In This Issue:

• See You This Evening for Our Summer Picnic!
• Check Out Our Self-Guided Training on Social Security
• The Arc in the Community
• Chat with Consulting Advocates at Peer Power
• Tell The Arc What Matters to You: Idaho Springs Listening Session
• Learn to Tell Your Story at 'Art of Storytelling' Group

See You This Evening for Our Summer Picnic!

We’re getting ready for all the picnic fun this evening! Come down to Clement Park tonight any time from 4pm-7pm for food, friends, and festivities. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect casual way to connect with our community and enjoy some time outside.

We’re highlighting our Colorado pride this year. You’re welcome to grab a shirt, hat, or accessory that reps your favorite CO spot, sport, or school before you head out the door.

Walk-ins are welcome, so even if you didn’t get the chance to RSVP, you can still swing by. Click here for more information and to view a map of Clement Park. See you at Shelters O, P & Q!

When: Tonight - July 22nd, 4:00pm-7:00pm 

Where: Clement Park - 7306 W. Bowles Avenue, Littleton, CO 80123 (Shelters O, P & Q) 

Check Out Our Self-Guided Training on Social Security

Are you preparing to apply for Social Security benefits? Our free, online training on Social Security can help you get started.

Through this self-paced training, you’ll learn:

• Which benefits you may be eligible for
• What to expect when you apply
• What to do if your application is denied
• Which resources can help you during the application process

Click here to view our training on Social Security.

The Arc in the Community

Our staff members, Brent Belisle and Liesel Thomas, were thrilled to join the Westminster City Council for the reading of its Disability Pride Month Proclamation on July 13th. Read by Councilmember Jack Johnson, the proclamation recognized National Disability Pride Month, the achievements of people with disabilities, and the ongoing fight for inclusion. The Arc-JCCGC, The Arc of Adams County, and others representing the disability community joined Councilmember Johnson for the reading.

“The Disability Pride Month Proclamation shows the community that individuals with disabilities are an active, vital part of our society that works, lives, and plays in our everyday community,” Belisle said.

Our chapter also had a wonderful time at this past Saturday’s Thrive Together: Celebrating Disability Pride event! Held by the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office and Atlantis Community, Inc, the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with community members from across the Denver area while also sharing more about how The Arc can provide support.

Chat with Consulting Advocates at Peer Power

Questions about navigating life with a disability? Swing by Peer Power and chat with someone who has lived disability experience!

You’re invited to join us for our next Peer Power session on July 28th at Lakewood Library. Our Consulting Advocates will be available for conversations about any questions you may be working through, like:

• Figuring out transportation
• Applying for benefits
• Advocating for yourself at work or school
• And more!

Consulting Advocates can offer guidance—and share their own experiences, too, because they are people with disabilities and have encountered similar situations.

We’d love to see you there! No registration is required.

When: July 28th, 12:30pm-2:00pm

Where: Lakewood Library – 10200 W 20th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215

Special thanks to Starbright Connections LLC for their collaboration on this event!

Tell The Arc What Matters to You: Idaho Springs Listening Session

Community members from the Idaho Springs area are invited to join The Arc of Colorado for its next listening session, cohosted with The Arc-JCCGC!

As part of its 2026 Community Engagement Tour, The Arc of Colorado will be visiting Idaho Springs to learn more from people with disabilities, family members, elected officials, local leaders, and anyone else who would like to attend! The session will help The Arc of Colorado shape its policy priorities for next year and learn about the unique needs of people who live in Idaho Springs and other mountain communities.

Advocates from The Arc-JCCGC will be there to connect and share more about how we can support you. We hope you’ll stop by to learn more about our work!

When: July 29th from 12:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Westbound & Down Brewing Company – 1617 Miner St, Idaho Springs, CO 80452

Complimentary lunch will be provided. Registration is recommended but not required. Click the flyer above or click here to register and learn more.

For more information or to request accommodations, please email thearcofco@thearcofco.org.

Learn to Tell Your Story at 'Art of Storytelling' Group

Are you a person with a disability? Do you want to learn tips and tricks to help you tell your story to others?

The Arc Wisconsin is inviting self-advocates from across the country to join its virtual Art of Storytelling course! Taught by people with disabilities, these drop-in sessions will help you learn how to tell your story in a way that helps others understand the harm of the R-word.

Upcoming Classes:

• July 29th: 1:00pm-2:00pm Mountain Time
• July 31st: 1:00pm-2:00pm Mountain Time
• August 26th: 1:00pm-2:00pm Mountain Time
• August 28th: 1:00pm-2:00pm Mountain Time

Drop in for whichever classes work for you. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you’d like.

The Art of Storytelling is free and completely online. To learn more or to receive the Zoom link for each session, please email sbadeau@arcfdl.org.