Open Doors to Independence with Travel Training

 

Travel Training is the perfect place to address your concerns about trying, or maybe retrying, public transportation. Via & RTD Travel Trainers understand the reality of public transportation for people with I/DD, and they have been helping people learn about it for years. They also offer free individual travel training, during which travel trainers work one-on-one with a trainee for as long as it takes to insure safe, independent travel. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members and caregivers are welcome to attend this intro Travel Training.

 

When: Thursday, September 12 from 10 AM-12:30 PM

Where: The Arc – JCCG office: 13949 W Colfax Ave, Bldg 1, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80401 

 

*Lunch will be included

 

1. Presentation starts at 10:00 AM

2. Next, we board an out-of-service RTD bus reserved just for our group, and we go through the same steps that riders take on in-service buses. 

3. We will ride the bus to a Light Rail station, where we board and travel by Light Rail. 

4. Lastly, we ride by bus back to The Arc for lunch starting between 12:00 and 12:30 PM.

5. All along the way you can get answers to your questions from the expert at RTD.

 

Space is limited. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 10 . Please e-mail [email protected] or call (303) 232-1338 to RSVP.

 

“Thank you so much for running the Travel Training! We were fortunate enough to have Dan work with our kids and he trained them on everything they need to know to be successful getting to their jobs and back home!” -- Karen B

Hey Lucky's Market Shoppers!

Did you know that right now you can support The Arc while grocery shopping? That's right, at Lucky's Market on Wadsworth!

From now through November 9th, we’re one of three Lucky's Market Bags for Change partners.

All you need to do is bring your reusable grocery bags and at checkout the cashier will give you a wooden dime for each. Before leaving the store you’ll see the Bags for Change display (pictured). Just drop your dimes in the slot with our name. Then, in November, Lucky’s Market will add up what the community has donated, and make a donation to us for double the amount!

Be sure to stop by Lucky's Market, and don't forget to bring your bags!

Free Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conferences

Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conferences are designed for parents and professionals of children with disabilities, aged birth to 21.

 

Decades of research show that the participation of families in their child’s education, through specific coordinating between home and school, results in improved outcomes (Jeynes, 2012).  PEP Conferences are designed to promote family and school partnerships that are essential in supporting students with disabilities and their families in schools and the community.

PEP brings parents and professionals together by sharing ideas, discussing concerns, celebrating successes and obtaining information related to parenting, educating and partnering to support student learning.  PEP Conferences are offered at no cost to attendees.

 

2019 - 2020 PEP Dates:

 

To learn more about PEP Conferences and to register, click here. Please note: there is limited space for professionals.  

 

If you have additional questions, please contact Joyce Thiessen-Barrett at (303) 866-6757.

Parents, You Can Take Leave to Attend IEP Meetings!

A potentially helpful letter for families was recently issued by the US Department of Labor (DOL), which says that parents who need to miss work to attend any meeting held under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including IEP meetings, qualify for “intermittent leave” under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

For parents who are struggling to balance work and advocating for the services and supports their children need at school, this opinion will hopefully help protect them from disciplinary actions by their employers.

Read the DOL Letter for more information!

Future Planning Help: The Arc is Here for Your Family

Have you thought about what happens after a parent or caregiver is no longer able to provide support? This is important planning that is possible for all families.

These plans can include housing, financials, employment and daily activities, and maintaining good relationships. The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has resources to help, including a recently released free tip sheet, " A Letter to My Doctors." This self-advocacy resource helps facilitate health care decisions and supported decision-making if necessary.

Click here to learn more about future planning.

Internet Essentials Expands!

Internet Essentials from Comcast is making its largest eligibility expansion ever to include all low-income households. 

The Arc is proud to partner with this life-changing program to help bridge the digital divide for people with disabilities.

Click here to learn more about the program.