You Support Our Community, Our Community Sustains Us
Thank you to our community of supporters and friends for our most successful Colorado Gives Day ever! Your support and generosity for this annual nonprofit event is both affirming and greatly appreciated! Every year since the inception of Colorado Gives Day, our community steps up to show its support for our high-expectation, high-value blindness training, and every year that community grows! For that, I offer a simple, humble thank you!
Julie Deden
Executive Director
We believe you can do anything as a blind person. So, every day, we encourage and challenge you—and you come to understand your potential as you build the skills and confidence to live the life you 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.
Indeed, The Colorado Center for the Blind is a training center and thriving community of positive blind and low vision people located in Littleton, about a dozen miles south of downtown Denver, and proudly affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind. Founded in 1988, the Colorado Center for the Blind has grown into a world-renowned blindness-skills training center attracting students from across the United States and beyond. Nearly all of our instructors are blind and thus we, too, “walk the walk” every single day…
Ashley looks at a Great Horned Owl in Birding by Ear Class
Alice reads Braille in Eliza’s Braille Class
Lisa makes turns in her chair in the gym to find various destinations – Duncan instructing
Amanda getting on the train
Trevor talks to J.D. while he works with some wire and the Helping Hands Clips
Two women arranging their hands on a page of Braille
Ty and Seamus with their canes riding on the train
Tom M. Working on his Winning Sauce for the Great Taco Challenge
CCB folks Matthew, Skysha Abdi and Cameron walk along Bowles ave about to cross the bridge over the South Platte River
Holly Hiking along a raging Clear Creek
Christina getting on the bus
Izzy plays the piano at the Talent Show
An older woman uses a support cane in her left hand and shorelines on the right with her white cane while her instructor observes
Kathy quickly found her level using a white cane in one hand and support cane in the other. And she and her instructor Stephanie B took full advantage of the fall afternoon out front at the center.
Julie and Taylor doing Yoga out on the lawn
Confidence Camp kids in Downtown Denver
Ernesto, Taylor and Jordan on their way back from Travel Class
Amanda works with her phone and the computer in Tech class
Anahit and Nate Making a Sandwitch
LaDonna- smiling, holding a Hockey stick in the rink doorway as part of our Blind Hockey Program
Trevor uses a Click Rule to measure out pieces for a model of a Light Rail Station he is building in Wood Shop
Tabea showing two cucumbers she just picked from the garden
Eliza, Ryan and Aylin Playing Braille Uno
Amanda coming down the steps at the Light Rail Station
David K. walks through the snow on a winter morning
Aylin carrying in lots of grocery bags for her mini meal
Large group of Summer Youth out in the garden with their bags full of things they picked
Carolina seen from above, smiling as she reaches the top of the rock, a wide view of fellow students below and across Clear Creek Canyon.
A man in winter clothes and boots extends his cane as he walks along a cleared, but snowy bike-pedestrian path, the South Platte to his right, a pedestrian bridge is further back, and the late-day winter sun on the snowy Rockies in the far distance.
Barry loves travel class so much he wanted to teach it for Role Reversal Day, but he’s also considering it as a profession when he graduates.
Stephannie and Eliza take advantage of the warm weather and study Braille outside
Carina reading Braille in the Senior Program with Sam and Sue for Spanish Language Group
Vanessa and Alejandro with his guitar ready for the show – both
Summer students Mary and Cheyenne each mount a tandem bike with EyeCycle Volunteers while Christina waits her turn
a blind instructor talks with his student, a senior woman as they walk with white canes along a residential street
Dishon and Olive on the return leg of a travel lesson near the center. Seniors in Charge this year was blessed with lovely fall days.
Two female climbers shown on the rock while others look on from below
Martin workis with an Orbit Braille Display and his phone
Kyra and Trevor walking to the pond for Birding by Ear Class
Vika and Martin walk along a shaded sidewalk toward Littleton Downtown Station
Laura in sleepshades tends chicken on the grill
Paul headed out from the Center with his cane
Aylin mixes Cookie Dough for her Mini Meal
Mady slices Tomatoes for her Grad meal
Stephannie writes using a full page slate
Stefanie takes a swing at the Zip Ball on Game Day
A small blind woman laughs as her hands rest on a Braille copy of the New York Times Weekly.
Though she retired 20 years ago, CCB founder Diane McGeorge volunteers with our Senior Program every week, teaching Braille and helping lead discussions in support groups.
Jen Working on the computer at the Front Desk
Summer students Marie and Amanda enjoying ice cream cones
Carolina working on the computer in Tech Class
Ernesto playing the Piano
Seniors out for a hike along one of the Greenway trails
Stephannie and Mark work together using a color identifier to match the correct wire colors to re-wire a light fixture in Home Maintenance Class
Summer Youth working together learning to write code using Swift Playgrounds on the iPad
David says hello to Rainbow, his right hand gently sliding down the pony’s nose, while his left hand rests on her back.
Corey decides when it is clear to go and starts the street crossing
a group of students labor in the snow to build a snow person
Students took advantage of a big snowstorm in late February to work on a snow person at the McGeorge Mountain Terrace Apartments. Some students from warmer states don’t get this chance at home.
A group of students about to board the Light Rail
Warren Waiting on the Bus during his Independent Drop
Ravi looks at tactile art created by other CCB students
Shawn grinding a knife blade in Shop Class
Dan H gives a tip of his brown felt hat on Etiquette Day, the height of good manners
Blind Senior in a red hat marches in the Parade with a group from the Colorado Center for the Blind
Eileen, 92, is flanked by Senior Services Director Duncan Larsen and Senior Outreach Specialist Chris Kinney during the Littleton Western Welcome Week Parade. In front of them is Ashley and behind them are Martin and Brad.
A delighted Logan making the letter L in Braille with whiffle balls and an egg carton
Monique reading Braille at her desk in her office at work
Katie reading Braill outside at the round table with the mountains in the background
Outdoor Braille Class on the Picnic Table during Confidence Camp
Senior Using an iPhone for Taking Notes
Two students have their hands on tactile graphs at NCAR
Two students explore tactile graphs showing carbon dioxide over time
Janet relaxing and reading Braille
Judy shows two pillows she made
Beth with cool Blue Mirrored Glasses answering the phone at the front desk
Chris P. reading Braille at her desk
Shawn looks at a 3D model of a scene in Art Class so that he can draw a top down map view of it using the Sensational Blackboard
Amanda, Rocky and Christina at the Light Rail Station just as the train arrives
Andres walks along a neighborhood street
Andres hurries along a busy street to get to the light rail station
Amanda reading Braille
Abdi writes Braille using a full page slate
Christina getting on the train
Cristian and Charis Hike along the Clear Creek Trail
D is holding a Pecan Pie
Vika shreading chicken in a crock pot for her grad meal – Celia with a tray of cookies
Lauren walking down the sidewalk and talking on the phone
Ta’lia reading Braille outside on a bench
Chaz Davis (right) explores a 3D printing of the iconic NCAR building with one of the NCAR hosts
CCB folks Lewie, Abdi, Matthew Cameron and Skysha walk along a colorful tree lined path leading toward Bowles Ave.
Petr and Diane H. returning from travel in the rain
Rhonda uses an oscilating power sander in style, wearing a shop apron and long gold earrings!
Four rafts head toward white water
Summer staff and students white water rafting on Clear Creek on a hot July, 2017 day.
Andres gets ready to get on an RTD Bus
Wayne and Stephanie work on phone skills in the lobby
Ryan holds the belay rope for a student seen above on the rock. His t-shirt says “Nobody Can Stop You” in print and Braille.
Deya and Alma ready to dissect their Shark
Five people wearing snow shoes on a wintery forested path with snow covered branches.
Dan, Anthony and Showe with two guides on the snowshoe trail at Lake Eldora. Four inches of fresh, albeit wet, snow flell the night before.
Carolina, Leilani and Charles out on Travel along the gravel trail West of the Center
Kameron chopping Bell Peppers for part of his Grad Meal
Leilani under the locust tree reaches arms to the sky during yoga on the lawn
Loren listens to the news on his phone while waiting on a train
Rebecca out on Travel near the Greenway entry on Prince Street
Lexy and Kosy in a double kayak
Amanda cracks an egg into a bowl
Kelly in sleep shades and mask turns her head to her right while she brushes a white horse named Booger with her left hand. Booger is sticking his tongue out.
Leilani is thinking about the answer to a question her Teacher asked in Braille Class about contractions
Katie back from her Independent Drop giving the Thumbs Up and a Huge Smile
staff and students on the front patio grilling and enjoying the day
Everybody was out front today on the grills, making the most of the first day of spring. Delfina, Lyne, Kyra and Libby checking on brats.
Andres stepping on to the light rail
Summer Youth Canoeing
David D. Skiing down the slopes through falling snow
female student how to hold the knife as she slices an onion
Here’s a photo from 2017 showing Delfina teaching Ceci how to slice an onion. Many of the techniques we use in teaching involve hands-on instruction. Delfina, who is also blind, puts her hand over Ceci’s in order to show her the proper way to hold the knife, angle and so on, as well as to check that she is able to do so.
Darien works at the computer during Tech Class
Allie Blanca C.G Dan andMike walkingaround the pond at Sterne Park during Birding Class
Cesar in a yellow Kayak at Bear Creek Lake Park Right profile straight on
Mady makes Salsa in the food processor for her Grad Meal
Tom M. working on the computer in Tech Class
Loice in her first snow catching snowflakes on her toung
Suzi in Tech Lab learning to use the computer with a screen reader
a smiling woman with a cart full of groceries outside the store
Lyne did her mini-meal shopping at the Walmart Neighborhood Market in early 2017. She planned, shopped, prepared and served for 15 people.
Mady working at the computer in Tech class
Andres runs to catch his train
Beth at the coffee machine behind the counter at Dirt Coffee
Julie and Lexi Reading Braille
Lauren out on the sidewalk standing on the skateboard she made
a senior woman navigates the hallway among other students with her instructor following
Janice and Chris return from a travel lesson and got caught in the traffic between ITP classes, which Janice navigated smoothly. Julie Deden is coming up behind them.
J.D. in the big raft with Mason, Lesse and Lexy
Laurie uses a pencil grip on her cane and takes her first step down the stairs – Petr instructing
Rocky and Christina crossing the tracks
Shaun, Davina, Loren, Mikayla and Dan cross at Church and Prince on the way to ACC
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Latest News …
From Handshakes to Headway
The Colorado Center for the Blind is presenting a dynamic career and college seminar on September 28. We’re sure to have something for everyone, whether you are looking for information about jobs and careers, planning for education and opportunities, or seeking inspiration from the journeys of successful blind people. But the deadline to register is only days away, so please reserve your spot (and a lunch) right away. It’s all free! Register online HERE by Sept. 25 Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023 Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Register by: Monday, September 25, 2023, 11:59 p.m. Location: Colorado Center for…
Be a Part of Our Positive Philosophy about Blindness!
“I learned I don’t have to stay in my room anymore!” That was Alice’s story after attending our intensive five-day Seniors in Charge program. “(When I lost my vision) I was just going to stay in my room and never leave unless someone came to take me somewhere. Now I’m not going to stay in there anymore!” and in the years since Alice said that, she’s been true to those words. She is still living an active, independent life as a blind senior.
Alice
Senior Programs
“They will help provide me with the confidence and resources I need to successfully get through Middle School, High School, and hopefully College and Medical School,” she says. “I like to talk with people who get it.“
Chloe
Youth Programs
Get Involved!
Be Sure to:
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Upcoming Events:
- September 28, 2023, 10:00 am: From Handshakes to Headway Career and College Seminar
- October 14, 2023, 12:00 pm: FAST Activity – Chatfield Farms Corn Maze
- November 11, 2023, All day: Learn essential outdoor skills
- December 9, 2023, All day: Annual Holiday Party with Denver Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
View our Full Calendar
Register for Events:
Photos from Previous Events:
Three smartly-dressed women chat in a large, busy gym
Employment Specialist Monique Melton talks with Courtney and Libby at Making Connections 2017.
A group of CCB students sit on a bench and put on hockey gear
His team the Ravenous Guinea Pigs (RGP) watches as Cameron runs his leg of the Egg Relay on Game Day
Tactile art at the Denver Art Museum
Hands explore a tactile image at the Denver Art Museum. A sign reads: OK to Touch
At the Tactile Art Show, Alysa and Penny each look at casts of different emotional expressions
Workers with shoels, rakes and brooms in the snow and rain
More than 60 Comcast employees turned out on April’ 30s Concast Cares Day to take on a big landscaping project for the Center.
Stefanie takes a swing at the Zip Ball on Game Day
Ravi flashes a huge smile from inside her hockey helmet and mask
Two women pass a large ball with perforations back and forth in the gym
Two visitors test out the goal ball at our 2016 tour.
Laura looks at tactile art made using various types of screws
Martin demonstrates how to play Goal Ball at Western Welcome Week
Chaz Davis (right) explores a 3D printing of the iconic NCAR building with one of the NCAR hosts
Ravi looks at tactile art created by other CCB students
Salma kneels down to prepare her rocket on the launcher for the highest and the straightest launch!
Julie at bat with the ball in mid air after the pitch
Julie takes a swing at the Beep Baseball at the NF Challenge Olympic Day 2017
Two students have their hands on tactile graphs at NCAR
Two students explore tactile graphs showing carbon dioxide over time
David looking at a box frame with tactile art
Katy holds up her daughter Zoey who is wearing sleepshades so she can touch ta tactile art piece of the mountains
Alexandra Hall gives the Keynote address at the Career and College Seminar
A young woman hits the zip ball
CCB students take turns exploring numerous tactile art pieces on the walls
Evan waits as Katie and David come across the entrance to Littles Creek Greenway Trail
Brett leads the 2 Minute Mystery Detective Game while Ramona, Evette, Lewie and Matthew try to figure it out
Shelby passes out Braille cards to a large group of young people at Western Welcome Week Open House
Charles controls the Zip Ball on Game day
CCB students go out on the ice in their hockey gear
A student in sleepshades prepares to make a throw iwht the goal ball
A large gathering along the tables at the exhibit hall at the Career and College Seminar
A young man holds a box on his head and makes a goofy face, a young woman beside him laughs
Ellie laughs as Gene carries a box upside down on his head. He is walking with Iris, Stephanie and Ellie.
Blind Senior in a red hat marches in the Parade with a group from the Colorado Center for the Blind
Eileen, 92, is flanked by Senior Services Director Duncan Larsen and Senior Outreach Specialist Chris Kinney during the Littleton Western Welcome Week Parade. In front of them is Ashley and behind them are Martin and Brad.
Ann explores tactile art with a group of blind students at the Denver Art Museum
A view down the table of blind youth getting hands on experience making simple circuits
Julie Deden at the podium in a main session at the Career and College Seminar
Richie, Chandler and a group of CCB students start up the escalator at Union Station
Group shot Making Connections Employment Seminar 2018
CCB folks Matthew, Skysha Abdi and Cameron walk along Bowles ave about to cross the bridge over the South Platte River
Alexandra Hall gives the Keynote address at the Career and College Seminar
Ernesto and Chris P. Play Blindness Skills Jeopardy using Braille on Game Day
CCB folks Lewie, Abdi, Matthew Cameron and Skysha walk along a colorful tree lined path leading toward Bowles Ave.
A Young man joyfully shakes his tambourine among his friends
Jordan grins and rattles his tambourine. Casey stands beside him.
Two smiling women with arms around one another, holding white canes
Duncan and Julie hold white canes with arms around each other’s shoulders before the parade starts.
two 5-year-old boys in a red wagon, parent of one kneels beside them while the other’s mom & dad stand behind
Jackson gives his Maracas a two-fisted shake as he and Mason prepare to start the Parade. Jackson’s mom Chris kneels beside the boys, and Mason’s parents, Jen and Dishon stand behind them.
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Our Programs
Independence Training Program for Adults
Our Independence Training Program (ITP) is designed for blind adults (18 years of age and older). Typically students complete the program in six to nine months while residing in nearby McGeorge Mountain Terrace apartments, which are owned by the Center. Participants not only build the skills that they need to be independent, but also focus on gaining confidence and belief in themselves as blind people
FAQ for Prospective Students
Program Areas
- Braille
- Cane Travel
- Home Management
- Technology
- Woodshop & Home Maintenance
- Challenge Recreation
- Discussion Groups on Blindness
Additional Rotating Classes
- Art
- College Prep
- Career Exploration
- Gardening
- Resume Writing
- Martial Arts
- Sewing
- Yoga
✓ Contact us for more information or to learn how to participate in our program
Youth Programs
Youth Programs Video
Year-round Youth Programs
- October 14, 2023, 12:00 pm: FAST Activity – Chatfield Farms Corn Maze
- November 11, 2023, All day: Learn essential outdoor skills
- December 9, 2023, All day: Annual Holiday Party with Denver Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
You won’t want your kids to miss it!
✓ Contact us for more information or to learn how to participate in our program
Senior Programs
Senior Programs Video
The Colorado Center for the Blind works to change the experience of older blind and visually impaired persons from frustration to independence. With education and training seniors can and do obtain the skills and confidence necessary to stay in their own homes and continue be contributing members of their communities.
✓ Contact us for more information or to learn how to participate in our program
Training for Professionals on Blindness
Scott and Christie walking with canes and sleepshades in front of the CCB building
A woman in sleepshades slides a batch of cookies into the oven
Scott walking with his cane in front of the CCB street sign
Christie going down the stairs for the 1st time with a cane and wearing sleepshades
Christie walking with her cane in front of the CCB street sign
Kenny (forground) Arron (background) peeling apples
Kenny chopping apples
Scott walking with a cane through the front lobby
Aaron mixing ingredients in the kitchen
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Our Professional Training Seminars include information about causes of blindness, alternative techniques used successfully by blind people, an introduction to sleepshades and their use with a white cane or in preparing lunch, and we spend time talking about the myths of blindness as well.
✓ Contact us for more information or to learn how to participate in our program