In This Issue:

  • Next Week: The Arc's Holiday Open House
  • Let's Empower Our Neighbors Together
  • Share Input on Medicaid Cuts at Upcoming Listening Session
  • Virtual Town Hall: Learn More About Governor's Proposed Budget
  • Join Online Meetings About Benefits, Mental Health & More
  • December Celebrations & Observances
  • Important: Tonight's People First Will Be Virtual Only
Holiday Open House flyer with a snow globe, December 8, 3–7 PM, The Arc.

Next Week: The Arc's Holiday Open House


We can’t wait to see you next week at our Holiday Open House! This winter wonderland-themed celebration is all about connecting with the community and ringing in the new year together. Enjoy light refreshments, winter-inspired activities, and photos with Santa—all while celebrating with friends!


Where: The Arc’s Office - 13949 West Colfax Ave, Building 1, Suite 102, Lakewood, CO 80401


When: December 8, 3:00pm-7:00pm


Photos with Santa will be available starting at 4:00pm.


Didn’t get a chance to RSVP? We still have room for more guests—sign up today! Click the button below to RSVP or learn more.

Let's Empower Our Neighbors Together


With the help of dedicated people like you, last year, The Arc-JCC&GC was able to support 303 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in our community in areas such as housing, education, and employment. As we look forward to continuing our work and connecting with even more community members, we hope you will join us.  


We are in the last week of the Colorado Gives season, in which all contributions receive a boost through a $1M+ incentive fund. If you are able, we ask that you consider uplifting The Arc and our neighbors with IDD by making a donation.

The Colorado State Capitol building stands with its gold-domed roof under a cloudy sky. The front features tall columns a grand staircase and a statue. Green trees and lampposts line the walkway.

Share Input on Medicaid Cuts at Upcoming Listening Session


You may be aware that the state of Colorado is planning to make many impactful cuts to Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). As the state determines how to implement these cuts, it is seeking input from those who will be affected.


Through an upcoming listening session, you're invited to share your thoughts and help shape the conversation.


When: Dec 11 at 11:00am

What: This meeting will cover updates to CFC and LTHH rates and units; PDN per diem and acute benefit; movement therapy reductions; equine removal; and delaying LTSS Presumptive Eligibility.

Where: Virtual meeting. Register here.

Logo of Colorado Cross Disability Coalition with lowercase ccdc in blue on black background and organization name in black text on blue background.

Virtual Town Hall: Learn More About Governor's Proposed Budget


If you have questions about the governor’s proposed budget here in Colorado and cuts to Medicaid, you won’t want to miss an upcoming town hall from the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (CCDC).


In this town hall, CCDC will be sharing important information and taking questions to help you stay informed in this time of uncertainty. Please note that the town hall will not be recorded.


When: Saturday, December 6th from 10:00am-12:00pm

Where: Virtual via Zoom. Register here.

Join Online Meetings About Benefits, Mental Health & More


This month, the Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) will host three virtual meetings designed to help people with disabilities navigate different areas of life. These free meetings are open to any self-advocate that would like to learn tips and gain confidence on these important topics!


Please read on for information on each meeting. You are welcome to attend as many meetings as you are interested in. Please note: Each meeting uses the same meeting link and ID.


Employment and Benefits

  • Thursday, December 4
  • 11:00am MT
  • Join via this link or by calling 1-929-436-2866
  • The meeting ID is 324 815 633


Getting Plain Language in Social Security & Medicare/Medicaid Offices

  • Thursday, December 11
  • 11:00am MT
  • Join via this link or by calling 1-929-436-2866
  • The meeting ID is 324 815 633


Mental Health and Stress

  • Thursday, December 18
  • 11:00am MT
  • Join via this link or by calling 1-929-436-2866
  • The meeting ID is 324 815 633
Stylized illustration of a woman in a yellow dress and a man in blue dancing with one arm raised in front of an orange background shape with white spots.

December Celebrations & Observances


It’s the last month of 2025, and in addition to celebrating the end of the year, we’re also celebrating key observances that promote inclusion and human rights for people with disabilities. There’s no better way to end the year than to recognize achievements, reflect on progress, and brainstorm ways to create a more inclusive world; read on to learn more about two observances that do just that this month.


International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Dec 3

December 3rd (today!) is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a celebration established by the United Nations (UN) in 1992. According to the UN, an estimated 1.3 billion people across the globe have a significant disability. Further, since many people with disabilities face social barriers like exclusion and discrimination, those with disabilities are more likely than their nondisabled peers to live in poverty and/or develop certain health conditions, like depression, asthma, and diabetes. We can work together to fight against these inequities, which is what International Day of Persons with Disabilities is all about. Learn more here.


Inclusive Schools Week: Dec 8-Dec 12

Inclusive Schools Week is an annual international observance that celebrates the work done by education professionals, parents, and students to make schools more inclusive for all children, including children with disabilities. It is also a time to work together to brainstorm and plan inclusive practices that are not already in place. Learn more here.

Important: Tonight's People First Will Be Virtual Only


  • Wednesday, December 3, 2025
  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • Due to the winter weather advisory, tonight's People First meeting will be held virtually only. We will not meet in person. We'll see you online!


Learn more about People First here. For any questions, please email info@arcjc.org.


We hope to see you there!

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