Colorado Center for the Blind

Independence Changes Lives!

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.

Your contribution supports programs that give blind people their independence. And independence changes blind people’s lives!

The Colorado Center for the Blind is the leader in independence training for blind people of all ages because our expectations are high. We know that blindness does not need to hold us back. With our positive attitude, we have revolutionized the way the public thinks about blindness and created vibrant programs that change negative myths about blindness into positive new realities. Our training methods empower blind people to learn the skills and build the confidence to be successful personally and professionally.

Testimonials

Seniors

In addition to our weekly meetings and skills training, we offer a Seniors in Charge residential program three times a year. This comment came at the end of one of our programs:

"I'm not staying in my room anymore," Alice announced at the closing Friends and Family Seminar. From Grand Junction, she still has the Brooklyn accent of her youth. "I had everything worked out, everything I needed in my room, and I wasn't going to leave that room unless someone came to take me, but I'm not staying in it now!"

Family member of a Senior

"Coming to the CCB group was the best thing we ever did. It just gave us hope. This is the most positive group you'll ever meet."

"You saved my life!"

Youth

From a Parent of two blind kids in Initiation to Independence for Middle School

The boys had a great experience. I am already seeing the benefits of their time there. At the airport, R. asked me where the bathroom was and then proceeded to just leave and go there on his own...although we travel a lot, this was a first.

B. came home the first day and proceeded to make his own lemonade and then asked me if I would like one. Yes, there was a big mess, but I got to ignore that for the moment and enjoy the lemonade!

A 17-year-old participant in 2014 Earn and Learn, a summer Youth Program

"I wasn't comfortable with my cane … I felt misplaced, as though I was the wrong item on a shelf in the wrong aisle of the store called Society. At the start of the program I expected to gain very little. I learned more than I could have imagined. My independence and self- esteem had grown to great heights… I have come to accept my blindness as well as my cane. My cane has become part of me. And it is because of your program that I was able to do those things, and I want to thank you for that."

Independence Training Program (ITP)

A journalist who has since returned to work in his profession

"There is no question in my mind that the instruction I am receiving here is top-notch and robust. After just a couple months, I've noticed a quantum leap in my confidence (both in everyday situations and in my expectations for myself in the years ahead). The constant challenges from the staff to outdo my previous day's work carries over to my life outside the classes, where I look for more opportunities to push myself beyond what previously been my limits in travelling independently, reading Braille, using assistive technology and managing my home. The sense of community here is also far beyond anything I had imagined; The CCB will be a part of my life long after I get back to work. "

A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor/Supervisor who came for training after vision loss

"I wanted my independence back, and this program gave that to me!"

A Mother at Her Daughter's Bell Ceremony (Graduation from ITP):
"This place should be called the Colorado Center for Miracles!"