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In This Issue:
- Self-Advocates Share Why Medicaid Is Essential
- Let Your Creativity Shine! We're Accepting Poetry Submissions
- Our Legislators Need to Hear How Medicaid Cuts Will Impact You
- 'Blue Envelope' Resources Available in Jeffco & Clear Creek County
- Take Part in Upcoming Disability Needs Assessment
- Self-Booking Is Now Available for Uber Health
- What's Happening Next Month?
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Self-Advocates Share Why Medicaid Is Essential
As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) comes to a close, we are excited to share with our community the final installment of our video series, Selfies: Insights from Self-Advocates.
Throughout the month of March, these videos have shined a light on the perspectives and experiences of self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in our community. We’re so grateful to all of the self-advocates who participated and made their voices heard through this series!
In our final video, self-advocates discuss Medicaid for people with disabilities and all that it can help cover, including hospital visits, medical equipment, and support to live independently. Click the button below to access this week’s video, as well as previous videos in the series.
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Let Your Creativity Shine! We're Accepting Poetry Submissions
April marks the 30th anniversary of National Poetry Month, and we’re celebrating by publishing poems from our community members in The Arc's eNewsletter!
We’re inviting all in our community—individuals with IDD, family members, and other supporters—to send us an original poem. Then, in April, we’ll share the submissions we've received with our eNewsletter readers!
Join us in celebrating imagination. If you would like to submit an original poem, please:
- Send your poem to communications@arcjc.org
- The subject line of your email should be “National Poetry Month”
- Tell us if you would like your name to be included (First Name and Last Initial) or if you would like your poem to be published anonymously
- Tune in to our eNewsletter next month to see your work featured in an article!
For any questions, please email communications@arcjc.org.
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Our Legislators Need to Hear How Medicaid Cuts Will Impact You
Speak Up Now to Protect the Services You Rely On
Right now, Colorado lawmakers are making decisions that will significantly impact Medicaid. The state legislature’s Joint Budget Committee (JBC) is deciding on funding for the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF), which runs Colorado’s Medicaid program. The committee has already approved several cuts to disability services, and more cuts are still being considered.
These services are essential. They help people with disabilities access health care, live independently, and stay connected to their communities. Further cuts could put those supports at risk.
This is a critical moment—and your voice matters!
Our legislators need to hear how these cuts could impact you. You can take action today:
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Join Monday's Medicaid Cuts Town Hall. Get the latest updates and ask your questions.
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When: Monday, March 30th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
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Where: Virtual meeting. Register here.
- Hosted by Alliance, The Arc of Colorado, Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Law Colorado, and Family Voices.
The time is NOW to ask questions and speak up for Medicaid. Make your voice heard today!
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'Blue Envelope' Resources Available in Jeffco & Clear Creek County
Have you heard? The Blue Envelope program offers resources to help promote safer, more effective interactions between people with disabilities and first responders.
Blue Envelope is designed to aid individuals with a disability that may impact communication, particularly in high-stress situations like traffic stops or other interactions with law enforcement. Through the program, anyone can receive the below items free of charge:
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A blue envelope to store important documents, like your vehicle registration and insurance information. The outside of the envelope has instructions on what to do if you are pulled over.
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Identifying materials like lanyards, seatbelt covers, stickers, and more. These materials discreetly signal to first responders that the wearer has a disability that may impact communication. Available materials vary by county.
Jefferson County: Click here to learn more about Blue Envelope, available materials, and pick-up locations.
Clear Creek County: Click here to learn more about Blue Envelope, available materials, and pick-up locations.
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Take Part in Upcoming Disability Needs Assessment
The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) is planning to conduct a statewide disability needs assessment—and you’re invited to participate.
The assessment will evaluate the needs and assets of the Colorado disability community, with a focus on all types of disabilities. People with disabilities, their immediate family members, providers, and other Colorado residents interested in disability issues are encouraged to participate.
If you’d like to get involved, you can sign up now to receive alerts about future opportunities for participation. Sign up or learn more here.
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Self-Booking Is Now Available for Uber Health
If you’re a person with a disability, a new self-booking option in Uber Health may be available to help you boost your independence when arranging transportation.
Health care providers and disability service organizations that use Uber Health to arrange rides for clients can now opt for clients to self-book their rides. Through this option, riders with IDD can manage and book their own Uber rides, even if their provider is paying for the ride.
If your provider uses Uber Health, be sure to ask if this self-booking option is now available to you! Learn more here.
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