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State Convention
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Governor Ritter to Address 53rd Annual State Convention of The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado For Immediate Release
LITTLETON, CO, October 1, 2007: More than 400 members of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado (NFBCO), the largest gathering of blind people in the state this year, will meet at the Doubletree Hotel Denver, 3203 Quebec Street, this Thursday, October 4, through Sunday, October 7. Convention attendees come from all across the state to decide Federation policy, to participate in seminars, to talk with legislators and with professionals working in the field of blindness, and to learn about the newest advances in technology for the blind. Governor Ritter will address the group on Friday, October 5 at the noon luncheon. The kick-off event for this year’s Convention will be the Third Annual Possibilities Fair—an information and resource fair designed specifically for blind and visually impaired seniors and their families. Over half of all blind and visually impaired people in this country are 65 years of age or older. For the more than 200 older blind Coloradans attending this year’s Possibilities Fair this may be their first opportunity to meet vibrant and competent blind seniors. They will also learn that with the right skills, resources, and attitudes, they can remain independent and continue to lead full and enriched lives. It is with great pleasure that the National Federation of the Blind will welcome Governor Bill Ritter as our special guest at Friday’s noon luncheon. Affiliate president, Scott C. LaBarre states, “As far as we know, this is the first time in Colorado history that a Governor has addressed a convention of the blind. We are excited that Governor Ritter has made the issues faced by the blind a high priority in his administration." State Representative Joe Rice, from Littleton, will be awarded the NFB of Colorado Distinguished Service Award on Friday afternoon for his leadership in establishing the Colorado Commission for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, the first ever such commission in the state. Other activities on Friday include an early morning opportunity for convention attendees to check out the latest in products and services available for blind and visually impaired people, from the low tech to the high tech. They will hear from professionals throughout the day from the Department of Rehabilitation, education and others who will report on the status of programs designed to improve the quality of work, education, and life for blind Coloradans. The afternoon session will conclude with nationally known motivational speaker, Coach Joe Gilliam. A Friday evening hospitality mixer with an Old West theme, sponsored by the Convention host, the NFB of Denver Chapter will conclude the evening. NFB of Denver chapter president, Brent Batron, says there will be fun for all ages with music, a costume contest, card games and games of chance as well as children’s activities. Saturday’s seminar for parents and teachers of blind children, presented by the Colorado Parents of Blind Children is titled; Developing Positive Attitudes Towards Blindness. This seminar will help parents promote high expectations for their blind children and maximize their child’s potential. Mark Riccobono, Executive Director of the Jernigan Institute, located in Baltimore, Maryland, will deliver the national NFB report as well as address the Convention Banquet on Saturday evening. 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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