would get a call from my best friend Scott Labarre about some article he had read with interest or enthusiasm from the Denver Post or the Wall Street Journal available on his free NFB Newsline subscription. For info or to apply call 303-778-1130 

 

Here is a message from the NFB Boulder Valley Chapter.

The NFB Boulder Valley Chapter invites you to join us for a social evening at The Gondolier Italian Eatery, February 21, at 5:30 pm. The restaurant is located at 4800 Baseline Road Suite A104. Phone 303-443-5015.

Check out the menu at https://gondolieritalianeatery.com/boulder-menu/

Let Maryann Migliorelli know if you can make it by Monday, February 20, at NFBBoulder@gmail.com or by phone at 303-499-9125.

Please note: This event is in addition to our regularly scheduled chapter meeting which will take place on Saturday, February 4, at 10 am on the customary Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7202842318?pwd=NlJ2NDJIZFk5S2J2MVZHUkVzaklKQT09

 

My back page by Kevan Worley

In our thanksgiving blog I announced our new column written by me. This gives me an opportunity to sound off. It gives you an opportunity to comment when I sound off. In this, the second My Back Page column, “Blind at heart”.

Over the years, I have heard and used the term “blind at heart.” I’ve heard it when complementing some of our sighted members. I think it’s a way that we express deep appreciation to members and allies who give much to the movement. But it’s much more than that. It is a compliment of the highest order to those who are not blind from members of our federation who share a deep understanding of our philosophy. In my life, I have known people who seemingly, intuitively comprehend blindness. They just do. They don’t need explanations. They don’t need great delineations on the way we choose and strive to live the lives we want. These special people, few and far between as they are, just get it. I could mention a few of these dear souls, but I fear I would leave someone out. However, as we organized the life celebration for Scott, two of these special, “blind at heart” individuals were integral to the event. Scott’s longtime administrative assistant Lisa Bonderson and longtime thought leader in our movement Mary Ellen Jernigan.

To paraphrase supreme court justice Potter Stewart from an entirely different subject, “I can’t define it. But I know it when I see it.”  A colleague of ours told me that he thought “blind at heart” may mean, “that there are some sighted people who understand how we feel about blindness even more than those blind people who may not be as steeped in the profound philosophy we share in the federation.”  I find this an interesting concept. In fact, I would add, that not even members of my family would be “blind at heart.”  What do you think?