[Nfb-editors] 2013 Holiday Edition of the Blind Coloradan

[Robert Leslie Newman]

2013 Holiday Edition of the Blind Coloradan


 

Newsletter for the National

Federation of the Blind of Colorado

 

 

Vol. 3 No. 3

December 2013 Holiday Issue

 

 

Scott C. LaBarre

 

NFB of Colorado President

 

2233 West Shepperd Avenue

 

Littleton, CO 80120

 

Phone: (303) 778-1130

 

<mailto:slabarre at nfbco.org> slabarre at nfbco.org

 

 

Kevan Worley

 

Editor

 

1837 South Nevada Avenue

 

PMB 243

 

Colorado Springs, CO 80905

 

Phone: (866) 543-6808

 

<mailto:kevanworley at blindmerchants.org> kevanworley at blindmerchants.org

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

A Letter from the Editor

Page 3

 

>From the President's Desk

Page 5

 

2013/14 NFB of Colorado Scholarship Program                Page 9

 

Blindness Cured? And thank you for it.                               Page 10

 

Jessica at Large

Page 12

 

Meet the Blind Who Lead the Blind                                    Page 15

 

 

Audit Slams Spending in Colorado Program .                   Page 18

 

 

A Presidential Report                                                   ____

Page 24

 

An Email from the First Vice President .                            Page 34

 

In Memoriam

Page 36

 

In the Family: A Book Release Announcement                   Page 37

 

Quality CCTV's from and for the Visually Impaired            Page 38

 

Blind Buzz

Page 39

 

Resolutions

Page 45

 

 

The Letter from the Editor

 

Dear Reader,

 

 

"Here we come a-wassailing." For most of us the holidays mean family in one

form or another. This is our holiday 2013 issue of the Blind Coloradan...an

issue filled with celebration, family, reflection, resolution, recognition

of accomplishment and love.  I begin this issue with a heartfelt wish for

peace, prosperity and joy from the Worley family to yours. The Federation

Family revels in many faith traditions. The Federation is truly a people's

movement. We are thankful for each and every member. We honor your faith and

worship traditions. It is our diversity that makes us the strong and dynamic

force for change that we are. I hope you will agree that we capture some of

our Federation family diversity and spirit in this issue of the Blind

Coloradan. 

 

 

Our family is sometimes reverent and often rambunctious. These are the

characteristics which also describe the recent mid-October State Convention

of the NFBCO in Colorado Springs. You will read some of the highlights

throughout this issue. Our Federation family is in the midst of amazing

growth and unprecedented influence. When it is important to the blind and

visually impaired of Colorado, the Federation will be the leading voice.

 

In Colorado, we are fortunate to have a President who is not only a voice

for the blind of Colorado. He is a voice for the blind of this Nation on the

world stage. As many of our readers know, Scott LaBarre has traveled

throughout the world to bring our Federation perspective to international

treaty negotiations and other matters important to the world's people with

disabilities. As Scott will tell you, however, he has been able to earn

those opportunities because we have such a strong engaged affiliate working

with him. He will also tell you of the love and support of his wife, Anahit,

a blind woman who is a leader in her own right. Our State President has two

bright, active children who serve to keep him grounded. There is never a

dull moment in the LaBarre family, especially at the holidays. The same can

be said for our NFBCO family. Scott's report is always a high point of our

State Convention. We proudly include it in this newsletter. 

 

 

Holidays are for the children. You will learn a little of the work we

continue to do for our spiritual children at the Colorado School for the

Deaf and Blind. I know you will enjoy reading the reflections of NFB of

Colorado Board member Eric Woods. We will hear from budding author and

student Rebekah Felix. You will read about one of the leaders of our

Federation family, Wayne Marshall, as he works to create opportunities, both

within the Federation and for others who are socially and economically

disadvantaged. In this issue's Jessica at Large column, we learn about new

chapters of our family being developed around the State. 

 

 

We are publishing the full text of the resolutions passed at the State

Convention. These policy statements identify some of the work we will take

on in 2014, some of which has already begun in earnest.

 

The Blind Coloradan cannot bring you fruit cake. But you will be filled with

joy to note that Blind Buzz is back! 

 

 

Let's keep doing amazing things in 2014. In order to illustrate our work,

for our print readers, in a more vivid way, we hope to be able to add some

graphics and photos to the Blind Coloradan in 2014. Again, we thank Julie

Hunter, Lorinda Riddle, Lisa Bonderson, and Jessica Beecham. Without them

there would be no Blind Coloradan. Please forward the Blind Coloradan to

anyone you think may not be receiving it. Call it our own family holiday

letter. 2014 here we come! 

 

 

At your service,

 

 

 

 

 

Kevan Worley

 

Aggregator and Contributor

 

 

 

A HOLIDAY QUOTE FROM THE BLIND COLORADAN

 

"And so at this Christmas time I greet you. Not quite as the world sends

greetings but with profound esteem and with the prayer that for you, now and

forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away." -Fra Giovanni

 

 

>From the President's Desk

 

 

Unbelievably 2013 is drawing near a close and the holiday time is full upon

us.  This time of year provides an excellent opportunity to slow down and

reflect upon the year upon which the calendar is about to close and to look

forward to the year about to start.  

 

 

For the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, I think this has been

a tremendous year.  We have taken several significant steps forward on our

march to equality and true freedom for the blind.  Many of our

accomplishments are highlighted in the Presidential Report reprinted

elsewhere in this issue.  Over all, we continue to grow and thrive, adding

new members and programs all the time.  I want to extend my sincerest

gratitude to our members and supporters for the tremendous work we have

accomplished together.

 

 

Since that report, a number of significant events have occurred.  On

Wednesday, December 11, 2013, our Educate Blind Children Now Committee,

under the tremendous leadership of Kevan Worley, met with officials from the

Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.  Superintendant Carol Hilty,

Principal of the Blind School, Jennifer Langley, and Director of Outreach,

Laura Douglas traveled to the Colorado Center for the Blind  to meet with

us.  We had a very positive and encouraging exchange of ideas.  As you will

see in my Presidential Report, I had expressed concern over the school's

lack of full engagement with us.  Our recent meeting appears to be the

beginning of a new, much more meaningful era.  NFB Colorado and CSDB have

pledged to work together more extensively on a number of projects, including

a mentorship program and future BELL programs in Colorado Springs.  Since I

have been President of this affiliate, we have never had such a high level

meeting with the school.  We met for over two hours and I am very hopeful

about what we will be able to offer the dozens of blind children who attend

the school and its programs.

 

 

Recently, I returned from the National Center for the Blind where we held

some national board meetings.  As most everyone has heard, Dr. Maurer

announced at that meeting, he is not planning to seek reelection to the

Office of President at the 2014 National Convention and he will be

supporting Mark Riccobono to become our next President.  As you can imagine,

it was a very emotional and momentous board meeting.  Dr. Maurer has been a

great National President.  He is stepping down at the zenith of his powers

and abilities.  He is still very healthy and vibrant, making this the best

time to affect a smooth transition.  Mark Riccobono is the Executive

Director of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. He is

bright and highly capable.  I am confident that he will lead us well.  Here

in Colorado, we proudly own a piece of Mr. Riccobono's success because he is

a graduate of the Colorado Center for the Blind.  Congratulations to Marc

Maurer and Mark Riccobono!

 

 

I have asked Dan Burke and Eric Woods to chair our Legislative Affairs

Committee.  Our Annual State Day at the Capital is scheduled for February

28th. As is our custom, we will gather around 8:00 a.m. in the old Supreme

Court Chambers. We will discuss logistics and the issues important to the

blind before taking our message to the halls of the State Capital. Please

stay tuned to all NFBCO information channels.  

 

 

Before leaving this message, I also wanted to tell you about a couple of

special events which took place at our 2013 Banquet.  We presented Dr. Tanni

Anthony with our Distinguished Services Award.  We did so because of her

incredible leadership in securing a stronger and better education for all of

our blind children.  The handsome wooden plaque presented to Dr. Anthony was

engraved this way:

 

 

National Federation

 

of the Blind of Colorado

 

Distinguished Service Award

 

Presented to

 

Dr. Tanni Anthony

 

In recognition of your outstanding leadership in educating blind children

and for your tireless advocacy in making sure that blind children receive a

strong Braille education.

 

 

Dr. Anthony is the Director of the Access, Learning, and Literacy Team of

the Exceptional Student Services Unit within the Colorado Department of

Education.  

 

 

At the Annual Banquet, I also had the great honor of presenting this year's

Raymond W. McGeorge Award to Kevan and Bridget Worley.  The McGeorge Award

is our highest honor and I cannot think of a couple more deserving than

Kevan and Bridget.  These two exemplify and live Ray's spirit and work hard

to accomplish the work Ray started in 1955.  Although she is the quieter of

the two, Bridget works hard and in a very powerful way to spread the

Federation philosophy and message everywhere.  Since 1983, Kevan has

committed his time and energy to helping us secure real opportunity for the

blind in our state and throughout the world.  Like many of us, there is no

doubt that Ray McGeorge deeply touched Kevan's life and provided for him the

ongoing inspiration to keep realizing our dreams.  When I presented the

award, I reminded Kevan of his own words in an article entitled The Ties

That Bind which he wrote for one of our NFB Kernel books.  Here those words

are:

 

 

"A group of students and I were heading out to the bus stop, talking about

the things we wished we had learned as blind children. I casually mentioned

wishing I had learned to tie a tie. Ray McGeorge overheard and said, "I can

teach you to do that right now." 

 

 

As I hurried away from the center, I told him I would appreciate the lesson.

Perhaps we could get together sometime before I graduated. Ray replied

slowly, drawing out his words as he always does, "I don't see why we can't

get started right now." It was past 4:30 in the afternoon, and I was ready

to get back to the apartment. Ray was saying, "I'll see if we can't find a

tie around here, and we'll just fix you right up." He's retired now, but at

that time he had been a machinist for about thirty-five years. I was sure he

must be tired from a hard day at work and certainly he would not be able to

find a tie. But as I stepped up to the bus stop on Broadway, I heard Ray's

distinct low voice behind me. "Come on, Kevan, this shouldn't take long.

Let's get to it."

 

 

With busses going by every ten minutes, Ray stood behind me, patiently

showing me how to make the knot. He had me do it until I not only got it

right but could do it again and again. "We need to do it so you will never

forget this time," he said. And then he added, "Maybe someday you will show

some other young man how to tie a tie.""

 

 

Our heartfelt words to Kevan and Bridget as permanently engraved on their

plaque are:

 

National Federation

 

of the Blind of Colorado

 

THE RAYMOND W. MCGEORGE AWARD

 

Presented to

 

Kevan & Bridget Worley

 

You inspire us with your passion, dedication and commitment. You make a

difference for blind people everywhere. We respect you, but above all, we

love you!

 

 

As I bring this message to a close, I want to wish all of you the absolute

best of the holiday season.  May we all enjoy some quality time with our

friends and family during this delightful time of year.  It has been a

terrific 2013.  Let's make 2014 even better!

 

 

Cheers!

 

Scott C. LaBarre, President

 

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

 

 

A HOLIDAY QUOTE FROM THE BLIND COLORADAN

 

"Heigh-ho! Sing, heigh-ho! Unto the green holly: Most friendship if

feigning, most loving mere folly: Then heigh-ho, the holly! This life is

most jolly." -Shakespeare

 

 

 

2013 - 2014 NFB of Colorado Scholarship Program

 

By: Buna Dahal

 

 

>From the Editor: Buna Dahal is the effervescent chair-person of our State

Scholarship Committee. She has served in a number of leadership positions.

She is an entrepreneur and corporate trainer. Her website is

<http://www.DynamicBuna.com> www.DynamicBuna.com. Each year the National

Federation of the Blind of Colorado has worked to increase our support for

blind students. Here is Buna's latest report: 

 

 

Congratulations to our scholars for 2013; Nicholas (Nick) Thomas from Fort

Collins, Nure Kebirtilmo from Greeley, and Antonio Rozier from Littleton.

Nick is pursuing his undergraduate degree in psychology at Metro State

University. Nure is a graduate student at the University of Northern

Colorado studying rehabilitation counseling. Antonio is attending the

Arapahoe Community College majoring in Computer Information Systems.

Scholarships were presented at the banquet of our state convention in

October. In addition to achieving scholarly distinction, these winners have

taken on leadership responsibilities both within and outside of the

Federation. Nure Kebirtilmo serves as a board member of the Greeley Chapter,

Antonio Rozier from Littleton, serves as President of the Colorado

Association of Blind Students and the First Vice President of the Denver

Chapter and Nicholas (Nick) Thomas from Fort Collins is President of our

Poudre Valley Chapter.

 

 

Antonio Rozier serves as President of the Colorado Association of Blind

Students. Nick Thomas is President of our Poudre Valley Chapter. We are

proud of our students!

 

 

The 2014 NFB of Colorado Scholarship Program is in full swing. This program

is one of our priorities that enrich the lives of blind students in

Colorado. The application deadline is April 15, 2014. Scholarship

information can be found on this site:  <http://www.nfbco.org>

http://www.nfbco.org

 

Previous winners are encouraged to apply. Let's spread the news throughout

Colorado so new blind scholars can benefit from our excellent program!

 

 

Blindness Cured?

 

And thank you for it. 

 

By: Eric Woods

 

 

>From the Editor: Eric Woods is a long-time Federationist and a member of the

NFB of Colorado Board of Directors. As a blind adult he has been an

Industrial Arts instructor. He has worked as a counselor and role model for

hundreds of blind youth. Many of our readers know Eric as a guitar player,

singer and songwriter. Eric regularly performs in the Americana Group 'Stray

Dog'. We are thankful for Eric's reflections during this time of celebration

and Thanksgiving. Here is what he says:

 

 

It being the holiday season and especially that of Thanksgiving, I find

myself, as many of us do around this time of year, putting the giving of

thanks that is in my heart into words.  I've had what most people around the

world would consider to be a blessed existence, at least comparatively

so...decent up-bringing, opportunities, plenty of good food and friends, and

some times more than enough beer.  For all these things I am quite thankful.

But as I get older, not only in my overall years of life but also in the

increasing number of years which I have been blind, I find that my hopes for

the future and my thankfulness for all I've been lucky enough to have has

simplified some.  I imagine that this is not altogether uncommon.

 

 

When I was a little boy I had such dreams; dreams that very few could ever

obtain, but the stuff that makes youngsters bounce around and would likely

lead to discouragement if dared to be dreamt at a later age.  I wanted to

win Wimbledon.  I wanted to play second base for a World Series winning ball

club.  I wanted to be a rock star and have countless busty chicks trying to

tackle me on the street.  Nobody will be surprised to realize that not even

a whiff of these or similar dreams came true, though I once was knocked over

by two women coming out of a Wal-Mart.  Gradually we all realize the

differences between dreams and reality.  I had given up the pie-in-the-sky

sort of dreams for a regular existence and I was fine with that.  I was

about where I wanted to be at that stage in my life when I went blind.

After going blind, I wanted to be cured and, God knows I would have been

thankful.  Of course I was cured shortly thereafter.  At least I began the

curing process though I didn't quite understand how all that was happening

at the time.

 

 

Initially I wanted my eyes back in good working order but, really, that was

just the cause of my problems, not the underlying manifestation of my

situation.  I wanted to feel normal again.  It wasn't that I couldn't see a

book or a newspaper; it's that I suddenly had no means of reading any

longer.  It wasn't that I couldn't see the grocery store; rather that I had

no way of getting there.  I wanted to feel good about myself and I didn't.

I wanted to feel optimistic about the rest of my life and I couldn't.  I

wanted to be a normal guy again and I didn't know how.  God never chose to

give me my sight back.  Doctors couldn't medicate or operate my eyes back

into usefulness.  Scientists and engineers had no solutions.  After some

time feeling despair and desperation I did find a cure of sorts. My eyes are

not healed, but the hole I felt in my soul over the loss of sight I

experienced as a young man has been filled with countless caring men and

women. I have known them for many years now. I am thankful for them.  I feel

good about myself.  I read books and newspapers again and feel optimistic

about my remaining time.  I am a normal guy.  Thank you, National Federation

of the Blind with all your individual, local, state and national components.

You have done this for me.  I will never be able to thank you enough.

 

 

 

A HOLIDAY QUOTE FROM THE BLIND COLORADAN

 

"Are you going to send a flaming red neck tie to a quiet man with pepper and

salt taste in clothing? Are you going to give teaspoons to a woman who

already has several unused pounds of them? Are you planning to give a set of

Scott's novels to a man who already has every volume? Are you planning to

give large objects to people who live in small rooms? Are you going to send

a potted fern to a lady who lives near the woods? Are you planning to send a

dyed goat skin to a hunter? Are you forgetting that an author will already

have plenty of ink wells? God tells us to forgive our enemies, cried the

fiercest of all, the Medici's. But nowhere does he tell us to forgive our

friends. And one may well suspect that he was moved to this exasperatory

burst by the receipt of an ill chosen gift for which he was expected to be

thankful." 

 

-Saturday Evening Post, 1907

 

 

Jessica At Large

 

By: Jessica Beecham

 

 

>From the Editor: Jessica Beecham is the Chapter and Community Development

Coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. I know you

will be inspired to read Jessica's report.  Catch up to her if you can.

 

 

Colorado has an amazing affiliate.  An affiliate that makes a difference in

the state of Colorado and across the Nation.  As I reflect back on the last

few months, my heart swells with pride as I consider all of the

accomplishments and growth that has occurred in the National Federation of

the Blind of Colorado.  

 

 

The word is RUN!  Last April Scott LaBarre asked me to run the Cherry Creek

Sneak 5k to support Lending Sight, a USABA athletic club in the Denver Metro

area.  It was a fantastic opportunity to meet and reconnect with awesome

blind athletes like Randle Crosby, Amelia Dickerson, Ethan Johnston, Kerry

Kuck, Terry Garrett, and so many more.  Now that he knows I can run he has

me running EVERYWHERE.  Hoofing it through the shops on 16th street mall to

collect donations for the NFBCO auction, dashing to meetings with the Denver

Regional Mobility and Access Council, DRMAC, membership committee, sprinting

to the Greyhound station to catch a ride to Rocky Ford to discuss

transportation issues, racing to Greeley for the New Perspectives Technology

Expo, jogging down to the Springs for a chapter meeting, jetting downtown

for a night time cocktail party/fundraiser on a beautiful balcony. It's all

a part of the exciting and high energy work I get to do for NFBCO.  From

Colorado Springs to Greeley then back to Denver all in a day's time, that's

my style and I would be lying if I said I didn't absolutely LOVE it.  Here,

there, and everywhere, the way to build the Federation in Colorado is to

RUN, RUN, RUN!        

 

 

As the leaves were changing color and falling from the trees, we of NFBCO

were experiencing new growth.  The Aurora chapter had its first official

meeting on August 24.  The chapter was formed with eight members.  Wayne

Marshall is the President, Beth Mouriquand is Vice President, Richard

Mouriquand serves as a Secretary/Treasurer, James Triplett serves as a Board

Member, and Jan Triplett is a Board Member.  By the second meeting in

September we doubled the number of members to 16!  There is nothing like

exponential growth! In October they hosted a fantastic Meet the Blind Month

activity at Town Center of Aurora Mall.  The chapter had a table where

members passed out NFB literature and Kernel books.  

 

 

In October our State Convention was held in beautiful Colorado Springs!  If

you have never attended a NFBCO state convention it is an experience worth

having.  In the opinion of many people who have attended NFB state

conventions across the United States, Colorado puts on one of the best.  We

heard from great speakers who presented information on topics relevant to

the blind of Colorado.  We heard from Joelle Brouner, who is the new

director of Rehabilitation Services in Colorado. She had only been on the

job a short few days. Conventioneers were impressed with her energy and the

experience she has brought from the state of Washington.  We were inspired

by Professor Cary Supalo, a nationally recognized blind chemist. Members and

guests were treated to a banquet address from Carl Jacobsen, President,

National Federation of the Blind of New York. Carl also serves on the Board

of Directors of our National Organization. Throughout his long career, Carl

has inspired a number of innovative youth programs for the blind in New

York. He is a retired entrepreneur who brought his unique New York brand of

wry humor, self-reflection, and encouragement. The Friday luncheon featured

Colorado Representatives Pete Lee and Mark Waller. Each of these leading

legislators has shown a keen interest in our work. They were particularly

interested in a resolution brought to the convention raising concern over

the newly introduced name of the State Agency which houses the Colorado

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.  Representative Lee immediately

championed our cause. There is no doubt that the policy statement passed at

the convention, along with Representative Lee's inquiry, had an immediate

impact on Colorado Officials. They stepped up their process to rename the

"Office of Long-Term Care" to one which more accurately represents its

mission.  The convention featured many excellent seminars including seminars

on iDevices, emergency preparedness, wellness, tactile graphics, deaf

blindness, and more.  Our newly formed Colorado Association of Guide Dog

Users elected a Board of Directors, which includes Melissa Green, of

Greeley, as its President. Vice President Shon Spears, Secretary Marty Rahn,

Treasurer Becky Sabo, and Board Members Daniel Sweeney, Beth Allred, and

Jenny Hwang.  Our Exhibit Hall was packed with exhibitors of technology and

information for the blind. It wasn't all meetings, exhibits, and seminars.

We made sure to take some time to have fun!  On Friday night we put our

heads together to figure out "Whodunnit" during the western-themed

murder-mystery presented by Red Herring, a local theater troop.  Evening

festivities ended with a Ho-Down and the beginning of contests which pitted

two Colorado Springs chapter leaders against one another in a unique

convention fundraising competition. If you weren't, you should have been

there! Let's put it this way, in Colorado the Federation knows how to have

fun. Next year's convention will be in Denver over the last weekend in

October. Plan now to attend. There is nothing like the fun of a NFBCO

convention at Halloween. We will be planning activities for the children of

all ages from 2 to 92.

 

 

There is no rest in Colorado!  As we head into a new year, we have begun our

work to form a new chapter in Grand Junction. Our organizing meeting will

take place on Saturday, January 18. The get together will be at the Center

for Independence. The address is 740 Gunnison Ave. The meeting will begin at

10 a.m. with lunch to follow around noon. How about pizza?  If you know

blind people in Grand Junction please share their contact information with

me.  You can e-mail  <mailto:jbeecham at cocenter.org> jbeecham at cocenter.org or

call 303-778-1130 x 223.  Stay tuned to Colorado Talk, Facebook, Twitter,

<http://www.nfbco.org> www.nfbco.org, and the NFB-NEWSLINER local channel

for details. If you have colleagues, friends or family members anywhere on

the Western Slope forward this newsletter to them. Our organizing team will

be in Grand Junction Wednesday, January 15 through Saturday, January 18. 

 

 

Although our mentoring program got off to a slow start, we are now in full

swing.  Our first mentoring session was held on December 11.  We met with

four AWESOME students, ate pizza, and had lots of fun.  During our second

session on December 18, we made holiday cookies and Braille cards.  There

were 12 students in attendance and everyone had a blast.  I am happy to say

that we are making great strides in our efforts to work with CSDB

administration.  We are certain that with our shared passion and commitment

for educating blind students we will come away from our discussions with a

strengthened relationship that will help both entities serve blind children

more effectively.  

 

 

As always, we want you to be in the know.  The best way to keep up with all

the happenings in Colorado is to sign up for Colorado Talk.  You can do this

by going to  <http://www.nfbnet.org> www.nfbnet.org and finding the link for

Colorado Talk.  You will be asked to complete a short form that will take

less than a minute.  If you need help, call 303-778-1130 x 223.  You can

also read our blog at  <http://www.nfbco.blogspot.com>

www.nfbco.blogspot.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter 

 

@nfbco.                 Well until next time. got to run!

 

 

 

Meet the Blind Who Lead the Blind

 

 

>From the Editor: From time to time in these pages we introduce you to one of

our leaders. This month we proudly highlight Mr. Wayne Marshall. Wayne has

been a leader throughout his entire life. Before his blindness and since,

Wayne has worked to make a difference. We are lucky to have his leadership

in the movement. 

 

 

Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, Wayne Marshall is the youngest of seven

children. While growing up, Wayne was very active in school, sports, church

and various community based activities. Upon the completion of high school,

Wayne attended college as a communications major until leaving for a job in

telecommunications.

 

 

He relocated to Denver in 1982 to advance his career. He later became a

building engineer for Beta West, a division of US West Telecommunications.

While at Beta West, Wayne was diagnosed with RP, Retinitis Pigmentosa, a

degenerative eye disease. Wayne is now blind as a result of his RP.  Before

leaving Beta West, he founded Handy Solutions of which he was the sole

proprietor for ten years. Handy Solutions took pride in providing

high-quality, low-cost home repair and landscaping services to seniors and

single parent households. After operating Handy Solutions for several years,

Wayne began to experience substantial vision loss. This made it difficult

for him to operate his company at the level of service he had become

accustomed to providing. At this time in Wayne's life he had not learned the

alternative methods used by many blind people. 

 

 

As a result of Wayne's vision loss, he became a client of the Colorado

Vocational Rehabilitation Services where he met Julie Deden, who was

assigned as his counselor. She then referred him to the Colorado Center for

the Blind as a student in the SRT (Service Rep. Training Program). As a

student at the Colorado Center for the Blind, he became a member of the

National Federation of the Blind (NFB); however, he did not participate

actively because he was not totally accepting of his blindness. After

graduating from the Center, Wayne sought the counseling services of Dr.

William Saker, also blind, to help him deal with adjusting to his blindness.

It was Dr. Saker who encouraged Wayne to pursue an education in human

services.  In 2007, while at Metropolitan State University, Wayne returned

to the Colorado Center for the Blind as an intern.  It was then that Wayne

began to actively participate in the NFB. In January of 2008, Wayne became a

CCB staff member, where he is currently employed.  His responsibilities

include counseling and case management, orientation and mobility instructor

for the Independence Training Program, Adaptive Technology Instructor, and

facilitator for the Senior Services Program. 

 

 

During his time at Metropolitan State University, Wayne worked at the Access

Center for Students with Disabilities. While assisting students and staff

with accessibility issues, Wayne was coined "Ambassador" due to his diligent

advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities. Wayne has served as a

board member of both the Denver and Mile High Chapters of the Colorado

affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, and currently serves as

the president of the newly founded Aurora Chapter.

 

 

Wayne is the father of two wonderful children, Tyler and Kelsey. As a result

of his divorce in 2002, Wayne founded the nonprofit organization Me and My

Dad, A Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. The organization began because of

a lack of support for fathers who wanted to be an integral part of their

children's lives. "Though Me and My Dad  was founded as a support group for

single and divorced fathers, it has since evolved into a responsible

fatherhood initiative to meet the needs of all fathers  who want to be a

significant part of their children's  lives", says Wayne. 

 

 

Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services for Mental Health

and Counseling, and Certification in Human Services for High Risk Youth

Studies from Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado.   He has

earned an Associates of Arts degree from the Community College of Aurora in

Aurora, Colorado. He gained his Service Rep Training Certification from the

Colorado Center for the Blind, and his National Orientation and Mobility

Certification from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board.

 

 

Wayne's recognitions include Alma Mater (MSUD) in 2008 "Outstanding Alumni

Award for Work Ethic", for his work on obtaining equal rights for people

with disabilities and his advocacy with the National Federation of the

Blind. He is the recipient of the Inclusion in Education award from the

Cross Disability Council of Denver and the Martin Luther King Peace Award,

for his human services and volunteer work within the state of Colorado. 

 

 

Currently, Wayne is the president of the Aurora Chapter of the National

Federation of the Blind of Colorado, the Executive Director of Me and My

Dad, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and a member of the Aurora

Cyber Lions Club. Wayne's hobbies consist of swimming, bowling, tandem bike

riding, attending sporting events, live concerts, listening to music

(especially Jazz), and reading books. As is often the case with

Federationists, Wayne stands up for justice and equality. He is committed to

children and those dads who overcome obstacles to be a part of their

children's lives. He touches many with his energy, good humor, and humanity.

 

 

 

A HOLIDAY QUOTE FROM THE BLIND COLORADAN

 

"Christmas is coming. The geese are getting fat. Please to put a penny in

the old man's hat. If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do. If you

haven't got a ha'penny, God bless you." -A beggar's rhyme.

 

 

 

Audit Slams Spending in Colorado Program to Help Disabled Get Jobs

 

 

<mailto:jbunch at denverpost.com?subject=The%20Denver%20Post:> By Joey Bunch

The Denver Post

 

Posted: 12/10/2013

 

 

>From the Editor: In the Labor Day 2013 Blind Coloradan, we carried an

article about mismanagement at the Colorado Division of Vocational

Rehabilitation, which has made it virtually impossible for eligible blind

individuals to receive appropriate and necessary rehabilitation services. We

published information about an upcoming legislative audit as well as last

summer's dismissal of long time DVR Director Nancy Smith. Since that issue,

the division has hired Joelle Brouner as its Director. The Legislative audit

has been presented to the Joint Budget Committee of the Colorado State

Legislature. Printed below is an article from the Denver Post. It is

followed by a letter to Members of the Legislative Audit Committee from

Julie Reiskin. We think these two items provide a balanced perspective.

Julie Reiskin is wise and persistent. She is the Executive Director of the

Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and a long time friend of the National

Federation of the Blind of Colorado.  Here is the Denver Post Article: 

 

 

A scathing audit of the state program intended to train disabled people for

jobs found that millions of dollars have been misspent with little or no

oversight, while people who need the program languished on waiting lists.

 

 

The audit of Colorado's Vocational Rehabilitation Program, presented to a

legislative committee Tuesday, found "concerns" in 98 percent of the cases

that auditors reviewed.

 

 

In many instances, administrators and staff didn't understand state and

federal laws that govern the program, including how long people can receive

benefits, auditors found.

 

 

One person received $203,000 over 32 years without moving any closer to

employment. Another was paid $315,000 to pursue a variety of unfinished

degrees - including from a university in the Caribbean - over a 19-year

period and still doesn't have a job, the audit found.

 

A client who got more than $2,000 for job training spent the money on

personal expenses instead, while another got $1,300 for a laptop computer

but then exchanged it for a video game system.

 

 

The audit also found $13,800 in questionable charges on the program's credit

card, including a tent, gift cards, children's clothing, tools, and

household and cleaning supplies.

 

 

The report flagged $171,000 in bonuses to job-placement vendors, on top of

$340,000 in regular fees, although the bonuses did not appear to be

"reasonable, necessary or allowable under federal requirements."

 

 

The program, which serves nearly 20,000 people, spent about $53.5 million in

the current fiscal year. As of August, nearly 4,300 people were on the

program's waiting list, while others continued to receive benefits year

after year without finishing their educations or finding a job.

 

 

Audit committee member Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Thornton, said she was "very

appalled," and Sen. David Balmer, R-Centennial questioned whether fraud

charges were appropriate.

 

 

Jenny Page, the legislative audit manager who presented the report, said

that although there was no obvious proof of fraud, there were pervasive

mistakes and misunderstandings of the law.

 

 

In some cases, vendors billed for the same services more than once, "but it

wasn't clear whether that was a mistake or intentional," she said.

 

 

Reggie Bicha, head of the state Department of Human Services, asked for the

audit after the assessments he received from former division administrators

didn't match the data. He promised immediate reforms.

 

 

"We can do a much better job of being good stewards of the taxpayers'

resources," he said.

 

Bicha said the problems were the product of a "risk-averse culture" to

approve every request and leave people in the program indefinitely, rather

than challenge suspicious claims.

 

 

The program, however, has been the subject of critical audits in the past,

and no substantiative changes were made, Page said.

 

 

Viki Manley, director of the state Office of Long-Term Care, has been put in

charge of overseeing reforms. Manley cleaned up similar problems with the

Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home program, Bicha said.

 

 

In October, Joelle Brouner was hired to run the division. She served in a

similar role for the state of Washington.

 

 

Nancy Smith was the division director until about six months ago. Manley

would not say whether Smith was fired, only that there was a "settlement

process" and Smith no longer works for the state.

 

 

In an interview, Brouner and Manley said they had already reassessed half of

the division's cases. They spoke of restoring the public's trust.

 

 

"It's totally unacceptable," Manley said. "Nobody here thinks it's

acceptable."

 

 

Brouner said the audit's findings should not be a black eye for the value of

the program.

 

 

"It is not a waste of money to help people with disabilities cultivate the

skills necessary to find employment," Brouner said. "Not when the

alternative is for government to support them their whole lives."

 

 

Gov. John Hickenlooper, who has spoken often about being a good steward of

the tax money, declined to comment through his press office, but his

spokesman said steps were being taken to correct the problems.

 

 

That is what the Denver Post had to say. Here now, in part, is the letter to

the Joint Budget Committee from Julie Reiskin.

 

 

Dear Members of the Legislative Audit Committee:

 

 

I am writing you on behalf of the  <http://www.ccdconline.org> Colorado

Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC).   As most of you know, CCDC is the

largest disability rights organization in Colorado and we represent people

with all types of disabilities. .   

 

We are very interested in the results and aftermath of this audit and wanted

to provide our position. .

 

 

First, we applaud Director Bicha calling for an audit. It is good leadership

to know and admit that you have a problem and seek transparency in the

solution.

 

 

Second, we applaud Director Bicha and the Department management for hiring

Joelle Brouner as the new director. While we have not yet had an opportunity

to work with our new DVR director, we are confident that Ms. Brouner has the

vision and leadership that we need. Under her leadership, the Rehab Council

in Washington state helped their program make significant improvements,

including a 98% placement in competitive employment and assuring that 97% of

clients had significant disabilities. CCDC participated on the hiring

committee and STRONGLY supported her hiring.   .

 

 

It is tempting when a negative audit comes out to make super restrictive

policies.  It is tempting to find one client that received what may be "too

many" services or one vendor that may have been overpaid and

over-compensated by blanketing the program with rules, layers, and

bureaucracy. We do not know what is or is not being proposed at this point.

We hope that changes will be based on data, some of which may or may not be

immediately available.   Changes in policy or programs that are not based on

data are the cause of most program failures.  Audits spot weaknesses but may

not provide comprehensive data.   While we agree that even one dollar

misspent is a serious problem that needs to be corrected, we ask that you

not allow broad based punitive policies to be enacted. 

 

Excessive bureaucracy and punitive oversight in disability programs has not

worked and will not work.   People with disabilities deserve policy and

program changes that are based on fact, not fiction.  We ask you to direct

the department to allow Ms. Brouner to work with the disability community to

come up with realistic plans that will assure some real outcomes and then

hold us to those outcomes.

 

 

Any corrective action plan must be outcome based.  Under the leadership of

Director Bicha, CDHS has been a model in outcome based solutions.  We need

to show that the money we spend on DVR is helping people get or keep jobs or

increase their earning power. The money we spend on Independent Living

Centers should be helping people get out and stay out of institutions and

should be providing measurable increases in community integration.

Micromanagement and layers of bureaucracy will not achieve these goals.  To

achieve these goals we need real and meaningful community engagement.

 

 

Real and meaningful community engagement is more than a rubber stamp.

Meaningful engagement is demonstrated when all parties listen, share, and

take action together.

 

 

.Please avoid the temptation to make the problem worse by

 

cutting off their resources.   

 

 

 

We need DVR to be an agency that helps get people with disabilities real

jobs with livable wages.  We need DVR to be an agency that will support

Independent Living Centers to provide useful, outcome based, Independent

Living Services as mandated by the Rehab Act.  The goal must be to end the

drastic poverty and isolation that is reality for too many of us with

disabilities. Colorado has a proud history on disability rights and

inclusion, and has a strong disability community that stands ready, willing

and able to support Ms. Brouner and the Department to implement a productive

corrective action plan. Your direction is the first steps towards a

transformation that will help Colorado take our rightful place as a national

leader in employment and integration for people with all types of

disabilities. 

 

 

 

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS AND 

 

DREAMING FOR MORE:

 

A PRESIDENTIAL REPORT

 

Presented by: Scott C. LaBarre, President, NFBCO

 

October 18, 2013

 

 

We are amidst the 13th year of this 21st Century and we are now embarking

upon the 59th year of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado.  For

many the number thirteen represents bad luck and impending doom.  However,

for the NFB of Colorado, this thirteenth year of our still young century has

been one of growth, celebration, accomplishment, and good fortune.  Despite

our successes, there is also much to remind us that we have not achieved our

ultimate goal of first class citizenship for the blind.  In the last year,

we have achieved new heights, but we dream for more.  We have made great

strides, but our march towards equality must continue.  Exactly how we will

chart the course ahead is unknown, but we do know that we have set ourselves

firmly on the road to first class citizenship and a life of true equality.

No force on Earth shall detour us and hold us back.  Our dream is within

reach and we shall make it come true.

 

 

COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND

 

 

In 1988, we made history by turning one of our dreams into reality.  Since

our inception, we have always wished for a day when every blind person would

have the kind of training and opportunity necessary to live life on his or

her own terms, not those prescribed by society's misconceptions about

blindness.  For decades, we struggled to change the existing rehabilitation

system for the blind.  Eventually we realized that we must take the future

of rehabilitation for the blind into our own hands.  So in January of 1988,

Diane McGeorge and a handful of other Federation leaders opened the Colorado

Center for the Blind.  At first, our Center lived week to week, more like

day by day.  Its existence and survival was an open question.  Funds were

scarce and opposition plenty.  

 

 

What a contrast that is from today.  Our Center now stands as an

international leader and the best model for how to deliver adjustment to

blindness training.  We are a strong, mature, and well-funded program.  We

continue to touch the lives of blind individuals from all over the world.

The Center is truly an application of our Federation philosophy to daily

life.  It is living proof that a life with blindness need not be one of

tragedy but rather one of limitless possibility.

 

 

Our Center succeeds because of the National Federation of the Blind.  Sure,

this affiliate has poured millions of dollars into the Center over its first

twenty-five years.  At times, Federation funding has been the difference

between keeping the doors open or shutting down.  More important than the

money, though, is the unwavering commitment of the NFB of Colorado to make

the Center grow and prosper.  It is our love and our philosophy that stand

as the true foundation of the Center's success.  Our Center has our eternal

support and backing.  We shall never stray from our commitment to the Center

because it represents everything for which we stand and thereby gives any

blind person touched by its programs the greatest opportunity to succeed.

 

 

On September 13, 2013, a very lucky day, we celebrated our Silver

Anniversary in style.  We held a wonderful open house celebration at our

building where Dr. Maurer, National President of the Federation, joined us

to salute our success; Mark Riccobono, Executive Director of the NFB

Jernigan Institute and a graduate of the CCB offered rides in the

Federation's blind drivable car; we unveiled Ann Cunningham's amazing

tactile and multisensory depiction of the beautiful Colorado front range

mountains; and we were joined by community and civic leaders adding their

congratulations.  The next day we enjoyed a gala dinner where current and

former students and staff delivered stirring and inspirations accounts of

how the CCB has changed their lives.  Tomorrow, we will hear more about the

Center's amazing first twenty-five years and speculate about how much more

we will accomplish by the time we celebrate our Golden Anniversary in 2038.

Before leaving this topic, I would be remiss if we did not acknowledge Diane

McGeorge's tremendous leadership, inspiration, and courage for founding and

sustaining the Center; Julie Deden's incredible leadership and boundless

capacity to keep growing the Center in new and innovative directions; the

current and former staff members who give the Center its quality, and, of

course, the current and former students who give the program life.  Let's

hear one giant, loud Federation roar for our CCB!

 

 

COLORADO DVR

 

 

Our relationship with the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

(DVR) over the years has been quite diverse, to say the least.  The

relationship has gone from contentious to productive and everywhere in

between.  Over the last few years, we have enjoyed a generally positive

experience.  We don't always agree with DVR one hundred percent of the time

but we have had meaningful input and we are recognized as a key partner.

For example, recently, our First Vice President, Julie Deden, served on the

selection committee for the new DVR director.  

 

 

Right now, I feel we are at a critical juncture with DVR, for a couple of

reasons.  First of all, DVR has a new director.  You heard from her earlier

today.  We welcome Joelle Brouner to the post and we extend our sincere best

wishes and congratulations.  We also offer our cooperation and support.  We

are hopeful that we can work together to create new and improved

possibilities for the blind of our state.  

 

 

However, let it not be forgotten that we intend to hold DVR accountable.  We

have many concerns.  DVR is on an order of selection currently with hundreds

of individuals on a waiting list to receive services.  DVR has been moved

within the Department of Human Services from the Office of Economic Security

to the Office of Long Term Care.  To our way of thinking, vocational

rehabilitation should emphasize the economic security of its clients by

getting them training and education necessary to enter the workforce.  Long

Term Care smacks of lifelong dependence and reinforcement of the welfare

model for the blind and others with disabilities.  An even bigger problem is

the fact that DVR is several steps down in the bureaucracy of the Department

and does not have the profile necessary to maximize opportunities for its

consumers.  These are challenges we intend to address and overcome.

 

 

EDUCATE BLIND CHILDREN NOW

 

 

Last year, we created the Educate Blind Children Now Committee.  Kevan

Worley has been chairing this committee and has done important work to

improve our relationship with the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and

to work more effectively with teachers of blind children.  Progress is being

made on these fronts which we will address more fully later.  However, there

are a couple of specific items that must be mentioned.  Despite the fact

that this year's state convention is in Colorado Springs, home of the

Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, and despite the fact that we have

extended invitations to the school to participate in this convention several

months ago, there is no participation at all from CSDB at the state's

largest gathering of blind persons.  Although we are working with CSDB on a

mentoring program and the school hosted one of our BELL programs last year,

we are concerned about the relationship we have with the school.  We intend

to meet with CSDB's leadership team and see if the relationship can become

far more meaningful.  We are steadfastly committed to the principal that

every blind child in Colorado has the right to expect that he or she can

reach his or her maximum potential.  We call upon CSDB to join us as a true

partner to secure this right.

 

 

I also want to take a moment to highlight another project of the Committee.

As you know, each third through twelfth grader in the state of Colorado

takes a state-wide assessment test known as TCAP.  Dr. Tanni Anthony and her

team at the Colorado Department of Education have worked vigorously to make

sure that blind students are able to take this paper and pencil test in an

accessible format under fair conditions.  Things are changing, however.

Colorado will be moving to a computer based assessment known as PARCC that

will be taken by all third through twelfth graders starting in the 2014 and

2015 school year.

 

 

Our main concern is that this computer based test is fully accessible to

blind and low vision students.  Currently, the prototype versions of it are

not.  The Federation's past experience is that the vast majority of these

computer exams do not work with the assistive technology used by the blind.

In June, Michelle Chacon, our NFBCO Treasurer and a teacher of blind

children, and I met with Joyce Zurkowski, Executive Director of Assessment

at the Colorado Department of Education to express our concern.  We left

that meeting with a commitment from the State that the exam will be

accessible.  We intend to hold the Department of Education to this promise

and to take action if the assessment is not fully accessible.  Although this

is a significant success, it does not address the problems we are

experiencing with accessible exams used by local school districts.  We will

work as hard and as long as necessary to insure that our blind children have

the same ability to demonstrate their level of learning as other children.

 

 

COLORADO STATE GOVERNMENT AND GOOGLE APPS

 

 

A year ago, I reported to you that Colorado State government intended to

have all of its employees switch over to Google Apps for Government to

conduct the vast majority of their computer work.  The problem with Google

Apps is that much of it is inaccessible with assistive technology.  If fully

implemented, Google Apps could have the effect of threatening the jobs of

many blind employees, like our very own Jon Deden, because they would be

unable to use the computer effectively and thereby become unproductive.  We

wrote a letter to Governor Hickenlooper advising that implementation of

Google Apps would violate the law.  We demanded accessibility and full

participation.  I am pleased to say that the State largely halted its

efforts to implement Google Apps and our blind state employees are able to

do their jobs effectively using preexisting tools.  It is also my

understanding that many schools throughout the state are attempting to

convert entirely to Google Apps.  To address this issue globally, we have

been working with Google nationally.  Google has sent engineers to work with

us at the National Center and earlier this year, Google hired Ray Kurzweil

to become its Director of Engineering.  As you know, Ray Kurzweil has been

working with the Federation since the 1970's to create accessible

technology.  One way or the other, we will make certain that Google Apps are

accessible and that blind employees and students will not be thrown out of

work or school because of a failure to comply with the law.  We will

absolutely not be caught on the wrong side of the digital divide!

 

 

KAREN NORTON

 

 

We face discrimination based on blindness in all walks of life, not just

employment and education.  Sometimes, we literally can't even get in the

front door.  The Federation, under Dr. tenBroek's leadership, introduced the

so-called white cane laws in the 1950's and 1960's.  These laws boldly

declared that the blind have the same right to public places as anyone else,

whether using a cane, a dog, or neither.  

 

 

Late last year, Karen Norton from Fort Collins had to visit Walden, Colorado

for her work and she had reserved an upgraded room at the North Park Inn.

Karen happens to use a guide dog to aid her independent travel.  When she

entered the hotel, the owner challenged by saying "didn't you see the sign?

It says no pets."  The owner refused to give her the upgraded room because

of the "pet policy" and tried to assign her to another, less desirable room

which also happened to be a smoking room, something which she very much did

not want.  Karen tried to explain that it is the law of this state that

blind persons are allowed to bring their guide dogs anywhere they go.  The

owner told her to leave and when she refused, he called the Jackson County

Sherriff.  Instead of enforcing Colorado Law, the officer who responded

ordered Karen to leave or she would be arrested and her dog impounded.  My

friends, if anyone tries to tell you that we no longer face blatant,

unadulterated discrimination, tell them about Karen Norton.

 

 

We have filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division and we

will not rest until justice is done.  We will teach the hotel owner that all

guests are welcome, even the blind, and we will teach the Sherriff a thing

or two about the law.

 

 

FIGHTING FOR FAIR WAGES

 

 

Last year, I reported to you that the NFB of Colorado had participated in

two informational protests against Goodwill and its practice of paying

workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage.  Those protests

brought us hundreds of thousands of media impressions and further our

campaign.  This year, we have continued our advocacy in the halls of

Congress through our support of H.R. 831, the Fair Wages for Workers with

Disabilities Act, which would eliminate the practice of paying subminimum

wages over time and our opposition to proposed Section 511 of the

Rehabilitation Act which would grant payment of subminimum wages a more

legitimate status as an acceptable outcome for a rehab client.

Representative Ed Perlmutter of Colorado has cosponsored H.R. 831 and

recently, Kevan Worley, Anil Lewis, and I met with Senator Bennet and his

chief staff members about these issues.  He pledged to help us find a new

way to proceed on this issue and get around the log jam we currently face.

We will not rest until every worker with a disability has the same right as

any other American, the right to earn a fair wage.     

 

 

MARRAKESH TREATY

 

 

We are not only changing the world through our Colorado Center for the

Blind.  Members of the NFB of Colorado are helping to end the book famine

faced by the blind.  Less than one percent of published works are turned

into accessible copies, creating a great dearth of information for the blind

of our world.  Part of the problem is that in the vast majority of countries

in the world, anyone who wants to take a book and turn it into an accessible

format copy like Braille, audio, or accessible electronic text must go to

the publisher and get permission to do so.  It often takes way too long or,

sometimes, permission is never granted.  That is why some of the world's

countries have adopted exceptions and limitations to copyright law that

allow books to be put into accessible formats without the permission of the

copyright holder.  We have such a law here in the U.S., the Chaffee

Amendment.  The other big problem has been the fact that even if you

produced an accessible format copy in one country, you could not share that

copy across international borders.  That all changed when the international

community, through the World Intellectual Property Organization, adopted the

Marrakesh Treaty To Facilitate Access To Published Works For Persons Who Are

Blind, Visually Impaired, Or Otherwise Print Disabled.  Once the Nations of

the world start ratifying this treaty, a great deal more information will

start flowing across international borders for the blind.  

 

 

We, here in Colorado played an important role in getting the Marrakesh

Treaty adopted.  As most of you know, I have had the honor and privilege of

being the chief NFB delegate to WIPO since 2009.  However, what many of you

may not know is that in June of this year, many of our members donated

significant time and effort recording their stories about the importance of

literacy and what the treaty would mean to them.  These real life accounts

were seen all over the world and helped us put pressure on the various

rights holders and industries who were opposing the treaty.  On Sunday

morning of this convention, we will review some of these inspiring accounts.

The work of the NFB of Colorado will forever be imprinted upon the fabric of

the Marrakesh Treaty.

 

 

RINGING THE BELL

 

 

For the third year, we operated a BELL Camp.  BELL stands for Braille

Enrichment through Literacy and Learning.  This two week summer camp offers

blind children, ages five through twelve, an immersion into Braille

instruction and several other independence skills such as cane travel and

daily living, not to mention a bunch of fun activities like horseback

riding, swimming, and scavenger hunts.  Once again, Diane McGeorge and

Michelle Chacon led a wonderful team who gave our BELL kids a tremendous

summer education.  At the beginning of camp, many of the children let their

parents do just about everything for them.  By the end, the kids are

insisting that their parents let them take care of themselves.  Tomorrow, we

will have a full report on the 2013 BELL Camp complete with a video we have

produced about the program.  The BELL rings loudly and clearly in Colorado.

 

 

CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT AND THREE NEW CHAPTERS

 

 

Last year, we hired Jessica Beecham to serve as our Chapter and Community

Development Coordinator and she is doing her job very well.  In the first

eight months of this year, we created three new chapters of the NFB.  In

June, we welcomed the Poudre Valley Chapter to our family with Nick Thomas

being elected as our first Poudre Valley President.  In July, we created the

Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users with Melissa Green being elected to

serve as its first President.  And on August 24, 2013, the Aurora Chapter

joined our ranks with Wayne Marshall being chosen as the first President of

that chapter.  Our new chapters are helping us reach new members and

allowing the Federation philosophy to reach new minds and hearts.  Hats off

to Jessica and our new chapters!

 

 

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

It is through our local chapters that we reach our members on the most local

and frequent basis.  I want to share a few highlights of how our chapters

and divisions are changing what it means to be blind. 

 

 

Recently, the Denver Chapter scored a major victory when the Regional 

 

Transportation District (RTD) finally implemented the Automated Stop

Announcement system.  Using GPS, this system automatically announces each

bus stop in a clear, easy to hear voice.  Since 1992, the Americans with

Disabilities Act has mandated that these bus stops be announced but we have

struggled for over two decades to get even minimal compliance.  This new

system takes human inconsistency out of the equation and stops are announced

regularly and clearly.  It is the NFB of Denver who never gave up on this

project and got the job done.  Now, we need to advocate for similar systems

all throughout the state.  

 

 

Under Jeanette Fortin's tremendous leadership, our Colorado Springs Chapter

has grown by thirty percent in the last year and has participated in several

community events spreading the Federation philosophy.  I also want to thank

the C. Springs Chapter for hosting this year's convention!

 

 

Earlier this year, Cody Bair became the President of our Greeley Chapter and

led the effort to put on the chapter's New Perspectives Expo at the

University of Northern Colorado, reaching new individuals and the potential

teachers of the blind.  

 

 

Mike Massey, our capable President in Pueblo, has directed the Pueblo

Chapter through several fundraisers, participation in disability awareness

fairs and an information table at Wal-Mart during Meet the Blind Month.  

 

 

Our new Aurora Chapter has doubled in size since its first meeting and will

disseminate information about blindness this month at the Aurora Mall.  

 

 

Our Mile High Chapter with Gary van Dorn at the helm has held several

fundraisers including a wine and chocolate tasting and a night at the Denver

Center for the Performing Arts.  These fund raisers have helped people

travel to national and state conventions and have supported our BELL Camp.  

 

 

Michelle Chacon has led our North Metro Chapter to another great year where

the chapter has raised substantial funds with its wine tasting at Spirro's

Winery and other fundraisers allowing the Chapter to send several people to

national and state conventions, and to send Elizabeth and Emily Romero to

Baltimore for our NFB STEM X event, an intensive seminar exploring math and

science for blind youth.  

 

 

Our Parent's Chapter under the leadership of Everett Romero continues to

grow and has put on several events such as a large picnic for parents and

blind children in the summer and it publishes the E-Connector on a monthly

basis.  

 

 

The Seniors Division sponsors support groups all over the area and works

with the CCB to empower blind seniors in a variety of ways including

teaching assistive technology.  Marie Dambrosky, for example, is mastering

the iPad at the tender age of 94.

 

 

In this report, there just is not enough time to tell you about everything

that our chapters are doing.  This does not diminish their importance,

however.  Our fifteen chapters and divisions serve as the backbone of this

affiliate.  We will hear from all of them on Sunday morning.

 

 

THANK YOU AND CONCLUSION

 

 

As I conclude this report, I must say thank you. First, if it weren't for

the support and love of my family, Anahit, Alexander and Emily, there is no

way I could serve as President of this wonderful affiliate. Thank you

LaBarres!  Second, I thank all of our officers and board members. You are an

awesome team with whom I have the pleasure and honor to serve. Third, I want

to thank our staff, Lisa Bonderson, Jessica Beecham, and Lorinda Riddle for

helping us manage this terrific organization. Last, and most definitely not

least, I thank all of you for your support and loyalty. It is only through

all of our work together that we can truly change what it means to be blind.

 

 

As many of you know, this year is the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's 

 

"I Have a Dream" Speech.   The corresponding media coverage gave me 

 

the opportunity to hear that amazing rhetoric again.  It left me in a mood

of reflection.  The fact that we have made great progress in achieving

equality and freedom for the blind is undeniable.  The fact that we still

face tremendous barriers is equally undeniable.  When will we be judged on

the content of our character and not the existence of our disability?  The

answer to that question is in our hands.  We know that a life with blindness

need not be one of tragedy.  First-class citizenship is no longer just a

fanciful dream. It shall become our reality. We have touched the flame of

freedom and it has ignited our hearts and minds. Let us join those hearts,

minds, and our collective action together and march the rest of the way to

true freedom.   This is our mission.  This is our Federation, and this is my

report to you!

 

 

 

An Email From the First Vice President of the National Federation of the

Blind

 

By: Dr. Fredrick K. Schroeder

 

 

>From the Editor: Dr. Fred Schroeder has served as First Vice President of

the NFB for many years. He has been a pioneer in work for the blind over

more than 3 decades. During the late 1990's Dr. Schroeder served as

Commissioner of the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration. He

currently serves as visiting professor at San Diego State University, among

other posts. Of special interests to Coloradans, Dr. Schroeder serves on the

Board of the Colorado Center for the Blind.  Typically, the Blind Coloradan

does not publish items which may be thought of as more "National in nature".

We choose to concentrate our focus on Federation activities here in

Colorado. However, as you will see from Fred's email, this announcement has

great significance for every blind person in America. We received this email

the morning of December 2nd. Here it is:

 

 

Friends:

 

Over the weekend I participated in a meeting of the Board of Directors of

 

The National Federation of the Blind. The meeting was held at our National

Headquarters in Baltimore.

 

 

As you know, Dr. Marc Maurer has been our national president since 1986. He

has served as president longer than any of our previous presidents, and has

guided us through a period of unprecedented growth and change. It was under

Dr. Maurer's leadership that we established the Jernigan Institute and all

of the programs that have been so successful in demonstrating the truth of

our assertion that when given proper opportunity and training, blind people

can live and work as others.

 

 

In particular we have developed many programs designed to provide blind

children and youth with the skills and confidence they need to compete fully

in their education, and to develop their life ambitions. We have conducted

the Youth Slam, Science Academy, and more recently the BELL programs.

 

 

In the area of technology under Dr. Maurer's leadership we developed the

KNFB Reader Mobile, allowing blind people to have immediate access to print

with nothing more than a cell phone and special software. And then there was

the Blind Driver Challenge. There is no question that lack of access to

reliable transportation remains a major barrier for blind people. Yet, the

Blind Driver Challenge showed that we could develop the technology to enable

a blind person to drive a car, not simply sit passively in a car that drives

itself.

 

 

These are the expressions of Dr. Maurer's leadership. Yet at the heart of

his leadership are his spirit and his belief in every blind person. He has

inspired and encouraged us, faced the most difficult challenges with

resolution and strength, and he has kept us together, and never let us

waiver in our belief in our own right to live normal, productive lives.

 

 

On Saturday afternoon, November 30, Dr. Maurer told the board that it is his

intention to not seek reelection to the presidency next summer at our

national convention. He feels the time is right to transition to the next

president, the next individual who can lead us for a quarter century or

more. Dr. Maurer is in good health and believes that it is important that he

step down from the presidency while he is able to assist with the

transition. Dr.

 

Maurer told the board that he, Dr. Maurer, plans to support Mr. Mark

Riccobono as the next president of the National Federation of the Blind.

 

 

Mr. Riccobono presently serves as the Executive Director of the Jernigan

Institute. He is an accomplished individual with the strength and wisdom to

assume the serious responsibility of leading our movement. He has brought to

his work the imagination and competency we demand from our president.

 

 

We are truly fortunate that within the Federation we have individuals who

are able and willing to give all they have to furthering our move toward

true equality. The demands of the NFB presidency are unimaginable. We

require our leader to give all of his time, all of his imagination, and all

of his personal reserve of judgment to leading our organization. This is

what Dr. Maurer has done for the past 27 and a half years, and it is what

Mark Riccobono will do for the time of his presidency.

 

 

The transition brings to an end one chapter in our history and what a

glorious chapter it has been. We cannot face the loss of Dr. Maurer's

leadership without a sense of sadness; but the transition to a new president

is not just the absence of what we had before. The transition heralds a new

chapter in our history and with it, new opportunities- the chance to take

all that has come before and build something bigger and more powerful than

we have ever known.

 

In Memoriam

 

 

>From the Editor: The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado has an

Educate Blind Kids Now Committee. It is very engaged. We know of the need to

recruit more teachers of visually impaired students. Our support for

Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind mentoring programs, our ever growing

BELL Summer Programs, and Science Technology Engineering and Math, STEM,

demonstrations at the CCB are only a few of the ways we support the

education of blind kids. Those of us who care about celebrating Braille took

note of a great loss this fall. On Tuesday, October 1 the world lost a great

man. Dr. Abraham Nemeth was a teacher, thinker, inventor, musician, mentor,

and friend to thousands. Dr. Nemeth died at the age of 94 at his Detroit

home. He invented a unique Braille code which bears his name. The Nemeth

Code makes it practical for blind people all over the world to do simple or

complex computations for math, science and engineering. It's true. Some

blind people do those things and are quite competent. They do them, in part,

due to the effort of a wonderful, witty, quirky blind man named Abraham

Nemeth. I first heard the term "Nemeth Code" in the second grade. You can

bet that I was in awe when I actually met the man himself many years later,

realizing that he was a real blind intellect of the 20th Century. I had the

great privilege to dine with Dr. Nemeth a number of times. He was caring,

creative, and always curious. I use the Nemeth Code every day. When learning

of his passing I was filled with more sadness than I would have imagined.

There aren't many people who can say they invented something so innovative,

practical, and impacting that it carried their name. Nemeth did. He knew of

the Code's significance. He was proud but humble. When observing some blind

children meeting Dr. Nemeth I was struck by how excited they were. I found

the fact that they were drawn to him compelling. It's rare that a child has

the opportunity to meet a legend. When Nemeth lived he gave that opportunity

to many blind kids. Unlike the transient thrill of meeting a sports hero or

celebrity, rare as that is for most of us, Nemeth was accessible. He was a

living legend of letters. He was an inventor of something tangible, special,

meaningful. A thing blind people use every day. And he was a blind guy. When

meeting him there seemed to be a special connection. He was one of us yet on

a different plane. That's the only way I can explain it. He is now gone but

his code lives on. Thanks Doc. 

 

 

 

In the Family

 

A Book Release Announcement

 

By: Rebekah Felix

 

 

>From the Editor: Rebekah Felix, we know her as Bekah, is an active member of

our Colorado Springs Chapter. She is a freshman at Pikes Peak Community

College. She intends to transfer to Colorado Christian University. Here is

Bekah's announcement:

 

         

 

Have you ever wondered if a blind person could write and publish a book?

Well, the answer is of course! And I'm living proof! I have successfully

written a novel, In the Family, and it is available now! The coolest part is

the main character, Aliyah, because she's blind! 

 

          

 

Aliyah is tired of her fellow classmates teasing her because of her

blindness. Her only friend, Kyra, is afraid to make her relationship with

Aliyah obvious to her friends for fear that it might ruin her reputation.

But when Aliyah realizes she has a secret admirer, Hayden, her world turns

upside down.

 

 

As they head towards the end of their senior year of high school, Aliyah

begins to fall in love for the first time. She becomes part of Hayden's

group. But as she begins to discover some of Hayden's family secrets, many

unique situations arise that threaten to ruin all of her friendships for

good.

 

 

Can Aliyah and her friends learn to look past physical traits and focus on

what really matters? Can they learn to love themselves, love each other, and

love God the way the Bible instructs before they lose each other for good?

 

          

 

There are many different ways to find out! For print readers, In the Family

is available in paperback and hard cover formats, and they are in large

print. You can find these versions at Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com. 

 

 

In the Family is also available in several digital formats. Some of which

are accessible. On booklocker.com, you can find the e-book in large print.

You can also find it in Blio, Kindle, Nook, and iBooks. If you want to find

my book, look for In the Family by Rebekah Felix, or go to

<http://www.bekahfelix.tripod.com> bekahfelix.tripod.com. 

 

 

 

Quality CCTV's from and for the Visually Impaired:

 

A Colorado Company Making its Mark

 

 

>From the Editor: It's always inspiring to highlight a company which is

locally owned. A company owned by a blind entrepreneur. A company owned by a

member of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Springs. Such is

the case with MagniSight and CEO Brian Smith. 

 

 

Founded in 1990, MagniSight is the longest running manufacturer of video

magnifiers (CCTV's) for the visually impaired in the United States.

MagniSight products are assembled in Colorado Springs, Colorado and are sold

throughout the U.S. and overseas to both individuals and agencies. Brian

Smith says, "One of our proudest achievements was supplying America's

visually impaired veterans with our products for many years under the

National V.A. contract."  

 

 

Brian further explains, "When I founded MagniSight, my goal was to

manufacture equipment that would really make a difference in the lives of

visually impaired people.  This was especially important to me since, at an

early age, I myself was diagnosed with a juvenile form of Macular

Degeneration.  Today, MagniSight continues to fulfill that goal by combining

a unique understanding of low vision with the latest technology." For more

information about MagniSight products and services readers should visit

<http://www.magnisight.com> www.magnisight.com. You can reach Brian at (800)

753-4767. 

 

 

 

 

A HOLIDAY QUOTE FROM THE BLIND COLORADAN

 

 

"It's good to be children sometimes. And never better than at Christmas,

when it's mighty Founder was a child himself." -Dickens

 

 

 

Blind Buzz

 

 

>From the Editor: Blind Buzz is a column which will have announcements,

notes, vignettes, profiles, assertions, snap-shots, rumors, innuendo and

observations. Blind Buzz is solely responsible for the content. What's

happening? Blind Buzz wants to know.

 

 

A visit from the Commissioner

 

On November 13, the newly appointed Commissioner of the Rehabilitation

Services Administration of the United States Department of Education toured

the Colorado Center for the Blind. She came with 44 directors and managers

from State Programs across the Nation. Students told their stories of

challenge, hope, and determination. The tour was part of the National

Council of State Agencies for the Blind Conference held at the Denver Grand

Hyatt. 

 

 

Again with the sharks? 

 

Blind kids seem to love dissecting sharks. Wouldn't you? Colorado Center for

the Blind seems to enjoy helping them do it. In November, over 30 middle

school and high school students from the Denver metro area had an

opportunity to learn about and dissect dogfish sharks.  Thanks to Arapahoe

Community College and Terry Harrison, chair of the biology department, blind

students learned that they could fully handle all aspects of the dissection

 

 

Amazing Travel Raffle

 

Congratulations to Jerry Adams. He won our 2013 Amazing Travel Raffle. His

daughter, Gina Bullard, bought the ticket for his birthday gift. Gina is a

NFBCO Springs chapter member. Dad now has $3,500 to travel anywhere he

wishes. That's the second year in a row Colorado Springs sold the winning

ticket. Happy Birthday dad! 

 

 

Brenda Mosby continues her journey

 

After more than 6 years, Brenda Mosby, a member of our Mile High chapter,

has announced that she is leaving the Colorado Center for the Blind where

she has been providing vocation and employment service. She intends to

continue her counseling and community work for EEI. 

 

 

Blind entrepreneurs unite

 

Colorado Association of Blind Merchants reorganized at the recent NFBCO

State Convention. Bradley Basta was elected President. Joy Lynn Nelson

organized the group's Christmas Party. It was held December 7 at the

Cheesecake Factory downtown Denver. It also happened to be President Basta's

birthday. We can't report everything that went on at the party, but we know

the group raised some bucks for the affiliate. 

 

 

Colorado native to direct BLIND Inc.

 

In the Summer 2011 issue of the Blind Coloradan, we brought you an update on

the Wenzel family. They were part of our Colorado Federation family for many

years.  At that time, Dan was managing State Programs for the blind in

Wisconsin. Prior to his work in Wisconsin, Dan served as assistant director

at the Colorado Center for the Blind and as a Board Member for the NFB of

Colorado. Dan is one of our best.  The Buzz has now picked up big news. Dan

Wenzel has accepted the position of Executive Director of BLIND, Inc. in

Minneapolis, one of our three NFB training centers.  He believes deeply in

the work of the Federation and in our training centers as an expression of

the Federation. He is currently working as manager of youth services at

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.  

 

 

What's the buzz at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind

 

Kiddos and staff are on Holiday break. On December 11, NFBCO began our

2013/14 blind mentoring program. On December 12, the school held it's very

popular Winter Program. On January 30, it will be time for another Braille

challenge event. April will bring the annual employment fair. NFBCO role

models will be a part of this event. It's all about the kids. 

 

 

Elections bring change in Denver chapter

 

We receive the following from Brent Batron: 

 

I wanted to give everyone an update on the recent elections of the National

Federation of the Blind of Denver.

 

 

President - Tom Anderson

 

1st Vice President - Antonio Rozier

 

2nd Vice President - Maureen Nietfeld

 

Secretary - Jennifer Spears

 

Treasurer - Suzie Drum

 

Board Member - John Batron

 

Board Member - Dishon Spears

 

Board Member - Jim Pilkington

 

Board Member - Beth Allred

 

 

It has been a pleasure to be president of this wonderful chapter and I have

served in that capacity since 2006.  I am so pleased that Tom has been

elected and I know that he will do great things as the newly elected

president.  Congratulations to the new board

 

 

>From the Buzz inbox

 

A graduate of the Colorado Center for the Blind writes "when I was a child,

I was never allowed to decorate the Christmas tree. It was just assumed that

my siblings would do it. So, for me, attending CCB where I actually cut down

a Christmas tree was truly a life transforming experience." -Anonymous. 

 

 

Gary Van Dorn honored

 

On December 5, NFB Mile High chapter President Gary Van Dorn was presented

the Paul Bilzi Award for community service from the Colorado

Cross-Disability Coalition. Paul Bilzi was paralyzed after an automobile

accident. He spent many years avoiding people with disabilities. Ultimately,

he became a champion and long-time leader of the Denver community of people

with disabilities. Congratulations Gary for your steadfast commitment to

bringing highest quality transit services to all people in the Denver-metro

area.  

 

 

Journey of success

 

The lead article in the December Braille Monitor was written by our own

Julie Deden. It celebrates 25 years at the Colorado Center for the Blind. It

is well worth a read. Congratulations to Julie and the team. You truly have

helped hundreds reach new heights of independence. 

 

 

The Colorado way

 

It's the way of strength, character, and camaraderie found in our affiliate.

Those qualities are envied around the nation. In early January, NFBCO

leaders will participate in a seminar at the Jernigan Institute. Our leaders

will mentor and share strategies for success which have worked in Colorado.

However, in true Federation fashion, our NFBCO Board will gain as much as it

gives. That's the Federation way.  

 

 

The New Year means making National Convention reservations

 

The Buzz has the skinny on this summer's National Federation of the Blind

convention. For many of us it's like our annual family reunion. The

convention will take place July 1-6 in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Centre

Hotel. Room rates are unbelievably low! This is a first class facility.

Double rooms are $82.00, triples and quads $88.00 plus 13.5 percent tax.

Make reservations beginning January 1 by calling 800-244-7234. For more

details, keep checking the Braille Monitor. Make plans now to attend. You

won't be sorry. 

 

 

The NFB Scholarship Program invites blind students who will attend college

in Fall 2014 to apply for a scholarship

 

The National Federation of the Blind offers 30 awards, worth from $3,000 up

to $12,000, plus assistance for the 30 winners to attend the July 2014

Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida. For full information and the online

application form, go to www.nfb.org/scholarships.  Deadline: 3-31-14.

 

 

What's the deal? 

 

What's the deal with silly string competition at Colorado Springs chapter?

One never knows what fun might break out at a NFB chapter Christmas party.

Hold the hairspray, bring on the silly string! 

 

 

Boulder Valley conducts training for professionals

 

We have this from Boulder Valley Chapter President Maryann Migliorelli: 

 

On November 13, the Boulder Valley Chapter conducted the first in a series

of in-service workshops at Boulder Manor.  We presented blindness

technologies, from canes and Braille to iPhones, and the latest adapted

medical equipment, along with an in-depth discussion of current and

appropriate attitudes of blindness.  The dozen physical, cognitive, and

occupational therapists who attended learned many new things, but most

importantly, they learned what a valuable resource the National Federation

of the Blind is.

 

 

Feel the buzz! Go to a local chapter meeting

 

Below find a list of chapter meeting times and locations. Occasionally,

circumstance may dictate a change in time or location. You may wish to check

with your chapter president. You can also call Jessica Beecham, she usually

has the scoop. 

 

 

 

At Large Chapter

 

When:        4th Tuesday of the month

 

Time:          7:00 p.m.

 

Where:       Telephonically

 

                  Call-in phone number: 712-432-1500 / Access code 564151#

 

 

Aurora Chapter

 

When:        4th Saturday of the month

 

Time:         10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Where:       Fire Station #11

 

                   2291 S Joliet

 

                  Aurora, CO 80010

 

 

Boulder Valley Chapter

 

When:        4th Saturday of the month  

 

Time:          11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

Where:       The Egg and I

 

                   2574 Baseline Road

 

                   Boulder, CO 80305

 

 

Colorado Springs Chapter

 

When:        2nd Saturday of the month

 

Time:         10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

Where:       Garden Ranch YMCA

 

       2380 Montebello Drive West

       Colorado Springs, CO  80918 

 

*Special note* We are informed by Jeanette Fortin, Colorado Springs Chapter

President, that in January the chapter will meet on January 4 to hold annual

elections and celebrate the birthday of Louis Braille. In February the

chapter returns to its regular 2nd Saturday schedule.

 

 

Denver Chapter

 

When:        3rd Saturday of the month

 

Time:         10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Where:       Colorado Center for the Blind

 

                   2233 W. Shepperd Avenue

 

                   Littleton, CO  80120

 

 

 

 

Greeley Chapter

 

When:        3rd Saturday of the month  

 

Time:          12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Where:       Greeley Senior Activity Center

 

                   1010 6th Street

 

                   Greeley, CO  80631

 

 

Mile High Chapter

 

When:        3rd Wednesday of the month

 

Time:          5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Where:       Brooks Towers 

 

                   1020 15th Street 

 

                   Denver, CO  80202

 

 

North Metro Denver Chapter

 

When:        2nd Saturday of the month

 

Time:         1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Where:       10324 W 62nd Avenue (residence of chapter president)

 

                  Arvada, CO  80004

 

 

Poudre Valley Chapter

 

When:        1st Saturday of the month

 

Time:          12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 

Where:       Old Chicago's 

 

                   147 S College Avenue

 

                   Fort Collins, CO 80524

 

 

Pueblo Chapter

 

When:        2nd Saturday of the month  

 

Time:          1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Where:       Wesley Methodist Church

 

                   85 Stanford Avenue

 

                   Pueblo, CO  81005

 

 

 

 

 

Resolutions Passed at the

 

2013 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

 

 

>From the Editor: Each year at our State Convention the Federation

deliberates over and typically passes a number of Resolutions. These

Resolutions become the policy statements of our organization.  In effect,

these are the official planks of our platform. Below are statements of our

resolve to take actions necessary to redefine blindness in Colorado and

beyond.

 

 

Resolution 2013-01

 

Regarding the Implementation of the Regional Transportation Districts Work

and Implementation of the Automated Stop Announcement System

 

 

WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) initiated Automated Stop

Announcements (ASA) on all its local, limited and regional routes within the

past month and a half, which will make traveling on all routes within the

2,400 square miles of RTD easier for all blind and low vision Coloradans and

visitors to Colorado; and

 

 

WHEREAS, conventions of the NFBCO passed Resolutions 2005-04 and 2006-05 to

encourage Colorado Transit Companies to announce transit stops and install

ASA: Now, therefore,

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado in

Convention assembled this twentieth day of October, 2013, in the city of

Colorado Springs, Colorado, that the NFBCO applauds RTD for working

partnership with us and working diligently throughout the implementation of

ASA; and 

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NFBCO extends a special thank you to Eric

Farrington and his staff at RTD for their professionalism and willingness to

work with the NFBCO to implement all our suggestions for ASA, up to and

including, the voice used for ASA, the cadence and volume of the voice, and

the nuances of how the announcements are pronounced; and 

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NFBCO encourages RTD to continue reaching out to

the NFBCO on other projects and elements of transportation such as,

paratransit, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), budget, route development,

Light Rail, Commuter Rail, accessibility on all RTDs services, Smart Card

implementation, and other future developments which make RTD a world-class

multi modal transit agency; and

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NFBCO encourages other transit agencies

throughout Colorado, and the nation, to work with the NFBCO and RTD on the

implementation of ASA on its buses as soon as possible to allow blind and

low vision riders to more effectively use its systems.  

 

 

Resolution 2013-02

 

Regarding RTD's Smart Card System

 

 

WHEREAS, Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) has begun deploying

a smart card system which allows passengers to pay for bus and train fares

by electronically charging a smart card with the amount chosen by the

passenger; and

 

 

WHEREAS, it is RTD's intent to eliminate paper tickets and passes and

replace same with these smart cards; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the kiosks which passengers use to select their fares and perform

other functions related to the cards are inaccessible to blind individuals

due to the fact that the nonvisual access solutions chosen by RTD are

ineffective; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the NFB has repeatedly advised RTD that its solutions are wholly

ineffective; and

 

 

WHEREAS, RTD has callously ignored the Federation's input, a perplexing and

disturbing circumstance given the fact that RTD has interacted productively

with the Federation on other projects such as the automated stop

announcement now in place; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the inaccessibility of the smart card system constitutes a

violation of federal and state law: Now, therefore,

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado in

Convention assembled this twentieth day of October, 2013, in the city of

Colorado Springs, Colorado, that we condemn and deplore the Regional

Transportation District for the cavalier manner in which it has handled the

accessibility of the smart card system and for its disregard of the law; and

 

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon RTD to make the smart card system

fully accessible to the blind immediately; and

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge RTD to work closely with us, as it has

done on other projects, to identify and implement the proper accessibility

solution; and 

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if RTD fails to make the smart card system fully

accessible within a reasonable time, this organization shall take whatever

legal or political action necessary to force RTD to comply with the law and

provide full accessibility to blind passengers. 

 

 

Resolution 2013-03

 

Regarding Accessibility of Freestyle Touch Screen Vending Machines 

 

 

WHEREAS, Colorado-based Noodles and Company, Burger King, and large

government institutions have begun to place Coca-Cola freestyle machines

offering consumers hundreds of choices through touch screen technologies

which are not accessible to blind and print disabled customers; and

 

 

WHEREAS, while sighted customers are granted numerous choices for self

service soft drinks with their meal purchase, the touch screen nature of the

selection buttons on freestyle machines makes it difficult if not impossible

for a blind user to independently make even a random selection and serve him

or herself without requesting assistance; and

 

 

WHEREAS, such machines with multiple choices are possible thanks to the

power of small computer processers; and 

 

 

WHEREAS, the cost of speech technologies is increasingly inexpensive and

easily incorporated into the electronics of such machines, and is always

cheaper and easier to implement when accessibility is a priority in the

process of design: Now, therefore,

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado in

Convention assembled this twentieth day of October, 2013, in the city of

Colorado Springs, Colorado, that this organization call upon the National

Automatic Merchandising Association, soft drink manufacturers, major vending

manufacturers such as Crane and U Select It to take immediate steps to

deploy speech technologies so that all customers can access product

information and enjoy refreshing beverages on equal terms and independently.

 

 

Resolution 2013-04

 

Regarding Commending the Work of The Independence Center of Colorado Springs

 

 

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado exists to be the

voice of the blind of Colorado striving to ensure security, equality, self

determination, and independence for the blind of Colorado; and

 

 

WHEREAS, since its inception 59 years ago, the National Federation of the

Blind of Colorado has exhibited a spirit and emulated a philosophy best

articulated by the first President of the National Federation of the Blind, 

 

Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, widely considered to be the father of the disability

rights movement; and 

 

 

WHEREAS, long before advocates for the Americans with Disabilities Act, the

NFB of Colorado had begun laying the groundwork for independence, equality,

and opportunity for people who are blind or otherwise disabled; and

 

 

WHEREAS, The Independence Center, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has

as its mission to work with people with disabilities, their families and the

community, to create independence so that all may thrive; and

 

 

WHEREAS, The Independence Center shares the NFBCO's commitment to the civil

rights of the disabled and the role models at The Independence Center sit,

stand, or lie at the point where people with disabilities decide whether to

create the life they desire or give in and resign themselves to society's

reduced expectations; and

 

 

WHEREAS, The Independence Center is not a Social Services organization but

an empowerment and learning community striving everyday to create a society

where people with disabilities will be accepted, employed, and welcomed; and

 

 

WHEREAS, The Independence Center has had an open door policy toward the

people and philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind; hiring

competent blind individuals, encouraging consumers to learn about the

activities of the NFB of Colorado Springs chapter, and promoting a shared

philosophy: Now, therefore,

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado in

Convention assembled this twentieth day of October, 2013, in the city of

Colorado Springs, Colorado, that this organization commend The Independence

Center for its steadfast commitment to independent living, civil rights, and

equality of opportunity; and

 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

stand ready to work in collaboration with The Independence Center on

community projects of mutual benefit to include employment, access

technology, and transportation.

 

 

Resolution 2013-05

 

Regarding Proper Location of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in

the State of Colorado Governing Structure

 

 

WHEREAS, the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is the unit in

state government with a mandate to assist persons with disabilities to

succeed at work and live independently; and

 

 

WHEREAS, its principle focus is one of vocational training and employment

outcomes for people with disabilities; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the blind of Colorado strive to be a part of a mainstream

integrated workplace supporting the economic development of the state; and

 

 

WHEREAS, a recent reorganization of the Colorado Department of Human

Services now finds the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation under the

Agency know as "Long Term Care" within the Department of Human Services; and

 

WHEREAS, Coloradans requiring services under the Division are, generally

speaking, not seeking services in any way resembling long term care; and

 

 

WHEREAS, while a government entity charged with the provision of oversight

of long term care is meritorious and necessary, it is inconsistent with the

mission of vocational rehabilitation; and

 

 

WHEREAS, housing an agency responsible for greater economic possibilities

and social integration of the blind within an agency for long term care

sends the wrong message about the capacity of people with disabilities to

consumers themselves, the general public, and employers: Now, therefore,

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado in

convention assembled this twentieth day of October, 2013, in the city of

Colorado Springs, Colorado, that this organization strongly urge Governor

John Hickenlooper, The General Assembly, and The Executive Director of the

Colorado Department of Human Services, Reggie Bicha to take such action as

necessary to immediately transfer the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

to the Office of Economic Security.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading The Blind Coloradan, Holiday Issue 2013. Errors,

assumptions, or omissions should be brought to the attention of the editor

who will likely blame Blind Buzz for any mistakes. Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Leslie Newman

Personal Website-

 <http://www.thoughtprovoker.info/> http://www.thoughtprovoker.info

NFB Writers' Division, President

Division Website-

http://writers.nfb.org

Chair, NFB Communications Committee

Nebraska Senior Division, vice President