Cycling and Accessibility | | |
[Image description: A person seated in a recumbent bicycle smiles at the camera while someone holding a dog adjusts one of the wheels.]
Adaptive recreation helps make the Pikes Peak Region more accessible for everyone. In partnership with Angletech and Pike Ride, The Independence Center is conducting an adaptive cycling clinic for our community to learn about adaptive cycling and the resources available in the Pikes Peak Region.
On Thursday, May 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., come try adaptive equipment, learn cycle safety and basic maintenance, and discover new ways to get outside and have fun! The clinic is FREE, hands-on, and open to all abilities. RSVP is required, so visit the link below to register:
https://www.pikeride.org/store/adaptive-cycling-clinic
Looking for transportation to the clinic? Memorial Park can be accessed on Mountain Metro Transit Route 7, or contact Mountain Metro Mobility to schedule a ride at 719-385-7433.
The IC will be unable to provide transfers at this event. Please bring a friend or caregiver if you will need transfer assistance. To make accommodation requests, or if you have questions, please contact: Jacki Mueller, 719-687-7475 or jacki@cycledifferent.com
We’re also excited to be out in the community for Bike to Work Day on Wednesday, June 24! Stop by and say hello at our neighborhood Bike to Work Day breakfast stop at 602 S. Nevada Ave., hosted by our friends at Bread & Butter Market. We’ll be there to chat, share resources, and cheer you on! So swing by, grab some great food, and say hi on your way into work as we all celebrate Bike to Work Day!
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Youth and Young Adult
Summer Camps | | | | |
|
[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 "Summer Experience: Explore, Play, Thrive! Ages 16 - 30, June 8 - August 3, 2026" below it. A green box below saying "Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m."]
This summer, we're hosting an exciting summer camp for youth and young adults
(ages 16 - 30) to learn leadership skills, find support, hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, and enjoy other fun activities!
This camp will begin on Monday, June 8 and runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through August 3.
Registration is required for this camp, and you must be an IC Consumer.
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 black shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Disability Law Survey and
Family Law Day | | |
Disability Law Colorado (DLC) is seeking input on where they will focus their efforts and energy in 2027. DLC is an organization focused on the legal rights of people with disabilities and provides legal representation, monitors and investigates the treatment of people with disabilities, and advocates for policies and laws that advance disability rights.
This survey is an important tool for DLC to know how they can best serve the disability community, and they've asked their community partners to share it.
The survey is available in English at this link: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://forms.office.com/r/UGpmAHBuGg__;!!PUG2raq7KiCZwBk!b4Ry4UX5kjfw8LNYlXsgl4SmiLhr5XU-pI1jr2OP4W37WGZZGsJttQwh61iIpigEFNDUBm8ZbLeF1ENNN0AtlcSWIK0oddU$
and it is available in Spanish at this link: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://forms.office.com/r/juVn4EmSWL__;!!PUG2raq7KiCZwBk!b4Ry4UX5kjfw8LNYlXsgl4SmiLhr5XU-pI1jr2OP4W37WGZZGsJttQwh61iIpigEFNDUBm8ZbLeF1ENNN0AtlcSWA4RMr1g$
Another important legal resource is Family Law Day, on June 12, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the El Paso County Judicial Building, located at 270 South Tejon Street.
Family Law Day is an opportunity for people who are representing themselves in court in cases related to families and children to get free legal advice and assistance. Attendees can receive guidance and advice from an attorney about their family law issue, get help from a parenting professional with drafting a parenting plan, or receive assistance from courthouse staff or a volunteer paralegal with filling out court paperwork. Local non-profits (including The IC) will provide information about their services, and local attorneys will provide legal informational classes throughout the day.
There will also be an online component for those who can't make it in person, with online classes and videos!
To register, find out more about Family Law Day, or request accommodations, go to the Justice Center's website for the event at this link: https://www.justicecentercos.org/fld
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | New Accessibility Improvements at the El Paso County Citizens
Service Center | | |
[Image description: The Citizens Service Center, a three-story complex of pale red brick and a matching parking garage in front of a hazy view of Pikes Peak.]
Photo: El Paso County Department of Human Services
El Paso County has announced they will be renovating the parking structure at the Citizens Service Center at 1679 Garden of the Gods Road to add accessibility improvements. Planned improvements include new accessibility ramps, improved curb cuts, pedestrian crossings with clearer markings, and protective bollards for safer movement between the garage and the building.
Brian Olson, Executive Director of El Paso County Facilities Management, says "El Paso County is committed to improving public owned infrastructure for everyone who uses our services. Projects like this reflect our ongoing effort to enhance accessibility and elevate the experience for all members of our community."
The Independence Center applauds these improvements and encourages all organizations, businesses, and community spaces to continue working toward accessibility. True inclusion means designing spaces where everyone can move, participate, and belong, and that work is only complete when access is shared by all.
|
| [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | |
May is Mental Health
Awareness Month
| | |
[Image description: Graphic with text that says "Break the Silence. Share your Story." next to a hand holding a megaphone and an open book above text that says "nami.org/WHAM" and the hashtags MHAM2026 and YouAreNotAlone.]
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) has been observed in the United States during the month of May. This national movement works to raise awareness about mental health, break down barriers to mental health care, and help promote a culture of acceptance and support for those living with mental illness.
Currently, only half of Americans (around 52%) say they are familiar with the mental health care system. Approximately one in five adults in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year; however, less than half receive treatment. (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI]).
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world; in fact, approximately 19.4 million people have at least one depressive episode each year. You likely know someone who lives with depression — and maybe even someone who struggles with it daily.
The goal of MHAM is to educate about various forms of mental illness, their symptoms, and the resources available for treatment and support. A number of invisible disabilities are a result of contending with mental health issues, making it additionally important to prioritize mental health and wellness, as well as emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Go to the website of the Colorado Springs affiliate of NAMI at the link below for information about the programs and resources they offer and to see how you can become a part of the ongoing work to make sure everyone is Known, Valued, and Included!
https://www.namicoloradosprings.org/
| | [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 Memorial Day and Juneteenth | |
Memorial Day is a time to pause and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. It is a day of remembrance and gratitude, recognizing the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families. At The IC, we are especially grateful for the many Veterans we are privileged to work alongside through our Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program. We deeply appreciate their service and the trust they place in us as we support independence, dignity, and choice.
The IC's offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. Our offices will be open as usual on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The IC will be closed 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.
In observance of this pivotal moment in American history, The IC offices will be closed on Friday, June 19. We will re-open our doors on Monday, June 22 at 8:00 a.m.
| [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short sleeved black 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"] | | | | |
