Feel free to call Katie at THRIVE Center's office for questions at 303-632-6840 or email her at
[email protected].
Found our e-mail blast & services helpful? Like us & your friends will too!
Introducing Apex Community School
NEW! Apex Community School coming Fall of 2018 to Castle Rock!
Apex Community Elementary School is a new school being developed in Castle Rock, opening with grades K -6th, and expanding to Pre-K to 8th grade in 2021. The mission of Apex is to offer an innovative and inclusive learning community where each student's capacity to learn is recognized and advanced through rigorous, engaging, personalized instruction. NOW accepting Letters of Interest / Expressions of Support.
If you support inclusive educational opportunities for students,
Official Enrollment for Fall 2018 is November 1 to December 1, 2017, through the Douglas County School District.
Resources for Families
NEW! Learn About the Fair Housing Act
Under the federal Fair Housing Act it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status in all housing-related
transactions. There are additional protections afforded to persons with disabilities that necessitate a basic level of dwelling/building accessibility, known as the Fair Housing Design & Construction requirements. The Denver Metro Fair Housing Center
(DMFHC) provides, or will help in obtaining educational materials.
Many people with disability income owe student loans. Although deferring repayment or working out a repayment plan based on the individual's income are possible options, there's also a process for discharging student loans completely - and it's cost-free. It's called a total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge. This U.S. Department of Education website explains the process: please click here for more information.
The U.S. Dept of Ed website explains the process: please
click here for more.
PEP Conferences are offered at no cost to attendees.
PEP Conferences are designed to promote family and school partnerships that are essential in supporting students with disabilities and their families in schools and the community. Decades of research show that the participation of families in their child's education, through specific coordinating between home and school, results in improved outcomes (Jeynes, 2012). PEP brings parents and professionals together by sharing ideas, discussing concerns, celebrating successes and obtaining information related to parenting, educating and partnering to support student learning. 2017 - 2018 PEP Dates:
The Colorado Respite Coalition is excited to announce another cycle of Family Respite Vouchers. Voucher funds will be available September 1, 2017! This program is not income or age based.
Family's can receive a maximum of two voucher awards in one calendar year. If you are eligible, submit an application today! Vouchers serve all ages, all disabilities, across the state of Colorado.
NEW! Open Casting Call for the Production of The Snow Queen!
Let's Talk, will be putting together a production of
an INCLUSIVE-community-led production of The Snow Queen Adapted by Mrs. Evelyn Merritt! Let's Talk is a group of young adults who use AAC devices, and they encourage people of all abilities to audition.
"Winter is my calling, and my duty. There are so many places to visit. So many lands to see. Would you like to come along?" Kai has been captivated by the Snow Queen. She is frozen in her heart and mind. Gerda will stop at nothing to find her sister.
This is a magical theatrical adaptation of Han's Christian Andersen's tale of a sister's love, an ice cold heart, and a fantastical journey. Let's Talk is casting a minimum of 25 roles with opportunities for understudy work and multiple roles.
Contact Let's Talk: (978) 886-0888
Sponsored by Colorado Speech, Language & Learning Professionals, Inc., is a private speech-language pathology practice located in Aurora, Colorado. Our mission is to provide the supports necessary for children & adults to achieve success in communication & learning and to become active participants academically, socially and in the workforce. Auditions are open to the entire community.
NEW! Affording College & Career Training workshop!
October 24, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Financial Support Presentation from 6 - 7pm
Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride Street Aurora, CO 80011
Aurora Recreation's America's Promise Team is hosting the 5th Annual Affording College & Career Training workshop.
This is a FREE event for middle & high school students and their parents. This is a unique opportunity to visit with area colleges and learn of financial resources available to students and their families.
For more information, please contact 303.326.8708 or visit AuroraGov.org/OYD
NEW! Protecting Your Child's Future!
Tuesday, October 24, 5:30 to 7:15 pm
Denver Corporate Center Meeting Room, 7800 E Union Avenue, Denver
Learn about future financial planning and the ABLE Act, a Letter of Intent, Legal Considerations for Medicaid Waivers andTrusts, as well as Disability Benefits
RSVP required to Kelly at Goodspeed & Merrill at 720-287-6984 or [email protected]
NEW! eMpower Program FREE Hip Hop Dance Party!
November 3, 2017, from 5-7pm
Westin Westminster,
10600 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020
eMpower Program is a fun and supportive hiphop dance class and party for dancers with special needs. eMpower
tours the country with world renowned hiphop choreographers, plus auditions for thousands of dollars in scholarships, seminars, performance opportunities, freestyle battles, and much more! These unique eMpower classes, held on Friday evening in cities across the US, allows dancers with special needs the chance to express themselves in a fun and safe environment, free of charge.
Call
(303) 410-5000 for questions about the Westminister party.
Developmental Pathways, at 11111 E Mississippi Ave, Aurora
This Resource Fair will offer information to help empower individuals, families, caregivers and education providers about enrollment for services and community resources. Schedule includes:
Presenting ACES: Aurora Connects to Employability Services!
Meet with an Employment Specialist and get a head start on your future! ACES is a new program being offered by Aurora Mental Health and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to help youth ages 15 to 21 years explore career paths or find a summer job.
What can you accomplish with your Employment Specialist?
Discover your strengths and how they lead to work!
Explore your options for educational and career choices!
Learn the skills you need to know to get to work and be successful doing it!
Learn to advocate for yourself!
Earn paid experience in: Information Technology Customer service Animal care Clerical Warehouse
Space is limited.
For more information, please contact: Nikisha Charles-Stazzone, Lead Employment Specialist 303-407-4048 | [email protected]
Aurora Therapeutic Rec Fall Program
Aurora's Therapeutic Recreation program encourages meaningful recreation opportunities and programs for individuals with disabilities to enhance and expand social, cognitive, affective and physical abilities.
You can register online, by phone or in person at their Main Office at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 1900 Aurora, CO 80012 Or register at your nearest recreation center.
Please
click here to view the Fall Schedule. Call 303-326-8410 or email Brea at
October 25th, Wednesday 5:30-9:30p You're Always Invited
Join a small group to hang out at a local coffee and tea spot for conversation, relaxation and smiles. Includes snack. FREE to Denver residents. $39 for non-Denver residents.
We're throwing a Party & You're Invited!
Celebrate the fall without the goblins! Games, music, snacks and fun. Costumes optional. FREE to Denver residents. $10 for non-Denver residents; $35 with transportation. Click here to register!
NEW! Activity Options,
Nightmare Before Christmas Live & in FILM
October 26th, Thursday 5-10p
Colorado Symphony Orchestra at Boettcher Concert Hall
See one of Tim Burton's most celebrated films like never before! The full-feature film The Nightmare Before Christmas will be projected on the big screen with dialogue, singing, and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman's darkly charming score played live by your Colorado Symphony.FREE to Denver residents.
A light breakfast and boxed lunch from Etais will be provided.
Please let us know if you require Vegetarian, Gluten Free or have other dietary needs.
New!Families Planning Together: Person Centered Thinking!
Saturday, November 11th , 9:00 am - 2:00 pm The Arc of Arapahoe & Douglas Counties Community Room 6538 S. Racine Circle, Centennial, CO 80111
These unique workshops are specifically designed for family members, led by a family member, focuses on the family's role as content experts (people in a person's life who know the person well and care deeply about the person) in the development of person-centered 1-page Description and Communication Chart. Participants will learn to use person-centered skills to organize and represent a positive introduction for their loved one. Click here to register for this FREE event!
New!What is ADHD?
November 13 at 6pm Lone Tree Library Event Space
What is ADHD? How does it affect the brain and nervous system? What causes it? Why does it occur more often in boys and how is it diagnosed? Are there treatments that don't involve drugs? Join Dr. Justin Vasquez to find the answers to these and other questions. A FREE educational event hosted by the Douglas County Parenting Coalition Bring your Subway sandwich or box dinner and we'll provide coffee and dessert. Reservation required to [email protected]
Fun for the Kids
NEW! PASCO Trick or Treat Street for kids with disabilities
Friday October 27th, 2017 from 3PM - 7PM
RSVP at halloween.pascohh.com or call (303) 233-3122
NSCD is Looking for Volunteers for the 2018 Ski Season!
Do you have you had an interest in learning how to ski with your own child, relative or friend with a disability? There is an opportunity to receive free training and earn lift tickets or even a season pass by volunteering with NSCD. Parents and caregivers of other participants are invited to join with NSCD and become volunteer instructors. There are various levels of commitments to choose from ranging from 5 to 10 days a year for on-mountain instructors and the opportunity to ski with your own participant or volunteer with others. The volunteers are truly amazing group of dedicated people. Those who stay for more than 2 seasons usually stay on to earn a lifetime season pass after 15 yrs.
For more information, click here or feel free to call Ed, parent NSCD volunteer, at 303-717-6923 or email him at [email protected]
Calling ALL Bowlers!
September 10, 2017 - May 13, 2018
AMF Aurora Lanes, 16700 E. Mississippi Avenue, Aurora
The Arc of Aurora hosts a Sunday bowling league that will run throught the school year and everyone of every ability is welcome. Weekly cost is $9 for three games and shoes. The fun every week is FREE! Call Dottie for more information: 303.337.5540.
South Suburban Parks & Recreation: Star Program
information provided by: Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments STAR program mission is to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in leisure services through inclusion and specially designed programs.
Click here for a listing of classes and events.
Opportunities for Input
NEW!Skill Building Study for Children with Down Syndrome!
CSU is studying gskill buidling activites to help infants 14 - 18 months of age with Down Syndrome develop important problem solving skills, calledd goal directedd behaviors. These skills help older children achieve every day tasks in their home, school and community.
Assessment:
Infants will play with toys and will use a heart rate monitor during play to assess hear rate during the activities. Total participation incudes 4 30-minute in home sessions, daily 10 min play times at home with child and a questionnaire. Participating families will receive $50 upon completion of participation, as well as a summary of the study findings at then end of the study.
This study is led by Dr Deborah Fidler and Dr Lisa Daunhauer of Dept of Human Development and Family Studies, along with Dr. Fran Hickey of the Sie Center for Down Syndrome.
For more information or to participate, please contact Emily Schworer at 970-491-1969 or [email protected].
NEW!Denver Commission for People with Disabilities (DCPD) is seeking applicants!
DCPD meets the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard. Attendance at the DCPD meetings on September 5th, October 3rd and the Commission's Diversity and Inclusion Symposium on October 25th
, is strongly encouraged.
Seeking individuals with a strong commitment to disability-related concerns and those who can help to further our goals and objectives in a meaningful and tangible manner. Individuals with disabilities as well as community representatives with expertise, understanding, and experience in the following four specific areas are encouraged to apply. Writing, Project Management, Marketing/Social Media, Civic Engagement
Applications are also accepted from individuals who are not living with a disability, but have a strong interest in serving the disability community.
Autism and Perception Research Now Accepting Applicants
The purpose of this study is to study how typically developing children and those with ASD understand social information, like emotional expressions and eye gaze.
Children between the ages of 7-17 years are eligible, have been diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, Perrvasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, or Aspergers Syndrome AND children with no Autism diagnoses. Compensation is provided for parents. Research is being funded by the National Science Foundation. For more information, please contact the research coordinator: Laurel Gaeddert at 720-443-0855 or [email protected].
Participate in Research regarding Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Childhood Programs:
The purpose of this study is to determine if and how parents of children in early childhood programs experience exclusionary discipline practices, including early childhood suspension and expulsion.As a participant in this study, you will provide information related to your experiences with your child's school/child care program. The survey will take about 20 minutes. It is completely anonymous.
Dr. Rosemarie Allen, who is conducting the research project, is hoping to reach families nationwide. If you have any comments or concerns resulting from your participation in this study, please contact Dr. Rosemarie Allen, telephone: (303) 881-3220 or my email address: [email protected].
Gathering Stories about Family Use of Medicaid
Family Voices Colorado is gathering stories from families to provide as education to members of Congress. If you would like to write a short story on how changes in MEdicaid would affect your family, please email with a picture to
[email protected]
By sending your story, you are granting permission to submit your story to members of Congress.
Please click here to learn more.
The contents of this e-newsletter were developed under a grant from the US Department of
Education, #H328C160001. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer, Kristen Rhoads.
