<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Subject: \U0001f6a8 Your Presence is CRITICAL: Master Advocacy and Protect Access-a-Ride on Sept 30th \U0001f6a8</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hi all,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On Monday, September 30, 2025, the RTD Board of Directors is voting on the future of Access-a-Ride (AOD). This is a crucial moment for our independence and mobility, and we need your voice to protect this essential service and demand better transportation for all disabled riders.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sharpen Your Advocacy Skills: A Powerful Learning Opportunity</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Attending this meeting is more than just a show of support; it's an invaluable, hands-on masterclass in self-advocacy.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> * Gain Real-World Experience: You will personally witness and participate in the democratic process, learning precisely how to lobby decision-makers and craft a narrative that drives change.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> * Develop Your Voice: The opportunity to speak for 3 minutes offers a structured chance to articulate your needs clearly and compellingly\u2014a fundamental life skill for every blind individual.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> * Essential for All: Whether you live permanently in the Denver area or not, the ability to advocate for your needs as a blind person is universal. The experience and skills you gain here are transferable and critical for securing and improving services in any community you reside in.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This meeting is an excellent, high-impact chance to learn and experience how to effectively advocate for yourself and your rights.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Your Story is Our Strength</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We need as many of us as possible to show up</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">September 30, 2025. at 5:30 PM at 1660 Blake St. in Denver, CO, and tell our personal stories. Collective presence and shared narratives are our most powerful tools. By standing together, we not only protect AOD but also champion a deeply worthwhile cause by helping fellow visually impaired and handicapped individuals who rely on the ACCESS on demand service from Rtd.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you have questions or would like assistance in putting together your 3-minute speech, please reach out. We are ready to help you craft a powerful statement.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let's make our voices heard and secure our future access!</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-size: 17pt;">Thank you and best regards<br><br>Derek Selbo </span></div></div></body></html>