March Blind Coloradan

 

Blind Coloradoan Blog

March 10, 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:

 

Dear reader, there is so much happening in our federation family, along with many of our partners, that we will post an additional Blind Coloradan next week. In the meantime, in between time, here are some updates for you.

It’s woman’s history month. We would love to see posts from you, dear reader, about those special blind women of our movement. Respond to this blog or email me directly at kevan@nfbco.org. Thanks to all the blind women who make our federation the distinctive, loving dynamic civil rights movement it is.

 

 

Colorado Center for the Blind Embarks on New Strategic Plan

From the aggregator: It’s my honor to be a 1992 graduate of the Colorado Center for the Blind. For many years I have served as treasurer of the CCB board of directors. In order to maintain a robust, caring, dynamic training center, from time to time, we undergo long-range strategic planning. During 2023 we will be working with stakeholders to take a realistic look at our work. We will work at the granular level to plan for a stable, resilient, and expansive plan for the future. This introspective review and planning are vital for any organization. We look forward to hearing your comments. You can reach the executive director, jdeden@cocenter.org. Or call 303-778-1130.

 

Lyfting up expectations and opportunities

It’s easy! So many of our friends, families, and ourselves use the Lyft app. How many Coloradans can we get to, “round it up to the next dollar” when we ride? It’s easy! Do it today!  Money goes to the National Federation of the Blind. Your few cents will make a difference.

 

 

Mile High Madness is Back!

By Cody Bair, president NFBCO Mile High Chapter

It's that time of year again when we all become basketball experts and complete our brackets with the hopes and dreams of a perfect bracket, but all too often, to have our dreams crushed by the end of the first day. Either that or fill out a bracket based on which mascot would actually prevail in a dual. Whatever your strategy is, this fundraiser is one you won't want to miss.

As such, the Mile High Chapter is excited to kick off our 2nd annual March Madness Bracket Fund Raiser. Remember, we crowned Kevan Worley bracket king last year! Do you have what it takes to take down the king, or will he repeat? The only way to find out is to join the fun!

Brackets are $20 a piece, and you can buy as many brackets as you like.

Entry fees are due prior to 10:00 A.M. Mountain on Thursday, March 16, which is the time at which your bracket must be submitted. Funds raised will be split, with 50% of entry fees going to the first place bracket and the other 50% going to the Mile High Chapter.

Entry fees can be paid via Zelle at garyvdrn@msn.com or by credit card at the link below.

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/7R2HHWEBDRSE2/checkout/RGZWIU4NXZEAQYLP752M2NST

We are using ESPN to host our bracket pool, and the link to join the pool is below.

https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2023/en/group?redirect=tcmen%3A%2F%2Fx-callback-url%2FshowGroup%3FgroupID%3D5213890&ex_cid=tcmen2023_clipboard&groupID=5213890&groupp=TWlsZWhpZ2hCcmFja2V0cw%3D%3D&inviteuser=e0JBOUU0QjU3LUE2OUItNDM4NS1CNDJCLUQyMEZBMDExOEM1QX0%3D&invitesource=clipboard

Please note the link above has a password on it to join. Please reach out to me once you have paid at either codyjbair@yahoo.com or (970)673-6998, and I will provide you with the password. Please also make sure the name of your bracket is identifiable to me, or let me know what your bracket name is to avoid any confusion.

You can join any time between now and next Thursday morning; However, the brackets will not be available for completion until this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 P.M.

We are using the traditional scoring rules, which are as follows:

First Four: not picking these games

Round 1: 1 Point

Round 2: 2 Points

Sweet 16: 4 Points

Elite 8: 8 Points

Final 4: 16 Points

National Championship Game: 32 Points

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly should you have any questions or need assistance filling out your bracket.

 

CSDB Students Journal the Journey  

From the aggregator: We were pleased to receive this article by Emma Avery, teacher of visually impaired students. It’s always a joy to hear from our Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind.

“The symbiotic relationship between reading and writing is a cornerstone of our individual intellectual journey and our educational system. We write as an act of self-expression. We read because language renders unto us the vitality of real and imagined experience.” – author Marita Golden

Being a “good reader” or a “good writer” is not as simple as learning to read or to write. Each of these skills is built on many, many subskills that can be acquired directly or incidentally as students progress through schooling. For students with visual impairments, however, opportunities for incidental learning are harder to come by. By integrating explicit instruction and deliberate practice of these subskills, we can help students fill in the gaps on their journeys to becoming strong readers and writers.

In my secondary English Language Arts classroom, integrated instruction in these subskills takes the form of a daily journal. When they enter class, students take a journal prompt in print or Braille from the pouch on the ELA Essentials Board, a bulletin board on the south wall of my room. They independently read the prompt and type a response on their device. On Thursdays, students submit all journal responses for the week. Ideas and skills from the journal prompts are also incorporated into curriculum instruction throughout the week.

The journals act as review for students who have already acquired the day’s subskill, and an opportunity for direct instruction for those who have a gap in this area. On the ELA Essentials Board are posters in print and Braille containing information and examples of this week’s subskills. The subskills are organized into four categories: Word Part (root words, prefixes, and suffixes), Grammar Gem (grammar and punctuation conventions), Comprehension Strategy, and World Connection (integration of cultural topics such as Black History Month). The subskills change each week but may be repeated throughout the year to reinforce the topics.

For an activity that only takes 10-15 minutes at the beginning of class, the journals provide several opportunities for students to grow as readers, writers, and learners. Each student must read their journal prompt independently in their learning media, so they are practicing their print or Braille reading skills. Each student must write their response independently on their device, so they are using their technology as they practice critical thinking and writing skills. Finally, students are reminded that they can access the posters on the ELA Essentials Board if they need help, which reinforces their independence and provides an opportunity for accessible research. Students are taking charge of their learning as they practice integrated skills in the literacy classroom.

 

Chapter Name Change

Our Colorado Springs Chapter has changed its name. It will be doing business as “The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, Olympic City Chapter.” President Jenette Fortin continues to lead our effort in the Olympic City Chapter. Congratulations to Joanne Franklin. Joanne serves as the chapter’s vice president. She has just attended a leadership seminar at our National Center for the Blind in Baltimore. Sounds like our Olympic City Chapter is a winner.

 

Are You Ready to Expand Your Pawsibilities?

The great guide dog seminar is coming!

The Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users has announced that they will be holding a special seminar for all who are interested in guide dogs. If you are a guide dog handler, consider getting a guide dog or know someone who may be interested in learning about the world of guide dogs. You will want to learn more about the great guide dog seminar. The seminar will be at the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton. It will happen on Saturday, May 13th. A dynamic curriculum is being developed. If you have ideas for the event, please contact kevan@nfbco.org., 303-929-2369. Forward!

 

You’re the Boss, Applesauce

By Gail Hamilton

From the aggregator: Gail Hamilton is an active member of our Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users. She is an experienced handler. She is also an author and a nationally known motivational speaker. She posts a regular blog, “ Soaring Into Greatness.” From time to time, we post one of Gail’s thoughtful articles. Here is one we thought you would enjoy.

 

When I was a young child, my sister had a friend Gretchen who used to say:

“I’m the boss, applesauce. You know what I mean, jellybean? You understand, rubber band? Cause, I like apple pie.”

Ridiculous, right?

Yep, however, there is some truth in “I’m the boss, applesauce.”

We have a choice! Just because our family members, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, or society says we “should” do something doesn’t necessarily mean we should! Now, I’m not advocating breaking rules. There’s a proper way to make societal and legal changes for that. What I’m suggesting is—as my dad used to say—”if all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?”

I may create some waves with this blog; however, here I go!

Almost two years ago, I had a bone density test which showed I had severe Osteoporosis (-2 to -3.5 on their scale). At the time, the doctor convinced me to take the weekly prescription of Fosamax to strengthen my bones. I followed her advice, “I’d put my mother on it” for six months. Then, a friend sent me some video links regarding side effects which included fractures. I decided I didn’t need a prescription medication to give me more fractures, and I stopped taking the Fosamax.

A year later, my new doc suggested I go to the Colorado Center for Arthritis and Osteoporosis and get a second opinion. That doc immediately wanted to put me on the prescription of Evenity—a once-a-month shot—followed up by Prolia, a biennial shot for the next 7 years. She made the “drug” sound so promising! My friend and I returned home and did more research. This prescription, along with fracturing, can cause heart attacks!!!

I then talked with my pharmacist and others, who said I needed calcium supplements. Of course, after talking with other docs, I found out that supplemental calcium can lead to estrogen-dependent cancers.

I’m not so uneducated that I cannot comprehend that everything has side effects! I could eat too many nuts and get something! However, I’d rather overdose on nuts than break a bone. Or, if I ever broke a bone, I’d rather do it walking with my pup than because I took a prescription drug.

Here’s what I’ve decided to do for my bones. Each day I’m going to eat calcium found in plants—1000 to 1200 mg is recommended. Along with these, I’m going to take 5000 mg of vitamin D3, and I’m going to lift weights at least three times a week.

What about you? Are you being your own boss? Are you allowing others to dictate your future?

Health is a personal thing. I can’t tell you what to do or what not to do, and I’m definitely not a doctor! I can encourage you to be your own boss and maybe to eat some applesauce!   We all must take responsibility for ourselves—to stand up to the Goliaths in our life! We must live with the consequences of our actions and be the best we can be! In being our own bosses, we’ll change the way we see, and we’ll change the way we live! Now, go have that applesauce!

 

Dear reader, we hope you have enjoyed this Blind Coloradan. There is much more to report, including remembering Scott LaBarre, Jon Deden, and Traci Jones. We will have more on the lives of these 3 federation family members in upcoming newsletters. As most readers know, we have lost Scott, Jon, and Traci. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Until next time, forward always forward.