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.