Newsletter for the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

Newsletter for the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

Vol. 4 No. 1 Labor Day 2013

Scott C. LaBarre

NFB of Colorado President

2233 West Shepperd Avenue

Littleton, CO80120

Phone: (303) 778-1130

Kevan Worley

Editor

1837 South Nevada Avenue

PMB 243

Colorado Springs, CO80905

Phone: (866) 543-6808

Table of Contents:

A Letter from the Editor Page 3

Amazing Vacation Travel Raffle Page 4

From the President’s Desk Page 5

Save the Date: 59thAnnualState Convention Page 7

Celebrating Progress: Perspective from the EditorPage 9

Save the Date: 25th Anniversary of the CCB Page 11

Jessica at Large Page 13

Changes at the Colorado Division of Vocational RehabilitationPage 18

We Rang the BELL Again!!!Page 21

Braille Challenge Page 24

More than a Fun Evening at the Theatre Page 25

Another Successful NFBCO, Colorado Springs Picnic Page 27

One Remarkable Woman: Marie Dambrosky Page 28

Standing Up For Workers Page 30

Goalball on the Go!!! Page 32

NFBCOState Convention PreviewPage 33

The Blind Buzz…It’s Back!!!Page 35

The Letter from the Editor

Dear Reader,

We have dubbed this issue of The Blind Coloradan the Labor Day edition. We could have called it the “Celebrating 25 years at CCB edition” and it has also been suggested that we call it the “Y’all come to Colorado Springs for State Convention in October issue”. Believe me we will cover all of those important events. Abraham Lincoln once stated,"All that serves labor serves the nation. All that harms is treason. If a man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool. There is no America without labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other”.It seemed like a good time to proclaim once again our commitment to all who labor in sheltered shops, those who mop floors for Goodwill, blind workers who assemble pizza boxes and ink pens, or disassemble electronics at less than the minimum wage.We are publishing this over the Labor Day weekend. It felt like a good time to tell workers with disabilities that The National Federation of the Blind will continue our fight for justice, increased opportunity, and fair wages. Labor Day seems a truly appropriate day to say to Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall “We have asked you to support full integration and fair wages. Please tell us you have heard”.

We should also say thank you to all those who have labored with love over 25 years to make The Colorado Center for the Blind the quality training center and attitude factory that it is.

You’ll want to read Jessica at Large, and the popular Blind Buzz is back. We hope there is information in these pages which will be useful to you.

At Your Service,

Kevan Worley

Aggregator & Contributor

Amazing Vacation Travel Raffle

By: Jessica Beecham

Hello Friends

Have you ever dreamed of spending a couple of weeks in Hawaii, traveling internationally, going on a cruise, spending time in the mountains, taking your kiddos to Disney, or even going on an African safari? Let your imagination take you away on the vacation of a lifetime. Our Amazing Vacation Travel Raffle can make your vacation dreams a reality.
The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado is sponsoring an Amazing Vacation Travel Raffle in which you can purchase tickets to win a $3,500.00 gift card from E-Travel Unlimited that can be used for the vacation or vacations of your choice. Tickets are just 1 for $10.00 or only 3 for $20.00.

Proceeds support our Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program which allows kiddos ages 4-12 to learn Braille for two weeks during the summer. Proceeds also support our NFBCO scholarship program in which we give over $15,000 in scholarships to blind college students in Colorado.

You can purchase your tickets online by visiting the following link:

The winning ticket will be drawn on October 19th and the winner could be you!!! Buy now, buy often, and good luck! Please let your friends and families know about this amazing opportunity by joining our Facebook group and inviting your friends by clicking on the following link:

Good luck to all and happy travels!!!

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Greetings –

It is absolutely inconceivable that another summer has passed and that we are launching full steam into another fall. Yes, I know that the calendar and recent temperatures suggest that it is still summer but the true test of whether summer has passed into fall is the fact that my kids have started school as of Monday, August 19th. Alexander is now in fifth grade and Emily has started the third. When I think about the Federation, my thoughts often drift to family and my kiddos because I regard the Federation as part of my family. Also, when I think about my kids, I reflect upon the unlimited potential they possess and how their future is full of hope and promise.

I feel the same way about the Federation. The NFB of Colorado is on the move with two new chapters being formed just in the last few months. Congratulations to the Aurora and the PoudreValley Chapters. We have also formed a guide dog division. Our two new chapters and this new division will help us reach blind people who have not had the opportunity to hear the Federation’s message and participate in its work. In particular, I want to salute Jessica Beecham, our Chapter and Community Development Coordinator, for her hard work in helping these new entities begin. My hat also goes off to our new presidents, Wayne Marshall (Aurora), Nick Thomas (PoudreValley), and Melissa Green (Guide Dogs).

The recognition that fall is upon us also brings with it the coming of our State Convention. We will hold our 59th Annual State Convention at the Colorado Springs Marriott from October 17th - 20th. You can read about the exciting convention we have in store for you elsewhere in thisBlind Coloradan. Although we change what it means to be blind in many ways, our state convention plays a major role in shaping the future of our organization and the destiny of theblind in our state. Make sure to join us in Colorado Springs for serious work and fun.

Although we have a great deal to celebrate, there is no doubt that great barriers still remain. The fact that we are still waging a battle to get rid of subminimum wages for workers with disabilities, for example, reminds us that we cannot rest until true first class citizenship and freedom are secured. This particular morning, August 28th, I have heard a great deal on the radio and in other media about Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. How long will it be before we are judged by the content of our character and not by our disability? The answer is up to us.

Scott C. LaBarre
President
National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

SAVE THE DATE!!!

MAKING ADIFFERENCE, CHANGING LIVES!

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

OF COLORADO

59th ANNUALSTATE CONVENTION
October 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th

The 59th Annual State Convention will kick off Thursday October 17th in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. The fun will continue all weekend long with informative presentations, seminars, and much more! Join the largest gathering of blind men and women in Colorado to make a difference in the lives of the blind across the state!

NOTE: Exhibitors will be demonstrating their products on Friday and Saturday. Look for information about our vendors times and location.

THE NFBCO CONVENTION HOTEL: Our 2013 convention will be held at the Colorado Springs Marriott. Nestled in the foothills of Pikes PeakMountain this hotel offers convention attendees a breath of fresh air. The Marriott is located at 5580 Tech Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO.

Hotel Room Rates: The NFBCO room rate is $85 a night. There is no limit on room occupancy. Reservations MUST be made by September 10th.

To reserve your room by phone call: 1-800-932-2151. Mention that you are with the 59th annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado to reserve our group rate.

To Reserve your room online, use the following link:

By using the above link, the promotional code is entered automatically.

Pre-registration fees: BEFORE October 3

$15 registration

$15 Friday luncheon
$15 Saturday luncheon
$30 Saturday banquet

Total: $75.00

Registration fees AFTER October 3

$20 registration

$20 Friday luncheon
$20 Saturday luncheon
$40 Saturday banquet

Total: 100.00 (Save $25.00 and pre-register!)

Stay tuned to your email and check our web site at for more information about convention registration or contact Lisa Bonderson at .

FOR MORE CONVENTION INFORMATION CONTACT:

Scott C. LaBarre, President,

Phone: (303) 504-5979

Celebrating Progress: Perspective from the Editor

In sixteen months, the National Federation of the Blind will be entering its 75th year. In 2015 the NFB will hold a number of celebrations all across the nation. We will recognize the Federation’s seventy-five years of inspiring philosophy. It is a philosophy which has empowered thousands, changing society in dramatic ways.

For one-third of that time, Colorado has enjoyed our very own nationally-recognized training center, the ColoradoCenter for the Blind. Opened in 1988 during one of Colorado’s famed blizzards, our very own center has been teaching skills, inspiring new beliefs, and altering perceptions. Built on the rock of Federation philosophy, the Center has enjoyed 25 years of success. The ColoradoCenter for the Blind instills a sense of pride and possibility in hundreds of blind people who so often have all but given up on living a full productive life of employment, recreation, education, and accomplishment. We owe the men and women who have made the ColoradoCenter for the Blind revolution a reality. Make no mistake they were and are revolutionaries. When Diane and Ray McGeorge, along with their small band of true believers, took a risk to open an NFB center, there was no guarantee it would succeed. In fact, there were many “professionals” in the field of rehabilitation who wanted no part of this kind of training approach. After all, most of the teachers were blind. There were even blind instructors teaching independent cane travel. Cane travel instruction was taught using sleep shades. Expectations were high for staff and students. New methods and innovative techniques were designed to inspire every blind student regardless of background, socio-economic status or additional disabilities to reach new heights of independence. Diane McGeorge and her intrepid staff of five began to build victory after victory, one student at a time, changing one life at a time.

In 1999, Julie Deden assumed the helm as Executive Director. At that time, the Board asked Diane McGeorge to become its Chairperson. The accomplishments continued. Many who doubt the commitment and capacity of the blind leading the blind only need look at the past 25 years of CCB growth.

We at the Blind Coloradan recognize all who have taken the leap of faith, sometimes challenging the system to build, teach, and manage CCB programs or attend the Center. We recognize those who have gained their independence because they went to learn cooking, shopping, camp fire building, Christmas tree chopping, river rafting, calisthenics, rock climbing, Braille, technology, problem solving, philosophy of blindness, and cane travel. For many, the Center is considered the most meaningful, formative experience of their lives. I attended the ColoradoCenter more than two decades ago. On behalf of grateful alumni, we say thank you CCB. Happy Anniversary and many happy returns!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

ColoradoCenter for the Blind: Celebrating 25 Years!

September 13-14, 2013

Join us to honor our alumni and celebrate the difference that the ColoradoCenter for the Blind has made for blind people in the past quarter of a century.

Hotel information:

Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec Street, Denver, Colorado80207

Reservations: 1-800-468-3571 Room rate: $109/night

Room block name:ColoradoCenter for the Blind Gala

Event Schedule:

Friday, September 13

Meet Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, his wife Mrs. Patricia Maurer, Mark Riccobono, Executive Director of the Jernigan Institute, Diane McGeorge, founder of the Colorado Center, the Board of Directors, students, staff, alumni, and others who have been critical to the development and success of this nationally recognized program.

Blind people are in charge of their lives and have the ability to make things happen: to progress, to compete, to excel.

• Let Mark Riccobono, a graduate of the ColoradoCenter, take you for a ride in a cardesigned by the National Federation of the Blind
• Learn about Braille and literacy
• Take a tour of the Center
• Don’t miss Ann Cunningham, an internationally known tactile artist. Try your hand at tactile drawing.
• Meet our students as they grill up delicious food for your lunch!

Rides in the car: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Lunch: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Center is open until: 4:00 pm

Saturday, September 14

During the day:Denver area tours will be available so that you can enjoy sightseeing, spend time with your friends and meet new ones. The following tours may be available depending upon demand:

1. Meet Ann Cunningham and ColoradoCenter students at the DenverArt Museum. Look at the beautiful sculptures and check out the tactile art.
2. Take a trip to Golden to learn all about the Coors Brewery. The tour is fun, interesting, and tasty.
3. Shopping in either downtown Denver or the Northfield area close to the hotel.

Evening: Gala Event at the Renaissance Denver Hotel

Reception and dinner at 5:00 pm: $25 for alumni and $40 for all other guests.

Dancing and socializing: 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm

ColoradoCenter for the Blind

2233 West Shepperd Avenue

Littleton, CO80120

303-778-1130

303-778-1598

Take charge with confidence and self-reliance

Jessica At Large

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…

The NFBCO is moving and shaking in 2013! In February, the NFB of Colorado was well represented at the Washington Seminar. The Washington Seminar is one of the largest public education endeavors of the National Federation of the Blind each year. Later that month,50 of our NFBCO members were in attendance as we walked the halls of the Colorado State Capitol. We requested support from the Colorado General Assembly to work with us regarding transportation across the state, continued funding for NFB-NEWSLINE® and Audio Information Network of Colorado, and accessible testing for students in the K-12 setting. Our good friend, Representative Pete Lee of Colorado Springs, graciously introduced us from the floor of the House. After that we were off! We either spoke with or left information for, each of the 65 House members and 35 Senate members. Our members always bring the kind of energy and enthusiasm that evokes positive change.

In April, we started work to organize a chapter in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Our first meeting boasted an attendance of 15 individuals interested in seeing positive change for the blind in the Ft. Collins/Loveland area. In June, we created a constitution to be ratified by our state board, chose a name, and elected a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors for the Poudre Valley Chapter consists of President, Nick Thomas who is also one of our NFBCO scholarship finalists; Vice President, Nelson Rodriguez, Secretary, J.J. Aragon; Treasurer, Trisha Cavallaro; and board members David Walden and Penn Street. The chapter members are chomping at the bit with plans to increase bus accessibility, build membership, fundraise, and create an exciting White Cane Day event for October. Watch out Colorado! The PoudreValley chapter is here and ready to make things happen! The Poudre Valley Chapter meets at Old Chicago Pizza, 147 South College Avenue, Ft. Collins, CO on the first Saturday of each month from 12:30 pm-2:30 pm. If you are in the PoudreValley area, please come by and join us! This Chapter will also be participating in the Disability Pride Parade on September 7th in Ft.Collins. They will also be having a bike ride fundraiser in which you can sponsor chapter members by the mile. The ride will be adistance of 24 miles and will take place on September 14th. For more information, or to sponsor one of the chapter members in the ride, please call me at 303-778-1130 x 223.

The Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users (COAGDU) has met twice. The first meeting was a small steering committee to get the group organized. The second meeting consisted of nine guide dog users from across the state who hammered out the constitution, which will be ratified by the National Association of Guide Dog Users as well as the NFBCO Board of Directors. Their meetings will be on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. To join the COAGDU monthly meeting, please dial 712-432-1500 and enter access code 564151#. Melissa Green who has been a long time member of the National Association of Guide Dog Users is spearheading organizational efforts. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa at or 970-356-8630.

As usual, our chapters have been doing some really exciting things. The Mile High Chapter conducted their second annual wine and chocolate tasting. This year, the event was held at DiVine wine in Denver, Colorado. The wine and chocolate pairings were fantastic and guests had a fabulous time. The Mile High Chapter is holding an evening at the theater fundraiser on October 10th for a viewing of “The Most Deserving”. Tickets are priced at $50.00 and will include food, door prizes, and more. To purchase a ticket, please contact Lorinda Riddle at or by phone at 303-778-1130 x 236.

The North Metro Chapter had their second annual wine tasting at Spero Winery in Westminister, CO. The homemade Italian cuisine, excellent wine, and wonderful door prizes were an intoxicating combo for participants who left raving about the event and discussing plans to return next year. The North Metro Chapter assisted several of its members making it possible for them to attend the National Convention in Orlando, Florida. A highlight was Arianna Roybal, age 6, proudly sporting her newly beautified Hello Kitty cane!