IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #36 Michele Manning
  • Our 60th Anniversary Celebration Continues
  • BREAKING NEWS: Mask Mandate For Jeffco Schools
  • Special Education And COVID: A Tricky Mix
  • Mapping The Changes To IntelliRide
  • American Rescue Plan Stakeholder Meetings Announced
Michelle Manning - #36

Michele Manning has been a powerful self-advocate for decades. She has been immersed in the self-advocacy movement through participation in Speaking for Ourselves – Colorado. She regularly attends monthly conference calls and also the quarterly meetings around our state.

Michele is also someone who loves to stay busy. Before her retirement several years ago, she worked at Disability Law Colorado for 9 years, as an office assistant. It was rewarding for her to have lots to do at an organization that provides crucial support to others with disabilities.

Michele is never shy about speaking up for herself, and she uses her voice to encourage others to do the same. When she moved into her present home, she even gave a presentation to staff and residents about self-advocacy.

Because she has a heart of gold, Michele thrives on helping people. She was a volunteer at Littleton Hospital in the Women’s & Newborn unit, and she had the important role of checking people into the secure area.

Michele has a variety of interests to keep her busy--working on her computer, playing bingo and watching TV. Her favorite shows are LA Law and Murder She Wrote, and she likes most everything on the Hallmark Channel.

Staying fit is very important to Michele. She even has a personal trainer whom she meets with via Skype. One of her goals with training is to improve her balance.

Michele sees the value in everyone, no matter their disabilities, and she wants everyone to do the same. Her favorite quote is, “Label jars, not people.” We’re delighted to honor Michele and her powerful voice this week! To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
Our 60th Anniversary Celebration Continues

It's our 60th anniversary all year! So far we have had a virtual celebration, featured more than half of 60 Voices That Shine, sang our hearts out at Karaoke Night, celebrated DD Awareness Month, created an online scrapbook, and devoured frozen treats at our ice cream social. But we aren’t done yet!
 
There is a new slide show on our website! CLICK HERE to see memories with friends and staff, and maybe even a photo of YOU. Speaking of you, if you have old photos (the older, the better) involving The Arc that you would like to contribute to our slide show, please send them to [email protected].
 
Back by popular demand, another 60th Anniversary Karaoke Night is being planned! The details of this fun event will be shared soon, so stay tuned.
BREAKING NEWS: Mask Mandate For Jeffco Schools

COVID is keeping all of us on our toes, and this week is no exception. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) issued a Public Health Order (PHO) requiring masks be worn inside all schools and child care settings, PK-12 for all individuals age 2 and older regardless of vaccination status. This prompted Jeffco Schools to announce its compliance with this PHO and establish the following...

Effective Tuesday, August 17, All Jeffco Public Schools students, staff, visitors, and volunteers must wear masks while indoors in schools and district buildings. CLICK HERE for more information.

An important part of this mandate is that religious exemptions from wearing a mask will no longer be allowed. The only exemptions allowed are for medical purposes. If you need to apply for a medical exemption, CLICK HERE to access the form.
 
If you are curious about what all the fuss is about regarding wearing a mask, this really short and easy-to-understand video explains how a mask helps prevent the spread of the COVID virus. If you are a fan of sugar, you will especially enjoy this video. CLICK HERE to see the video.
Special Education And COVID: A Tricky Mix

If you need resources and information to support your student with disabilities during this pandemic, you likely aren’t alone. COVID restrictions and educational changes are adding a dose of difficulty to many of our lives.
 
If you have questions or need assistance, the Colorado Department of Education has a list of frequently asked questions geared toward you. CLICK HERE to visit the FAQ website with information on topics like:
 
  • How do I contact CDE?
  • My child’s IEP review is coming up. May we have a virtual IEP meeting?
  • If I believe my child’s IEP is not being followed, do I have any recourse?
  • Where can I get information about additional resources?
 
You will also find information on state and federal guidance, learning supports for students with disabilities, and resources for families of students with disabilities during COVID-19.
Mapping The Changes To IntelliRide

Are you a resident of Clear Creek or Gilpin County? Are you a Health First Colorado member (Colorado’s Medicaid Program)? Have you relied on IntelliRide to provide free non-emergent medical transportation (NEMT)? If so, you need to pay attention to this critical message.
 
Effective August 1, 2021, IntelliRide’s boundaries have changed and are no longer the state-wide broker of NEMT services. By reducing the service area, IntelliRide no longer serves Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. Jefferson County remains within IntelliRide’s service area.
 
Here are the directions for Health First Colorado members who live in Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. Reach out to one of these two transportation providers to receive transportation to non-emergent, covered health care services and appointments, including picking up prescriptions:
 
  • Neighbor to Neighbor at (719) 530-8980
  • Perfect Ride at (303) 668-7578
 
If you are in Jefferson County, you may continue to call IntelliRide at 855-489-4999 or 303-398-2155 or CLICK HERE for more information or to schedule online.
American Rescue Plan Stakeholder Meetings Announced

First a little history.
The HCBS provision in the American Rescue Plan Act increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Medicaid HCBS spending from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will use this additional infusion of short-term funding to increase access to critical services for HCBS for Medicaid beneficiaries in their homes and communities. 
 
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided an initial partial approval of Colorado’s proposed Enhanced Match Spending Plan. In order to obtain full approval, CMS asked for additional clarification and information on various parts of the originally submitted plan, which has now been provided.
 
Here is where you come in.
In preparation for the presentation of a final plan, all interested stakeholders are invited to provide their feedback and input on the refined plan. Topics discussed will include, a review of the plan at a high level, current priorities, updated timelines, an overview of how projects will be implemented, and how the funds will be distributed.
 
All of the information in the letter received from CMS, Colorado’s response letter, and the originally submitted plan, are available on the Department’s website, CLICK HERE.
 
Here are the three opportunities to join the discussion and learn more: 
 
General Stakeholder Meeting One
Monday, August 23, 2021, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Zoom Link: CLICK HERE
Webinar ID: 822 5533 9128
Passcode: 809390
Phone: (720) 707-2699 or (877) 853-5257 (Toll Free)
 
General Stakeholder Meeting Two
Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Zoom Link: CLICK HERE
Webinar ID: 822 5533 9128
Passcode: 809390
Phone: (720) 707-2699 or (877) 853-5257 (Toll Free)
 
Targeted Stakeholder Meeting: Members, Families, and Advocates
Thursday, August 26, 2021, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Zoom Link: CLICK HERE
Webinar ID: 822 5533 9128
Passcode: 809390
Phone: (720) 707-2699 or (877) 853-5257 (Toll Free)
 
Note that registration is not required for any of the sessions. If you need an accommodation, please email [email protected] at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.