|
[Image description: A design made up of geometric shapes in yellow, red, and green. Underneath a small white IC logo, the words "Juneteenth," "Freedom Day," and "June 19" surround the graphic of a black fist.]
Juneteenth, also referred to as 'Freedom Day' or 'Emancipation Day', marks the historic end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union troops, under the command of Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, bearing the news of the war's conclusion and the liberation of the enslaved people in Texas. This proclamation came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." - General Order No. 3, by command of Major General Gordon Granger.
In June 2021, Juneteenth—the longstanding commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States—was designated as a federal holiday.
In observance of this pivotal moment in American history, the IC offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19. We will re-open our doors on Monday, June 23 at 8:00 a.m.
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Celebrate the ADA with The IC and the Switchbacks | | |
[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.] | | The IC is Proud to Support Inclusion for Everyone | | |
As a civil rights organization, we believe everyone has the right to live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life as equals. Our work has demonstrated again and again how difference makes us, our community, and our world stronger and more vibrant.
That's why we're thrilled to continue to support our friends at Prism Community Collective, who just celebrated their one-year anniversary! Located right next door to The Independence Center, Prism is dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community. It was established in response to the Club Q tragedy, and has become a vital safe space for healing, connection, and advocacy.
June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. At The IC, we recognize the deep intersectionality between disability and LGBTQ+ identities. Many individuals belong to both communities, and we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, equity, and advocacy that honors the full spectrum of lived experiences. Everyone deserves to live authentically and accessibly, and we stand proudly with our LGBTQ+ community members this month and every month.
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Ride Free All Summer Long! | | |
[Image description: Two purple buses parked in a depot. The one on the right is carrying two bicycles. The destination indicators on the buses both say "Ride free today."]
Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) and Metro Mobility will be offering free bus rides through August 31! This program, paid for by a state grant aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality, has been brought back for a fourth-consecutive summer and has provided millions of free rides for both residents and visitors!
Access to transportation is an essential part of an independent life, and this program helps those in our community who want to do so to travel, work, and play this summer. We applaud the City of Colorado Springs for bringing this program back for 2025 and encourage everyone to take advantage of it!
To find bus routes and schedules, go to the following link:
https://coloradosprings.gov/mountainmetro
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Share Your Insights:
Developmental Disabilities Survey Now Open | | |
The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is conducting a survey for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to get information about services that they may use or receive. This information is important for making sure that resources are being used most effectively and that the people who can best utilize them are aware of them.
The survey is open to Colorado residents with IDD, and family members, caregivers, and people who provide services can help respond on their behalf! According to the Council, "You get to tell us about what it means to you to have a meaningful life! We will also ask you questions about services you use - case management, employment, school, healthcare, housing, and transportation. You can skip questions about services you do not use. There are no right or wrong answers."
The survey is open through July 31, 2025. Go to the link below to complete the survey, and please share it with any other people with IDD you may know.
https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5gRLGKMPjfamub4
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
Youth and Young Adult Summer Camp
| | |
[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.
- June 26
- 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"] | | | | |
