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
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
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