[Colorado-talk] NFBCO April Blind Coloradoan "Read the Blog You Want"!

Mon Apr 8 16:34:15 UTC 2019

Up there on top is the NFB of Colorado Logo followed by "Live the life you
want."

Blind Coloradoan Blog April 8, 2019

Writer, aggregator Kevan Worley. Contributing editor Dan Burke.

Here is what you need to know. 

Showing the Love. NFBCO deeply appreciates 6 Dot Dash 5k Gold Sponsors.
Thank you, Comcast, Southern Foodservice Management, Inc., Philadelphia
Insurance, Sysco Foods, and Zimmer Cox Commercial Builders. These gold star
companies are committed to community, a generous corporate spirit, and
support for the work we do to educate and empower the youth of Colorado.
Thank you. 

And, This Just In!
<https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/6-dot-dash-littleton-june-736907>
Registration is now open for the Saturday June 29 NFBCO 6 Dot Dash 5k. This
community-wide celebration, walk/run festival will be the event of the
season. #comerunwithus

 <http://www.6dotdashco.com/> www.6dotdashco.com

Colorado State Senator Jessie Danielson Takes the Lead! National Federation
of the Blind of Colorado applauds introduction of legislation to allow the
state's blind to independently cast mail ballots. The bill would enable
blind Coloradans to join the rest of the state in voting privately. State
Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) introduced SB19-202-Voting Rights
for Voters with Disabilities Tuesday, March 19. The legislation would make
it possible for blind Coloradans to vote from home without a sighted person
to read or mark their ballot for them.

"I have dedicated a great deal of my career ensuring that everyone has a
right to vote secretly and independently, but that right has not always been
guaranteed for the blind and visually impaired.   We're going to change
that," said Senator Danielson of District 20.  

Pictured left to right, Senator Jessie Danielson, NFBCO President Scott
LaBarre, Curtis Chong.

"We insist on our right to vote privately and independently," said Scott
LaBarre, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
(NFBCO).  "And we also have the right to vote at the time and place of our
choosing, just as our sighted friends and neighbors do now, and largely for
the same reasons they do."

The Voting Rights for Voters with Disabilities Act, SB19-202, would allow
qualified blind voters equal access to the mail ballot, something required
by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but not provided for under
Colorado statutes.  It would permit blind voters to use the talking or
magnification software (known as assistive technology) that they use daily
in their work or home lives to cast their votes with confidence.  It affords
the same secrecy and convenience now available to everyone else.

For voters who are both deaf and blind, the law would permit them to use
electronic Braille displays to read and mark votes - the only truly private
and independent means for them to do so.  Currently, there is no way for a
deaf blind person to mark a ballot without sighted assistance, either in a
polling place or on an absentee ballot.  

"When Colorado went to a mail ballot in 2013, there really weren't any
accessible, equal options for the mail ballot," said Curtis Chong, a retired
blind Assistive Technology manager who helped pass a similar law in New
Mexico last year before moving to Aurora.  "Now that's changed, and we can
get the technology essentially for free."

Pictured left to right, Deya Villa-Cazares, Jenny Callahan, and Chip
Johnson.

On Monday afternoon, April 1st, SB19-202 was heard by the Senate Committee
on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs. After testimony was given by
leaders of NFBCO, county clerks, and other interested organizations, the
committee passed the bill unanimously. Next step, the floor of the Colorado
Senate.

Hunting for Those Beeping Easter Eggs! I remember Easter egg hunts, family
Easter gatherings, at school or church. All the little kids would gather
round and then scurry out to find as many eggs as they could find. There was
the expectation that I would stand on the sidelines and cheer. The few times
I did participate were frustrating. I could not see those multi-colored eggs
scattered over the field. I was excluded, often embarrassed, and I was never
eligible for prizes. Our Grand Valley chapter is changing those
egg-spectations for this generation of our blind children.

Congratulations to the Grand Valley chapter for their egg-straordinary work!

Come Ring with Us. This summer is closer than you think. We must find every
blind and visually impaired child in the state of Colorado. We encourage
educators, parents, and kiddos to ring the bell of freedom, independence,
and literacy. BELL, Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning, is an
amazing day camp for blind children. The emphasis is on fun, learning, and
independence. The first confidence camp BELL program will take place June
10-21 at the Colorado Center for the Blind, 2233 W Shepperd Ave. Littleton,
CO. The second camp, June 24-28 at the Rocky Mountain MS Center, 8845 Wagner
St., Westminster, CO. And, the third camp, July 15-19 at the Center for
Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave, Grand Junction, CO. For more information
contact Michelle Chacon 303-507-6291 or Martin Becerra 303-778-1130
extension 223. Register your child at
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy/colorado>
https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy/colorado. 

Sponsorships are still available. Enrichment $500, Literacy $250, and
Learning $100. Please contact  <mailto:Kevan at nfbco.org> Kevan at nfbco.org for
complete sponsorship information. 

What to do, what to do. I am often asked by parents with blind children
about interesting ways they can be sure to include the blind child in
vacation activities. The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (RMDRC) is
in Woodland Park, Colorado. It is a welcoming space that is entertaining and
fun for the family. They have tours which include a lot of exhibits that are
touchable. The curators are knowledgeable and love what they do. They love
to encourage blind kids to get their hands all over fossils and replicas.

RMDRC is a world class museum. They feature an awe-inspiring display of
dinosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles, pterosaurs, and fish of North
America's late Cretaceous period. The fossil skeletons on display are
supplemented with vibrant graphics and life-restoration sculptures to help
you visualize these fascinating animals in life and the environments in
which they lived. Visitors can read the stories of the discovery of each
specimen and see a working fossil laboratory where important recently
discovered paleontological specimens are being freed from their rock matrix
and undergoing restoration. In addition, they have a children's area where
they can brush off fossils in a dig box, there are books to read, a magnetic
board for them to make their own imaginative dinosaur, a rubbing station
where they can take home their colorful drawings of dinosaurs, and a fun and
informative movie for the whole family to watch together. For more
information check out  <http://www.rmdrc.com> www.rmdrc.com or call
719-686-1820.

Pictured, Kevan Worley, Granddaughter Finley, and guide dog Onyx.

Tag! You're It! From the Blind History Lady, by Peggy Chong. Before there
were White Cane fundraisers, we had "Tag Days" to raise funds for many
causes.  The blind were no exception.  Members of an organization and their
supporters would stand or sit at street corners and ask for the support from
passer's by.  This was not considered begging. I don't know why. But it
should be noted that "Tag Days" were an accepted way that many organizations
doing good works raised funds. This included organizations such as "Denver
Dramatic League", a home for girls, the "Negro Women's Club Home", and
"Sacred Heart Orphanage".  Tag days were a time for fundraising, not
necessarily a type of fundraising.  One Tag Day said the prize went to the
prettiest girl in the club with the most votes.  One seemed to be raffling a
piano, some sold green bows (Sacred Heart).  There were references to
stopping people and giving them a "tag" after they gave money.  The tag had
a message from the organization.  

>From the Keota News dated June 30, 1916, we learn that the funds collected
for Tag Day for the Adult Blind in Denver that year were $3,002.55.  Not
bad! (Note, 1916 "Tag Day" collections would be worth $73,236.86 in 2019.)
To follow The Blind History Lady, go to
<http://www.theblindhistorylady.com> www.theblindhistorylady.com.

Special Note. Peggy Chong serves our Western region on the National Library
Service for the blind and physically handicapped special Collections
Development Advisory Group, CDAG. If you have questions about the work of
that group please contact Peggy by email,  <mailto:chongpeggy10 at gmail.com>
chongpeggy10 at gmail.com, or phone at 303-745-0473.

Blind Athletes Joined Team Anthem and Other Partners for the Fight for Air
Stair Climb.

Athletes climbed 59 stories which totaled 1,098 stairs. Cody Bair, one of
the athletes said "It was really empowering to be able to participate in an
event like this. There was no need for guides or other accommodations. We
just climbed along with everyone else." Next year, he and Jessica Beecham,
director of WE Fit Wellness and National Fitness Challenge athlete plan to
train and compete in the stair ultra which consists of doing this 59 story
climb as many times as possible in 1 hour. Athlete Steve Patton advises
"Just take it at a steady pace and you will make it to the top no problem!"
The Fight for Air Stair Climb raises awareness and funds for lung disease
prevention.  

View from the top of the 59-story climb.

Try It. You Might Like It. In recent years, one of the more successful
workshops hosted by the Colorado Center for the Blind has been the NFBCO
Sports and Rec Division's Try It seminars. Colorado is known as a "get out
there and do it" state. The rate of obesity among Colorado citizens
continues to be the lowest in the nation. Colorado is home to the United
States Olympic Training Center. Our Sports and Rec Division encourages the
blind of Colorado to "get out there and do it." You can Try It first on
Saturday May 11 from 1 until 4. Try Beep ball, yoga, martial arts, and much
more. This seminar is perfect for you. Ages from 2 to 92 are welcome to Try
It! Sometimes, blind folks are not as active because we have not been
encouraged or shown how to participate in exercise and recreation. This is
your opportunity to Try It! Note, Colorado is also home to the
<https://www.usaba.org/> United States Association of Blind Athletes, USABA.

Ventures and Victories! Here's What's Up with Some of Our Local Chapters.
Now This is Great! ReNae Anderson tells us that the Mountains and Plains
Chapter has cutting boards, patches, lapel pins, and challenge coins for
sale. I challenge you to contact her. Do you have your coin? No? You owe me
a drink. Better get your coin today. 

The cutting boards are $25. You can choose red oak, white oak, or a
combination of oak and walnut. Each cutting board is carved in the bottom
left corner with a mountain and a stylized lake, representing the mountains
and plains. If anyone is interested in purchasing, contact ReNae Anderson at
970-393-0170.

Colorado Center for the Blind Proudly Hosts the Denver Metro Chapter. They
all get together the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. In March, the
Denver Metro Chapter had big fun doing group activities after the business
meeting. Folks could enjoy two of three activities: Kitchen Gadget Talk, Gym
Activities, and Tech Q&A. There is always something going on with NFB at
CCB! 

Colorado Association of Blind Students Invites You to a high-powered
workshop Saturday May 4 from noon until 4. Meet students from around the
state. Learn the tips and tricks that will make you even more successful on
campus and beyond. It will be at the Colorado Center for the Blind, 2233
West Shepperd Ave. For complete information contact
<mailto:mnietfeld at cocenter.org> Maureen Nietfeld 215-353-7218.

Saddle Up the First Saturday Every Month at High Noon. Y'all gallop over to
the Wild West Chapter meetin' at the Carmody Recreation Center, 2200 South
Kipling Street, Lakewood. Chapter has a new sheriff in town over there. Paul
Sandoval was elected President. They also had elections for the 2019 Board
of Directors. Paul's posse consists of Vice President Nate Hecker, Treasurer
Bradley Basta, Secretary Emily Tallent, and Board Member Scott Marcotte.
Giddy up! 

Blind Tech Training, Expanding Possibilities Using Technology. The Blind
Coloradoan is happy to publicize blindness related products and services.
Here is a note from the afore mentioned Paul Sandoval. We are a small
assistive technology training company that serves the state of Colorado. We
specialize in training individuals in Windows, MacOS and IOS based software
solutions for the blind. We contract with both the Colorado Department of
Vocational Rehabilitation and the Colorado iCanConnect program. We also
offer training to private-pay clients. Training is one-on-one and highly
customizable to the individual user's needs. If interested, call us at
720-620-8007 or email at  <mailto:blindtechtraining at gmail.com>
blindtechtraining at gmail.com.

And Speaking of Blind Tech Training. Paul and team will provide information
about iCanConnect and other access tech solutions at the next Colorado
Springs Chapter meeting. Join the chapter Saturday April 13 for Coffee,
Conversation, and Connection at 9:30 followed by business meeting at 10, and
more tech talk at 11:30. It all happens at the Garden Ranch YMCA, 2380
Montebello Drive West, Colorado Springs. I think the chapter is fixin' to
have a potluck at the May meeting. Yum! 

iCanConnect. iCanConnect provides people with both significant vision and
hearing loss with free equipment and training. Sending an email or chatting
on the phone can be challenging for people with both significant vision and
hearing loss. iCanConnect provides free equipment including smartphones,
tablets, computers, screen readers, braille displays, and more to people who
meet federal disability and income guidelines. For more information, you can
connect to  <mailto:JoAnne.Hirsch at state.co.us> JoAnne Hirsch, Colorado
Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind, v 303-866-2097, vp
720-949-7457.   

Calling the People of the Steel City. Hey Pueblo! You have a chapter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. People who are blind, low
vision, professionals in the field of blindness, and families and friends
can attend chapter meetings on the second Saturday of each month, 85
Stanford Ave at the Wesley United Methodist Church. The networking and
general business meeting will be waiting for you at noon. Join them on April
13! 

Talk Back To AIN. We received this note from our good friends at Audio
Information Network of Colorado. AIN just set up a "Talk Back" phone line
for programming feedback. Although we focus on local news and information
for our 24/7 broadcasts, content needs may be changing for some blind
listeners. Younger people are asking for gaming and career topics. Older
adults want more on how to navigate Medicare or Social Security benefits.
Spanish speakers have asked for programming about immigration issues. Do you
have a special topic that doesn't get covered by your usual news and
information feed? Give us a call at 303-786-7777, Extension 4 and "talk
back". 

This Next Item Got Me Pretty Excited! I have three broken Braillers in my
office. I mean, these Perkins babies are beat up! But, never fear CTBL is
here! Colorado Talking Book Library now has a group of volunteers trained to
service and repair manual Perkins Braillers. To schedule service for your
Perkins Brailler, call Terri Marcotte at (303)727-9277 ext. 17 or email at
<mailto:Marcotte_t at cde.state.co.us> Marcotte_t at cde.state.co.us. 

1 4 5 6, 1, 1 3 4 5, 1 3, 1 3 4 5 6. Thank you. 

Successful City Meetup. Brian Smith is a blind entrepreneur. He is Vice
President of our CO Springs chapter. On March 19 he hosted the very first CO
Springs Blind of the City Meetup (we have got to change that name.). The
next one will be back at Springs Orleans Tuesday April 23rd. Stop in any old
time between 5 and 7.

The Blind Dog. Sometimes my guide dog is referred to, by a member of the
general public, as my blind dog. That has always cracked me up. Of course, I
know that they are trying to say but for the purposes of guiding I would
prefer a dog who can see. Melissa Green, President, Colorado Association of
Guide Dog Users, COAGDU, tells us that service animals are eligible for a
free! Yes, FREE! Eye exam during the month of May. Register your guide dog
before April 30.
<https://mailchi.mp/c472ccc3f3b8/11th-annual-acvostokesrx-free-eye-exams-for
-service-animals-event-3107657?e=f4a0a35e4f> Learn more about this great
program!

"You can say any fool thing to a dog and the dog will give you this look
that says "By God you're right! I never would have thought of that." -Dave
Berry, author and columnist.

Dear reader, if you know of a company or an organization that you think
would like to be a part of our 6 Dot Dash 5k please put us in touch with
them. Sponsorships are still available. Volunteers are more than welcome.
There are still a few spaces for exhibitors, and, please encourage everyone
to register today for the June 29 event in Littleton! 

Submit items to be considered for May Blind Coloradoan Blog by April 26th.

Forward, Always Forward!

Did Not See Your Item in This Issue? Be a contributor! Send announcements,
ideas, articles, and observations to either  <mailto:kevan at nfbco.org> myself
or  <mailto:dburke at cocenter.org> Dan Burke. Enjoy this blog on NFB Newsline
or read it at  <https://theblindcoloradan.blogspot.com> blog spot. "Live the
Life You Want."

At Your Service,

Kevan Worley

Manager, NFBCO Project Literacy

Cell: (303)929-2369

 <http://www.nfbco.org/> www.nfbco.org 

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