Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included

The IC is Proud to Support 
Inclusion For All

[Image description: The back of a woman with red hair tied with multicolored bows. Her shirt says "Building a world where everyone is KNOWN, VALUED, AND INCLUDED" in rainbow text above the logo of The IC.]

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.

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.

The IC had a table at Pikes Peak Pride on June 13-14 and our Team got to meet members of the community and share information about the work we do! Tens of thousands of people attended Pikes Peak Pride, and we were thrilled to be able to keep disability and accessibility part of the important conversations about inclusion, community, and pride.

Like our many community partners and Consumers, The IC is committed to creating a Pikes Peak region, country, and world where everyone, regardless of disability, is Known, Valued, and Included.

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[Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

Sensory Day at
the El Paso County Fair

[Image description: The words "FAIR" in front of a graphic of Pikes Peak filled in with the U.S. flag next to the C from the Colorado flag. Below, the words "United We Celebrate" and "July 11 - 18, 2026" and "Calhan, CO." The sponsor logos are to the right, with the logo of El Paso County, the El Paso County Fair, the Title Sponsor Tallgrass, and Presented by Ed Green Construction.]

Every year, the El Paso County Fair in Calhan, Colorado is a week of entertainment, rides, music, and activities that all ages can appreciate. For some people, though, the Fair can be overstimulating, which can make it hard to enjoy.

This year, Tuesday, July 18 is Sensory Day at the Fair. This day is for people with sensory sensitivities and their families to be able to enjoy the activities and experiences of the Fair in a more accommodating environment.

Sensory Day will include:

• Reduced noise levels
• Fewer flashing lights
• An overall calmer environment

We're excited about this opportunity for everyone to be able enjoy the El Paso County Fair in a supportive, inclusive environment.

For more information about the Fair, including schedules and tickets, go to the following link: https://www.elpasocountyfair.com/

[Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

The IC's Offices Will Be Closed for Juneteenth and Independence Day

The IC will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The holiday, 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.

We will re-open our doors on Monday, June 22 at 8:00 a.m.

We will also be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. As 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, communities across the country, including Colorado Springs, are coming together to celebrate this historic milestone. Independence Day is a time to reflect on the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and community that continue to shape our nation, while also recognizing the work still ahead to ensure those ideals are accessible to all.

We will re-open on Monday, July 6 at 8:00 a.m.

[Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

Level Up at The IC's Gaming Day!

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The last Thursday of every month is Gaming Day at The IC, and everyone is welcome!

Join us in our Assistive Technology Lab to explore the world of accessible gaming and see how adaptive equipment can open the door for people of all abilities to play, connect, and have fun.

Our Team will be on hand to demonstrate a variety of devices and share how this technology is making gaming more inclusive than ever. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available.

Stop by from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 to play, learn, and try something new - we’d love to see you there! 

For more information, to ask questions, or to request accommodations, call 719-471-8181 or email pspotts@the-ic.org.

[Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

Peer Support Calendar

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/

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