[Nfbnet-members-list] 63rd Annual NFB Colorado Convention

Fri Oct 27 01:27:50 UTC 2017

Greetings everyone, I invite you to participate 
in the 63rd Annual Convention of the National 
Federation of the Blind of Colorado occurring 
this weekend.  We will stream general sessions 
and the Banquet.  The first session starts 
tomorrow Friday, October 27 at 11:00 am Mountain 
time.  The link for our streaming  is:
<http://cent6.directhostingcenter.com:2199/tunein/eomuiimi.pls>http://cent6.directhostingcenter.com:2199/tunein/eomuiimi.pls

I have pasted  below our agenda.  Additionally, 
if you still want a crack at Amazing Colorado 
Raffle tickets with prizes of $2500, $1000, and 
$500, online sales are closed but we can take 
phone orders.  Send me an email at 
<mailto:slabarre at labarrelaw.com>slabarre at labarrelaw.com 
or call me on my cell 303 520-3584, or text me at 
that same number.      I will make sure someone 
calls you and has the equipment to process your 
card.  We draw those tickets Saturday evening 
about 8:00 pm Mountain time and you need not be present to win.

Cheers,
Scott

AGENDA

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado

63rd Annual State Convention
October 26 – October 29, 2017

Fort Collins Hilton
425 West Prospect Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III

LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT!

Scott C. LaBarre, President
2233 W. Shepperd Avenue
Littleton, CO 80120
303-778-1130

NFBCO Logo K Rect for ticket 2

NFB PLEDGE

   I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the
   National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality,
   opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the
   policies and programs of the Federation and to abide
   by its constitution.

NFB MESSAGE

   The National Federation of the Blind knows that
   blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or
   your future. Every day we raise the expectations of
   blind people, because low expectations create
   obstacles between blind people and their dreams.
   You can live the life you want; blindness is not what
   holds you back.

TRIBUTE TO OUR SPONSORS

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our Title Sponsor;
Colorado Center for the Blind.

Since 1988, the CCB has been changing what it 
means to be blind one life at a time.  The Center 
has provided world class blindness training to 
students from all over the world.  Contact Julie 
Deden, Executive Director, 
<mailto:jdeden at cocenter.org>jdeden at cocenter.org, 
303-778-1130.  Also visit 
<http://www.cocenter.org/>www.cocenter.org for more information.

WE ALSO THANK OUR TITANIUM, GOLD AND SILVER SPONSORS:

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titanium Sponsor
Audio Information Network of Colorado, Gold Sponsor
Charter Communications, Gold Sponsor
LaBarre Law Offices, P.C., Gold Sponsor
WE Fit Wellness, Gold Sponsor
Colorado Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, Silver Sponsor

GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION

REGISTRATION:
Colorado State Ballroom Foyer Salons II & III
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Registration Fee:                                   $25.00
Friday Luncheon:                                   $30.00
Saturday Lunch:                                    $30.00

Saturday Banquet:                                 $45.00

CHILDCARE INFORMATION:
Please contact childcare coordinator, Rebekah Felix,
719-306-5151 to make arrangements.

Childcare will be held in Hospitality Suite #232.

Friday:  Childcare will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Parents must provide meals for their children.

Saturday:  Childcare will be open from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.  Parents must provide lunch for their children.
Childcare will re-open at 6:30 p.m. and close at 10:00 p.m.

Sunday:  Childcare will be open from 8:45 a.m. to Noon.

DOG RELIEF AREA INFORMATION:

 From the last automatic door on the West side 
entrance to the hotel go 23 feet (straight ahead) 
and on the left/South and the right/North are two 
mulch areas for dog relief. On the left on the 
rock pillar are “poopy pouches” on a dispenser 
attached about 5 feet up on the West side. On the 
left and right are also two outdoor trash 
receptacles. The one with a 3 foot hole is for 
recyclables and the one with the 8 inch hole is 
for trash/waste. The mulch to the right extends 
to the wall on the outside pool deck and on the 
left the mulch extends out to the 10 foot round gazebo.

DOOR PRIZES:

Julie Deden serves as our Door Prize 
Chairwoman.  Door Prizes will be drawn in general 
Convention session and you must be present to 
win.  Please bring your prizes to Julie prior to 
the beginning of general sessions.

RECYCLING LANYARDS AND NAME BADGE HOLDERS

If you do not care to keep your Convention 
lanyard and name badge holder, do please drop 
them off on the registration table at the 
ballroom entry as Convention winds down.  We will 
be able to use them for future Conventions.

EXHIBITS:

Exhibits will be open in the Hilton Atrium 
throughout the entire Convention at the 
discretion of the individual exhibitor and 
primarily when there aren't competing Convention 
activities. The times listed below are definitely 
scheduled and it is likely that exhibits will 
also be open during breakout sessions, especially on Friday.

Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Please stop to visit the following exhibitors and sponsors:

AIRA Tech, Exhibitor
AKB Visions for NanoPac, Inc., Exhibitor
Ambron Products, Exhibitor
Audio Information Network of Colorado, Gold Sponsor
BAUM USA, Exhibitor
Blind Tech Training, Exhibitor
Charter Communications, Gold Sponsor
Colorado Business Enterprise Program, Exhibitor
Colorado Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, Silver Sponsor
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Exhibitor
Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Exhibitor
HumanWare, Exhibitor
LaBarre Law Offices, P.C., Gold Sponsor
MagniSight, Inc., Exhibitor
No Barriers: Leading the Way, Exhibitor
University of Maine, Exhibitor
US Association of Blind Athletes, Exhibitor
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titanium Sponsor
WE Fit Wellness, Gold Sponsor

Special thanks to Learning Ally for their support of this year’s convention.

Note:  This year we will again be conducting a 
door prize drawing for all those who can prove 
that they have visited at least twelve 
exhibitors.  You will be given a sheet to which 
exhibitors will affix a sticker.  When your sheet 
has twelve stickers return it to Lorinda Riddle 
and it will be placed in a drawing for a nice prize.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 26, 2017

1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FIND YOUR TALENT: PATHWAY TO POSSIBILITIES
         Salons I & V

1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Welcome, review schedule and overview of the path that led to this seminar

Master of Ceremony team: Kevan Worley and Julia Zanon

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Career Pathways, Sector Partnerships, Talent 
Found, Competencies assessment and what employers need
Presenters Jeff Sidders and Renise Walker
Built in time for Q and A

3:00 p.m.
BREAK

3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
TWO TRACKS

Track I:  EXPANDING YOUR TALENT POOL
(for employers, WFC staff, educators, job placement vendors)
The theme of this track is Blindness Awareness
Presenters Julie Deden and Laverne Dell

Track II: MAKING THE MOST OF MY TALENT
(for job seekers)
Special guests Ryan Mehaffey and Ethan Hollinger 
from Blind Institute of Technology

The theme is resources, strategies, brainstorming careers
Presenters Jeff Sidders and Monique Melton

THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 26, 2017

5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
NETWORKING PATHWAYS
NETWORKING RECEPTION
         Salon II

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar while 
networking with your Federation colleagues and 
those participating in the employment seminar.

7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
NFBCO MOVIE NIGHT
         Salons I & V

We will screen the new hour long documentary,
“Do You Dream in Color?”

You are invited to share the story of four blind 
teenagers as they struggle to navigate the low 
expectations they confront in school and society. 
Connor wants to be a sponsored skateboarder. 
Sarah wants to travel the world. Nick dreams of 
being a rock star. Carina wants to be the first 
member of her family to graduate high school.

For their work on this project, filmmakers Sarah 
Ivy and Abigail Fuller received a $15,000 Jacob 
Bolotin award at the 2017 National Federation of 
the Blind Convention for outstanding 
contributions toward achieving the full 
integration of the blind into society on the 
basis of equality. We will hold an informative 
discussion after the movie has concluded. Popcorn 
and a cash bar will be available at this picture show.

FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 27, 2017

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION
                 Colorado State Ballroom Foyer Salons II & III

Pick up your pre-registration packets and 
register for door prize drawings.  If you didn't 
register in advance, Convention Registration is 
$25.00, Friday Luncheon $30.00, Saturday Luncheon $30.00, and Banquet $45.00.

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS SHOWCASE
Hilton Atrium

Peruse this year’s selection of Convention 
Sponsors and Exhibitors and find out what is new 
in technology, products, and services.  In 
particular, we want to salute our Title Sponsor, Colorado Center for the Blind.

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
         RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
                 Salon I

         Brent Batron and Dan Burke, Co-chairmen

8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
NFB OF COLORADO KID CORRAL
Hospitality Suite #232
Bekah Felix, Corral Leader

This is our NFB of Colorado Childcare and it’s 
not just babysitting.  Bekah has planned a number 
of activities to keep the kiddos busy.  Although 
there is no charge for Corral, we ask that you 
register your children for the 
Convention.  Donations to NFBCO are welcome to 
help defray the expenses.  Kids in childcare will 
be eligible to receive door prizes through their 
parents if their names are called.  Also, parents 
are responsible for providing the children with 
meals, except for the banquet when pizza will be 
provided to the kiddos.  Snacks will be available throughout.

LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION I
Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III

11:00 a.m.
WELCOME, LOGISTICS, AND OPENING CEREMONIES

Scott LaBarre, President, NFB Colorado, 
Centennial, Colorado; Cerridwyn Nordstrom, 
President, Fort Collins Chapter, NFB Colorado, 
Fort Collins, Colorado; Cathy Jackson, Member, 
NFB Board of Directors, President, NFB Kentucky, 
Louisville, Kentucky; Alexander LaBarre and Emily 
LaBarre, Centennial, Colorado; Michelle (Showe) 
Trela, Treasurer, NFB Denver, Centennial, Colorado

11:15 a.m.
SERVING THE BLIND AND LOW VISION IN NORTHERN COLORADO

Denny Moyer, CEO/President, Ensight Skills Center 
Inc. for Visual Rehabilitation and Curtis Strong 
Center for the Visually Impaired, Fort Collins, Colorado

11:30 a.m.
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS AND ACHIEVING TRUE SUCCESS 
AT THE BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION UNIT

Steve Anton, Director, Colorado Division of 
Vocational Rehabilitation, Denver, Colorado; 
Julia Zanon, Manager, Blindness and Low Vision Unit, Denver, Colorado

12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LUNCHEON: Commenced, Served, and Consumed

Jessica Beecham, Mistress of Ceremonies, 
Secretary, NFB Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado

12:30 p.m.
PRESENTING THE 2017 NFBCO SCHOLARSHIP CLASS

Jessica Beecham, Chair, NFBCO Scholarship Committee, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pipi Adams
Englewood, Colorado
Nutrition Therapy Institute, Denver
Personal Chef with an emphasis on Holistic Nutrition
Dora Lopez
Greeley, Colorado.
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
Rehabilitation Counseling

Tabea Meyer
Littleton, Colorado
University of Denver
Masters in Social Work

Ashley Neybert
Greeley, Colorado
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
Masters of Chemistry

Maureen Nietfeld
Littleton, Colorado
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Human Nutrition and Dietetics

12:40 p.m.
WHAT’S UP AT THE COLORADO TALKING BOOK LIBRARY

Debbi MacLeod, Director, Colorado Talking Book Library, Denver, Colorado

12:55 p.m.
AIN’T IT GREAT?
A Report from Audio Information of Colorado

David Dawson, Executive Director, AINC, Boulder, Colorado

1:10 p.m.
LEADING DISABILITY RIGHTS ATTORNEY AND EMERGING POLITICAL FORCE

Carrie Ann Lucas, Executive Director and Founder, 
Disabled Parents Rights, Candidate, Windsor Town Board, Windsor, Colorado

1:25 p.m.
COLORADO ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND 
REHABILITATION OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED: What’s the Latest

Brent Batron, President, CAER, Centennial, Colorado

1:35 p.m.
HOW WE ARE CHANGING ACADEMIC LEARNING FOR THE 
BLIND AND LIVING THE LIVES WE WANT

Darick R. Williamson NOMC, NCRTB Instructor 
Louisiana Tech University/Louisiana Center for the Blind

1:45 p.m.  ADJOURN

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 27, 2017

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

TACTILE GRAPHICS SEMINAR
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Session 1
                 Salon I

Julie Deden, Ann Cunningham and others

This seminar is about tactile literacy, the idea 
that through the sense of touch blind children 
and adults can experience art, maps, graphs and 
other objects that can open up the world around 
them.  In this hands-on seminar we will explore 
ways to develop tactile literacy and integrate it 
into the classroom and the world beyond.

TACTILE GRAPHICS SEMINAR
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Session 2
         Salon I

ACCESSING SCIENCE'S FULL INTEGRATION FOR BLIND STUDENTS

Ashley Neybert, Graduate student in Chemistry 
University of Northern Colorado and Daniel Burke, 
College Preparation Instructor, Colorado Center for the Blind

Participants will learn about technology and 
alternative techniques that blind scientists use 
in a number of scientific fields. We will have hands on demonstrations.
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2017 NFBCO TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR
         Salon V

Chip Johnson, Technology Instructor, CCB

Join us for the technology seminar and learn 
about what’s new in iOS 11. We'll also discuss 
apps you can use to read printed material and 
identify products with your smart phone. Finally, 
we'll give participants an opportunity to ask 
technology-related questions and discuss new apps 
and the latest assistive technology.

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
         SENIOR DIVISION ANNUAL MEETING:
         Live the Life You Want As a Senior
                 Rams Room

Diane McGeorge, President
NFBCO Senior Division

We have a lot planned for our Friday meeting. We 
will be discussing Senior living options in the 
Fort Collins area as well as throughout the 
state, where you can obtain mobility training 
from a certified instructor in the use of a white 
cane and the use of a guide dog. We will also 
discuss the importance of good brain health and 
understanding how the brain works as we age.

The old saying “you can't teach an old dog new 
tricks” is absolutely not true. Our speakers are 
dynamic well informed professionals. Bring your 
ideas to share with seniors throughout our state. We want to see you there.

Elections will be held.  Dues are $5.

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
BLIND PARENTS DIVISION
                 Aggie Room, 2nd Floor

Nate Trela, President, Englewood, Colorado

Nate Trela, Englewood, Colorado; Cathy Jackson, 
Louisville, Kentucky; Dan Burke, Littleton, 
Colorado; Nathan Hecker, Grand Junction, Colorado

Come in to talk about the rights of blind 
parents, how the NFB is protecting them, being an 
active grandparent, raising school-aged kids and 
the adjustment to parenting after becoming blind. 
Join today and vote in our election.
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
         DROP-IN ART ROOM
                 Research Room, 2nd Floor

Free for All! Come and get creative. Play with 
clay or have fun making a tactile drawing, cut, 
paste and color! Be sure to check out the 
American Action Fund's wonderful new Tactile Art Kit.

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
             GUIDE DOG LOUNGE
                         Vet Medicine Room, 2nd Floor

Considering a guide dog? Want to go for a test 
drive? Drop by the Guide Dog Lounge! Bring your questions
and mingle with experienced users as well as 
staff from various training programs. Nail 
trimming also available for $1 donation to COAGDU.

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
COLORADO PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN
             Aggie Room, 2nd Floor

NETWORKING INCREASES YOUR CHILD’S NET WORTH

Parents will have the chance to share ideas and
experiences with one another.  We will also have a
panel of blind adults who will share the experiences that
shaped them into successful blind adults.
We want to assist you in understanding the
importance of setting high expectations for your child,
both in the classroom and at home.  Help your child
achieve age appropriate goals as they prepare for their
future, no matter what their age.

FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 27, 2017

7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
         NOMINATING COMMITTEE
                 Natural Resources Room, 2nd Floor
         Julie Deden, Chairperson

(Note: This is the only closed meeting of the 
Convention.  Only appointed representatives
from chapters and divisions are permitted to
be in attendance.)

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
FRIDAY FUN: GAMES AND ADVENTURES!
         Salons II and III

Get ready for Friday night fun with our chapters 
and divisions. Whether you are looking for an 
exciting adventure or a fun evening socializing 
with friends, there is something for everyone. 
Hang on for a wild ride on the mechanical bull, 
compete with friends on the bungee run, knock 
down pins in the human bowling, and enjoy board 
games. Don't forget to place your bet for the 
annual NFBCO Sports and Rec horse race!

A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

SATURDAY MORNING OCTOBER 28, 2017

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION
Colorado State Ballroom Foyer Salons II & III

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS EXCLUSIVE
SHOWCASE
Hilton Atrium

LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION II
Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III

9:00 a.m.
GOOD MORNING AND THE DAY’S LOGISTICS

Scott LaBarre, President, NFB Colorado, Centennial, Colorado

9:05 a.m.
LIVING THE LIVES WE WANT THROUGHOUT AMERICA AND THE WORLD: A National Report
Cathy Jackson, Member, NFB Board of Directors, 
President, NFB Kentucky, Louisville, Kentucky

9:35 a.m.
MY FIFTY-TWO YEARS IN THE FEDERATION: Reflections on an Amazing Journey

James Gashel, Secretary, NFB Board of Directors,
Avon, Colorado

10:00 a.m.
TRANSFORMING OUR DREAMS INTO REALITY HERE IN COLORADO: A Presidential Report

Scott LaBarre, President, NFB Colorado, Centennial, Colorado

10:30 a.m.
LIVING THE LIFE I WANT AND REALIZING MY FULL 
POTENTIAL WHILE CONQUERING SOME OF THE WORLD’S 
MOST DIFFICULT CHALLENGE ACTIVITIES

Jessica Beecham, Secretary, NFB Colorado, Program 
Director, WE Fit Wellness, Colorado Springs, Colorado

10:55 a.m.
BREAK

11:10 a.m.
RINGING THE BELL CLEARLY AND LOUDLY IN COLORADO

Michelle Chacon, Director, NFB Colorado BELL Academies, Las Cruces, New Mexico

11:30 a.m.
GETTING OLDER AND GOING BLIND DOESN'T MEAN WE 
HAVE TO STOP LIVING THE LIVES WE WANT: A Report from Our Senior Program

Diane McGeorge, President, NFB Colorado, Senior 
Division, Littleton Colorado; Duncan Larsen, 
Director of Senior Programs, Colorado Center for 
the Blind, Littleton, Colorado

12:00 p.m.
A NEW TOOL IN THE TOOL BOX: AIRA, WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Kevan Worley, Board Member, NFB Colorado, CEO, 
Worley Enterprises, Colorado Springs, Colorado

12:10 p.m.
TWENTY-NINE YEARS OF LIVING THE LIVES WE WANT AT 
THE COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND

Julie Deden, First Vice President, NFB Colorado, 
Executive Director, CCB, Centennial, Colorado

12:45 p.m.
MY BLINDNESS MYSELF

Three Federationists will share their inspiring 
stories about their blindness and the 
Federation’s role in allowing them to live the lives they want.

1:30 p.m.
BREAKING UP IS SO EASY TO DO

Grab your boxed lunch and head toward our afternoon seminars.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 28, 2017

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS
                Salon I

Melissa, Green, President, COAGDU
Greeley, Colorado

Colorado association of guide dog users annual 
business meeting, seminar, and fun match. If you 
are a guide dog handler or are thinking about a 
guide dog, join us! We don't bite. Learn tips and 
tricks, discuss grooming and health, and take 
part in our first fun match. Guide dog handler 
teams will go through their paces in a number of 
performance categories in front of judges from leading guide dog schools.

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
COLORADO ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND 
REHABILITATION OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY 
IMPAIRED: Discovering Structured Discovery
                 Salon V

         Brent Batron, President, CAER, Centennial, Colorado

Session I – 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
CAER invites you to attend a seminar on structured
discovery cane travel. The first part is all about the
basics in the way in which NFB Centers teach cane
travel. This session will integrate non-traditional
teaching into the traditional teaching model.

Session II – 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In this session participants will receive a more in-depth
experience as you will travel outside of the hotel into
the surrounding area. CAER is proud to partner with
the NFB of Colorado to expand the knowledge base of
CAER members. Professionals will receive professional
development hours through ACVREP.

The cost for this seminar is separate from 
convention registration.  For CAER members the 
cost is $10 and $20 for non-members.

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS BUSINESS MEETING
         Rams Room

Anna Givens, President, CABS
Denver, Colorado

We gladly welcome students, teachers, parents, or 
anyone interested in the well-being of blind high 
school and college students. We'll be teaching 
you how to advocate for yourself at school and in 
your life through hearing experiences of others 
and doing some fun activities. We want to see how 
we can help throughout the year. This is an 
excellent place to meet, socialize, and network 
with other blind students and mentors.
$5 registration.

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
SPORTS AND RECREATION DIVISION MEETING
         Aggie Room, 2nd Floor

Maureen Nietfeld, President, Sports and 
Recreation Division, Littleton, Colorado

Come join the sports and recreation division to 
share your journey with wellness and exercise! 
Whether you are an avid runner or just getting 
started, we want to hear from you. Participate in 
a lively open discussion around advocacy in the 
gym and help us outline our goals for 2018. We hope to see you there!!

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
         DROP-IN ART ROOM
                 Research Room, 2nd Floor

Free for All! Come and get creative. Play with 
clay or have fun making a tactile drawing, cut, 
paste and color! Be sure to check out the 
American Action Fund's wonderful new Tactile Art Kit.

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
NON-24 CIRCADIAN RHYTHM DISORDER EDUCATION PROGRAM
                 Natural Resources Room, 2nd Floor