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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p>Dear Colorado NFB Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p>We have an exciting update about our <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Independence Skills Fair for Blind Youth</span></strong> on <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>October 30th</span></strong> - and we need your help now more than ever to spread the word!<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>What's Changed:</span></strong> We've upgraded our dinner location from MOD Pizza to <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Dave & Buster's</span></strong>! This means blind teens won't just get a free meal after the skills fair - they'll also have access to games, activities, and even more opportunities to connect with each other in a fun, relaxed environment. It's going to be an incredible evening that could genuinely change how these young people see their own potential.<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>What Hasn't Changed:</span></strong> Our mission to reach blind teens in mainstream schools who desperately need to know that independence is possible, that they're not alone, and that there's a whole community here for them.<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Here's the reality:</span></strong> Right now, there are blind teenagers across Colorado sitting in mainstream classrooms, isolated from other blind peers, unsure of their own capabilities, and unaware that events like this even exist. Their parents are navigating blindness without connection to our community, often without knowing what skills their teens could and should be learning. <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>We can change that - but only if we can reach them.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>This is where you come in.</span></strong> We're asking you to take 10 minutes this week to help us reach families who need this event:<o:p></o:p></p><p>• <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Post on social media</span></strong> - Share our flyers on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or any platform where parents or educators might see it <o:p></o:p></p><p>• <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Contact educators you know</span></strong> - Vision teachers, special ed coordinators, school counselors - they can get flyers to the right families <o:p></o:p></p><p>• <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Tap your personal networks</span></strong> - Know someone who works in healthcare, education, or family services? Ask them to share <o:p></o:p></p><p>• <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Post physical flyers</span></strong> - Libraries, coffee shops, pediatrician offices, anywhere families gather <o:p></o:p></p><p>• <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Direct outreach</span></strong> - If you personally know families with blind teens in mainstream schools, reach out directly<o:p></o:p></p><p>We've attached updated flyers (general, teen-focused, parent-focused, and a condensed one-page version). Each has a QR code for instant registration. Pick whichever works best for where you're sharing.<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>October 30th is just 16 days away, so the time to get the word out is now!</span></strong> <o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>These teens will learn kitchen skills, explore cutting-edge assistive technology including the Monarch Braille Display and Meta Smart Glasses, practice orientation and mobility techniques, discover why Braille still matters, try adaptive activities, and spend time with other blind youth who truly understand their experience. All completely free. All led by blind adults who've mastered these skills themselves.<o:p></o:p></p><p>But none of this matters if the families who need it most don't know about it.<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Please, take action today.</span></strong> Share a flyer. Make a phone call. Send an email. Post on social media. Whatever you can do to help us reach one more family could be the difference between a teenager feeling isolated and a teenager discovering a whole new world of possibility.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Thank you for being part of this effort. Together, we can ensure that no blind teen in Colorado has to navigate their journey alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p>In Federation,<o:p></o:p></p><p>Tim Keenan<br>NFBCO 2025 Leadership Group<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Event Details:</span></strong><br>Independence Skills Fair for Blind Youth<br>October 30, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM<br>Westin Hotel, Westminster, CO<br>Followed by dinner and activities at Dave & Buster's!<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p> Free registration: <a href="https://bit.ly/nfbcoif">https://bit.ly/nfbcoif</a><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>Questions? Call Tim at 720-338-7797</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>