State Resources

This State Resource page brings together trusted tools and information for blind Coloradans, including National Federation of the Blind programs, statewide services, and nonprofit supports. Whether you’re navigating medical systems, transportation, blindness-specific tools, or advocacy, take a look to see what resources may meet your needs and help you strengthen your independence and expand your opportunities. National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Resources Statewide General Assistance Utilities Assistance Programs Blindness Specific Benefits and Resources Rehabilitation, Support, and Training Transportation Resources Accessible Information and Services Legal Rights and Advocacy Children and Family Services

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Resources

Free White Cane Program Phone: 410 659 9314 (press “7”) Website: https://nfb.org/programs-services/tools-for-independence (nfb.org in Bing) The NFB provides one free white cane to any blind person in the U.S. every six months. A similar program exists for slates and styluses and information is available on the same website. NFB Independence Market Phone: 410-659-9314, extension 2216 Website: https://nfb.org/programs-services/independence-market A comprehensive store offering hundreds of products and pieces of literature created by and for the blind community. Located at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, it provides tools such as long white canes, talking watches and clocks, Braille and print writing aids, magnifiers, medical devices, and household and kitchen tools, along with a wide selection of NFB literature and multimedia. Items can be ordered online, by phone or email, or in person at the Baltimore headquarters. NFB NEWSLINE® Colorado Help Desk: 303-778-1130 Ext 219 Website: https://nfbco.org/nfb-newsline Offers 24/7 access to newspapers, magazines, emergency alerts, job listings, and Colorado-specific content for individuals who are blind or print-disabled.

Statewide General Assistance

2 1 1 Colorado Phone: 2 1 1 Website: https://www.211colorado.org/ 2 1 1 Colorado is a statewide information and referral service connecting residents to housing support, food assistance, utility help, crisis services, and disability-related programs. Specialists can help blind Coloradans locate accessible services and local resources. Visit their website or simply dial 2 1 1 on your phone. 9 8 8: Colorado Mental Health Line Phone: 9 8 8 Website: https://coloradocrisisservices.org/ Provides 24/7 mental health and crisis support via phone, text, chat, and walk-in centers. Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Aging and Disability Resource Center Phone: 303-480-6700 Website: https://drcog.org/area-agency-aging/aging-disability-resource-center Serves older adults and people with disabilities across Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and Gilpin Counties (there are 14 of these agencies throughout Colorado), helping individuals remain safe, independent, and connected in their communities. Their services include information and assistance, options counseling, and short‑term case management to help people navigate long‑term supports and benefits. DRCOG also operates the Aging and Disability Resource Center, provides caregiver support, and offers transportation assistance for those who need help getting to essential appointments. Additional programs include ombudsman services for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and PACE programs, along with a network of providers offering nutrition, wellness, and community‑based services.

Utilities Assistance Programs

Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Phone: 1 866 432 8435 Website: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap LEAP helps low-income households with winter heating costs during the months of November through April. They can assist with the heating cost itself as well as repair or replacement of equipment. This is a needs-based federally funded program and is intended to help defray costs. Blind Coloradans may qualify for additional accommodations during the application process. Energy Outreach Colorado Phone: 303 825 8750 Website: https://www.energyoutreach.org/ This is a non-profit organization providing emergency utility assistance, furnace repair, and energy efficiency upgrades for qualifying households. They can also assist with resources and tips on reducing energy usage and efficiency to reduce costs. Xcel Energy Assistance Programs Phone: 800 895 4999 Website: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance Offers payment plans, medical exemption programs, and low-income support options. Also works with Energy Outreach Colorado to provide income-based weatherization and energy-efficient updates.

Blindness Specific Benefits & Resources

Aid to the Needy Disabled – Colorado Supplement (AND-CS) Website: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/adult-financial-programs Provides a supplemental payment to individuals ages 0 to 59 receiving SSI income due to disability or blindness and are not receiving the full benefit. Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) Website: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/adult-financial-programs Provides interim cash assistance to qualifying Colorado residents who have a disability and are pursuing SSI benefits. Colorado ABLE Accounts Website: https://www.coloradoable.org/ Tax advantaged savings accounts for people whose disability began before age 46. Funds do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Community First Choice (CFC) Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/community-first-choice-option For those who qualify for Health First Colorado, (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and require attendant care to stay within the community, individuals can received long-term services such as personal care, emergency response systems, and home-delivered meals. Elderly, Blind & Disabled (EBD) Waiver Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/elderly-blind-disabled-waiver-ebd Additional benefit individuals can qualify for through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program). Provides long-term supports such as personal care, homemaker services, home modifications, and non-medical transportation to allow individuals to stay in their home and community. Health First Colorado Medicaid Buy In for Working Adults with Disabilities Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/buy-in-program-working-adults-disabilities Allows individuals who work and have a qualifying disability to "buy into" Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program). Individuals who earn too much to qualify for Colorado’s Medicaid program can apply and, if approved, pay a premium based on monthly earnings.

Rehabilitation, Support, and Training

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Phone (General): 303 318 8571 Website: https://dvr.colorado.gov/ DVR helps blind Coloradans prepare for, find, and maintain employment. Services include assistive technology, blindness skills training, career counseling, and job placement. Local offices can be contacted directly for services. Howard Fund Phone: 720‑392‑6856 Website: https://dvr.colorado.gov/dvr-programs-services/blind-and-low-vision/howard-fund Provides financial assistance for blind and low‑vision Coloradans who need tools, training, or services that increase independence. Grants may cover assistive technology, blindness skills training, daily living tools, mobility aids, or other supports when no other funding source is available. Individuals, organizations, and those not enrolled with DVR may apply. Applications are reviewed every other month, and approved requests are purchased directly through DVR. Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB) Phone: 303 778 1130 Website: https://www.cocenter.org/ Provides adult blindness training program including cane travel, technology, Braille, and confidence-building activities. Also has various resources and programs for youth and older blind. Center for People with Disabilities (CWD) – Beyond Vision Program Phone: 303 442 8662 Website: https://www.cpwd.org/beyond-vision Provides independence skills training through individual and group services for those who are blind or low vision and live in Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Jefferson, Gilpin and Weld Counties. They hold support groups and also have an assistive technology library at their Boulder office for individuals to try out. Ensight Skills Center Phone: 970‑407‑9999 Website: https://www.ensightskills.org Provides services to help blind and low vision individuals maintain independence. Programs include functional vision assessments, individualized training, assistive technology instruction, and support for daily living skills. Ensight serves clients across Northern Colorado and offers services both in‑office and through community outreach. StateWide Assistive Technology Augmentative & Alternative Communication (SWAAAC) Website: https://www.swaaac.org/ Provides assistive technology evaluations, device loans, and training for individuals with disabilities with various programs through many school districts.

Transportation Resources

RTD Access A Ride (Denver Metro) Phone: 303 299 2960 Website: https://www.rtd-denver.com/routes-services/other-services/access-a-ride Access A Ride provides door to door paratransit service for riders who cannot use fixed-route buses due to disability. Applications are available online, and reduced fare programs may apply. Via Mobility Services Phone: 303 447 2848 Website: https://viacolorado.org/ A non-profit providing transportation services in Boulder and other mountain communities. Services include paratransit, travel training, and mobility support in counties throughout Colorado for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Colorado Non emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/nemt Provides transportation to medically-necessary appointments for members of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) who have no alternative transportation.

Accessible Information and Services

Aftersight Phone: 303‑786‑7777 Website: https://www.aftersight.org Provides accessible audio access to print information for people who are blind, have low vision, or benefit from alternatives to print. Their services include audio editions of newspapers and magazines, original podcasts, listening equipment, virtual support groups, and community events. They also offer a free White Cane program. Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL) Phone: 303 727 9277 Website: https://www.myctbl.org/ A library for those with a qualifying disability, providing Braille, audio, and large print materials as well as other programs and resources. iCanConnect (National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program) Phone: 800 825 4595 Website: https://www.icanconnect.org/ Provides free communication technology and training to individuals with combined hearing and vision loss.

Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (CCDC) Phone: 303 839 1775 Website: https://www.ccdconline.org/ Run by and for people with disabilities, provides disability rights advocacy, legal support, and policy work to make Colorado more equitable for those with any disability. Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) Phone: 303 894 2997 Website: https://ccrd.colorado.gov/ Division of state charged with enforcing Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). Handles discrimination complaints including disability access issues in the areas of housing, employment, and places of public accommodation. Disability Law Colorado Phone: 303 722 0300 Website: https://disabilitylawco.org/ Colorado’s Protection & Advocacy organization offering legal support for accessibility, education, housing, and employment.

Children & Family Services

Anchor Center for Blind Children Phone: 303 377 9732 Website: https://anchorcenter.org/ Provides early intervention, preschool programs, family support, and vision services for blind and low vision children from birth to age five. Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) Phone: 719 578 2100 Website: https://www.csdb.org/ In addition to providing K through 12 academic programs, offers statewide outreach, early intervention, and educational support for blind and low vision students. Early Intervention Colorado Phone: 1 888 777 4041 Website: https://www.eicolorado.org/ Provides services for children birth–3 with developmental delays or disabilities.