In This Issue:

  • Helpful Planning Guide To Developmental Disability Awareness Month Events
  • Local Efforts To Honor Rev. Wade Blank - Historic Disability Rights Champion
  • Tell Congress It's Time To End Marriage Penalties For People With Disabilities
  • Inclusive College Application Deadlines
  • Take The Arc-CO's Guardianship/Conservatorship Survey
  • Don't Miss Coffee House Tomorrow
  • The Arc-JCCGC Will Be Closed This Monday In Observance of Presidents Day
March 2024 calendar featuring diverse individuals capitol building backdrop man with microphone spring theme
Helpful Planning Guide to Developmental Disability Awareness Month Events

March will be jam packed full of events commemorating and celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Here are some details about what's planned locally to continue inspiring building a future where the rights of people with disabilities are upheld and respected:

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 Colorado State Capitol - 200 E Colfax Ave., Denver

This event's presenters are Disability Law Colorado, Pasco, Craig Neurorehabilitation and Research Hospital, and JFK Partners.

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
Intellectual & Developmental Disability Awareness Day - March 20

When: March 20 from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: The Colorado State Capitol - 200 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Both in-person and virtual options to attend are available

In-person morning events are open to the public:

7:45 a.m.: Coffee and Light Refreshments outside the Old Supreme Court Chamber
8:00 - 8:30 a.m.: To Be Announced at the Old Supreme Court Chamber
9:00 a.m.: Pledge of Allegiance and IDD Awareness Day Tributes at the House Gallery and the Senate Gallery 
​
Followed by options including:

  • Choosing Your Own Advocacy Adventure​
  • Continuing to watch the House or Senate from the Galleries
  • Visiting with your legislator or their staff in their office
  • Watching a House or Senate Committee Hearing or a Joint Budget Committee Hearing.
 
The event is hosted by The Arc Colorado, Alliance, and JFK Partners.
Celebrate DDAM With The Arc-JCCGC at Comedy Night With Josh Blue - March 8.

Get your tickets today!

Critics have said Josh Blue is not a cerebral palsy comic; he’s a comic who happens to have cerebral palsy. Josh does more than 200 comedy shows a year. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. 

Check out one of his performances on America’s Got Talent by clicking here.

Following Josh's set, you’ll experience a candid conversation with him and our Executive Director Lori Ropa about what inspires Josh to share his humor with comedy fans worldwide. Josh's stories spread laughter and break down stereotypes. He encourages moving beyond preconceived notions and engaging with people with disabilities as individuals. Audience members will be given the opportunity to ask Josh questions.
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

  • Ticket Price: $59.00
  • 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.
  • 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?
Contact Veronica Wernsman at The Arc: [email protected] or (303) 232-1338.
Vintage bus in black and white behind a color photo of a man with the label REVEREND WADE BLANK.
Local Activists' Efforts To Honor Rev. Wade Blank - Historic Disability Rights Champion

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is considering renaming Denver’s Civic Center Station to honor Rev. Wade Blank - a leader of the historic Gang of 19.

The group stopped RTD buses with wheelchairs to call for accessible public transit, improving accessibility in Denver and helping start a nationwide disability rights movement in 1978.

Currently, disability activists want RTD to rename Denver's Civic Center Station in honor of Blank, The Denverite reported.

RTD rededicated a plaque at the station in honor of Blank in 2023. Also last year, Denver City Council approved a grant researching sculpture projects in Civic Center Park, which could include a monument to Blank and the Gang of 19.
The Arc U.S. Logo
Tell Congress It's Time To End Marriage Penalties For People With Disabilities

From The Arc U.S. -- Each Valentine’s Day, millions of couples choose to celebrate their love by getting engaged. But for many people with disabilities, getting married comes with serious risks due to federal “marriage penalties.”

Marriage penalties are unfair rules that can limit savings and lead to cuts in benefits for married people with disabilities who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other Social Security benefits.

This means that, too often, people with disabilities must choose between keeping critical benefits and marrying the person they love.
We have been advocating relentlessly for changes to these outdated rules—and momentum is building in Congress to make this happen.

Tell Congress that NO ONE should have to decide between marriage and getting the support they need to live in their community.

Show your support in helping end marriage penalties for people with disabilities. Send an email to your officials by clicking here.
Three people sitting on grass looking at a laptop together.
Inclusive College Application Deadlines

Deadlines are approaching to apply for inclusive higher education programs for the 2024-2025 school year, so be sure to submit your applications soon.

IN! Pathways to Inclusive Education - an organization with a mission to create inclusive college opportunities in Colorado for students with intellectual disabilities to foster academic growth, social development, and career advancement – provides helpful information about college application deadlines.

Check out important information and application dates for inclusive higher education programs by clicking here.
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 TOMORROW (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. 
Two happy women holding coffee cups close toasting smiling warmly

Don't Miss Coffee House Tomorrow!


Coffee. It's not only an enjoyable delicious drink but also a good reason to get together and socialize.

Whatever your choice of beverage, don't miss Coffee House – a monthly social gathering to connect with our community.

The Arc-JCCGC’s Coffee House is tomorrow. Everyone is welcome to attend. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Come and talk to friends, meet new people, and mingle with individuals of all abilities, in a casual and welcoming environment.

Thursday, February 15: 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Panera Bread - 650 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood

Questions? Email [email protected]

Mount Rushmore National Memorial featuring four presidents carved faces in stone against a clear sky.

Presidents Day - Office Closed This Monday


In observance of Presidents Day, The Arc-JCCGC will be closed on Monday, February 19.