[Colorado-talk] Blind Coloradoan January 25

[kevan at nfbco.org]

(Up there on top is the NFB of Colorado Logo followed by "Live the life you
want.")

Blind Coloradoan Blog January 25, 2019

Writer, aggregator Kevan Worley. Co-editor Dan Burke.

Happy New Year! Here is what you need to know. 

 

Hear ye, hear ye! Oh yay, oh yay! Draw nigh! Carpe Diem! The Seventy-second
session of the Colorado General Assembly has begun. On February 11, blind
citizens and allies will gather for the NFBCO Day at the Capitol. NFBCO
extends to you a warm and welcoming invitation to join the day. We will
assemble by 8 a.m. on Monday February 11 in Senate Caucus Room 352, S.C.R
352, for our issue briefing. Senator Pete Lee and State Representative Mark
Schneider plan to offer brief remarks. Those who have previously joined us
for the Day at the Capitol know that after the briefing we will fan out to
locate members of the general assembly in their offices or elsewhere in the
capitol. We will have educational materials about the National Federation of
the Blind for General Assembly members and their legislative staff members.
This year, we will provide legislators perspective and information about our
continuing effort to gain complete total and convenient access to the
ballot. (See Dan Burke's excellent article, I Voted Twice, in the January
issue of the Braille Monitor
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1901/bm190107.htm> .) We
will also advocate for the General Assembly's continuing support for NFB
Newsline. In addition, we will be following up our work of 3 years ago to
ensure that specialized services through the Blindness and Low Vision
Services Unit under the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation continues
unimpeded. Even those who are not active members of NFBCO will enjoy the Day
at the Capitol experience. Learn about the positions taken by the oldest and
largest organization of the blind in Colorado. Learn about the process of
law making at the state level. Enjoy the camaraderie. You will meet some
wonderful people. The need for change is great. Our record of legislative
accomplishment has been remarkable. In the last session, Representative
Jessie Danielson sponsored and managed our parent's rights bill, H.B.
18-1104, The Family Preservation Safeguards for Parents With Disabilities
Act. She did so with determination and diplomacy. When concerns were raised
by county officials as to the sweeping nature of reform, Representative
Danielson brought leaders and stakeholders together. NFBCO President Scott
LaBarre is an expert on civil rights law. He says he thinks this new law,
signed by the Governor this past June, may be the strongest parents' rights
bill in the nation. When we share the authentic needs, hopes, and dreams of
the blind of Colorado with members of our General Assembly they are willing
to take up our cause. This is what we will do on February 11. (Note: This
past November, Jessie Danielson was elected to the Colorado Senate.
Congratulations to her!)

Field Trip. Teachers and parents bring your blind students to our Day at the
Capitol! It's a marvelous way to experience how laws are made. You and your
students will benefit by joining blind role models. It is great fun! Hey
teachers and kids, lunch on me. 

 






Photo of blind entrepreneur, Nate Hecker, standing by the kiosk he operates
at State Capitol Lower Level.




 

Colorado is a vote-by-mail state. As noted above, members of NFBCO and our
allies will visit with members of the General Assembly on Monday, February
11. Curtis Chong, long-time Federation leader, has provided perspective on
equal access to the ballot to the Blind Coloradoan. Here it is. Registered
voters receive in the mail a printed ballot which they mark and send in
during an election. Blind Coloradans who are unable to see the printed
ballot have no way to mark this printed ballot without sighted assistance,
thus compromising their ability to cast a truly secret ballot. Although it
is possible for voters who are blind to use equipment at the polls to mark
the ballot in complete secrecy, some voters who are blind either do not have
transportation available to get them to the polls or the equipment provided
for nonvisual access to the printed ballot oftentimes does not work.

 

Fortunately, there is a solution to this dilemma. Technology exists which
enables blind voters to request an online version of the printed ballot and
secretly and independently mark the ballot using the access technology with
which they are most familiar. This technology has been successfully deployed
in Maryland and New Mexico, and in the case of the latter, at little or no
cost to the state.

 

The State of Colorado should adopt a similar system-a system that is based
on proven technology and which has worked extremely well for blind voters. 

 

Membership in the National Federation of the Blind brings tangible benefits.
Aira announces NFB exclusive plan. For details and to experience go to
aira.io/nfb <http://www.aira.io/nfb>  or call 800-835-1934. Introduce
yourself! The NFB Aira Intro Plan is the most inexpensive Aira has ever
offered. $20 for 30 minutes per month. It's a very nice rate to begin
enjoying the service. The most popular plan is the NFB $99 offer. Receive
140 minutes, numerous guest features, connect with agents anytime anywhere,
referral plan to earn savings and minutes. Austria glasses are included.
Inexpensive options to upgrade to the newest Horizon glasses available.
Learn more by listening to NFB President Mark Riccobono's release January 4,
#worldbrailleday.

 

To paraphrase Herodotus, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night
nor Government shut down stays these civil rights activists from their
appointed rounds with members of Congress." National Federation of the Blind
will visit the 116th Congress January 28th, 29th, and 30th. If you are not
able to attend send us your positive energy. We will need your help when we
return. Get all the facts <https://nfb.org/2019-legislative-agenda> ! You
become the expert. Read and share with your chapter or division. 

 

Hey Alexa. Monday January 15, NFB Newsline subscribers received orientation
to the Alexa NFB Newsline Skill. Colorado joined subscribers from Georgia
and Indiana. The interactive presentation was taught by the main man
himself, Scott White. Scott is Director, NFB Newsline. He has led the
development of this service for 12 years. Scott's innovative management has
led to more ways to access the service. His commitment to increase content
has built NFB Newsline into the power news and entertainment provider for
people who are reading disabled. Future NFB Newsline training calls are
contemplated. To do a deep dive into the Skill spend some time at NFB.org
<https://nfb.org/accessing-nfb-newsline-through-amazon-alexa.> .

 

Maureen Nietfeld joins Project Literacy. At the 2018 NFBCO state convention,
we kicked off a new initiative to grow and promote braille literacy, NFB
Newsline, NFBCO scholarship program, and our 2nd annual 6 Dot Dash 5k.
Maureen Nietfeld, one of the busiest, most respected NFBCO leaders has
agreed to join this new effort. Maureen left her position at the Colorado
Center for the Blind after 8 years as the Home Management Coordinator. At
CCB she taught, mentored, and inspired staff and students alike. Maureen and
David Nietfeld are now the proud parents of Logan. The little man is 5
months old. Mamma Maureen plans to return to school and go back to work
assisting with the Project Literacy enterprise. She joins NFBCO Secretary
Jessica Beecham and all of us who do this work with joy. 

 






 

Our Christmas Babe in arms. Pictured here David holds sleeping Logan,
Maureen with Santa Dan Burke at the Colorado Center for the Blind.

 

In its January 19 meeting, the NFB of Denver Chapter elected the following:

Dan Burke, President;

Vicki Sayler, 1st Vice President;

Dishon Spears, 2nd Vice President;

Treasurer, Brittany Savage;

Secretary, Kyra Sweeney;

Board Members John Batron, Brett Boyer and Showe Trella.

 

Note to our fitness enthusiasts. The January USABA Newsletter is out. Click
here <https://www.usaba.org/news/>  to check it out!

A discussion of air travel among the bling will inevitably lead to stories
of the horrible and hilarious. Doctoral student, Bhoomika Bhagchandani,
offers us an opportunity to share our experiences. Bhoomika is a doctoral
student at Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State
University. She is conducting a research study to examine the air travel
experiences of individuals who are blind and visually impaired. She can be
contacted at bbhagcha at asu.edu <mailto:bbhagcha at asu.edu>  or 602-317-2337.

 

Award * Encourage * Achieve

Building opportunities for the blind in education and beyond.

 

So, you are blind. You are visually impaired. You are a parent or teacher of
a legally blind student. Never fear, the NFBCO is here! On Saturday March
2nd at noon, NFBCO will share tips and tricks to seek and complete
scholarship applications specific to blind students. Do not face the
daunting task of searching for financial assistance to further your
education alone. Details about this all-important training will be announced
soon. For now, just spread the word and plan to join the experts. This
special seminar at the Colorado Center for the Blind will be one not to be
missed. 

 

This year the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado will be awarding
up to $15,000 in scholarship funds for deserving students. If you are a
legally blind student who is a resident of Colorado, please apply
immediately!

*	If you are a teacher, counselor, family member or friend of a
legally blind student who is a resident of Colorado, please encourage them
to apply now! Students who have previously won an NFBCO scholarship are
encouraged to apply again. 
*	All scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, service
to the community, and financial need. 
*	Applications are due by Monday, April 15, 2019
*	Winners will attend the 2019 National Federation of the Blind of
Colorado's annual state convention held October 31st through November 3rd at
the Fort Collins Hilton. Winners will be awarded their scholarships at the
banquet on Saturday evening, November 2nd, 2019. Proud moms, dads, teachers,
siblings, grandparents, and friends are invited to join the celebration. In
addition, scholarship winners will be required to attend the 2019 NFB
National Convention which is scheduled to take place July 7-12 at Mandalay
Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.   This expense-paid National
Federation of the Blind convention education experience is in addition to
the scholarship grant.
*	For info reach Scholarship Chairperson Jessica Beecham,
jessica at nfbco.org <mailto:jessica at nfbco.org> . Also visit National
Federation of the Blind of Colorado. <https://www.nfbco.org/for-students>


 

But wait, there is more! 

Deserving, starving students always need more money.  The National
Federation of the Blind has the most robust scholarship program in the
nation. Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty merit-based
scholarships
<https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program/list-of-scholarships>
currently available, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000. Deadline for
applications is March 31, 2019. Visit National Federation of the Blind
<https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program>  for more scholarship
information and application. 

 

But wait, there is even more! 

The SEE THE FUTURE Fund is pleased to award scholarships to qualified
visually impaired and blind students who are Colorado residents. This
scholarship fund is made possible through generous donations by
ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, staff, corporations, educators,
foundations and many others with an interest in the lives of the visually
impaired and blind. All scholarships are awarded based on academic
achievement, school and community service, and individual need. Scholarships
totaling up to $42,000 may be awarded. Probable distribution will be one (1)
$12,000 four-year scholarship, one (1) $10,000 four-year scholarship, one
(1) $8,000 four-year scholarship, and three (3) $4,000 two year
scholarships. Application deadline, March 1st, 2019. For more information
and application, See The Future.
<https://www.seethefuture.org/efl-app-info.html> 

 

Christian Record Services for the Blind Scholarships.

"When I was a child of about 7 years old, I was living with grandparents in
small-town Illinois. I felt isolated with no access to reading material or
blind peers. One day, a gentleman came to our door from the Christian Record
Services for the Blind. He was interested in my welfare and that of my
family's. He provided information and inspiration. And, he gave me a record.
He connected us with the Library of Congress Talking Book Program and the
Foundation began sending me these audio magazines on record. Inspirational
articles were read. Interviews with real blind people were presented. I will
always have a place in my heart for the Christian Record Services for the
Blind."

As one of the leading producers of free full-vision publications for
children and teens with visual impairments, Christian Record Services for
the Blind awards several partial scholarships annually for up to $2,000 to
legally blind young people who are striving to obtain a college degree in
the United States. Deadline, April 1st, 2019. Get the info at Christian
Record Services for the Blind
<https://christianrecord.org/member-services/overview.html> . 

 

The December 14th issue carried a note about the upcoming Anchor Center
Visions of Love event. But, you can never have too much love! Especially
around Valentine's Day. Friday, February 8th, the Anchor Center for Blind
Children is hosting Visions of Love 2019. This charming event pairing wine
and chocolate celebrates the artistry of all things decadent. Enjoy this
opportunity to pamper your palate and share the magic of Anchor Center's
building and mission during the season of love. Hosted by the Denver Delta
Gamma Alumnae Chapter, tickets are $50 for General Admission, $75 for VIP.
Get all the dets at Anchor Center for Blind Children
<https://anchorcenter.org/visionsoflove/> . See you there!

 

Winner, winner, winner! At the 2018 convention of the National Federation of
the Blind, an award of $5,000 went to Peggy Chong who, for more than two
decades, has documented empowering stories about blind people on her
website, theblindhistorylady.com. Peggy was honored along with 5 other
recipients of the distinguished Bolotin Award. Many of us enjoyed Peggy's
stories at the 2018 NFBCO State Convention. Peggy and her husband Curtis
have been leaders of the Federation since the early 1970s. This past Fall,
they moved to Colorado. Peggy is already taking a leadership role in our
affiliate. The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards honor individuals and organizations
that are a positive force in the lives of blind people and whose work
advances the ultimate goal of helping transform our dreams into reality. Dr.
Jacob W. Bolotin (1888-1924) was the world's first physician who was blind
from birth. He achieved that goal despite the tremendous challenges faced by
blind people in his time. Not only did he realize his own dream, but he also
went on to support and inspire many others.

Application information
<https://nfb.org/programs/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information> .
Application deadline, April 15, 2019. Contact James Gashel, Chairman, Email:
bolotinaward at nfb.org <mailto:bolotinaward at nfb.org> , Mobile: 808-234-9259,
Google Voice: 970-306-9779.

 

Applications are now open for the third annual Holman Prize for Blind
Ambition. The Holman Prize is funded by the LightHouse for the Blind and
Visually Impaired of San Francisco. This prize awards up to $25,000 each to
three blind individuals who wish to push their own limits and carry out a
"dream" project of their own creation. The Holman Prize is named for 19th
century explorer <https://holman.lighthouse-sf.org/who-is-james-holman/>
James Holman ("the blind traveler"), who was the first blind person to
circumnavigate the globe, and the most prolific traveler of any person
before the era of modern transportation. The application process consists of
3 phases. Phase 1, the YouTube Pitch. Phase 2, the written proposal. Phase
3, the interviews and judging. 2019 prizewinners are announced in July.
Check out the frequently asked questions at www.holman.ligthhouse-sf.org/faq
<http://www.holman.ligthhouse-sf.org/faq> . 

 

Share Braille books. Do you have a Braille book you'd like to share with
others? Are you interested in receiving a Braille book in the mail? Register
<https://dev.sharebraille.org/user/register> , log in
<https://dev.sharebraille.org/user/login> , share, and browse. Join hundreds
of Braille readers, teachers, parents, and students in increasing the use of
Braille books through ShareBraille.org. www.ShareBraille.org
<http://www.ShareBraille.org>  lets you share Braille books all year long.
You can continually send and receive Braille books, keeping them in
circulation for years to come.

 

NEW BOOKS FROM NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS. National Braille Press, nbp.org
<http://www.nbp.org/> , 800-548-7323. A number of board books for babies and
preschoolers are available from National Braille Press. They can be
purchased singly or, at a discount, in sets of three. Titles include Animal
Kisses; Hop on Pop; Bears and a Birthday; What's Wrong Little Pookie?;
That's Not My Monkey; That's Not My Pony; and That's Not My Elephant. 

 

Writing Your Way. Also available at nbp.org, Composing and editing on an
iPhone or iPad, by Judy Dixon. Available in Braille and electronic formats.
Most of us who have used an iPhone or iPad have done some writing on it, but
how many are ready to write a term paper or full-length article with this
technology? In this comprehensive reference guide, Judy Dixon explores
strategies and techniques that can make writing and editing on your device a
breeze.

 

TECHNOLOGY. Computers for the Blind, computersfortheblind.net
<http://www.computersfortheblind.net/> , Computers for the Blind provides
refurbished computers with assistive technology installed at affordable
prices. Recently Computers for the Blind has partnered with VFO, whose
brands include Freedom Scientific and Ai Squared. Laptop and desktop
computers with monitors are available with Windows 10, and they ship with
JAWS and ZoomText installed.

 

"There is no business like show business" especially when we join our
friends for truly spectacular performances direct from Broadway at the
Denver Center for Performing Arts. Lorinda Riddle, our own Ethel Merman,
sends the following announcement. The Mile High Chapter of the NFB of
Colorado have two plays lined up as fundraisers for the spring and summer
season.  Ticket prices this year, even at our discounted rate, have
increased so our price to you is also higher.  For those who have attended
in the past you know that our seat locations are quite good and worth the
cost.

 

The first play for the Mile High Chapter will be "The Play That Goes Wrong"
on Sunday, March 17 at 2 pm.  Tickets are $40 each.   On Sunday, June 1 at 2
pm we will see "Wicked."  Those tickets will be $50 each.

 

The Blind Parents are also planning to attend two shows to raise funds. CATS
on Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m.  "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" on
Sunday, July 27 at 2 pm. Contact Brittany Savage at
tanielizabeth21 at yahoo.com <mailto:tanielizabeth21 at yahoo.com>  if interested
in these shows.

 

The Seniors will be attending Fiddler on the Roof on Saturday, June 15 at 2
pm and possibly Hello Dolly on Sunday, April 7 at 2 pm. Contact Anahit
LaBarre at alabarre at cocenter.org <mailto:alabarre at cocenter.org>  if
interested.

 

"Mr. Wonka: "Don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got
everything he wanted."
Charlie Bucket: "What happened?"
Mr. Wonka: "He lived happily ever after." 
― Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

 

Did Not See Your Item in This Issue? Be a contributor! Send announcements,
ideas, articles, and observations to either myself <mailto:kevan at nfbco.org>
or Dan Burke <mailto:dburke at cocenter.org> . Enjoy this blog on NFB Newsline
or read it at blog spot
<https://theblindcoloradan.blogspot.com/2018/11/your-thanksgiving-blind-colo
radan.html> . When it comes to 2019, we say, "Live the Life You Want."

 

At Your Service,



Kevan Worley

Manager, NFBCO Project Literacy

Cell: (303)929-2369

 <http://www.nfbco.org/> www.nfbco.org 



 

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