IN THIS ISSUE...
  • Advocating For Early Access To The Covid-19 Vaccine
  • Project Connect’s Disability Support Phone Line
  • Your Generosity Helps Build Better Lives!
  • Introducing Easterseals Virtual Camp - All Next Week
  • Disability Employment Focus Group Participants Needed
  • The Arc Is Closed For The Holidays
Advocating for Early Access To The Covid-19 Vaccine

As a part of The Arc’s advocacy for the I/DD community, we always support you having choices in your own health and welfare. This includes whether or not you choose to get the new Covid-19 vaccine.
 
The Arc is not recommending whether or not you should get the vaccine. But, we feel it is important for everyone to have access to a vaccine as soon as possible. We are working with the State of Colorado to ensure early access to the new Covid-19 vaccines for individuals with I/DD – who have a higher risk of death due to Covid.
 
As more information on vaccine availability comes to our attention, we will share it with you. Additionally, resources that might assist you in your decision-making process will be put on the website as they become available.
 
In the meantime, you can CLICK HERE to see the State of Colorado’s vaccine plan and vaccine updates.
Project Connect's Disability Support Phone Line

A lot has happened in the world this year, and for some, the end-of-year holidays add-on extra stress. If you need support this holiday season – or anytime during the year – there is a new and free 24-hour Disability Support Line called Project Connect.
 
Project Connect offers telehealth support for individuals with disabilities, their families, direct support professionals, and others supporting individuals with I/DD. Although the program is run by organizations in New York and California, it is designed to provide teletherapy to callers from any state.
 
Staffed by graduate students from Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare and supervised by licensed social workers, this helpline offers support services including, counseling, wellness checks, depression screening, and community service referrals.
 
“We hope this free teletherapy line will remind people that they are not alone, and to give those who are feeling overwhelmed or are struggling a glimmer of hope that together we can get through this and thrive,” said Jordan Lindsey, executive director of The Arc of California.
 
If you feel alone or need extra support, you can reach out for free by calling 1 (888) 847-3209 24-hours a day.

You may be asked to leave a message, and if so, your call will be returned within 1 day. For more information, CLICK HERE. Thanks to The Arc of California and Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare for creating and supporting this program!
Your Generosity Helps Build Better Lives!

The gift you make to The Arc today will help ensure that hundreds of people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers, will continue to receive life-changing advocacy and essential information.
 
A monthly gift of whatever size fits your budget allows you to spread out your giving over time, and it allows The Arc to count on steady funding, so we can be prepared for whatever comes next. If you’d rather make a one-time gift, we will be equally grateful to you, of course!
 
Make your year-end gift today--CLICK HERE. And if you’ve already made your year-end gift, THANK YOU for believing in The Arc, and people with disabilities!
Introducing Easterseals Virtual Camp - All Next Week
 
Hanukkah and Christmas gifts will all be opened. The cookies and fudge will likely all be eaten – yum! What is there to do once the holidays are over? Introducing Easterseals Virtual Camp, being held all next week!

It's a super fun online camp where you can enjoy games, crafts, movement, music, and learning. There is also a daily Zoom call so you can meet other campers and share experiences.
 
Campers will learn about themselves and their environment in fun ways by making new friends, stretching creativity, and learning about teamwork and leadership.
 
Working at their own pace, campers can enjoy things like:
 
  • Keeping fit with exercises and mindfulness
  • Keeping your brain in top shape with crafts, projects, and activities
  • A Zoom Campfire call each evening to connect with friends, share our activities, sing camp songs, and have some fun!
 
Camp takes place Monday, December 28, 2020 through Friday, January 1, 2021. It's open to just about everyone, but is targeted to kids of all abilities ages 6 - 12.
 
To learn more, including registering for Virtual Camp and enrolling in camp activities, simply CLICK HERE.
 
Note: Depending upon which activity you sign up for, there may be a supplies list, so be sure to register early and gather your supplies.
Disability Employment Focus Group Participants Needed
Participants will receive a $25 gift card

TASH (an international leader in disability advocacy) was recently given an Administration on Disability – ACL Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center grant. TASH is looking to use part of this grant to conduct focus study research.

The organization is looking for 8 to 10 self-advocates to participate in the focus group. It will take 1 to 2 hours. Participants will receive a $25 gift card

If you are interested in participating in the focus group, please CLICK HERE to send them an email. Someone will get in touch with you after the holidays. For more information about TASH, CLICK HERE.
The Arc Is Closed For The Holidays
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.