Blind Coloradan Blog February 21, 2025

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

February 21, 2025

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

 

Advocacy News and Calls to Action

The National Federation of the Blind is busy defending the rights of blind people, working to create opportunities for our greater participation, and calling on elected officials to stop using stereotypes about us in political discourse. We need your help to advance these important matters below.

Blind Americans Return to Work Act Introduced

The National Federation of the Blind is excited to share that the Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) and co-led by Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-7), has been introduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 1175. Please call or email your members in the House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1175, the Blind Americans Return to Work Act. If you send an email, please be sure to copy Jesse Shirek at jshirek@nfb.org.

Legislative Alert Reminder: Call State Representatives about Section 504

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is deeply concerned about the Texas v. Becerra case, brought by the attorneys general of 17 states (Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia).

These states have sued the federal government regarding updated rules which note that “gender dysphoria” may be within the definition of “disability” under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and which make clear that people at risk of institutionalization have a cause of action to prevent unnecessary institutionalization. As a result, these states have charged that this regulations renders the entire Section 504 unconstitutional. As a reminder, Section 504 requires that entities which receive federal funding, like schools and hospitals, cannot discriminate on the basis of disability.

The NFB is not alone in this opposition, with other organizations like the National Disability Rights Network and the American Association of People with Disabilities also expressing concern. The NFB urges individuals in the affected states to contact their state’s attorney general or governor to oppose the lawsuit and emphasize the importance of Section 504 in protecting all people with disabilities, including blind individuals, from discrimination. There is early indication that our outreach is already getting some states to reconsider their involvement in this harmful case.

Federal Workers Impacted by Recent Layoffs

We know that federal employees with disabilities have been disproportionally affected by recent reductions in the federal employment work force and we are doing all we can to help our blind colleagues. If you are a federal worker impacted by the government layoffs and interested in information on career opportunities through the National Federation of the Blind Employment Initiatives, please submit the Employment Interest Form to receive announcements regarding career opportunities.

Share Statement on Harmful Stereotyping of Blind People

Please read and share the Statement from the National Federation of the Blind on the Harmful Stereotyping of Blind People in Political Discourse. Here is some background information on the matter. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, the director of government affairs for the Project on Government Oversight and member of the National Federation of the Blind, testified at a congressional hearing regarding Delivering on Government Efficiency. Government officials, media professionals, and social media users used his blindness to mock and discredit his expertise.

We call on all elected leaders, policymakers, and media outlets to engage in informed, respectful discourse that recognizes the capabilities of blind individuals rather than exploiting ignorance for political gain. Please share the video of President Riccobono regarding this matter on social media. It is posted on Facebook, YouTube, Mastodon, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and X.

Who are We? NFB

As someone who values our advocacy efforts, please consider a contribution. Your help makes a difference. The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people. Thank you for your commitment to the nation’s blind.

Blind Coloradan Blog February 13, 2025

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

February 13, 2025

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

 

We want to thank NFBCO Board Member Dale Holden for the following information. Whether you have been around the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado or NFB or Maine over the past 30 years. You probably knew John Batron. Determined leadership with a dry wit. The father of Brent Batron a long-time leader in the NFB. All of us were very sad to hear of John’s passing.

 

Celebration of Life for John A. Batron

John A. Batron (78) passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025.  John was born August 11, 1946, in Calais, Maine.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Amelia, who passed away in 2015.  The two of them had been childhood neighbors, high school sweethearts, and are now reunited.  John was passionate about issues concerning the blind, as well as his family.  John wrote several books that were published in both print & Braille, including: “I am a Crayon”, “The Yellow Pumpkin”, Wee Willy Wiggle Worn” and “Emma Jean and the Robot”. 

 

John is survived by his two sisters: Janice from Maine and Sally from South Carolina, his son, Brent, daughter-in-law, Ena and 5 grandchildren, Gavin, Sienna, Olivia, Noah and Roman, all of Colorado.  There will be a ceremony to celebrate his life on March 8th from 10:30 – 12:30 at

Heather Gardens Clubhouse

2888 S. Heather Gardens Way

Aurora, CO 80014.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Colorado Center for the Blind in his memory. 

If you are attending and being dropped off, the circle drive is the front of the building.  Enter there and to the elevator.   Press “S” on the keypad.   The elevator door will open on the opposite side.   Exit and go straight back to the wall, turn right and the rooms are on the left, Aspen and Blue Spruce rooms.  That is where the service will be held. 

After the service feel free to join us at the Rendezvous restaurant where we can meet and share memories of John.

February 12 Blind Coloradan

 

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

February 12, 2025

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

 

Why the NFB?

By JJ Aragon

JJ Aragon is the longtime President of our National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Greeley Chapter. She is an energetic, thoughtful leader. We welcome her writing to our Blind Coloradan Blog.

Why The NFB?

Periodically, I like to revisit my drive to work in the National Federation of the Blind. It keeps my motivation fresh and mindful. In my latest round of self-reflection, I voice the following.

I joined the NFB at age twenty-one, at the endearing persistence of Buna Dahal. I was looking for a scholarship at the time and instead found myself secretary of a newly formed chapter. When I attended my first state convention months later, still unsure of what I was doing here, I discovered a whole new world of blindness that made my head explode! There were dozens of adults living spectacular lives as lawyers, entrepreneurs, teachers, parents, and everything in between. I remember one moment in particular, when Scott LaBarre told Kevan Worley he would email him about something work-related. Such a mundane thing, but I remember thinking, “Wow! They’re such — capable adults! And they’re all blind!” 

Let me explain. I grew up an incredibly fortunate blind kid. I went to public school with two other blind friends, we had admirably hard-working teachers of the blind, and we learned braille at four years old. All my life, I was constantly told that “can’t” was not a word in my vocabulary, and that I must never feel sorry for myself for being blind. These felt like empowering words and certainly gave me confidence in myself as a blind person. However, as I reached adulthood, I began to sense a very different story. My family fretted and discouraged me from being a teacher, saying I would always be taken advantage of by young students. I did all of my homework in the disability services office of my community college. I felt lonely when I was repeatedly asked how I would do things. Despite those empowering words I grew up with, my blindness seemed like it would be a constant, well, darkening on my future.

More than a decade in the NFB later, and I know a very different truth. Or rather, I truly know that my blindness is not the characteristic that holds me back. You see, the members of the NFB model and substantiate what my family and teachers said to me in my formative years. The word “can’t” really isn’t part of my vocabulary, and I see it proven every day in the NFB. I work in the National Federation of the Blind to be one of those role models, to show other blind people that they *can* live the life they want, because I know the true empowerment of putting these words into action.

We want to hear from you. What brings you to the NFB? What drives you to do this work? If you’d like to share your reflections in our Blind Coloradan, please send your submission to kevan@nfbco.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blind Coloradan Blog February 6, 2025

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

February 6, 2025

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

 

Earlier this week your National Federation of the Blind of Colorado proudly sent a delegation to join delegates from all over the country at the National Federation of the Blind annual Washington seminar. The intention was to address members of Congress and their key staff members about issues of importance to blind Americans. This year with an understanding of today's political climate we added an additional legislative fact sheet to our list of priorities. While we continued to raise the issues of website accessibility, access to medical devices, and changes to social security eligibility to increase return to work opportunities for the blind. We made it a priority to provide members of Congress with a list of laws and program funding vital to the effort of blind people to gain independence and opportunity on terms of equality. You can find our Washington Seminar legislative priorities at this link. https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar. Below find the text of the timely and informative document our delegation shared during our time with Congress this week. Another example of how the NFB is strategic and flexible in order to meet the moment. 

 

 Laws the Blind Depend On

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 501 prohibits the federal government from discriminating against people with disabilities in employment and requires reasonable accommodations for federal employees.

Section 503 prohibits federal contractors from discriminating against individuals with disabilities in employment, including requiring reasonable accommodations.

Section 504 prohibits the federal government and federal grantees from discriminating on the basis of disability in providing programs and services.

Section 508 requires federal technology, including websites, software, and technology provided by vendors, to be accessible to the blind.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

Title I of the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by private and public employers.

Title II of the ADA prohibits state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability in their programs and services, including requiring reasonable modifications and requiring their websites and applications to be accessible to the blind. Title II ensures that voting, transportation, justice systems and government services are accessible to the blind.

Title III of the ADA prohibits disability discrimination by private public accommodations in their goods, services and information, including reasonable modifications and accessible websites and applications.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The IDEA requires public schools to accommodate students with disabilities and to provide specialized education services when students need them. Braille literacy is essential to blind students and, therefore, they need specialized Braille instruction and Braille equipment. They also need access technology, such as screen reading software, and audio materials, large print materials, and tactile graphics, all of which are considered special education. The IDEA provides for important due process protections that allow parents of students with disabilities to resolve disputes with their schools without resorting to the courts. 

  

Federal Funding the Blind Depend On

Special Education

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides federal funding to states to provide required “special education” services for public school students with disabilities. While states provide most special education funding, the federal government provides about $15 billion. This serves some 7.5 million students. Special education services for the blind include Braille instruction, access technologies, and specialized teachers of the blind.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The federal government provides grants to states to provide “vocational rehabilitation” (VR) programs to help people with disabilities become employed. The federal government provides about 79 percent of the funding, with states providing the rest. VR programs serve over 800,000 individuals each year. Without VR services, many blind people would be unable to gain employment, leaving them reliant on public benefits to survive.

Free Matter for the Blind

The US Postal Service provides free postage for special material used by blind individuals, such as Braille or audio material. Organizations who serve the blind rely on this service to keep costs down, which, due to the size of the materials, would be cost-prohibitive.

National Library Service for the Blind and Institute of Museum and Library Services 

NLS provides free Braille and recorded materials to the blind. IMLS is a federal agency that helps libraries and museums. An important part of IMLS funding supports libraries to be accessible to the blind. Without access to library services, blind people would lose access to information, education, and entertainment others take for granted.

Older Blind Programs

Federally funded state-run older blind programs serve blind individuals over age 54 to help them live independently. The programs teach independent living skills so blind people can remain in their homes and communities and avoid placement in expensive nursing homes.

Protection & Advocacy

Each state has a federally funded “protection and advocacy” program that represents people with disabilities facing abuse, civil rights violations, denials of benefits, and lack of access to health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and voting.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal grant program to states to cover health care for low-income and disabled individuals. The federal government provides about 70 percent of the funding with states making up the rest. Without Medicaid funding, many blind people would lose access to health care, including treatment for their vision disabilities.

Blind Coloradan Blog January 21, 2025

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

January 21, 2025

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

 

Special times!

By Kevan Worley

As we begin the new year. I ponder the NFB calendar. That is those special events, many of us look forward to each year. Typically the president calls a leadership retreat in early January. This is a time for board members and chapter and division presidents to discuss the state of our affiliate and establish some goals for the coming year. President Beecham convened the retreat the 2^nd week of 2025. It was very successful. And we will be learning more about programs and goals discussed in the coming weeks.

Next, many of us look forward to the Washington Seminar. We join our fellow affiliates across the nation to bring the concerns of the blind of America to Congress. This year our Washington seminar, many years ago it was called, our March on Washington, is February 3 through February 6. You can check out our national legislative agenda at nfb.org. Dan Burke is working diligently to set up meetings with our Colorado congressional delegation.

 

We point toward our day at the capital in early February. That’s when our members from all over the state convene at the capital and bring our message of hope, equality, and opportunity to our members of the general assembly. We hope you will join us when the date and government education agenda is set by our governmental affairs committee co-chaired by Dan Burke and Curtis Chong. We certainly had great success in the general assembly last year.

The Mile High Chili cookoff will be held on February 22^nd this year. This is the 3^rd annual and is already becoming an NFBCO tradition.

And then there is our national convention, our NFBCO 6 Dot Dash, and of course the state convention. We will be blogging about all of these special days and events in blogs to come. Plan to attend the national convention and sign up now for the Mild High chili cook-off. Below find links to help you plan those special events we look forward to every year.

Cook-Off Details:

 * Cookers: $25 to enter your chili creation and compete for the title of Chili Champion. To register, please contact Pipi Adams at adams.pipi@gmail.com. Pay here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/7R2HHWEBDRSE2/checkout/OUZJOOK3F7GU76OWP4JOJFXX?src=sheet

* Tasters: $15 in advance to sample the delicious chili entries and cast your votes for the "Best Red," "Best Green," and "Best Unique" chili.

Pay here: https://square.link/u/proineya?src=sheet

Blind Coloradan Blog January 16, 2025

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

January 16, 2025

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

 

Burr! Here is an urgent note from the president of our Denver Chapter Maureen Nietfeld

Hey Denver Chapter, due to the expected crazy cold temperatures and snow this weekend we have decided to move the meeting to Zoom!! Still, come ready to have an awesome meeting and we will have elections. We will honor all members and collect dues in February. So make some warm coffee, grab a delicious breakfast, and spend the morning with your Denver chapter over Zoom!!! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86765164389

 

Inclusion, Diversity, Meritocracy, A Perspective by Kevan Worley

In recent years many organizations, universities, and companies have made diversity, equality, and inclusion a major initiative. The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado has been no exception. In 2019 our late president, the distinguished Scott LaBarre led the effort. Early on he appointed a diverse community of people from various backgrounds, races, world views, and religious beliefs to our DEI committees. The effort was robust. I had the pleasure of sitting in on a number of these discussions. I believe them to be fruitful. I believe them to be important for the growth of the organization. As well as bringing a real community sensibility to NFBCO. Early in the process, I recognized that some people had strong feelings. These tended to be those whose worldview was more in keeping with a republican sensibility. A number of us spoke about that with President LaBarre. We then broached the topic during committee meetings. We wanted to ensure that DEI truly meant complete acceptance and conclusion of all perspectives.

At a recent NFBCO retreat comments offered from a few members indicated that they sometimes felt called out or excluded because of their political beliefs. They suggested that their feeling was the majority of members with whom they worked in the organization had liberal or progressive world views. They said that there were times they felt uncomfortable. Without much thought or introspection, I pushed back. Knowing that I and others realize that we live in a blue state. Odds are we reflect the population at large. Therefore, I thought Scott LaBarre, myself, and others had made a heartfelt and concerted effort to include every member or potential member in our community. I've always believed that you can have a democratic organization in which leadership is based on meritocracy. Everyone should be accepted in the organization and in all of our activities with grace, joy, and acceptance. At the same time, we are a democratic organization. Therefore, those serving in elected positions would largely be chosen by our diverse membership based on their heart, mind, merit, and capacity. I believe this is the case. However, the comments made by my esteemed colleagues at the recent retreat has made me reflect on my behavior.

Are there times when my teasing a fellow member at a lunch makes them feel uncomfortable? Are there times when a side comment at a meeting is as offensive to one of my republican colleagues as it would be if a side comment about a member who may have traditionally felt or actually been excluded in the history of the movement? Even though I felt we made a great effort to include everyone. I hope the comments of our colleagues at the recent retreat cause all of us to reflect. I am proud of each of our members who show up with heart-in-hand ready to work for the inclusion of all blind and low-vision people in our society. It is my fervent hope that our basic principles will be of true acceptance, kindness, and love for all. Where I have fallen short I apologize. I will make an even greater effort. In my view everyone is welcome. We need people who will help carry the load, provide the leadership, advocate with gusto, mentor the newly blinded, and be role models for our blind children. And hold out a helping hand for one another. Only in this way can each and every one of us live the lives we want. And I want to thank those at the latest retreat for your willingness to stand up and state your views with great respect and dignity.                       

At your service, Kevan Worley 

Blind Coloradan Blog January 7, 2025

                                                             

Blind Coloradan Blog

January 7, 2025

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

 

Dear Reader, Thanks for your many positive responses to me about our new blog format. I’m very glad that many of you enjoyed reading the year-end recollections of Executive Director of our Colorado Center for the Blind Julie Deden.

Today we want to share a message of advocacy in action. Judy Dixon is a mediator by profession. She is a thoughtful active member of our Boulder Valley Chapter. The organized blind movement in Denver Metro is working together to confront dangerous cutbacks in service by the Regional Transportation District, which if enacted will greatly hinder the opportunity for blind and low vision people to live the lives they want. Here is a letter to the editor written by Judy Dixon.

As Boulder Valley chapter president Maryann Migliorelli said “This is another great way to ensure that our voices are heard.”

The letter was published in the Denver Post and Boulder Daily Camera.

 

 

 

Letter To the Editor:

The passage of Ballot Issue 7A could provide an opportunity to enhance, rather than diminish services which, for many of us, is critical to living quality lives. However, this will only happen with better management and more accountability on the part of RTD and its Board of Directors.

I have lived in Boulder for over fifty years. I am blind and relied on RTD’s bus service until 2020. When we purchased our home thirty-five years ago, we made sure that there was a bus route for me to use. This route was discontinued four years ago. RTD acknowledges no responsibility, when discontinuing routes,  for the hardship they place on people who rely on public transportation because they are unable to drive.

RTD’s on-demand service enables me to continue to live an active life. On-demand is far superior to RTD’s Paratransit service, which works when you call days ahead and can get on their schedule, which is often unreliable. Many of us with disabilities have busy lives, working, volunteering, and giving back to our community, and we rely on the on-demand service, particularly where bus service is not available.

RTD is making an aggressive effort to significantly reduce their on-demand service, while telling voters, in the ballot language of Measure 7A, that the funding is needed for “MAINTAINING THE AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.” In fact, RTD is attempting to reduce the services for people with disabilities, not maintain them. The general public should be made aware of RTD’s efforts to severely cut these services while asking for more funds to maintain them. RTD’s Board of Directors knows this. Citing transportation needs of people with disabilities is clearly considered to be a useful strategy for getting this measure passed, but this misinformation and these half-truths are reprehensible.

RTD is citing budget issues. What about the exorbitant cost of several staff working to reduce this service? It is inconsistent with RTD’s goals of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Taxpayers are also funding enormous salaries for top management, the same management that has mismanaged RTD for years. RTD has retained millions in TABOR rebates for over twenty-four years and desires to continue to do so.

RTD is the biggest tax collector in Colorado and this proposal is a blank check. Voters and users of RTD deserve better management, more reliable service, and more accountability for how RTD spends its money. Supporting this measure is important so more revenue is available to improve services including the continuation of on-demand services for people with disabilities.

Judy Dixon, Boulder

 

Dear reader, one more thing. Are you ready to celebrate federation spirit of the holidays with the Mile High Chapter. Read and share this note from Mile High President Cody Bair.

 

Dear Mile High Chapter Members and Friends,

The holiday season isn’t over just yet!  Join us on Saturday, January 11, for a belated but festive holiday celebration!

📅 Date: Saturday, January 11

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Santa Fe Arts District

652 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO

We’ll provide delicious pizza, but it’s BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite beverages. If you’re feeling generous, you’re welcome to bring a side dish or dessert to share, but there’s no obligation—your presence is what matters most!

To add to the fun, we encourage everyone to wear their best (or worst!) ugly Christmas sweater. Let’s see who can rock the most festive look!

Please RSVP to Andrea at aclorinda26@gmail.com by January 10 so we can plan accordingly for food.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and kick off the New Year with some holiday cheer. See you there! 🎄✨

Warm regards,

Cody

Blind Coloradan Blog January 2, 2025

 

Blind Coloradan Blog

January 2, 2025

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

Dear reader, Happy New Year! In 2012 I was challenged by the president emeritus of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Dianne McGeorge. During a board meeting, I said, “Why don’t we have a regular newsletter anymore? It can't be that difficult. “ I should have known better. Mrs. McGeorge said, “your right Kevan get to it!”

Over the past 12 years, I have tried to create a hybrid between a blog and a magazine. I have found the undertaking very rewarding and very challenging. The work has truly been a joy. It’s also been time-consuming and very frankly not within my skill set. “I ain't no editor.” And I often fall behind. I apologize.

This post marks a new era for our blog. Rather than trying to create a longer-form newsletter/magazine. We will now be posting shorter blogs. They will consist of an article and or a brief announcement or two of importance to members, friends, and supporters. We still want your news items, pictures, and thoughtful articles. I am hoping that we can post a new blog at least once or twice a week. Rather than my usual infrequent, and sometimes out-of-date newsletters. Let us know what you think. We look forward to reading your comments.

Are you a member of the National Federation of the Blind, or a blind or low-vision person in and around Boulder? Start the year off right. Boulder Valley Chapter meets on Saturday, January 4, at 10 am on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7202842318?pwd=NlJ2NDJIZFk5S2J2MVZHUkVzaklKQT09. For info contact Maryann Migliorelli, Boulder Valley Chapter president,  maryannmigs@gmail.com.

 

Reflections on 2024 from the Colorado Center for the Blind

By Julie Deden, Executive Director

From the aggregator: as you know the Colorado Center for the Blind has been changing lives for a generation. It is the chief program of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. We hope you will enjoy reading and sharing these reflections on 2024 from the Executive Director, Julie Deden.

Reflections on 2024

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who supports the work that we do at the Colorado Center for the Blind. For, without your caring, dedication, and support, we would not have been able to do so much in the last year.

We again had our most successful Colorado Gives Day. We continue to be moved and humbled by this generosity that supports our programs. We believe that blind people can do anything, and we are thankful that you believe in us.

Here are some highlights I would like to share with you:

The Taking Charge Program

In April, six women in our Older Blind program participated in our week-long residential intensive training program. They stayed at our student apartments and took the bus to the center each day. They had classes in cooking, technology, woodshop, cane travel, and Braille.

On their last day, they shared their thoughts:

•          Olga said that she was inspired and is excited to go skiing once more. She also knows now that she can go hiking again.

•         Denise said, “Confidence makes it possible to do anything.” She continues to learn Braille and knows that she does not need to limit herself because she is legally blind and has a hearing loss.

•          Marcy loved getting out and traveling with her white cane. She knows she can go places by herself.

•          Rose had never used a cane before coming to the program. She realized that the cane was the key to her independence and couldn’t wait to go for walks in her neighborhood.

•          Teri decided that she needed nine months of training to really gain her independence. She started in our 9-month Independence Training Program earlier this fall.

•          Kari was looking forward to kayaking. Learning Braille was a highlight of the week’s training. She planned to challenge herself in order to do more.

It’s obvious that just one week spent around our positive blind instructors changes lives. And witnessing the resilience and determination of Taking Charge students like these six women continues to inspire us.

Family Retreat

In May, several families who have blind kids and many of our staff members spent a weekend together in Estes Park. Parents were given a cane and learning shades and received instruction in traveling with the cane. Blind kids participated in a wide array of activities including an archaeological hike and building a fire.

The blind staff were role models not only to the blind kids, but also to their parents and siblings. They saw us cooking, cleaning, traveling, and parenting. The parents of blind kids could see for themselves how blind people can be self-sufficient.

This retreat far surpassed our hopes. We have scheduled the second annual retreat for May, again in Estes Park, and are excited to meet with new parents and blind children and renew relationships with those we already know!

Independence Training Program

In the past two months, several students have graduated from our program.

•          Ciara has her own apartment in Littleton and a job.

•          Heather knows that she can easily work in the healthcare industry again.

•          Marty will find a job in Georgia and knows that she does not need to depend upon others.

•          Dion will look for work in Missouri.

•          ZjeQuan plans to attend college and he never thought he could do this before.

•          Nina is completing her GED and will find work.

Each one of these graduates has gained belief in themselves as a blind person. They know that they can live exciting lives and that their blindness will not be a barrier for them.

Each New Year is full of possibilities, and I am looking forward to 2025. We will keep providing high-quality training that teaches the skills of independence to blind people. We have new ideas and programs in development and are excited to implement them.

Again, we appreciate all of you and wish each of you a Happy New Year!

 

Forward, always forward!