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State Convention
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One Hundred Blind Coloradans Take Part in First Ever March for Independence in Atlanta, Georgia For Immediate Release
LITTLETON, CO, June 29, 2007: Scott C. LaBarre, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado (NFBCO), along with more than one hundred other blind Coloradans will leave this weekend for Atlanta, Georgia. There they will join with thousands of this nation’s blind for the first ever March for Independence. Early Tuesday morning, July 3, NFBCO members—as part of the opening general session of the NFB National Convention—will march through the streets of Atlanta to demonstrate the independent spirit of the nation’s organized blind. The March for Independence is a 5K (3.1-mile) walk. Funds raised from the walk will support local and state outreach efforts for blind people and will support blind children, teens, youth, college students, adults, and seniors losing their vision through the programs and initiatives of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. After the March a rally will be held in Olympic Park at approximately 7:30 a.m. Scott LaBarre states, “This has been a busy year for blind citizens of Colorado. Throughout the spring months we lobbied hard for passage of the first Colorado Commission for the Blind which was signed into law by Governor Ritter on May 22. Now, while in Atlanta, Georgia for the NFB national convention we will take part in the March for Independence to continue our efforts to promote positive attitudes about blindness.” Colorado Springs blind business owner, Kevan Worley, who has raised more than thirty thousand dollars, states “Many blind people across the country have worked hard to raise money for this March. But it is more than a fundraising march—it’s a march for civil rights. It’s an exhibition of the independent spirit of blind people. Even with the many advances made by the blind there is still a need to demonstrate in a vivid way the capacity and vigor blind people possess.” George McDermith, president of the NFB of Colorado Springs chapter, adds, “Our goal nationally has been to raise awareness as we raise a half-million dollars to support research and training. Community support is crucial if we are to change old myths and misconceptions about blindness and bring a future full of opportunity. Even with a UCCS Masters degree I know the challenge in seeking employment faced by working age blind adults where the unemployment rate is more than 70%.” Brent Batron, NFB of Denver chapter president, says “As a mobility instructor at the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton, Colorado I can tell you that Center students are certainly a little apprehensive about going to the NFB National Convention, but they are also very excited about participating in this March. Center students are blind adults from all over the country—Colorado, Arizona, Missouri, Wyoming, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and other states—who come here to the Colorado Center to get the best blindness skills training. They know that attendance at the national convention and walking in the March will give them a great opportunity to build confidence in their abilities and to put their training into practice.” About the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado For information about the NFB of Colorado please call 303-778-1130 or go to www.nfbco.org.
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