Blind Coloradan Blog
April 5, 2024
Writer, aggregator: Kevan Worley
Contributors: Dan Burke & Erin Daley. With assistance from Lisa Bonderson.
National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, President, Jessica Beecham
From the aggregator: Well, as they say, “It's been a minute”. The only excuse we have is, we are all volunteers in this great service and civil rights organization. A lot has happened since our last Blind Coloradan in December. So, let's get started.
National Federation of the Bind of Colorado gains early support for legislation in the General Assembly
From the aggregator: Beginning with resolutions passed at our October 2023 state convention. Through the work of legislative chairs Dan Burke, Curtis Chong, and others, to the heavy lifting by our members at the day at the capital on Monday, February 12th, and beyond: to our members testifying at a number of hearings. Momentum is building toward the passage of two of our legislative priorities. Both of the two bills have passed their first committee hearings on bipartisan unanimous votes. State representative Mary Young held focus groups to consider the views of all stakeholders prior to the hearing in front of the House Health and Human Services Committee. This bill is, HB24-1115, legislation that would require pharmacies in Colorado to provide accessible prescription labels for blind and/or print-disabled users, thereby enabling them to accurately and independently identify the medications they use themselves or dispense to those in their immediate care.
A bill sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson will bring about an increase of $130,000 from the General Fund to expand access to NFB-NEWSLINE® to more blind, deaf-blind, and print-disabled Coloradans while maintaining the $120,000 for NFB-NEWSLINE® From the Telephone Users with Disabilities Fund (TUDF). We had poignant testimony from NFBCO President Jessica Beecham and Legislative Co-Chair Curtis Chong in support of that measure. This bill would also increase funding for Aftersight, formerly Audio Information Network. This initiative also passed out of committee unanimously. It is now on to the appropriations committee.
We continue to educate members of the General Assembly and the Governor Polis Administration about our efforts to strengthen laws around guide dog denials. We are pushing for an interim study committee by the General Assembly on this issue.
As directed by the state convention. We continue our work to Initiate a thorough financial audit—with specific focus on the funds allocated to Colorado's Support Services Provider (SSP) program, to adequately meet the needs of current eligible recipients, to eliminate the waiting list for SSP services, and do outreach for other deaf-blind citizens who may qualify and benefit from SSP services.
Please follow all of these issues on our Colorado-Talk listserv. We will keep you up to date and we will need your support. There may be public hearings or times we will call on you to call or write members of the General Assembly or other government officials. Because of you, the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado continues to be an effective voice for the blind of the Centennial State. Over the years our efforts have gained great respect and support from members of the General Assembly. We are the authentic voice of the organized blind movement.
Rules are approved! Big news from the governor’s Office of Information Technology
By Alice Huyler, Senior Policy Advisor, OIT Rulemaking
From the aggregator: for many years NFBCO has worked to reform processes within state and local governments that block employees and consumers from accessing government apps and websites. It has been a concerted and real struggle! In 2021 a bill was passed to bring about meaningful reform. The bill expressly stated that governmental entities that did not comply with new accessibility requirements would be subject to penalties. It has been the task of the Office of Information Technology to formulate rules, conduct hearings, and finalize rules. We have recently received the following note from Theresa Montano, Senior Solutions Architect of Accessibility. Theresa is a member of our NFBCO Wild West Chapter. She works with persistence and expertise to bring about real change. We thank her for passing this along. Here it is.
OIT adopted the final Rules Establishing Technology Accessibility Standards on February 23, 2024 (Rules website or Rules Google doc). These rules describe and clarify what is considered discrimination under HB 21-1110 and CRS 24-34-802 by defining the standards and compliance parameters for technology accessibility for state and local government entities in Colorado.
Also, a rules team roadshow is in the works so watch your
email inbox for more information and an announcement of upcoming dates.
Confidence through candy?
By Brett Boyer
From the aggregator: One of the effects of involvement in the National Federation of the Blind is often an increased level of confidence. It is fitting then, that confidence the key word in the candy sales fundraiser just announced by our NFBCO Denver Chapter. Here is a post we saw from Denver Chapter Leader Brett Boyer.
I have some wonderful news - a way for you to support the Denver Chapter and feed your sweet-tooth! Tiff's Treats has locations across the country that can deliver fresh-baked cookies, brownies, special occasion packages, and a host of other delicious treats. The Denver Chapter will earn a percentage of every item sold, so don't worry about dropping a few extra items in your cart! Don't forget to use the promo code “confidence" Please note that this fundraiser only works when purchased directly through Tiff's Treats. They are on DoorDash and UberEats and all those other fancy apps, but we won't get a penny! Don't have a Tiff's Treats near you? No problem! They have a selection of items they will ship across the country, so share with all of your friends and family! I know baked goods are my love language, and I'm sure there's more of us out there! But hurry! This fundraiser is only good through April 14! And did I mention to use the code confidence? That's just the one word, confidence, and it's not case sensitive! Don't know whether there is a store near you? We got you! You can order on the Tiff's Treats app, or go to cookiedelivery.com. Go to "Order Online" and enter your address. It will let you know if there is one near you or if the items will be shipped, and the menu will update to your local menu or what is available for nationwide delivery! Don't forget to use the promo code - confidence! Without the exclamation point, although it is very exciting!
1) Place an order at cookiedelivery.com or on the Tiff’s Treats app.
2) At checkout, enter the code “confidence” in the order summary section.
3) You will know the promo code is applied to your order if you see a $.01 deduction from your total.
Mile High Chapter Chilipalooza 2024
By Nate Hecker
On February 24th, the Mile High Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind once again turned up the heat with their second annual Chilipalooza at Broadway Shot Spot!
This year, the chili competition heated up with an impressive lineup of sixteen different types of chilis, an increase of six from last year! The creativity and variety were unmatched, with offerings ranging from classic Midwest red chili made by our youngest contestant, Hailie Hecker, age 14 to smoky delights cooked on a smoker, from Irish-coffee-infused concoctions, and even a vegan option. And let's not forget the abundance of green chilis that added a zesty twist to the competition.
Chilipalooza 2024 was a testament to the power of community, good food, and efforts. As chili pots simmered and laughter filled the air, it was clear that this annual event had become a cherished tradition for all who attended. Here's to another year of spicing things up and making a difference in the lives of others!
Equality at Easter. So That All Can Play!
By Maureen Nietfeld
From the aggregator: When I was a child, many, many, many years ago the traditional easter egg hunt was another holiday event for me to dread. While all of the non-blind children ran with great abandon and joy. I was stuck on the sideline feeling isolated and alone. I know that this was the story of many blind children. But if families with blind or sighted children are involved with the National Federation of the Blind? The next generation will have happy easter stories to tell. Maureen Nietfeld is a blind parent of a 5-year-old little boy. She is the president of our NFBCO Denver Chapter, and she is director of Student Services at the Colorado Center for the Blind. Here is what she says about the Easter Egg Hunt tradition at the Colorado Center for the Blind. It’s my favorite story in this issue of your Blind Coloradan.
Join Colorado Center for the Blind and Inside the Orchestra for a Musical Experience!
(We just received the following from Chaz Davis, director youth services, Colorado Center for the Blind)
When:
Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 AM
Where:
Colorado Center for the Blind (2233 W Shepperd Ave. Littleton, CO 80120)
Music with Feeling
A quartet of orchestral musicians and a Teaching Artist will guide young learners through a fun, interactive performance. We'll explore ways that music can help us with emotional identification, articulation, and regulation. The program will include orchestral classics, familiar songs, and new favorites!
Following the performance, join us for an "Instrument Petting Zoo," where kids will be invited to get hands-on with some musical instruments!
Register for “Music with Feeling” here
For more information please contact Chaz at (303) 778-1130 or cdavis@cocenter.org.
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Board of Trustees Offers the CSDB Superintendent Position
By Dianne Taylor, School/Community Liaison, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind
On January 29, 2024, the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Board of Trustees voted to offer the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Superintendent position to Tera Spangler.
Tera Spangler, born and raised in a small Iowa farming town, became Deaf at age 10. Graduating in 2000 with a double major in Elementary Education and Deaf Education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, she initially taught preschool in Omaha. Relocating to Colorado Springs, she spent five years in Falcon School District 49 as an Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf before earning her Masters in Deaf Education from the University of Northern Colorado.
In 2006, Tera joined the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, embarking on a multifaceted journey. She held various roles, including Elementary Teacher, Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, Principal, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and presently serves as the Interim Superintendent. Alongside her professional roles, she pursued an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University.
Tera's commitment to advocating for Deaf, Blind, and Deafblind students remains unwavering. Her leadership strives for language access and equitable opportunities, endeavoring to create educational environments where students have equal access to language and visual information.
CSDB thanks our students, staff, parents, and community members who shared their thoughts to help us build a superintendent profile for the next superintendent.
Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership Honors Long-Time Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Teacher Bambi Venetucci During Women's History Month
From the aggregator: Many in the Colorado Springs community have heard of and have visited the iconic Venetucci Farms. Over the years they have purchased produce, enjoyed the pumpkin patch, and even a corn maze. But many don’t know the back story. Blind students who attended the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind for many years knew Bambi as a kind, generous, and strict teacher. The late Ray McGeorge, a legendary leader of our affiliate who passed in 2011 certainly knew Bambi well. We were pleased to see a social media post from The Downtown COS Partnership during Women’s History Month about this dynamic blind woman. Here it is.
Bambini “Bambi” Macarantonio Venetucci was born in Frederick, Colorado on June 16, 1929, to Italian parents who immigrated to America from a village in Italy after World War I to escape poverty. Her father worked in the coal fields and the family farmed beans and potatoes.
Born with a severe visual impairment, Bambi came to live in Colorado Springs and attended school at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) when she was just seven years old. It was a difficult transition from a loving home to an institutional setting far from her family.
In 1950 Bambi became one of the first blind students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. After transferring to a college in San Francisco, Bambi earned her degree in Special Education and returned to the CSDB in 1954, this time as a teacher. She was an outstanding teacher who took her students on annual trips to downtown Colorado Springs to teach them how to ride the bus, navigate escalators and elevators, cross streets, and order meals in restaurants. Her niece recalled that Bambi, “…wanted to know that nothing was impossible.” In 1983 Bambi Macarantonio was honored as the Colorado Teacher of the Year. In 1995, Bambi authored her autobiography, Dammi La Mano – Give Me Your Hand.
Bambi first met her husband-to-be Nick Venetucci in 1957. Both came from Italian-American families, and both attended St. Mary’s Cathedral. They courted for 27 years before marrying in 1984. From that point forward, the beloved couple worked together to give away thousands of free pumpkins from the Venetucci farm in Security. As journalist Bill Vogrin noted, Bambi “scheduled the buses of schoolchildren as Nick shepherded around the fields.”
Bambi Venetucci was a selfless person who poured her
heart into her students, friends,
family, and community. As her great nephew
Chris Dallinger stated, “Bambi Venetucci made a profound positive impact on
everyone she ever met. There are few people you can describe as an absolute
inspiration, but Aunt Bambi was exactly that.” Bambi Venetucci passed away on
January 15, 2015, at the age of 85.
No Half-Baked chapter fundraiser
By Paul T. Chief tasting Enthusiast National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, Wild West Chapter
Howdy Members and Bakers Extraordinaire,
Hold onto your aprons because it's time to fire up those ovens for the Wild West Bake-Off, brought to you by the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, Wild West Chapter.
Get ready to indulge your taste buds and showcase your baking prowess at this sizzling event! Mark your calendars with these important details:
Date: April 20th Time: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM Location: Brewability
Address: 3445 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113.
Here's the scoop on registration and payment:
Registration: - All aspiring bakers must register and pay by April 13th. - To throw your hat in the baking ring, shoot an email to Charis at cglatthar@gmail.com. - Don't forget to include your name, contact info, and the tantalizing treats you'll be whipping up.
Payment Methods:
- We're equipped to handle payments in style: - Zelle: Wild.west.nfbco@gmail.com
- Apple Pay: Shoot it over to Paul Sandoval at 720-620-8007
- Venmo: Glide your payment to @Paul-Sandoval-22
Entry Fees: - It's just $25 per entry to showcase your baking brilliance.
- For those with a passion for tasting, it's only $10 (with proceeds supporting the Wild West Chapter). So have a taste and vote for the best.
Cash Prizes Await! - That's right, folks! The top bakers will snag some sweet cash prizes: - 1st Place: $100 - 2nd Place: $75 - 3rd Place: $25 And that’s not all! When the competition is over, feel free to sell your goodies to everyone!
Don't Miss Out: - For those eager to taste the creations, fear not! Pay $15 at the door and savor the flavors. Let's make this Bake-Off a roaring success! Secure your spot and settle your dues promptly to ensure a buttery-smooth experience for all. Thanks a heap for your support, and we're counting down the days to indulge in some delicious delights with you!
Always Exciting Things Happening in the Colorado Association of Blind Parents
From the aggregator: Here is an update from Brittany Savage of our Blind Parents Group.
We have a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on May 4. If people would like to go, all they have to do is contact me. The Blind Parents Division is also offering financial assistance for childcare at national convention. Applications are due by April 5. We have the musical Frozen on June 29. The tickets are $50 each. Our next meeting is going to be on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 talking about traveling with children especially to national convention. You can reach me at this email address tanielizabeth21@yahoo.com.
Downtown Colorado Springs Will Never Be the Same!
From the aggregator: As we spread the word here is the press release sent to all El Paso County media. If you know people in and around the southern Front Range, please call this to their attention.
To members of the press and all community calendars, on April 15th there will be an organizing meeting of a new National Federation of the Blind Colorado Chapter in Downtown COS. The gathering will take place on Monday, April 15th from 5:30 until 7pm at 19 N Tejon St. We appreciate the meeting space being donated by Avenue 19. As El Paso County grows so does the community of blind and low-vision people. There has been an Olympic City Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind for 60 years. That chapter meets on the second Saturday of each month. The new NFBCO Downtown COS Chapter will begin meeting on the 3rd Monday evening of each month.
The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest organization of blind/low-vision people in the nation. More than a social or self-help group for people who are blind and their families. We are a true civil rights advocacy organization. We are a social action movement, “the authentic voice of the organized blind”. Wherever good things are happening on behalf of people who are blind/low vision you will find the National Federation of the Blind. We led the fight in Colorado for parental rights, accessible app and website laws, accessible voting and much more. We look forward to having blind people of all ages, professionals who work with people who are blind/low vision, parents of blind children and others join us to learn more about the organization, and membership and to help set priorities of the blind in Colorado Springs, the state and nation.
You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
We are a volunteer membership organization. Leaders are democratically elected. The majority of whom must be legally blind. We are a 501C3 nonprofit.
For further information contact Kevan Worley, Chair, organizing committee kevan@nfbco.org 303-929-2369.
From the aggregator: Sorry we have been absent for a while. I will try to do better next time. For April, that’s all she wrote! Forward! Always Forward!
