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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A
title=lbonderson@labarrelaw.com href="mailto:lbonderson@labarrelaw.com">Lisa
Bonderson</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=jbeecham@cocenter.org
href="mailto:jbeecham@cocenter.org">Jessica Beecham</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, February 26, 2014 5:25 PM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> Legislative Memorandum 2014</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">MEMORANDUM<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">To:
The Members of the Colorado General Assembly<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">From:
The Members of the National Federation of the Blind of
Colorado<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Date:
February 28, 2014<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Re:
Legislative Concerns of Blind Citizens <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">GENERAL
BACKGROUND<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The National
Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest organization of the
blind in the United States and in Colorado. The primary mission of the
Federation is to improve the lives of the blind in all areas of life from
insuring basic civil rights to securing employment and education for the
blind. Founded officially in 1955, the NFB of Colorado engages in a number
of programs specifically designed to create greater opportunities for the
blind. For example, the Federation is the chief sponsor of the Colorado
Center for the Blind. The Colorado Center provides training in the
alternative skills blind people need to become fully participating members of
society. Additionally, NFB offers national and statewide
scholarships. We provide a free talking newspaper called
NFB-NEWSLINE<SUP>®</SUP> which allows the blind of our state to read the daily
newspaper just as easily as their sighted peers. We advocate for the
rights of the blind in all areas ranging from education to employment.
Where positive changes are happening in the blindness field, there is a good
chance that the Federation is involved.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">2014 LEGISLATIVE
AGENDA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">First, the NFB
of Colorado is requesting a small increase in funding for
NFB-NEWSLINE<SUP>®</SUP>, one of the NFB’s critical programs serving the blind
of our state. We are requesting $60,000 as opposed to the $50,000 we have
requested and received for a number of years. Second, we wish to advise the
Assembly of our very serious concerns about the growing waiting list for
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services. Next, the Federation
urges the Assembly to adopt <SPAN style="COLOR: black">SB 14-118</SPAN>
amendments to our state’s civil rights statutes to conform with the federal
Americans with Disabilities Act. Finally, we bring to the Assembly’s
attention two key programs we run, the Colorado Center for the Blind and NFB
scholarships, programs that may assist your constituents.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><A
name=OLE_LINK5><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">For further
information contact:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></A></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Scott C.
LaBarre, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">National
Federation of the Blind of Colorado<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Phone: 303
504-5979<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Fax: 303
757-3640<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Email: </SPAN><A
href="mailto:slabarre@nfbco.org"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">slabarre@nfbco.org</SPAN></A><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">EXPAND AND
ENHANCE NFB NEWSLINE<SUP>® </SUP>SERVICE TO BLIND
COLORADANS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">For more than a
decade, the Colorado General Assembly has funded Colorado’s NFB-
NEWSLINE<SUP>®</SUP>,<SUP> </SUP>providing blind Coloradans the same daily
access to newspapers and magazines as their sighted neighbors and family members
enjoy. This year, we request an increase of $10,000 to $60,000 in order to
expand and enhance offerings to NFB-NEWSLINE<SUP>® </SUP>subscribers,
particularly those now using mobile apps, and to assist with growing the number
of Colorado subscribers. Increased funding to Newsline will not impact
general funds because NFB- NEWSLINE<SUP>® </SUP>is funded through the Disabled
Telephone Users Fund (DTUF), which comes from a very small fee on phone lines in
Colorado and which always runs a surplus. This is the first increase we
have requested in more than five years.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Access to
information from the newspapers and magazines of our nation and state play a
critical role for each of us as informed and participating citizens.
Recognizing this, the National Federation of the Blind created <A
name=OLE_LINK6></A><A name=OLE_LINK7>NFB-NEWSLINE<SUP>® </SUP></A>for the blind
in the mid 1990s. With this revolutionary system, the blind are able to
pick up their touch tone phone, call a toll free number, and select from nearly
300 different newspapers and magazines including the Denver Post, Colorado
Springs Gazette, Wall Street Journal and many other national newspapers.
Today the phone-in option is still in place, but additional options include
online on-demand reading, e-mail delivery and, most impressively, mobile phone
and tablet apps that deliver the two Colorado newspapers offered on the system,
national papers as well as nearly 40 magazines – everything from AARP
publications to Time and Wired. There are even accessible and
locally-relevant television listings – something impossible to find in an
accessible form for the blind otherwise.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">As of January
2014, 1,259 blind Coloradans used this service, and half of the newspaper and
content delivery was via the online options. A blind Coloradan accesses
NFB-NEWSLINE<SUP>®</SUP> content every 4.2 minutes, for a total of 113,359 hits
in the past 10 months. Severe weather warnings provided up-to-the-minute
information to blind Coloradans during last September’s extreme rains and
flooding.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">With this
additional funding, the NFB of Colorado will <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]>Expand Colorado publications available on
NFB-NEWSLINE<SUP>®</SUP>, focusing on the growing importance of on-demand and
mobile expectations.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]>Explore opportunities for collaboration and
cross-platform sharing with Audio Information Network of Colorado (AIN) which is
also funded by the DTUF.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"
class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: Ignore">·<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]>Seek to increase the number of subscribers,
particularly in less-populated regions of the state. The Assembly should
also know that NFB Colorado fully supports the continuing DTUF allocation to AIN
because that service offers content not otherwise available on Newsline or other
sources. <o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"
class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">For further
information contact:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Scott C.
LaBarre, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">National
Federation of the Blind of Colorado<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Phone: 303
504-5979<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Fax: 303
757-3640<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Email: <A
href="mailto:slabarre@nfbco.org">slabarre@nfbco.org</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><A
name=OLE_LINK8></A><A name=OLE_LINK9><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">ELIMINATE DVR’S
WAITING LIST<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></A></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Colorado
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) under the Colorado Department of
Human Services (DHS), aids and assists people with disabilities in
procuring skills training, post secondary education, transition services other
employment related opportunities, and ultimately competitive employment.
DVR receives approximately eighty percent of its funding from the federal
government based on a formula which includes approximately a twenty percent
state match. If the State does not provide the full amount of match, DVR
cannot secure the maximum amount of federal funding. Since April of
Last year, DVR has been on an “order of selection.” This means that it has
not been accepting new clients and, therefore, not providing the core services
which it is mandated to perform. Currently DVR has an active caseload of
approximately 7,500 individuals while over 6,100 individuals are on a waiting
list. More persons with disabilities are waiting for rehabilitation
services in Colorado than any other state in<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">the union.
<B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Federation
believes that past mismanagement of the agency is largely the cause for the
historically high numbers on the waiting list. Last year’s legislative
audit confirmed these very disturbing past practices of the Division.
However, the plan identified to resolve these past issues seemed largely
reasonable and achievable during the prescribed time periods. We applaud
DHS’s Executive Director, Reggie Bicha, and his team including Vicki Manley,
Director, Office of Community Access and Independence and the new Director of
DVR, Joelle Brouner, for navigating DVR through the difficult audit period and
setting a new course for the agency.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><A name=_GoBack></A><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">One of our major
concerns is that the audit findings are being used to hold DVR back and prevent
it from fulfilling its core purpose. As stated above, over 6,100
individuals are on a waiting list due to DVR's order of selection and are not
being served. We receive many calls each week regarding blind individuals
who are in desperate need of vocational rehabilitation services and are being
forced to struggle needlessly.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">We have received
word that as of February 24<SUP>th</SUP>, DVR will be taking 500 individuals off
the waiting list. The NFB of Colorado will be meeting with Director Bicha
and senior management at DHS very soon to discuss ways DVR can eliminate the
remainder of its staggering waiting list as expeditiously as possible. We
will keep the General Assembly informed as to the progress made and the need for
possible Assembly intervention in some manner including potential supplemental
appropriations to capture all federal dollars to serve those in desperate
need. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">For further
information contact:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Scott C.
LaBarre, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">National
Federation of the Blind of Colorado<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Phone: 303
504-5979<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Fax: 303
757-3640<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Email: </SPAN><A
href="mailto:slabarre@nfbco.org"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">slabarre@nfbco.org</SPAN></A><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">UPDATE COLORADO
CIVIL RIGHTS STATUTES TO<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">PROTECT THE
BLIND AND OTHERS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Colorado
Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA and other statutes) provide partial protection to
individuals with disabilities, including the blind of Colorado, but CADA has yet
to be updated to conform with federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities
Act. To create this conformity and thereby protect the state’s blind more
effectively, we urge the Assembly to adopt<B><SPAN style="COLOR: black">
</SPAN></B><SPAN style="COLOR: black">SB 14-118</SPAN>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">What does <SPAN
style="COLOR: black">SB 14-118 </SPAN>do?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"
class=MsoNormal><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">1)<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Makes
definitions consistent with those in the American’s with Disabilities
Act.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"
class=MsoNormal><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">2)<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Increases the
damages payable to a person with a disability injured by discrimination.
Currently the penalty is $50-$500 per incident and this has not served as a
deterrent. The new penalties will be actual damages or $4,000 whichever is
greater. A minimum penalty of $4,000 will be imposed for each violation,
or a court would have to order these damages and the damage has to be consistent
with the nature of the injury. This change is consistent with other state
laws that require a statutory minimum penalty and will deter potential
offenders. It also eliminates the problem of determining what actions
constitute a $50 versus a $500 penalty.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"
class=MsoNormal><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">3)<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Allows
collection of attorney fees for the prevailing party; if someone sues and wins
the other side has to pay the attorney fees. This is consistent with all
federal civil rights statutes.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"
class=MsoNormal><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">4)<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Adds retaliation
provisions making it unlawful to take adverse action on someone who opposes
discriminatory practices. Fear of retaliation prevents many individuals
with disabilities from filing complaints.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"
class=MsoNormal><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">5)<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Provides actual
restitution and triple damages against anyone who harms an assistance animal
like a guide dog for the blind. Assistance animals can be very expensive
due to training and other costs. This provision allow an individual whose
service animal is harmed to recover these costs as well as damages for the
trauma of being without a needed assistance animal.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"
class=MsoNormal><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">6)<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Creates
consistency with federal anti-discrimination laws by adding a section to the
statute that includes state agencies which are not currently covered by state
law.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">For further
information contact:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Scott C.
LaBarre, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">National
Federation of the Blind of Colorado<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Phone: 303
504-5979<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Fax: 303
757-3640<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Email: <A
href="mailto:slabarre@nfbco.org">slabarre@nfbco.org</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">COLORADO CENTER
FOR THE BLIND AND OTHER NFB PROGRAMS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">In your packets,
you will find brochures on the Colorado Center for the Blind and National
Federation of the Blind scholarships. These and other programs are of
great importance and therefore deserve a specific mention.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Founded in 1988
by the NFB of Colorado, the Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB) offers world
class rehabilitation and adjustment to blindness training to blind/visually
impaired individuals in our state and from all over the world. The CCB
believes that with the right kind of training and a positive attitude, blindness
need not be a tragedy and should not artificially limit a person’s hopes and
dreams. The program serves all ages from kids as young as elementary age
to seniors. CCB teaches cane travel/orientation and mobility, Braille,
technology, independent daily living, employment skills, and much, much
more. The vast majority of the teaching staff is made up of blind
instructors who serve as excellent role models. Please read the CCB
brochure in your packet for more information or go to <A
href="http://www.cocenter.org/">www.cocenter.org</A>. Our Center is
located in Littleton and you are always welcome and encouraged to
visit.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">SCHOLARSHIPS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The National
Federation of the Blind, on a national basis, offers thirty scholarships to
talented blind men and women attending a post secondary institution. Over
a hundred thousand dollars are awarded each year and provide real opportunity
for deserving students. On a state level, the NFB of Colorado offers up to
five scholarships to blind men and women attending a post secondary institution
and scholarships range from $1,500.00 to $5,000.00. More information on
how to apply is contained in your legislative packet. Please inform your
local high schools, colleges and universities as well as any blind/visually
impaired post secondary student you know about these valuable scholarship
opportunities.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">For further
information on any of these issues contact:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Scott C.
LaBarre, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">National
Federation of the Blind of Colorado<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Phone: 303
504-5979<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Fax: 303
757-3640<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Email: <A
href="mailto:slabarre@nfbco.org">slabarre@nfbco.org</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
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