In This Issue:

  • Autism Awareness Month
  • Webinar: Accessible Formats Writing Overview
  • Eligible Households Can Get Help Paying for Internet
  • HCBS Settings Rule: Public Comment
  • Looking for a Job? Attend the May 18 Employment Mixer
  • Life After High School Web Training
Autism Awareness Month had a history spanning nearly 50 years until its designation changed to Autism Acceptance Month in April of last year. This wording update is very significant because it reflects a greater spirit of acceptance and inclusion.

Awareness is defined as: Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

Acceptance is: the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group.

In collaboration with Nickelodeon, The Autism Society of America encourages empowering all people to learn and connect by celebrating Autism acceptance not only in April but every day. Here is a helpful resource guide including suggestions for a few small, but meaningful actions people can take:

• Learn about people’s experiences with autism.
• Promote inclusive collaborations.
• Model speaking up for and supporting others – be an upstander.
• Practice calming strategies.
• Explore local and national organizations that support Autism Acceptance through advocacy.

Helping youth (and adults) learn to embrace inclusivity and respect diversity is essential and may change some negative stereotypes about people with autism and individuals who have other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Webinar:
Accessible Formats Writing Overview

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is offering a webinar for participants to learn how to write in accessible formats. “Easy Read” refers to the presentation of text in an accessible, easy to understand format and learning this skill may enable an ability to write effective policies.
This training will include information for participants to learn the difference between plain language vs. Easy Read and what guidelines to follow when writing in an accessible style. After a brief online tutorial, there will be time for questions and answers.

This webinar is scheduled from 2-3 p.m. (MDT) on April 25. For more information and to register, click here.
Affordable Connectivity Program

Eligible households can get help paying for internet.

The U.S. Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program was developed to help low-income households pay for broadband service and internet-connected devices needed for work, K-12 and college education, healthcare, accessing government supports, and more.

People may be eligible for the program if their household income is below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line, or if they receive government benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch. Those qualified could receive:

  • Up to a $30 monthly discount on internet service
  • Up to a $75 monthly discount if the household is on qualifying Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

More information is available by clicking here.
Image of people using email and letting their voices be heard.
Public Comment Invited:
HCBS Settings Rule 

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing has updated Colorado’s Statewide Transition Plan (STP) for bringing home- and community-based services (HCBS) throughout the state into compliance with the federal HCBS Settings Final Rule.

Public comments will be accepted through May 9. The Department intends to submit the final STP to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) after it has reviewed and addressed the comments received during the public comment period.

Please click here for more information. To submit comments to the State of Colorado regarding the rule click here.
Employment Mixer

Hoping to explore new employment opportunities?

Want to debunk some stereotypes about people with IDD and help potential employers meet possible job candidates?

Then don’t miss an employment mixer presented by The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties and The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Counties. Attend this non-formal (no resumes needed), non-job fair (no employer booths). There will be a short welcome presentation, followed by eating, drinking, schmoozing, and breakout sessions. See you on Wednesday, May 18th from 4 – 6pm at Brewability.
Life After High School 

Navigating plans for life after high school is never easy. There is a lot of new information for youth and their parents to take in, as planning begins for the teen's life beyond the education system. Sorting through all of this can often be overwhelming. 

Click here for a self-guided web training series designed to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families plan for adult life.

This informative series includes resources on post-secondary education, employment, and life skills, as well as tools to help students discover what they want to do when they graduate.