August Blind Coloradan

 

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

August 23, 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

 

From the aggregator: This issue is jam-packed. I am particularly pleased by what I would call our cover story or maybe cover stories. Read on and enjoy Erin Daley's profile of Maureen Nietfeld. You will also enjoy our piece about Gary Van Dorn. This reminder, dear readers, we love your ideas, articles, and pictures. There is so much happening in our affiliate. Colorado Center for the Blind summer youth programs are complete. Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind is back in session. Your National Federation of the Blind of Colorado has activities of plenty across the state to keep every member as busy as you want to be. Here I want to give special mention to our Greeley Chapter. Saturday, August 12, they held a low vision and blindness resource fair. They are doing the important work of building the National Federation of the Blind by increasing awareness of and access to products and services that can bring greater independence to blind and low-vision people of Weld County and throughout Northeast Colorado. Greeley has thrown down the challenge. They encourage other chapters to organize blindness and low vision resource fairs in their area. And this reminds your aggregator, me, have you started making plans for Blind Equality Achievement Month? A resource fair might be a good October project to consider.

Two of my favorite days of the year are just around the corner. I love to celebrate the independence and opportunity we think about on White Cane Awareness Day, October 15. This year it falls on a Sunday. Some chapters ask their local county commission or city council to offer a resolution commemorating the importance of white cane awareness day. Let’s call it the centerpiece of Blind Equality Achievement Month. Note this year our friend at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind will hold a White Cane Awareness Day celebration on Friday, October 13^th. Join us at Acacia Park for the celebration. My second favorite day just ahead is Labor Day. Over the years I have written columns in this blog about the importance of Labor Day to people who are blind. Since our inception. We have worked with determination to ensure workers' rights, fair treatment, and equal pay for people who are blind or disabled. Over the years we have been the leading organization in these efforts. A generation ago we worked to unionize several entities, that were then referred to as sheltered workshops. We have worked tirelessly in Congress, state assemblies, and in other forums to bring about change. At times we have even taken to the streets with picket signs and voices of protest. In the early 1960s, unable to make changes at the state-operated sheltered shop in Denver we, the organized blind movement “shut it down!”  Affiliate pioneers Diane and Ray McGeorge led that effort. Back then it was a small but mighty band of Colorado federationists who did the heavy lifting. They would not accept 2^nd class treatment. Although we have not yet secured a complete victory. Labor Day is a great day to contemplate the gains we have made over the past three generations. Rare is the blind person who continues to be subjugated and demoralized by non-profit and for-profit corporations. We have much more work to do in the area of labor and employment and we will continue our work to lower the unreasonably high rate of unemployment and underemployment among this nation's blind. And we will continue to work to ensure equal wages and equal treatment in the workplace.

So, happy Labor Day! And happy White Cane Awareness Day!

 

The Dash is Coming! Don’t Delay! Please Register Now!

One of the most important fundraisers we do is the NFBCO 6 Dot Dash 5k. More than a run/walk/roll 5k. The 6 Dot Dash has become a community festival. Many of our dear readers already know about the blind beer tasting, the fun and games for the kids, the food trucks, tours of our great training center, exhibits, puppy raiser kissing booth, and our wonderful band, Stray Dog. Please register and please encourage others to join us for our special, joyful, and spectacular community festival. https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Littleton/6DotDash3

Saturday, September 9, packet pickup opens at 8 am. The race starts at 9 am. There will also be a kid fun run. Colorado Center for the Blind 2233 W Shepperd Ave., Littleton. If you have questions email jbbeecham@gmail.com.

 

A Busy Weekend for the Federation in Colorado

On Friday evening August 25^th, NFBCO and Great Divide Brewing invite you and your friends to the “Braille Ale” release party at Perry’s Pizzeria and Taphouse 1268 Interquest Pkwy #100 Colorado Springs. $1 from every pint sold will be donated to the NFBCO braille literacy and scholarship efforts. This is part of the Great Divide’s series of Charity Pint Nights. The Great Divide will also have Braille Amber Ale at our NFBCO 6 Dot Dash 5k. If you and your buddies are on the front range join us on Friday the 25^th from 5 pm until, whenever for the food and festivities. There will be surprises of plenty. You will also be able to register for the dash!

 

Kickball Potluck Picnic Playday

By Tim Keenan

From the aggregator: Tim Keenan is an active member of our Mile High Chapter, and you can also find him organizing activities with our Wild West Chapter. Here is what he says about Saturday’s extravaganza. (your aggregator thinks someone should bring a rope for tug a war)

When: Saturday, August 26

Where: Eisenhower Park, 4300 E Dartmouth Ave, Denver

Kickball: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Picnic: Noon-4 p.m.

Kickball: Have you ever played beep kickball? Well, neither have we!

Starting at 10:00, we’ll be hosting pickup kickball games that are open to all.

Want to play? Just tell a team captain, and each captain will pick their team to play in a kickball battle for bragging rights of the highest order.

The amount of people who are interested will determine how many games/teams we have.

Picnic: The festivities start at noon. The Mile High Chapter is graciously providing the meat; the rest will be a potluck, with Colorado Federationists bringing scrumptious sides and everything else a picnic needs.

Restrooms: There are restrooms at the park. There are also restrooms in the nearby rec center, but it closes at 1 p.m.

Activities: Aside from hanging with new friends and old, you’re welcome to bring games or any fun group outdoor activity.

What To Bring: We’ve created a Signup Genius, which allows everyone to sign up to bring whatever you can that’s synonymous with a picnic: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A4AA28A2F5C34-kickball

This promises to be a day of competition and comradery long remembered – one way or the other!

 

Invitation from NFBCO Aurora Chapter

We received the following from Dale Holden, President Aurora Chapter

Greetings and enjoy the heat. The Aurora Chapter National Federation of the Blind of Colorado will meet August 26, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This meeting will be in person at the Heather Gardens Clubhouse in the mountain view room on the second floor. The address is 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora, CO 80014. And the meeting will also be on Zoom. https://zoom.us/j/99119564065?pwd=dXlabzlFSE5jOHdJSWlFdTAzMGQzQT09

 

Dash Registration Celebration

Our colleague Nate Hecker says we are having a registration celebration on Thursday, August 31st at the Alley Bar and Grill 2420 Main St., Littleton, CO 80120. Join us from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be dash team members there to register anyone who has not already registered for the September 9 NFBCO 6 Dot Dash 5k.

 

Gary Van Dorn honored with Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award

The Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award is presented ten months of each year since 1977 to an unsung volunteer hero in the Denver area for their selfless service to the community.  Gary is the third Federationist to receive the award; Elsie Cowan, in 1977, the first year of the award, Julie Hunter in 2021, and Gary in 2023.

Minoru Yasui, October 19, 1916 – November 12, 1986) was an American lawyer from Oregon. Born in Hood River, Oregon, he earned both an undergraduate degree and his law degree at the University of Oregon. He was one of the few Japanese Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor who fought laws that directly targeted Japanese Americans or Japanese immigrants. His case was the first case to test the constitutionality of the curfews targeted at minority groups.

Yasui's case made its way to the United States Supreme Court, where his conviction for breaking curfew was affirmed. After internment during most of World War II, he moved to Denver, Colorado in 1944. In Denver, Yasui married and became a local leader in civic affairs, including leadership positions in the Japanese American Citizens League. In 1986, his criminal conviction was overturned by the federal court.

In 2015, Senator Mazie K. Hirono nominated Yasui for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States. On November 16, 2015, President Barack Obama announced that Yasui would receive a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 

From the aggregator: It gives me particular pleasure to write this article. Gary Van Dorn has been a leader in the federation for many many years. He has taken on many roles. Whenever we have asked, he has answered. Even when he is not asked Gary represents. Gary is always in the trenches. He exemplifies the heart and the hard work of a federation leader. It was an honor for a number of us to stand at the mock-up of the 16^th Street Mall landscaping to witness Gary receiving the prestigious award from the Minoru Yasui award committee. Standing at the mock-up was particularly appropriate. Gary has been one of our principal advocates to make sure the new 16^th Street Mall
would be accessible for cane and dog users. The award also came with a $2,000 check. Gary, as is his manner, graciously donated those dollars to NFBCO for our Preservation of Historical Documents Project. As readers of this blog know, this effort is led by the one and only, Blind History Lady, Peggy Chong. Gary has contributed countless hours to our equal access to affordable transportation efforts. Gary organized our Mile High Chapter. He has co-chaired our convention auction for many years. Sometimes the work Gary does is tedious. Most of us would not want to sit in RTD board meetings for hours on end representing us. Gary has been willing to shoulder that often-monotonous responsibility. But of greatest importance to all of us is that he is a member of our family. He is part of our tribe. He is one of our bright shining stars lighting the way to a brighter future. And he does it with charm, kindness, wit, and grace. It's always nice to get a hug from Gary the Bear. 

The wording on the plaque follows:

A Salute to the Spirit of the People. A program of Spark the Change Colorado. Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Presented to Gary Van Dorn August 2023. In Recognition of Outstanding Volunteer Commitment and Service.

 

Are you ready for some football?   

We received the following from dyed-in-the-wool Bronco fan Lisa Bonderson on behalf of our Colorado Association of Blind Students.

The 2023 NFL is right around the corner. You have been kind enough to participate in the Colorado Association of Blind Students football pool fundraiser and they are inviting you to do so again. For all the rules contact Lisa, lbonderson@cocenter.org. Those who make payment before 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 7 will be included for the season. Do please join us again. It’s a fun little pool and helps make the season interesting.

 

Everything That Sparkles: A Profile of Maureen Nietfeld

By Erin Daley

From the aggregator: I was more than pleased to receive this heartwarming profile of our affiliate's second vice president. Written by Erin Daley. Those of you who know Maureen will surely agree with me that this profile captures the essence of our dear friend and colleague. Those who do not know Maureen well will want to get to know her better after reading this article. Here is what Erin has to say.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that you would have to be living under a rock in Colorado to have not heard of Maureen Nietfeld – or at least her infectious laugh that follows wherever she goes. Maureen has worn many hats (and still does) since she became part of the Colorado family in 2009. Her journey to and with the National Federation of the Blind is just as unique as she is, and along the way she has changed the lives of countless students, friends, and Federation members.

Maureen grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA., graduating from Neshaminy High School. She lost her vision at 17, but that was not her first health struggle. Maureen has Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that predisposes her to cysts and tumors in multiple organ systems. While the average age for the onset of VHL symptoms is 26, Maureen was only four years old when her first tumors were found and she received her first surgery. To date, she has had 36 surgeries, including a kidney transplant, multiple brain and spinal surgeries, as well as various eye, bladder, and vascular surgeries. Maureen’s grandmother, mother, and a brother were also diagnosed with this disease, with her grandmother passing away at 38 and her mother recently passing away in 2023 at the age of 69 as a result of this illness.

When Maureen first went blind, she was invited to an NFB meeting but declined due to an instructor telling her the organization was filled with radical types, and not in a good way, more of a weird group of loud blind people that shouldn’t be associated with. However, at 27, she was recovering from her kidney transplant and unable to work as a massage therapist during her recovery. Going through a divorce and moving back home with her parents, she saw her friends and family moving into different phases of their lives and had the same desire. She called VR to get some technology training and was instead encouraged to attend a training center. She looked into a few, but after speaking with Julie Deden, she knew the Colorado Center for the Blind was where she needed to be.

Maureen attended the CCB, joined the NFB, and accepted the position of Residential Manager at the CCB in 2009 – Maureen has never taken the slow lane while navigating through life. She graduated on November 20th, 2009, and, considering her future tenure as a home management instructor and coordinator, it will surprise no one that her delicious grad meal was one of the greats: BBQ pulled chicken, parmesan roasted potatoes, feta Craisin salad, and peanut butter pie. Grad meals are also one of her favorite things about working at the Center – but not for the food. Getting to see each student receive their bell and stand in a room full of people each taking turns to share what they love most about them is a truly special experience. She tries not to take these moments for granted and appreciates how unique this experience is for every student.

Maureen not only found a new purpose and vocation through attending the CCB, but she also found love in fellow instructor David Nietfeld. Quiet and confident, David may not live life at the same volume as Maureen, but their dedication to each other and commitment to leading with kindness and integrity are in perfect step. The two married in August 2011, and welcomed baby Logan into the world in August 2018. Maureen, who had been pursuing her degree in Lifestyle Medicine at MSU Denver, left the CCB at this time to focus on raising her son and finishing her degree. But, lest she have too little on her plate, she also served on the CCB Board of Directors at this time as well as worked for Newsline. She completed a four-month internship at the Center for her degree in 2020, and, upon earning her Bachelor’s Degree, returned as Director of Student Services in April 2021.

In her time with the NFB, Maureen has devoted herself to serving where she is needed. She has previously served as the President of Colorado’s Blind Parents and Colorado Sports and Rec divisions, as well as various positions with the Colorado Guide Dog division, the Denver Chapter, the Colorado State Affiliate, and the National Sports and Recreation Division. She is the current second vice-president of the Denver Chapter the Colorado Affiliate, first vice-president of Colorado Sports and Rec, and board member of the Blind Parents. She has also served on the National Scholarship committee and currently serves on the Colorado State Scholarship Committee. She also was a prestigious Jernigan Scholar, winning this scholarship at National Convention in 2017.

While it seems like she would never have a chance to relax, Maureen absolutely loves her nights at home with her boys, David, Logan, and guide dog Riley. Sitting in their backyard on a swing with a Popsicle or making s’mores in their fire pit is the height of happiness. However, she also loves spending time with friends and anything to do with the water. She loves fashion and everything that sparkles. Sequins, glitter, or rhinestones – especially in pink – are a prerequisite for every outfit. She also loves to listen to books and practice yoga.

Maureen is a mentor to many and can’t sit still if she knows there is a problem that needs to be solved. 6 Dot Dash? She’s on it. Event for the Denver Chapter? How can she help? Stores not providing shopper assistants during the pandemic? Let’s get a team together and work out a solution. Her own mentor, Julie Deden, has helped shape her into the generous and indefatigable leader that she is today. Since she was a student, Julie has supported her and invested in her, giving her life-changing opportunities at the Center that now she is able to share with her students, causing a ripple of change that so many of us are lucky to have benefited from whether we know it or not. Maureen found the NFB not to be a weird radical organization, but one full of fun, passionate, and inspiring people looking to change the lives of the blind and participate fully in society. In turn, she became one of those very people, a tireless advocate, especially for her students, who she strives to do better for every day. Her motto, “Do the next right thing,” is not only a mantra encouraging her to be the person she wants to be, but also the kind of person her mother would be proud of. You don’t have to have known her mother to know that Maureen makes her proud everyday through her fearless spirit, generosity with anyone who needs helps, never-ending courage in the face of overwhelming medical and personal struggles, and her incomparable spirit in overcoming it all. Maureen may love everything that sparkles, but she is the one who shines, brightening the lives of the students she has taught, the students she will teach, and anyone who is lucky enough to hear her unmistakable laugh ringing through the halls, reminding us that there is work to be done, but there’s no reason why we shouldn’t enjoy it.

 

There is more than one way to participate in the dash!

By Maryann Migliorelli

From the aggregator: In this fine piece posted to Colorado Talk and circulated by Maryann to many of her friends and family she shows us all how we can promote the dash. Maryann is the president of our Boulder Valley Chapter. She is a woman of many talents. An expert on hospitality, a facilitator of improvisation, a trainer for the state of Colorado, and an advocate for accessible theatrical events. She is a delightful master of ceremonies. She is also an excellent drummer. In other words, this child of New York City can do almost anything. Unfortunately, she won't be at the dash this year but here is what she has to say about it.

Please consider supporting this wonderful event. I am participating in the 6 Dot Dash virtually in September. The money from this fundraiser benefits the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado scholarship program, which assists blind college students in achieving their dreams. When I was in college, I received one of these scholarships which helped me purchase much needed technology and helped me fund my study abroad cruise. This award helped me build my dream of becoming a hospitality professional, which I was able to do for seven years. I have since transferred the skills I gained in hospitality service to my work as a trainer for the State of Colorado's Unemployment Division. Now I'm asking you to help me build new dreams for deserving blind Colorado students by joining me in the race virtually or in person, supporting The Boulder Valley Braille Bounders team, or donating here. Thank you in advance for your support. Together we can build dreams one step at a time. https://runsignup.com/BrailleBounders?fbclid=IwAR1fkmu8EYuR8m8t5F-6fhqQRXVVPnDo4veVTtkhrtiD7ieJY_8mUT2Lb_M

 

U.S. Access Board Issues Final Rule on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines

From the aggregator: we received the following important notice from our colleague Curtis Chong. It’s the kind of thing our readers may wish to share with organizations and government authorities at the state and local level. This stuff can be a bit technical, but it is one of the guideposts leading us to greater mobility. Curtis, as always thanks for sharing with our readers. Here is what the man forwarded.

U.S. Access Board Issues Final Rule on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines

August 08, 2023

Pedestrians with disabilities throughout the United States continue to face major challenges in travel because many sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian facilities are inaccessible. Today, the U.S. Access Board addressed this inequity by issuing a final rule on accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way.  These guidelines inform federal, state, and local government agencies on how to make their pedestrian facilities, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, shared use paths, and on-street parking, accessible to people with disabilities.

“The Access Board is proud to issue these guidelines as a critical step toward equal access to the public right-of-way for people with disabilities in America,” remarked Executive Director Sachin Pavithran. “Equal access to pedestrian facilities is crucial because pedestrian travel is the principal means of independent transportation for many people with disabilities.”

The guidelines cover the minimum scoping and technical requirements for various spaces and elements in the public right-of-way, such as pedestrian access routes, which ensure the accessibility of sidewalks, including alternate access routes when the main route is closed for maintenance or construction. Other highlights in the requirements include accessible pedestrian signals, curb ramps and blended transitions, detectable warning surfaces, crosswalks at roundabouts, on-street parking, transit stops, and street furniture. In addition, the guidelines address shared use paths, which are designed primarily for use by bicyclists, pedestrians and other authorized motorized and non-motorized users for transportation purposes and recreation purposes.

The public right-of-way accessibility guidelines apply to alterations and additions to existing pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way as well as newly constructed pedestrian facilities covered under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Title II of the ADA applies to state and local government facilities, and the ABA requires that buildings or facilities that were designed, built, or altered with federal dollars or leased by federal agencies after August 12, 1968 be accessible. Section 504 covers any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including those that require compliance with federal regulations established by Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Postal Service, and other agencies.

The guidelines will be mandatory after they are adopted for enforcement by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation under Title II of the ADA. They will be mandatory for federal rights-of-way once adopted by the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Postal Service under the ABA, which requires that facilities built or leased by the Federal government be accessible to people with disabilities.

The Access Board provides free technical assistance on accessibility guidelines and standards through its helpline at 1-202-272-0080, extension 3, and by email at ta@access-board.gov from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET) weekdays. For technical assistance specifically on accessibility of public right-of-way, including sidewalks, street crossings, and other pedestrian used features, email row@access-board.gov.

That’s all she wrote! Forward, always forward!