[Nfb-greeley] Fw: CCB September-October Newsletter

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: Carol Sprague
To: csprague at cocenter.org
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 4:13 PM
Subject: CCB September-October Newsletter


COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND

2233 W. Shepperd Ave.

Littleton, CO  80120

303-778-1130   800-401-4632

ccb at cocenter.org    www. cocenter.org



September-October 2012 Newsletter



Take charge with confidence and self-reliance





Message from the Director



The summer months at the Colorado Center for the Blind were filled with 
laughter, excitement, new learning and challenges. At this writing, it is 
the end of October.  Fall is in the air, we have already had our first snow, 
experienced walking through crunchy leaves, been exhilarated by  the crisp 
autumn  air and enjoyed freshly baked apple crisp.



Each day our students learn that their blindness does not need to limit 
them.  They realize that part of their responsibility is to educate the 
public about blindness so they can understand that blind people can compete 
equally and effectively with their sighted peers.  October is known as “Meet 
the Blind” month.  Students participated in a fair at the Auraria campus, 
demonstrated blindness techniques at the Veterans Administration, met with 
international students from the Spring Institute and handed out over 1000 
pieces of literature in downtown Denver on October 15th.  On October 11th 
the center hosted an open house.  Several students volunteered to be tour 
guides.  We were pleased to show them our building as we have completed 
several renovations since we purchased it from the YMCA in 2000.  This 
wouldn’t have been possible if we had not received Community Development 
Block Grant   funds.  Our guests were just part of the classes that we 
teach.  They expressed their appreciation for being invited and were excited 
to learn how blind people cook, read and write Braille, use power tools and 
access the internet, use iPhones and so much more.



Program Notes

Youth Program

Brent Batron Youth Services Coordinator, a student and the outreach 
coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind attended a college fair 
at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.  They talked with students 
about being successful in college and were pleased to meet so many vibrant 
students eager to go off to college. Following their meeting with the 
students, they met with Jennifer Langley the new principal at the school to 
discuss setting up a mentoring program.



If you are interested in becoming a part of the mentoring program either as 
a mentor or mentee, please contact Brent to get started!



Independence Training Program

In September we presented Ellaun with his freedom bell.  Ellaun is from 
Missouri and he worked hard throughout his program.   He was always happy to 
assist others whether they were students or guests.  Ellaun wants to return 
to Denver to obtain employment and to live in his own apartment.



John also proudly rang his bell of freedom in September.  Losing his vision 
later in life, John did not believe at first that he could live a happy 
life.  While at the center he learned that he could travel all over the city 
and especially loved cooking for his friends.



Senior Program

Seniors in Charge:

On October 2nd six seniors came from all over the state and the country to 
participate in intensive training for a week.  Our oldest student in this 
program was 83.  They all spent time in the woodshop using a router and the 
table saw.  The students prepared delicious meals, loved learning Braille 
and all used their canes with pride.  Their family members expressed their 
appreciation on the last day of this program.  Everyone realizes that they 
can continue to be productive and have fun at the same time.  This program 
is especially valuable as the seniors have the opportunity to meet all kinds 
of blind role models.



Senior groups are available weekly.  For more information, please call 
Duncan Larsen at 303-778-1130 extension 226.



Professional Training Program:

We were pleased to have six paraprofessionals with us for a full day of 
blindness training.  This group was ready to learn as they are dedicated to 
teaching and were excited to develop a variety of blindness techniques.  We 
had them utilize a cane with sleepshades to get a good idea about how to 
travel.  They learned about technology, home management, Braille and general 
information about blindness.



We are always pleased to provide training for professionals.



Staff in the Spotlight

When you call the center you will most likely connect first with Robert 
Dyson.  Robert loves talking to perspective students who are thinking about 
coming to the center.  He talks with them about blindness and how the center 
can give them the skills and confidence they are looking for.  He is a big 
reason why students want to come to the center because he makes them feel 
very comfortable.  Robert also coordinates our volunteers at the center. 
This can be a lot of work as we have many volunteers who drive and do other 
jobs for us.



Robert is a graduate of the center.  He lost his vision some years ago and 
obtained his first job as a blind person at Citicorp Diners Club.  Robert 
credits the center for his success.  He understands what it is like to lose 
vision.  He is always encouraging to others and challenges our students to 
reach their full potential.  Robert is celebrating 10 years at the center!



Upcoming Events:

November 9: Shark dissection

November 17:  NFB of Denver chapter meeting 10:00 am to noon

November 30: Career fair for blind students





To refer someone who is interested in training, please call Robert Dyson at 
303-778-1130 extension 249.





If you have items for the newsletter, please send them to ccb at cocenter.org.









Please note that my email address has changed to:  csprague at cocenter.org



Carol Sprague

Administrative Coordinator

Colorado Center for the Blind

2233 W. Shepperd Ave.

Littleton, CO  80120

303-778-1130

303-778-1598 fax

www.cocenter.org



Take charge with confidence and self-reliance




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