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[Image description: On the right-hand side of the graphic, are the words July is Disability Pride Month. On the left-hand side is a chevron design with stripes in green, blue, white, yellow, and red.]
Disability Pride began as a day of celebration in 1990 just a few months after the historic signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, since 2015, the entire month of July has been marked as Disability Pride Month to recognize and celebrate people with disabilities, and their history.
Rather than viewing disability as a tragic and stigmatized misfortune, Disability Pride re-frames the idea of disability entirely: people with disabilities are part of the natural diversity of human beings, and they live lives that are as valuable and worthy of dignity as anyone else's. Any misfortune and tragedy comes from the social stigma or shame within society and has nothing to do with the inherent worth or value of a person with a disability. Disability Pride Month shares its mission with the The IC, which is to build a world where everyone, regardless of disability, is Known, Valued, and Included.
In Colorado, July has been officially recognized as Disability Pride Month since 2022, and there are a number of ways you can celebrate this month!
You can learn about the resources available to people with disabilities in our community by calling us at 719-471-8181 or visiting our website at the following link:
the-ic.org
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved black polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | |
Celebrate the ADA with The IC
and the Switchbacks
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[Image description: Below the logos of the Switchbacks and The IC, text says "Get your tickets today." A box contains the words "Saturday, July 26, 2025. Switchbacks FC vs. Texoma FC." Below, a group of soccer players, most in black and blue uniforms but two in the center wearing red and white uniforms, hold up their hands at the end of a game.]
Join The Independence Center on Saturday, July 26 as we commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Switchbacks FC game!
We’re excited to celebrate this landmark civil rights legislation that transformed the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities. And what better way to mark the occasion than with a night of fun, community, and celebration?
Tickets are still available, but this game is sure to be a sellout—so don’t wait! Come cheer on the champion Switchbacks team and help us honor a movement that continues to shape a more inclusive world.
Let’s fill the stands with ADA pride! We can’t wait to see you there!
For tickets, visit this link:
https://www.switchbacksfc.com/
Photo: Isaiah Downing
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
Our Spacious Skies wants to
hear from you!
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Our Spacious Skies (OSS) is a vibrant new community initiative that invites each and every person in the Pikes Peak region to share what truly matters!
By bringing together the diverse voices from El Paso and Teller Counties, we can explore the pressing questions of today: What’s working well in our community, and what could use a little sprucing up? As we gaze toward the future, we want to hear your thoughts on what would keep you here a decade from now.
We know that our unique experiences shape our collective journey, and at The Independence Center, we believe that every voice matters in crafting a thriving and inclusive environment.
So, let’s put our heads (and hearts) together - after all, who doesn’t want to be part of the solution? We encourage you to take a moment to fill out our survey and make your voice heard; your insights are the secret ingredient to fostering a community that truly reflects us all.
Click the link below and let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
https://emea.focusvision.com/survey/selfserve/1710/250602?list=2
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved black polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
Help Shape The IC's Future!
Join Our Board of Directors
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At The Independence Center, we are on a mission to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and are excited to invite passionate advocates to join our Board of Directors! Your commitment to championing disability rights is not just welcomed; it’s essential to our cause.
Picture yourself collaborating with a dynamic group of like-minded community members, all dedicated to driving positive change and fostering an inclusive society. As a Board member, you’ll engage in six bi-monthly meetings—usually on the third Wednesday of every other month—where your insights and passion will help steer our initiatives. We offer a three-year term, with the option to extend, ensuring that your voice continues to resonate within our community.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and be part of this rewarding journey, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out at 719-471-8181 or email us at icadmin@the-ic.org. Let’s connect and explore how you can contribute to our mission at The Independence Center!
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved black polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
Youth and Young Adult Summer Camp
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[Image description: Over a blue background with a photo of four people sitting on a bench smiling is to the right. The IC's logo sits at the top with the words "Youth and Young Adult Summer Camp, June 9 - August 4, 2025" below it. A green box below saying "Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m."]
The IC invites IC youth and young adult Consumers, ages 16-30, to participate in an exciting Summer Camp! Participants will learn leadership skills, find support, hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, and enjoy other fun activities!
The camp runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through August 4.
Registration is required for this camp, and you must be an IC consumer. It's not too late to join!
To RSVP, become a Consumer, ask questions, or to make accommodation requests, please contact our Independent Living Skills Specialist Edgar Morales at 719-471-8181 ext. 168 or email emorales@the-ic.org.
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Independent Living (IL) Open House | | |
[Image description: On a blue square, to the left, the Independence Center logo and the words "Independent Living (IL) Open House and Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included appears. To the right, a photo with seven people of varying ages and ethnicities appear, smiling.]
Join us one Thursday each month (see dates below) through September for our Independent Living (IL) Open House at The Independence Center! Come explore the wide range of services, activities, and groups designed to empower and support our Consumers.
Experience an Evening of Fun and Connection:
- Watch a Movie
- Play Accessible Games in our Gaming Lab
- Join a Peer Support Group
- Cook a Delicious and Healthy Meal*
*The Healthy Meal event is limited to eight participants each month - Please RSVP to secure your spot!
Join an upcoming Open House from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- July 17
- August 21
- September 18
For more information, to RSVP, or to request accommodations, contact Edgar Morales, Independent Living Skills Specialist at emorales@the-ic.org or call 719-471-8181 ext. 168.
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Upcoming Community Workshops, Special Events, Recreation Events, and Support Groups | |
Classes and events at The IC provide opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and try new things in a supportive environment! An up-to-date listing of classes and events can always be found on our website's event calendar:
https://www.theindependencecenter.org/
| | [Image description: The logo of The IC next to a QR code. Below, the words "We're hiring" and "Scan to apply! Or visit the-ic.org/employment"] | | | | |
