In This Issue:

• The Arc in the Community
• Are You Our Next Consulting Advocate?
• Registration Is Open for The Arc's National Convention
• Tell Congress: Direct Support Professionals Need Our Support
• Tomorrow (Sept 24th) and Monday: Share Feedback with the Commission on Medicaid
• Explore New Tools at Assistive Tech Expo
• Webinar: Find Transportation Options That Work for You

The Arc in the Community

We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Legislative BBQ earlier this month, cohosted by DDRC, Family Tree, Jefferson Center, Seniors Resource Center, and The Action Center. The event was a wonderful chance for members of our Consulting Advocacy team and other Arc team members to speak directly with public officials about the issues that impact our community. Not only did we have some great conversations about important topics, including cuts to Medicaid, but we also began to explore future opportunities to share with officials how our community has been impacted.

Are You Our Next Consulting Advocate?

Apply to join our team today! Application deadline is September 30th.

Are you interested in working side by side with advocates who believe as you do that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should live self-directed lives and be valued for who they are as individuals?

This is a unique opportunity to engage with the IDD community by sharing about your own lived experience.

• Engage with peers through planned community events
• Assist with administrative tasks for our Consulting Advocacy events, including planning, outreach, scheduling, and communicating details by phone and email
• Support people with IDD in developing self-advocacy skills through People First and Speaking for Ourselves
• Discover new opportunities to share your own experiences

Join The Arc, where your person-centered values and skills can be shared with the community. Our collaborative team is focused on growing self-advocacy skills that can change the everyday challenges of life into success and opportunities.

Registration Is Open for The Arc's National Convention

Register now for The Arc of the United States’ National Convention! This three-day conference is a time to learn with and from members of the disability community from across the US. This year’s sessions will highlight everything from understanding neuro-inclusivity to exploring how AI tools can support people with disabilities.

The National Convention is a great opportunity for people with disabilities to build their self-advocacy skills and learn more about the issues affecting many in the disability community right now. Family members and professionals are also encouraged to attend!

When: November 18th-20th

Where: Hilton Portland Downtown – 921 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Register today! Early bird rates will be available until Wednesday, September 30th. In addition, self-advocates are eligible for a discounted rate. Click here to register or learn more.

Tell Congress: Direct Support Professionals Need Our Support

Every day, direct support professionals (DSPs) help people with disabilities with tasks like getting dressed, taking medication, preparing meals, and so much more. Without that support, many people with disabilities wouldn’t be able to live in their communities, close to family and friends.

But the DSP workforce is facing a serious crisis. Each year, about 41% of DSPs leave their jobs, making it harder for people with disabilities to find and keep the consistent support they need. Oftentimes, DSPs are paid far too little for the critical work they do.

Make your voice heard! Congress is considering a bill that would pave the way for the government to collect important information about the DSP workforce so officials can better understand the challenges and start developing solutions. Join supporters who are urging Congress to take this important first step! Click here to contact your legislators.

Tomorrow and Monday: Share Feedback with the Commission on Medicaid

Don’t miss two upcoming opportunities to share your thoughts with the Colorado Commission on Medicaid!

Tomorrow and Monday, there will be two virtual town hall opportunities to provide Medicaid-related feedback with the Commission on Medicaid’s chair, Senator Judy Amabile, and vice chair, Representative Kyle Brown. All Coloradans who would like to share their input are welcome to attend.

The Commission on Medicaid is a legislative committee that is drafting recommendations regarding implementing federal Medicaid policy changes, promoting sustainability in the Medicaid program, and supporting those impacted by the changes. The commission is collecting feedback from the public as part of this work.

Town Hall with Representative Kyle Brown, Commission Vice Chair

Tomorrow -Thursday, Sept 24th, 4:30pm

Meeting will be held virtually. Click here to register.

Town Hall with Senator Judy Amabile, Commission Chair

Monday, Sept 28th, 4:00pm-5:30pm

Meeting will be held virtually. Click here to register.

Explore New Tools at Assistive Tech Expo

The Colorado Assistive Technology Expo returns next month! This annual, free event from the University of Colorado Denver’s Center for Innovative Design and Engineering (CIDE) is a chance for the public to explore new assistive technology products and tools. Below, find more information from CIDE:

CIDE is proud to present the fourth annual Colorado Assistive Technology Expo - a FREE, one-day, in-person event featuring over 30 assistive technology (AT) vendors to provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Come experience new tools, products, and features to increase independence for all.

CIDE will also host a Make & Take workshop — a fun, hands-on session where you’ll create your own assistive technology tools to take home. Participants can sign up upon arrival at the Expo on a first come, first-served basis.

When: Friday, October 2nd, 10:00am-3:00pm

Where: The PACE Center – 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker, CO 80138

Click here to register or learn more.

Webinar: Find Transportation Options That Work for You

Join the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council (DRMAC) for its annual Transportation Options Workshop! At this free, virtual meeting, you’ll learn more about transit options in and around the Denver metro area that can help you get from place to place.

When: Tuesday, October 6th, 1:30pm-3:00pm

Where: Virtual via Zoom. Click here to register for the meeting.