In This Issue:

• The Arc in the Community: Promoting Awareness of Autism with RRCC
• The Arc's Work to Protect Medicaid Funding for People with IDD
• Step into Character for Lights... Camera... Costumes!
• A Thank You to Our Board of Directors
• Help Make Outdoor Spaces Safe for All
• Build Digital Skills with The Arc's Free Training
• Chat with Other Parents at P2P Parents Group

The Arc in the Community: Promoting Awareness of Autism with RRCC

This month, we partnered with Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) to host a screening of In a Different Key—a documentary that follows the story of the first man to be diagnosed with autism, spotlighting the autism community and the fight for inclusion.

Held at the RRCC campus, the screening was followed by a panel discussion with The Arc and was a wonderful chance for RRCC students to discuss the autism experience—whether in relation to their own experiences or to those of the broader community.

“The event was a huge success,” shared Amy Buckingham, a psychology faculty member at RRCC. “Students and fellow faculty were overwhelmingly positive about the film and the increased awareness of autism, the range of the diagnosis, and the history. The panel following the film was informative and beneficial as well, allowing community members to ask questions and gain further insights into living with neurodiversity and advocating for those who do.”

A special thank you to Red Rocks Community College and the creators of the film, Caren Zucker and John Donvan, for partnering with us to make this event possible!

Curious about In a Different Key? The movie is available to rent, buy, or stream on Prime Video—click here to learn more.

Autism Acceptance Month: Belonging Should Never Feel Out-of-Reach

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a month that raises awareness not only of autism, but also of the ways each of us can promote inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. This month is about celebrating diversity and recognizing the ways that those with autism contribute to all types of industries, disciplines, and communities. Even more crucially, this month is about learning directly from people with autism to better understand each person’s strengths, support needs, and perspectives—because there is no one way to experience autism.

Support, understanding, and belonging should never feel out-of-reach. Join the movement to promote acceptance! You can learn more about Autism Acceptance Month here.

The Arc's Work to Protect Medicaid Funding for People with IDD

A Message from Executive Director Lori Ropa

It used to feel unthinkable that Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens, people with IDD, would have to bear the brunt of cuts made to a budget over which they have no control—and yet here we are. 

The State budget crisis has had every chapter of The Arc, and many other disability organizations, working endlessly to oppose cuts that will hurt the IDD community. We know what those cuts mean and how crucial services are to living life each day. Our message to lawmakers and the community has always been consistent—Medicaid is essential for people with disabilities.

We are steadfast in our commitment to advocate with and for you, always.  

Learn more about where the Colorado Arc Network (CAN), made up of local chapters of The Arc, stands on the Medicaid cuts impacting the IDD community. Click here to read how CAN has been advocating to protect our community from devastating cuts.

Step into Character for Lights... Camera... Costumes!

From princesses to pirates. From superheroes to spies. From wizards to werewolves. There are so many iconic movie characters—and now is your chance to step into the role.  

This June 4, you’re invited to Lights… Camera… Costumes!, a film-themed event with dancing, activities, a raffle, and more! Whether you grab a t-shirt or a full ballgown, this is the party for you. 

Admission is free, and we want to see you there.  

Please register by May 22.

Are you in need of some film-themed fashion? Start the search for the perfect costume at arc Thrift! With a coupon for The Arc-JCCGC community, you can receive $10 off any arc Thrift purchase of $30 or more.

Swing by and find the items you need to bring your favorite movie character to life. Click the button below to access the coupon.

A Thank You to Our Board of Directors

Happy National Volunteer Week! Here at The Arc-JCCGC, our volunteer board members do so much to propel our mission, working behind the scenes to make sure our community members with IDD can live the lives they choose.

We are so grateful for all that our volunteer board members have done this past year! From leading a campaign that raised thousands for Colorado Gives Day to strengthening our connections in the community, our board makes our work possible. Thank you, Board Members, for all that you do!

Are you looking for a way to support The Arc and our mission? Service as a board member for The Arc-JCCGC could be the perfect fit. Click here to learn more and apply.  

Not ready to serve on the Board, but interested in learning more about Committee service? Email our Executive Director Lori Ropa at lori@arcjc.org.

Help Make Outdoor Spaces Safe for All

Outdoor spaces belong to everyone, but for those with disabilities, being outdoors sometimes comes along with barriers and safety concerns that others may not face. Fortunately, each of us has the power to help address these concerns—and it all begins with doing our part to be good neighbors on the trails.

Learn from advocates with disabilities about barriers they have experienced on the trails—and ways to improve safety and access for all.

• In Washington Trails Magazine, disability advocate Syren Nagakyrie explains how anyone can promote accessibility by leaving detailed trail reviews.
•  In this video from the Town of Ajax, three disability advocates share what e-bike and e-scooter riders can do to help keep the trails safe for pedestrians with disabilities.

By doing our part to keep others safe, we can ensure that everyone feels welcome to travel the trails at their own pace.

Build Digital Skills with The Arc's Free Training

Could you or someone you know benefit from training on email, searching the internet, and more?

The Arc and AT&T have collaborated to create safe and accessible digital skills trainings that accommodate the different learning styles of people with disabilities.

Training sessions are offered online free of charge and are available 24/7 to complete at your own pace. Modules cover a range of topics, including:

• Getting started with a computer
• Introduction to email
• Using a mobile device
• And more

Learn more and browse training topics here.

Chat with Other Parents at P2P Parents Group

Have you heard? Parent to Parent’s monthly Open Format Parent Group is bringing together parents and caregivers of people with disabilities. This casual monthly Zoom meeting is a time for parents and caregivers to chat with others who have had similar experiences.

The Open Format Parent Group meets on the second Friday of each month. The next meeting will be Friday, May 8 from 10:00am-11:30am. Meetings are held virtually.

Click here to learn more.