In This Issue:

  • Thank You for Stopping By The Arc's Annual Picnic!
  • Ongoing Changes to Medicaid: What You Need to Know
  • Find Inclusive and Adaptive Activities Near You
  • Jeffco Back to School Bash Returns August 8th
  • Tickets on Sale for Phamaly Theatre's 504: The Musical
  • Registrese para BSEAT Español
  • Explore List of Free School Supply Distributions
  • Temporary Outage of HCPF Member Escalations Form
  • What's Happening Next Month?

Thank You for Stopping By The Arc's Annual Picnic!


Our annual picnic was packed with summer fun and friendly faces! Thank you to all who swung by to take part in picnic activities, enjoy tasty food, and catch up with others in our community. Although we wrapped up a bit early because of the weather, we still had such a fantastic time connecting with everyone who joined us!


Take a look at some of our favorite picnic memories. Visit our photo gallery by clicking the button below.

A child wearing glasses and a striped shirt hugs a woman outdoors as she holds his arm.

Ongoing Changes to Medicaid: What You Need to Know


The passage of the federal HR 1 bill in 2025, along with other budget challenges in Colorado, have brought many changes to the state’s Medicaid program (Health First Colorado). Some changes have already happened, while others will be implemented soon.


For Medicaid members, staying informed of these changes is one of the best ways to make sure you remain eligible for the coverage you need. On our website, we summarize the most current information on new Medicaid changes, who will be affected, and what you can do right now to prepare. Click the button below to learn more about upcoming work requirements and other ongoing changes to Medicaid.

Three photos show people participating in therapeutic recreation: swimming with assistance, interacting with a horse during adaptive riding, and using a rowing machine with an instructor.

Find Inclusive and Adaptive Activities Near You


Get active and meet new people through inclusive recreation! Recreation centers across the area offer adaptive and inclusive sports leagues, classes, activities, and more for people with disabilities.


Use the links below to browse activities near you.

Jeffco Back to School Bash Returns August 8th


Jeffco Public Schools students and families are invited to kick off the new school year at the 2026 Jeffco Back to School Bash. This free event will include:

  • Activities for all ages (yard games, face painting, craft stations, etc.)
  • Food trucks (food for purchase)
  • Live music
  • Opportunities to connect with district staff and community partners


When: August 8th, 10:00am-2:00pm

Where: Jeffco Stadium – 500 Kipling St., Lakewood, CO 80226


The event is free to attend. Free parking will be available at the stadium.


Click here to learn more about the Jeffco Back to School Bash.

Colorful billboard graphic reads “WORLD PREMIERE! 504 THE MUSICAL,” with a wheelchair accessibility symbol incorporated into the title.

Tickets on Sale for Phamaly Theatre's 504: The Musical


Next month marks the premiere of a brand-new musical all about a pivotal victory in the disability rights movement, Phamaly Theatre Company’s 504: The Musical. Starring a cast of actors with disabilities and produced in partnership with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the show will reimagine the weeks-long-sit-in by disability rights activists that pushed for the signing of the Section 504 regulations, protecting Americans with disabilities from many forms of discrimination.


When: August 6th-August 23rd

Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex Kilstrom Theatre - Speer Blvd & Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80204


Tickets are on sale for $47 for standard performances and $30 for preview performances.


Click here to learn more, view accessibility services, or purchase tickets.

COPAA logo in blue text above a curved green swoosh.

Registrese para BSEAT Español


The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) is offering a 12-week workshop to equip Spanish-speaking families to navigate the US special education system. Below, please find more information about the course from COPAA:


Fundamentos de la Defensa en Educación Especial en Español (BSEAT® Español) es un curso nacional, 100% en línea, de doce sesiones diseñado para personas interesadas en desarrollar y fortalecer conocimientos en la defensa de educación especial que no son abogados. El curso está dirigido a quienes desean comprender mejor el sistema de educación especial en los Estados Unidos y participar de manera informada y efectiva en la defensa de los derechos educativos de los estudiantes con discapacidad.


Costo: $189. El valor de BSEAT Español es de $799, pero, gracias al generoso apoyo de la Fundación Oak, el curso se ofrece actualmente por $189 e incluye un libro de texto digital (e-pub) como parte de los materiales. Un número limitado de personas calificadas cuyo ingreso familiar sea igual o menor al doble del nivel federal de pobreza puede solicitar un descuento en la tarifa de inscripción. Las becas de BSEAT cubren el 80% del costo del curso.


Para más información sobre el curso, haga clic aquí.


Registrese para BSEAT Español: Haga clic aquí para registrarse en el curso.

A child selects colored pencils from an open art-supply case while an adult assists at a table.

Explore List of Free School Supply Distributions


The start of the school year is just around the corner, and organizations across the Denver metro area are supporting families to ensure students have the supplies they need for the first day of school. Chalkbeat Colorado has compiled a list of local events where students can receive free school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, and more. Click here to read more.

Temporary Outage of HCPF Member Escalations Form


The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) Member Escalations Form is temporarily unavailable as it undergoes a security review. During this temporary outage, HCPF is instructing members, families, advocates, providers, and other stakeholders to submit any grievances and escalations by emailing HCPF_MemberComplaints@state.co.us.


To read the full email sent from HCPF to stakeholders, which includes details on submitting grievances and escalations by email, click the image to the right.

What's Happening Next Month?

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