Colorado’s Emergency Management Needs Committee
by Christine A. Hutchinson
In June of 2003, the American Council of the Blind of Colorado Inc. (ACBC) became the first affiliate of ACB to have an emergency management needs committee to assist blind and visually impaired individuals residing in the state of Colorado. This committee is chaired by Rebecca Shields of Colorado Springs. A person who finds him- or herself in need of the committee’s assistance may call the toll-free hotline at (888) 775-2221. The committee can provide information about community resources that people can access and utilize to address emergency situations. Below you will find a letter of appreciation from one of the first individuals we assisted. We hope you find his letter uplifting and inspiring.
September 8, 2003
To The American Council of the Blind of Colorado Inc.
I am writing this letter to thank the American Council of the Blind of Colorado Inc. (ACBC) for all the help that was given to me in the form of referrals, agency advocacy, appliances, tools for the vision impaired, and genuine concern for my safety, through your representative, Mrs. Christine Hutchinson, who has acted as liaison between my situation and the ACBC. Not only has she been tireless in her efforts to help me, but she has also called me regularly to provide company and act as a counselor in helping me sort out my problems and give me structure. Her concern helped provide me safety by enlisting the services of the ACBC, which utilized its resources to make all the services that I am now getting possible.
In late May of this year, my school advisor contacted the American Council of the Blind of Colorado Inc. in an effort to enlist their help with my plight. I had just completed my first semester of college at Metro State College with a grade point average of 3.0. I was staying in a shelter in lower downtown Denver when I could get a bed, or sleeping on the parkway when I could not. I did not have a dime in my pocket and only the clothes on my back. I ate in sandwich lines twice a day at most. But my biggest hardship was that I was losing my sight. I entered a world of fear and frustration, as I was not able to get around on my own to find food, a job, or even to protect myself.
My desperation was communicated to my school counselor, Kathryn Montoya, who called the ACBC, and the angel, Christine, helped me “sight unseen,” so to speak. She believed that I was worth helping and, thanks to your agency, has helped me with food certificates, appliances to preserve and prepare my food, and money to keep me in a hotel until Social Security disability or rehabilitation services could take over.
Currently, I am getting cane training, life skills training, and transportation skills instruction. I have an apartment through the rehabilitation services where I can continue with training while in a secure environment. Christine continues to call to check on me and I want to deeply, and sincerely, thank Christine Hutchinson and the American Council of the Blind of Colorado Inc. for helping me to get the help I needed and will need to have any kind of quality life. My life has changed so much since getting your help, and I will forever be grateful.
— Ryan H. Huff
We in ACBC believe that, as people with visual impairments ourselves, we have a duty and responsibility to help improve the lives of others with visual impairments who are less fortunate. Our committee does not provide handouts; we provide a hand up to inspire, uplift and motivate others, for a brighter future. If your affiliate is interested in starting a similar committee, refer to our web site, http://www.acbco.org, for a copy of the outline which guides the committee’s work. You can also contact Rebecca Shields at (719) 634-1851 or Christine Hutchinson at (970) 256-9128.