In This Issue:
- Black History Month - Highlighting Artist Ezra Roy
- Don't Forget to Grab Your Josh Blue Tickets
- Disability Rights Advocacy Day Is On March 7
- Help End Seclusion and Restraint in Schools: Sign The Petition
- Take The Arc-CO's Guardianship/Conservatorship Survey
- Battery Backup Power System Applications
- Connect With Us: People First Today and Coffee House February 15
- The Arc-JCCGC In The Community - PossAbilities Expo Recap
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Black History Month
Highlighting Ezra Roy - Outstanding Black Artist
Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in medicine, industry, politics, science, culture, and more.
Nearly six million African Americans live with some kind of disability, the highest rate of all population segments, according to the National Center on Disability and Journalism. The pivotal contributions that African Americans have made throughout history – and today - are often depicted through art.
History In The Making
Ezra Roy is an artist. At birth, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome, according to Disability Scoop. Ezra has turned disabling barriers into positive visions by exhibiting at Houston City Hall, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston Five-A Exhibitions.
Ezra’s likely to become the first professional artist in the U.S. with Down syndrome to successfully cross into the mainstream of visual fine art. He has a keen penchant for color and his work has fluctuated between realism and abstraction, according to his bio. He understands concepts associated with art forms in varying combinations and media in simplistic values that defy complexity.
“I have often been very misunderstood because I have a disability. I was born with it, and a lot of people in society don't like people with disabilities,” Ezra said. “They see us as not wholly human, and don't really allow us to share ourselves with the greater human community. We have to exist within two worlds, neither of which are very kind.”
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Don't Forget to Grab Your Tickets to Comedy Night With Josh Blue
Get your tickets today!
Comedy Night with Josh Blue is being presented by The Arc-JCCGC as part of our Developmental Disability Awareness Month activities this March. All tickets include a 60-minute comedy performance and a Q&A with Josh. Limited tickets are available, so get yours today before they are sold out.
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What: Comedy Night with Josh Blue
The content of this show is "adult-friendly"
When: March 8 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30)
Where: Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood
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Ticket Price: $59.00
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Post-Show VIP Party: $119.00 - includes a ticket for the comedy show followed by a reception with Josh. Light food and drinks included at the party.
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Self-Advocate Discounted Ticket: A limited number of $19 tickets are available for self-advocates. These tickets must be coordinated through The Arc.
Want tickets for a self-advocate, or have questions about show content?
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Disability Rights Advocacy Day - March 7
Individuals with disabilities have the knowledge, experience, and ideas to inform much-needed policy changes, and the drive to do whatever it takes to make those changes happen. Disability Rights Advocacy Day aims to provide the visibility people with disabilities are often not given and strengthen the advocacy happening around the state to include policy changes at all
government levels.
When: March 7 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: The State Capitol 200 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. – Breakfast and Press Conference in the West Foyer of the Capitol
9:00 a.m. – Tributes for Disability Day in the House and Senate Chambers
10:00 a.m. – Meet & Greet with State Legislators in the Rotunda
10:30 a.m. – Proclamation by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera in the Rotunda
11:00 a.m. – Lunch with General Assembly Members in the North Foyer
11:30 a.m. – Rally & Event Wrap Up in the West Foyer
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Help End Seclusion and Restraint In Schools: Sign The Petition
School should be a place where children are free from abuse and traumatic practices. Every year, more than 101,000 students are subjected to restraint and seclusion. About 80% of those cases involve students with disabilities and, disproportionally, students of color.
Interested in signing the petition now to support ending these harmful practices? Click here. |
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Your Opinion Matters
Take The Arc-CO's Guardianship/Conservatorship Survey
The Arc of Colorado is taking a survey about guardianship and/or conservatorship experiences in Colorado. Its target audience includes individuals with disabilities who are currently - or could be - subject to guardianship and/or conservatorship, their families, and supports.
Do you have stories you'd like to share about your guardianship and/or conservatorship experience? If so, click below to take the survey by February 15. The estimated time to complete the survey is eight minutes.
If you or someone you know might need assistance in filling out this form, contact The Arc of Colorado at [email protected] or by calling (303) 864.9794.
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Battery Backup Power System Applications
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) has recognized the importance of being prepared for a power outage emergency for individuals utilizing life-sustaining medical devices.
With funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and in collaboration with The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering, HCPF will distribute battery Backup power supply systems to eligible Health First Colorado members, assisting them in having the necessary equipment to be better prepared and in maintaining their health, safety and independence.
There is a limited supply of devices. A final decision on applications will be made on eligibility and the availability of devices. All applicants will be notified of their results within two months of receipt of the application. if you are interested in getting a backup power supply system, complete the application by clicking here. Once received, the application will be reviewed, information verified, and a determination made if the applicant qualifies.
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Connect With The Arc-JCCGC
Attend People First Today
Do you want to be part of an organization that promotes positive change?
Then, attend the next People First meeting today.
People First members practice strengthening their self-advocacy skills while supporting each other. Engagement, collaboration, and community are among the numerous positive benefits of People First - a local chapter of Speaking For Ourselves – Colorado - is an inclusive organization that empowers individuals, supports people to speak for themselves, and helps enhance self-advocacy skills.
People First meetings are scheduled on the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Attend in person at The Arc-JCCGC's office in Lakewood or virtually on Zoom.
People First
Wednesday, February 7: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
In Person at The Arc's Office -- 13949 W. Colfax Ave, #102, Lakewood
Or, to join by Zoom.
Check out our website for more information about People First and/or to join the meeting virtually: click here.
Come To Coffee House On February 15
Coffee. Tea. Lemonade. Water. Your drink of choice is up to you!
What matters to us is that you don’t miss Coffee House – The Arc-JCCGC’s monthly social gathering.
Join us. Everyone is welcome! We hope to see you there.
Thursday, February 15: 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Panera Bread - 650 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
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The Arc-JCCGC in The Community
PossAbilities Expo Recap
Members of The Arc-JCCGC's team represented our organization at The City of Lakewood's first PossAbilities Expo at Charles Whitlock Recreation Center this past Saturday.
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Pictured left to right: Liesel Thomas, Sally Carruthers, and Brent Belisle.
Our staff enjoyed connecting with the community to share information about The Arc and the resources we offer that can benefit individuals with IDD and their families/caregivers. It was great to meet everyone who stopped by our table at the expo.
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