IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #15
  • Virtual Event: Guardianship At Age 18
  • Disability Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
  • Scholarships Available For The Arc@School’s Special Education Advocacy Curriculum
  • Use Your Tax Refund To Re-Fund The Arc
  • Talk About A Long Winter's Nap
Brooks Wiggins - Voice #15

Have you ever heard of the saying, “still waters run deep”? That could easily be used to describe this week’s Voice That Shines – Brooks Wiggins. On the surface, Brooks might seem like a quiet or even shy soul. However, under that calm exterior, she has passions, interests, and a wonderfully positive attitude.
 
Growing up in foster care, she learned early on that with a survival mindset and a focus on the things she loves, such as Christian music and good friends, she could overcome. Today, Brooks is a kind, laid-back, and pleasant person who likes to take walks in the park and help others as much as she can. She is also a very hard worker who takes her job at an auto parts store very seriously. There should be more people like Brooks in the world!
 
She is a cherished participant in many of The Arc’s self-advocacy groups like Coffee House, People First, and Speaking For Ourselves - Colorado. As someone who loves to go out and about, she has attended Arc events like Travel Training, LifeAbility Talks, and last year’s art exhibit at Lakewood Arts Council during DD Awareness Month. As an exciting side note, she recently appeared in a TV commercial for Johnson Storage and Moving.
 
Believing deeply in equal rights for people with disabilities, Brooks takes every opportunity she can to advocate for herself and her peers. She sometimes wonders about the challenges that others with disabilities have to conquer and wants them to know that they can overcome too – with beautiful things they enjoy and the right attitude. 

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE. We've updated our slideshow with all new photos!
Virtual Event: Guardianship At Age 18

You can join a rich conversation around guardianship, supportive decision-making, and self-advocacy, as well as debunking some of the myths about guardianship that seem to persist.

Jeffco Schools is partnering with The Arc to host a virtual event where you will hear from experts in the I/DD field share resources and participate in a question and answer session on the subject of guardianship at age 18. 
 
Guardianship at Age 18: What Is It and How to Decide If It’s the Path for My Child?
Thursday, April 29, 2021
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
To register, CLICK HERE
Note: This training will be recorded and posted for future reference
 
The target audience for this event is families of students 15 and older who want to learn more about guardianship and less restrictive decision-making alternatives. It also includes middle and high school SSN teachers and JTS professionals. For more information contact [email protected]
Disability Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Still need a COVID vaccine?

There is a new opportunity for the disability community to get a vaccine at an upcoming event sponsored by PASCO and in partnership with Good Day Pharmacy. They will be providing the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
 
COVID Vaccine Clinic
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
PASCO | 9197 W 6th Ave Suite 1000 | Lakewood, CO 80215
You must sign up, CLICK HERE
 
The clinic is open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older and a member of the disability community. Masks will be required at all times. Health insurance is not required to receive the vaccine. For more information, CLICK HERE
Scholarships Available For The Arc@School's Special Education Advocacy Curriculum

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in The Arc@School’s Special Education Advocacy Curriculum for free! Started in 2016 to help families and professionals navigate the special education system, This Arc@School educational opportunity typically costs $99, but scholarships are now being offered to qualified families.
 
These scholarships are available to families of color and low-income families to allow them further access to information to help them better advocate for their child with disabilities.

Participants in the program will learn to navigate the special education system, advocate for services and support, as well as understand what is required by law to support students with disabilities.
 
If you would like to apply for free access to The Arc@School’s Special Education Advocacy Curriculum, simply CLICK HERE. For more information on the program, CLICK HERE. You can also email [email protected] and say you are interested in more information about a program scholarship.
Use Your Tax Refund To Re-Fund The Arc

Have you filed your Colorado state taxes for 2020 yet? If not, you have a unique and easy opportunity to donate a portion of your tax refund to The Arc using your Colorado tax form. It is super simple to do.
 
Using the “Voluntary Contributions Schedule” tax form (CLICK HERE to access the form) along with your Colorado Individual Tax Form you can make a donation to The Arc using some or all of your tax refund.
 
Donating is the perfect way to show your commitment to our community by “re-funding” The Arc so we can continue our work supporting people and families with I/DD. The State of Colorado has made it easy to do. 

Navigate to line 18 and enter in the amount of your donation. Then immediately below line 18 fill in the blank line with the 11-digit Secretary of State Registration Number for The Arc (20023003706) and the name “The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties.” If you have a tax preparer complete your tax forms for you, simply give them these instructions along with the amount of your desired donation.
Talk About A Long Winter's Nap

After being dormant and asleep for over 800 years, a volcano in Iceland erupted in late March. Thanks to the technology of drones and portable video cameras, we can witness the activity on the Fagradalsfjall volcano (let’s not try to pronounce that name!) as if we were birds flying over and around it.
 
Iceland is no stranger to volcanic eruptions as they happen frequently. However, this volcano had been inactive for such a long time it was a bit of a surprise. A few earthquakes earlier in February gave researchers a heads up that the Fagradalsfjall volcano might be waking up – and it did so in a big and beautiful way.
 
If you would like to see the fabulous drone footage of the volcanic eruption and lava flows, CLICK HERE to watch the hikers move towards the volcano to catch the stunning photography. It all looks so surreal. To learn more about the Fagradalsfjall volcano and other volcanos on Iceland, CLICK HERE. 
The Arc IS OPEN - OUR OFFICE IS CLOSED (UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

In an effort to protect our clients, staff, board, volunteers and community members, The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties physical offices will be closed effective immediately (Friday, March 13) until further notice due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Please note that services will continue to be provided, as staff will be working remotely and communicating via phone, text and email. All in-person meetings, events and scheduled trainings will be canceled or postponed. When our physical offices reopen, our website and social media platforms will provide such information. CLICK HERE for more information.