IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #7
  • You Talk. They Listen.
  • Free Planning Resources Targeted to Spanish Speakers
  • Open Enrollment Once Again Open
  • Love Yourself This Valentine's Day
David Eaton - Voice #7

We’re excited to feature David Eaton, the 7th of our Voices That Shine.
 
David is an experienced self-advocate with a fantastic sense of humor and an incredibly positive attitude. His primary goal is to bring people together. As a former staff member of our chapter, he made an indelible impression on community members, civic leaders, and fellow self-advocates during his tenure.
 
He began his foray into the self-advocacy movement in the year 2000 as the first president of Rocky Mountain Partners AKtion Club, which is affiliated with Kiwanis International. He hasn’t stopped since.
 
David is fiercely independent and has lived for many years on his own with his service dog Heavena, whom he trained himself. He is never afraid to rock the boat in the interest of making things better and will make his voice heard, even if it sometimes goes against the grain. His is a one-of-a-kind voice that we are delighted to honor.
 
For more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
You Talk. They Listen.

The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is hosting three listening sessions in February.

The CDDC wants to hear about the unmet needs of Coloradans with disabilities.

They seek to use the information to identify the priorities, objectives, and activities that will guide their advocacy and spending from 2022 to 2026.
 
Monday, February 22, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM - CLICK HERE
Thursday, February 25, 2021, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM - CLICK HERE
Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM - CLICK HERE
 
If you cannot attend one of these sessions or would prefer to submit your thoughts in writing, you can complete a short survey, CLICK HERE for English, or CLICK HERE for Spanish. All survey responses must be received before Monday, February 15, 2021. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
 
With a few million dollars in the budget, this group has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of those with disabilities and their families. If you can, take time to talk, so they can listen. 
Free Planning Resources
Targeted to Spanish Speakers

Spanish-speaking individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, now have six new resources to assist with financial and future planning, and they're free!
 
Covering a variety of topics, these resources are available to download now and can be easily shared. Topics include:
 
  • Support available to help people with I/DD make decisions
  • Preparing for unexpected changes in a person’s ability to make decisions
  • Common myths about guardianship and people with I/DD
  • Tips on how to save money for the future
  • Resources to consider when creating a financial plan
  • When to use a Special Needs Trust or ABLE Account
 
Share these resources with your Spanish-speaking clients, friends or neighbors who have I/DD or have a family member with I/DD. Making decisions about the future and creating a financial plan to support that future can now be easier. CLICK HERE to access these downloadable resources.
Open Enrollment Once Again Open
 
Colorado’s health insurance exchange, Connect for Health Colorado, is once again open for insurance enrollments. The state decided to mirror President Biden’s executive order to re-open the federal insurance exchange by opening the state exchange, Connect for Health Colorado.
 
The exchange is being re-opened to help people who have lost their jobs and provide a safety net to those who need insurance during a pandemic.
 
The new open enrollment period is from February 8 to May 15, 2021. If you do not currently have health insurance, or will be losing your insurance during this time, go to the state’s website, CLICK HERE, to search for an insurance plan that meets your medical and financial needs.

If you have difficulty using a computer or simply want to talk to a representative, you can also call 855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749).
Love Yourself This Valentine's Day

Whether you are with a partner or single, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day of love. Loving yourself is one of the most powerful and healthy things you can do. So, this Valentine’s Day, how about simply loving yourself?
 
  • Accept who you are because there is no one just like you in this world - making you very special.

  • Be Nice to yourself. Negative self-talk is one of the most destructive things you can do. If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend, you shouldn’t say it (or think it) about yourself.

  • Take care of yourself. Eat one extra serving of vegetables a day. Make appointments you have been putting off such as a dental cleaning, a vision test, or a screening exam. Get some exercise every day.
  • Pediatric Therapy Essentials has YouTube videos, CLICK HERE, with simple but effective chair exercises. The videos are geared towards kids but are appropriate for any age.

  • Have fun as often as you can. Life isn’t meant to be serious and boring. Play games, watch funny TV, write jokes, or play with your pet. How do you like to have fun?

  • Escape from reality. Sometimes loving yourself means giving yourself a break, so find healthy ways to escape. Visit an online museum, be creative, or dive into a really good movie (don’t forget the popcorn).
  • Learn how to draw an adorable Valentine’s Day cupcake. CLICK HERE for the short and fun draw-along video.
  • Watch one of the top-ranked Valentine’s Movies. CLICK HERE for a list that includes links to preview movie trailers for each movie.
 
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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.