American Council of the Blind of Colorado (ACBCO)

History 

ACBCO is a member of the American Council of the Blind, which is the nation's leading membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. Our state organization was incorporated by a team of blind, visually impaired, and sighted individuals in the late 1970’s.  We operated as an all volunteer organization until we received a bequest (2004) that enabled us to hire an executive director (late 2005).  Since then, we have been focused on building our capacity, assessing the current needs of the population, and providing new programs/services that improve the lives of blind and visually impaired people to position ourselves to serve an ever-increasing population of blind and visually impaired people. 

Accomplishments. 

Most important in our accomplishments was the ability to serve almost 3,600 blind/visually impaired individuals in our State with direct or indirect services, resources, information, education, adaptive aids, and a variety of other assistance.  In 2008 ACBCO conducted a state-wide research study to identify the needs for services and support of our constituents.  We successfully operated our programs and have hired essential support staff. The first Eyeball Masquerade in 2008 raised over $20,000 that was divided between ACBCO and the Denver Lions Foundation. ACBCO also hosted two “Dinner in the Dark” events to bridge the gap between the sighted and blind/visually impaired worlds.  We use these events to educate those in attendance as well while providing a unique experience. ACBCO was able be in front of over 10,000 individuals during the Denver Marathon when we participated by walking the last mile and many thousands more at events like the People's Fair.  We have made over 75 presentations to a broad spectrum of groups to provide education specific to eye health, disease and prevention, and the organization itself. ACBCO has further developed its partnerships in providing for blind/visually impaired individuals with RSVP, Ensight Skills Centers (Ft Collins, Greeley and Denver), the Macular Degeneration Center in Aurora and Independent. Living Centers.