Blind Coloradan Blog
December 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
Dear reader, I’m feeling guilty. Is it guilt or commitment? It's been a while since I have been in front of the computer to share with members and friends the spirit and activity of our NFBCO through our Blind Coloradan Blog. My apologies. I would like to start by observing how fantastic our recent state convention was. The theme was STEAM. The focus was on youth in pursuit of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. In upcoming blogs, we will capture some of the flavors of our 2023 state convention of science and beyond. From the experiments to the art room. From discussion of artificial intelligence and what it means for the blind to the celebration of young blind science instructors.
Regular readers of this blog may recall that Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite holiday. I do hope yours was all you wished it to be. Throughout all the holy days I wish each of you a happy giving of thanks. I wish you all the joy and celebration of your special holiday. I also wish for you the love of The National Federation of the Blind. Love is truly one of the core values of our movement. Without love, we couldn’t do the work we do. The NFB provides a loving, supportive, and encouraging family that shares in the challenges and triumphs of our blind brothers and sisters. This deeply held faith in one another sustains members during times of challenge and cheers on individual and collective successes. Love is the feeling that permeates our organization and pushes us to expect the best from each other.
Ashley Neybert and Charis Glatthar prepping a science experiment and a roomful of students getting their t-shirts ready for reverse tie dye.
2023 Annual Presidential Report
By Jessica Beecham, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
From the aggregator: Soon you will find the entire annual report, delivered at the state convention by NFBCO state president Jessica Beecham on our website. She did a splendid job recounting our tribulations, triumphs, accomplishments, and hard work over this past year. The scope of our work and the depth of the understanding we have of the wants and needs of Colorado’s blind and low-vision citizens are well captured in President Beecham’s report. In this blog, we will post only the first 2 pages. I think you will find it on point and inspiring. Please enjoy.
In the Spirit of this Science Themed Convention, I asked Chat GPT to Generate a story about a community persevering and thriving after the loss of a great leader. After just this prompt, I got a very fitting response that I wanted share with you as I begin my 2023 Presidential Report. Listen to the story and draw your own comparisons and contrasts as we revisit the trials and triumphs of our past year in the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado.
In a small, tight-knit village nestled deep within a lush forest, a remarkable leader named Elara had guided her people for many years. She was not just a leader but also a friend, mentor, and the heart of the community. Under her wise guidance, the village had flourished, and its residents had enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous life.
One fateful day, tragedy struck as Elara fell gravely ill. The entire village rallied around her, providing care and support, but despite their best efforts, she passed away. The loss was profound, leaving a void in the hearts of everyone who had known her.
Grief and sadness engulfed the village, but amidst the mourning, a determination began to emerge. Elara had taught her people many valuable lessons, one of which was the importance of resilience and unity. She had instilled in them the belief that they could overcome any challenge as a community.
With heavy hearts, the villagers gathered to honor Elara's memory. They decided to carry forward her legacy by continuing the work she had started. Elara had been known for her love of nature and her efforts to protect the forest, so the villagers began by organizing regular tree-planting ceremonies and wildlife preservation initiatives.
Leadership within the village evolved, with a council of elders and experienced individuals taking on the roles that Elara had once held. While they couldn't replace her entirely, they carried her spirit and wisdom in their hearts, guiding the village toward prosperity and harmony. The lessons Elara had imparted remained a guiding light, and her memory lived on in every tree they planted, every child they educated, and every challenge they overcame as a united community.
The villagers proved that the legacy of a great leader doesn't end with their passing. Instead, it lives on through the people they inspired and the values they instilled,
While he was not with us in Person in 2022, Scott LaBarre had a larger-than-life presence at our National Federation of the Blind of Colorado State Convention. From his hospital bed, between being treated, poked, and prodded, he found time to send at least 3 20-plus minute audio clips to “squeeze” into the agenda, send encouraging text messages, chat on the phone, and join us live on Zoom as much as he could. I am so glad that he took the time to share his deep intellect, energy, wisdom, and love in what would unbeknownst to the rest be his final National Federation of the Blind of Colorado State Convention.
In early December, Scott ended a courageous, and hard-fought battle with cancer. His untimely death left us heartbroken, gutted, and unsure how to chart a path forward that did not include our chief legal counsel for the National Federation of the Blind, world treaty negotiator, powerful thought leader, game-changing civil rights attorney, staunch advisor, wise mentor, and beloved friend Scott LaBarre. Scott, in short, we miss you terribly!
The blows continued to rain down on the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado with the losses of dear friends and leaders like Tracy Jones. Jon Deden, Karen Samuelson, and most recently, the legendary Dr. Dots, Tom Anderson.
In his 1983 Banquet address, The Other Half of Inertia, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan says: “We have learned the truth of the other half of inertia: things in motion tend to remain in motion—and it is as hard to stop something which is moving as it is to start something which is not. We are moving! We are going with a mighty sweep, straight for equality and first-class status—and no force on earth can slow us down or turn us back or change our direction.”
Despite our profound losses, the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado upheld our brand promise. The promise we make to ourselves and the promise we make to one another that together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality. We are an organization in motion, and we will not be stopped. In fact, you might say that despite the heavy burdens of the last year, we are moving full STEAM ahead.
We kicked off 2023 by hosting a memorial to honor the life of Scott LaBarre. The service was attended by over 300 individuals in person and several hundred on Zoom. Attendees joined us from around the globe. Leaders from the National Federation of the Blind, World Blind Union, American Bar Association, World Intellectual Property Organization, Colorado General Assembly, friends, and family spoke to the tremendous impact that Scott made on countless lives throughout the world. We threw the kind of party that Scott would have loved to attend with plenty of glasses of gas to go around.
The memorial helped us to begin our healing process and focus on moving forward in a way that would make Scott proud. In February, we gathered in Colorado State Capitol where Scott was honored on the Senate floor and our members advocated for accessible prescriptions, continued funding of the NFB-NEWSLINE program, and state funding for the Business Enterprise Program. We did receive NFB-NEWSLINE funding, and Project Literacy, funding for 2023. We planted the seeds to pave the way to success in our pursuit of accessible prescription legislation as well as funding for the Business Enterprise Program in the 2024 Congressional session.
From the aggregator: over the years we have worked with Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Their staff does a wonderful job for us. Just in time for the holidays, we thought we would post this pretty picture of a table set for the NFBCO annual banquet.
Celebrate the Holidays with CCB & NFB of Denver!
Join us for a festive day of holiday fun and excitement!
Saturday, December 9, 11 AM to 2 PM
Colorado Center for the Blind, 2233 W. Shepherd Ave., Littleton, CO 80120
A holiday party isn’t complete without fun! So don’t miss our:
• Hot Chocolate Bar: Indulge in a delightful variety of flavors and toppings at our hot chocolate bar. Warm up with a cup of deliciousness!
• Fun Holiday Theme Scavenger Hunt: Embark on an exciting scavenger hunt filled with holiday-themed clues and surprises. Test your skills and win fantastic prizes!
• Creative Arts and Crafts Project: Unleash your inner artist and participate in our creative arts and crafts project. Get crafty and take home a masterpiece!
• Enjoy a scrumptious lunch with us! We will be serving meatball subs, and for our veggie-loving friends, we have a delicious veggie option available.
Special Guest: Don't miss the highlight of the event! Santa Claus himself will be paying us a visit at 1 o'clock. Get your wish lists ready and capture the magic of the season with a photo with Santa!
RSVP for CCB’s holiday party HERE, Come and join the holiday festivities at the Colorado Center for the Blind. It's a day filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
For more information, please contact: Chaz Davis, Director of Youth Services
(303) 778-1130 ext. 212, cdavis@cocenter.org
This event is open to all ages. Please bring your holiday spirit and come prepared for a jolly good time!
My Favorite Things
By Gail Hamilton
From the aggregator: Perhaps you saw this on our Colorado Talk. It certainly captures the holiday spirit. One of my favorite things happens to be the work we do and the love we share in The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. I hope you will be able to join your local chapter for their holiday celebration. Getting together with friends and colleagues in our movement is always a joy. Gail Hamilton is a frequent contributor to this blog. She is an active member of our Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users. She serves as president of the Englewood Lions Club.
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens;
Brown paper packages tied up with strings, These are a few of my favorite things.”
We all know these famous words from the 1965 musical "Sound of Music."
Of course, my mind wondered what some of my top favorite things would be. Hmm.
1. Sitting in my recliner with the heating element on in the sunshine reading a book
2. Sitting in the same chair writing a blog
3. Watching a movie while enjoying a bowl of popcorn
4. Taking a walk with my pup in the sunshine
5. Connecting with friends over a scrumptious meal
6. Talking to friends or family over the phone
7. Listening to Rachmaninoff and/or Grieg's piano concertos
8. Lying on the floor snuggling with my pup
9. Taking naps wrapped in a cozy blanket
10. Eating any cookie ever made
11. Soaking in a warm bath
12. Singing and/or playing piano or autoharp
As this holiday season starts to accelerate, and you fill your calendar with extra parties, buying and wrapping presents, mailing packages, writing Christmas cards, baking cookies, and preparing special meals, take a moment for yourself. Take some time to enjoy the Christmas lights, beautiful music, the warmth of loved ones, and the true meaning of Christmas. Take a moment to do one of your favorite things. Perhaps, for fun, (no stress or obligation), write your favorite things down and see how many of them you can do during this busy, busy, busy time. For in this way, you'll be giving yourself the most precious gift of all, love. Take a moment to enjoy the pure bliss of Christmas for in this way, you will change the way you see and change the way you live.
Braille Readers Are Leaders
Reminder to Register & Start Reading on December 4
Encourage more Braille. Improve reading skills. Win prizes.
The National Federation of the Blind is proud to partner with the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults for the 2023-2024 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest. This Braille literacy contest is for students and adults learning Braille across the U.S. to compete against participants in similar contest categories for seven weeks. Participants will:
• Register and log minutes read each day online using Beanstack.
• Log the number of minutes read. Earn prizes and fun badges as you read.
• Read the most minutes in your category and receive a cash prize in addition to all other prizes earned.
• Earn entries into a drawing for a fabulous grand prize! The more minutes you read, the more entries you earn.
The contest will begin on December 4, 2023 and run through January 23, 2024. Register today!
We are excited to get started reading with you!
Getting Started on Monday
Register for the contest and log your first day of reading: Receive a contest T-Shirt. This will be mailed to you as soon as possible so you can enjoy it while the contest is still in progress. The rest of the prizes will be mailed soon after the contest concludes.
We are excited to offer Beanstack as the means to register and log minutes for Braille Readers Are Leaders this year. Beanstack will allow you, your child, or student to receive encouragement and prize reminders in real time as minutes are logged. As always however, the American Action Fund is committed to helping all those who are interested in participating in this contest. If you are unable to register or log minutes read online, please email BrailleReadingContest@actionfund.org for assistance.
For more information about Braille Readers Are Leaders, visit www.actionfund.org/programs/braille-readers-are-leaders.
Braille Book Resources
Expand your Braille library and toolbox. Check out the Braille storybook resources webpage for information on free books, lending libraries, and Braille book retailers.
Happy Holidays from the Director of the Colorado Center for the Blind!
From the aggregator: we received the below from Julie Deden. Julie is not only gifted and dedicated, but she is also kind and warm. Her wishes for all of us come from the heart. When she says Happy Thanksgiving, she might as well be saying a very happy holiday to each of us. The picture of Maureen, David, and Logan Nietfeld standing in a corn maze is extra special. 5-year-old Logan has the widest, cutest smile. That’s the spirit of the holidays right there.
Dear
Family, Friends, Alumni, and Supporters -
I wanted to take a quick moment to wish everyone in our CCB family a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Colorado Center for the Blind! We have so much to be thankful for this year, as we do every year.
A warm and loving holiday to you all!
Sincerely, Julie
We are resolute!
From the aggregator: Our recent convention had a science theme. We had a great deal of celebration. We considered items of importance to blind and low-vision Coloradans. We thoroughly considered and passed 6 resolutions. These are the official policies of our affiliate. They will guide our work in the months and years ahead. You can find the entire text of these resolutions on our website. https://nfbco.org/Resolutions
RESOLUTION 2023-01 Regarding the Inaccessibility of AXS.com and the AXS Mobile App
RESOLUTION 2023-02 Regarding Equivalent Certifications from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) by the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and its Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS)
RESOLUTION 2023-03 Regarding National Federation of the Blind of Colorado NFB-NEWSLINE® Support for and Expansion of Critically Needed Services
RESOLUTION 2023-04 Regarding the Need for Urgent Action to Prevent Ongoing Discrimination Against the Blind by Transportation Network Companies
RESOLUTION 2023-05 Regarding Modernization of the Colorado Business Enterprise Program through Changes in Colorado Procurement Practices to Allow for Sales of Surplus Equipment
RESOLUTION 2023-06 Regarding Streamlining Procurement Procedures for the Business Enterprise Program in Colorado
I know that President Beecham, Legislative Chair Dan Burke, and our other leaders will be calling on each of us to help move these policies forward. We look forward to engaging with the governor, general assembly, state, and local governmental units, partners, and private sector entities to make these resolutions, the hopes and dreams of blind and low-vision people come true.
Online Voting for the Blind: Security Should Not Supersede Access
From the aggregator: Above we wrote about resolutions recently passed at our 2023 state convention. Those resolutions came to the committee from rank-and-file members of our movement. A few years ago the convention considered resolutions to make voting completely accessible to the blind. With the cooperation of Secretary of State Jena Griswold and determined advocacy from members of our movement led and informed by Scott LaBarre, Curtis Chong, and Dan Burke, we have come far! We are posting an article from the Voice Of the Nations Blind Blog written by Curtis Chong. We recommend that members and friends of the National Federation of the Blind check out the Voice of the Nations Blind Blog it is always informative. Here is what Curtis said. https://nfb.org/blog/online-voting-blind-security-should-not-supercede-access
The ability to vote using a secret ballot that can be marked privately and without coercion has long been a fundamental cornerstone of America’s democratic system. For centuries, blind voters were forced to rely on the help of election judges, trusted friends or relatives, or other human readers to mark their ballots. This deprived them of the right to a truly secret ballot. Blind people like me, who wanted to participate in the democratic process, put up with this lack of true secrecy and independence as long as there were no viable alternatives available.
The 1972 presidential election was my first opportunity to participate in the electoral process. At that time, the only way that I could vote was with the help of an election judge. This didn’t bother me too much—I was used to working with sighted readers. There were no alternatives available that would have given me the chance to mark my ballot independently and secretly. I voted this way for more than three decades.
The first nonvisually accessible systems for marking and casting ballots at the polls were developed because of the passage of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002. These systems had tactile keys and text-to-speech technology to provide a nonvisual interface to the ballot. Once the blind voter finished marking and checking the ballot, these systems would print a something which, for all intents and purposes, was the same ballot as that cast by other voters. I used an accessible voting machine during the 2004 presidential election to mark and cast my very first truly secret ballot. The personal freedom I felt after having done this was liberating.
Two years later, I went to the polls to vote in another election. I had forgotten how to use the voting machine. The equipment had changed anyway. I had to spend extra time learning how to use the new system before I could get down to the actual business of marking the ballot. I felt more than a little frustrated and annoyed with the whole experience. When I discussed this with my blind friends and colleagues, I heard that I was not the only blind person who experienced this. I had to familiarize myself with a system which I would use only once every one or two years.
The online voting systems available today—in particular, those systems which enable ballot marking and return via email or through a Web portal—offer blind voters the chance to receive, mark, review, and return our ballots using technology we can confidently and proficiently operate. The ability to return a ballot electronically is critical for blind voters who don’t have ready access to a printer—especially if travel to a polling center is difficult or impossible. This type of system enables blind voters to work with familiar software and hardware—something that is impossible using the accessible voting equipment at the polls.
Security pundits have said that returning ballots electronically is the least secure way to return marked ballots and is guaranteed to corrupt the voting process. Stories in the media give greater emphasis to this argument. They fail to point out that voters who are blind or who have print disabilities still deserve the ability to return ballots electronically, security concerns notwithstanding.
Many people (and some of the media) claim that online voting is equivalent to eliminating the paper ballot. This is not true. Usually when a ballot is received electronically, it is printed on the same kind of paper using the same format as the standard paper ballot received through other channels. During the counting process, a ballot submitted through an online system is indistinguishable from one sent in by mail or placed in a ballot box.
I do not quarrel with the idea that the voting process needs to be as secure as possible. Neither do I disagree that returning a ballot electronically is not without some security risk. Where I draw the line is when security experts and others tell us that blind voters and voters with print disabilities do not deserve the opportunity to return their ballots electronically on the theory that security concerns should supersede their right to vote privately and independently.
I fully understand that the electoral process implemented in this country is built on a foundation of trust. When voters place ballots into ballot boxes, or send their ballots in by mail, they trust that no disreputable individual will tear up their votes but, instead, will insert the paper ballot into the counting system so that it can be accurately processed. When ballots are submitted electronically, I understand that the electronic information in the ballot has a slim chance of being corrupted before it reaches its destination, but I am willing to take that risk in light of the greater accessibility that I enjoy by using the electronic ballot return process. Online voting is a technology that is still relatively new. Blind voters like me and voters with print disabilities appreciate having this capability. We can and will continue to advocate for this type of system in states where it doesn’t exist today. Gone are the days when technology did not exist for us to cast a private and truly secret ballot! Security should not supersede our right to cast a private and truly secret ballot.
Lyft Driver takes Discrimination to a New Level of Confrontation
By Kevan Worley, CEO Worley Enterprises
Dear Reader,
I wanted to share with you an email I recently wrote to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, Mark Riccobono. It speaks for itself, and it speaks to a growing number of incidents, when Lyft and Uber drivers blatantly deny us our right to travel. Here is what I wrote:
Greetings Mr. President,
Thank you for your continued dedication to our cause. Thank you to the National Federation of the Blind for your continued advocacy relative to transportation network companies. As you know incidents of driver denials in the Denver metro area have become an epidemic. I happen to be a loyal Lyft customer. However, a few weeks ago a denial by a Lyft driver became more dramatic and scarier than usual. I have reported the incident to Lyft.
While traveling with my well-groomed, highly trained, well-behaved guide dog I was denied a ride by a Lyft driver. When I attempted to explain to him that Lyft had policies prohibiting discrimination by drivers against service dog handlers. He said he did not care and that there was nothing I could do about it. I indicated that both Colorado and Federal law meant that he must take guide dog handlers. He then drove a few feet away and taunted me. Saying, “You can’t find me. You can't find me. You can't find me!”
Early the next morning I called Lyft to report the incident. I detailed the denial in full. I mentioned that I was taunted by the driver. The Lyft representative indicated that they would take this very seriously. She said I would hear back from Lyft within 48 hours. I did not. 3 days later I called the Lyft rideshare denial report line again. The gentleman sounded even more interested in the incident. He said that he would make sure that this taunting incident would be brought to an even higher level within Lyft. Again, he said I would hear back from the company within 48 hours. I have never heard back from Lyft. I found the incident extremely disturbing. Lyft is my primary rideshare company. I have retired my guide dog within the past week. I will be going for training of a new guide dog shortly. I, like many of my blind friends in Denver, are even considering not getting a successor dog. Denials have become more frequent. And now they are happening with the element of taunting. That is unacceptable. It is not humane. It’s the way I was treated in the 2nd and 3rd grade.
Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. If there is any further advocacy you can take regarding TNC rider denials I would appreciate it. I stand ready to help in any way I can.
At your service,
Kevan Worley
303-929-2369
Manager Project Literacy, National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
Colorado Center for the Blind believes when you believe in yourself and experience a thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
Okay, folks, that’s all she wrote for our holiday blog. I wish you all the happiness in the world. I, for one, celebrate all of the holidays. I wish you and your family great joy during this season of giving, faith, celebration, and love. Our federation community certainly has much to celebrate. Happy New Year! Forward always forward!
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