Annual Report 2023

Branding and Messaging

In 2022, we were pleased to work with Mission Minded through the National Federation of the Blind to create new branding materials for our three NFB training centers. In January of 2023, we began incorporating our messaging into our communications. Below is a sampling of the work we did.

Belief Message

We believe blind people can do anything. Every day, we encourage and challenge each student, and they come to understand their potential as they build the skills and confidence to live the life they want. Because when you believe in yourself and experience a thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

Brand Values

Dream Without Limits
Be Bold
Be Part of Something Bigger
Work With Love
Respect Everyone
Honor Every Voice and Experience

Strategic Planning

In November, we completed our strategic planning process and began work on first-year objectives. Implementation runs through December of 2027. Below are our Aspirational Statement and the seven core priorities.

Aspirational Statement

The Colorado Center for the Blind is a training center and community of blind and low vision people proudly affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind. We embody the National Federation of the Blind’s philosophy, which teaches that with training, opportunity, and positive attitudes, blind people can compete equally. The Colorado Center serves all blind individuals and others associated with them through a world-class staff, resources, and facilities supported by a solid diversified funding base. Center participants become successful and actively engage in both the blind and greater community. Our aspiration is for a community of positive blind people who bring value, diversity, and leadership to their local and global communities.

Seven Core Priorities

Refine and expand programs for increased impact on student independence
Invest in Center staff
Provide safety and security at all Center facilities
Increase financial stability
Maintain and improve facilities to enhance services
Develop and strengthen partnerships for Center expansion in all areas
Enhance CCB governance

Youth Programs

Providing mentorship, training, support, and encouragement makes all the difference. Whether working with blind youth of any age, their parents, educators, or others, we focus on conveying a positive philosophy of blindness. Our Youth Program accomplishments follow:

Served 122 youth participating in 41 activities
Partnered with 55 parents and 16 educators
Provided academic support to 56 students
Sponsored 9 challenge recreation activities
Provided mentoring to 107 blind students

Chaz Davis, the Director of our Youth Program, hands out white canes to summer students on their first day of class.

A man stands in front of a closet of white canes as youth line up — Chaz Davis, the Director of our Youth Program, hands out white canes to summer students on their first day of class.

Pairs of youth share laptops at a long table — Teenagers participate in our robotics camp in June 2023.

Fun Activities & Skills Training (FAST) Events:

Corn Maze
Carson Nature Center
Denver Zoo
Shark Dissection
Accessible/tactile eclipse seminar
Fiske Planetarium
Robotics

Independence Training Program

This is our cornerstone program. We provide expansive skill training along with challenge and confidence-building classes to adults 18 and above. Most of our students live in our student housing and come to us from all over the country. When students graduate from this program, they are prepared to attend college or obtain employment.

72 students served in 2023
96% of students living independently post-graduation
28 community outreach events held
68% of students have multiple disabilities

We also teach our blind students to give back. Here, students help to stock food bank shelves at nearby Integrated Family Community Services (IFCS).

Older Blind Program

This vibrant program provides training and support to older individuals who are experiencing vision loss. Participants receive individualized training either at the Center or in their homes. Groups are facilitated across the Denver Metro area, at the Center, and virtually (on Zoom) to provide guidance and support to blind members and their families and friends. Our week-long residential program, In Charge, is invaluable and gives students the foundation of skills and confidence that propel them toward maintaining independence.

300 participants
20 monthly support groups
30 monthly home visits
36 monthly individualized classes

Older Blind students with a Center staff member examine tactile art pieces during the annual Shared Visions tactile art show at Arapahoe Community College.

Celebrating Summer

Every year we bring all of our programs together in one room so that everyone can meet each other. We enjoy ice cream while we make introductions. On Tuesday, July 25, ages in the room spanned from 5 to 97, and there were over 80 of us.

CCB Executive Director Julie Deden, Founder Diane McGeorge, and Director of Older Blind Services Duncan Larsen at the Ice Cream Social, July 25, 2023. Duncan retired August 31, 2023.

We want to thank all of our partners, for without them we could not provide the services that change lives.