IN THIS ISSUE...
- 60 Voices That Shine - #8
- Black History Month
- Colorado COVID-19 Vaccine Finder
- Webinar: Navigating Sexuality in Adolescents With ASD
- "Smart But Scattered" Training Opportunity - A Reminder
- A Virtual Getaway To Hawaii
|
|
Jeanne Weis - Voice #8
What happens when you combine an impeccable moral compass with a deep passion for human rights and a heap of wittiness? You get Jeanne Weis.
Jeanne has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at our chapter of The Arc for 20 years! She has advocated in all kinds of situations, from the simplest to the gravest, always keeping the needs of the individual top of mind.
One particular area of focus for Jeanne is self-determination. “It is essential for people of all abilities to be involved in any decisions made about their own lives,” she says. We honor and thank her for dedicating her shining voice to providing hope, choices, and empowerment to people with I/DD.
For more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
|
|
Black History Month
Special Olympics Athletes Highlighted
Officially recognized in 1976, Black History Month puts a spotlight on all aspects of black history.
Celebrated yearly in February, this month-long event gives Americans the chance to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” according to President Gerald Ford, the first president to recognize Black History Month.
Special Olympics is also celebrating Black History Month with profiles of outstanding black athletes, featuring new videos throughout the month. After all, black people with disabilities have fought for full inclusion in society on two fronts—as people of color and as people with I/DD. CLICK HERE to see interviews and stories from these Special Olympians, youth leaders, and staff.
The first Special Olympics athlete to be elected to its board of directors, Vice Chair Loretta Clairborne, celebrates black athletes in a short video, CLICK HERE.
The Arc extends a warm embrace to our black community members, including those with I/DD, as we all celebrate Black History Month.
|
|
Colorado COVID-19 Vaccine Finder
There is a nifty online tool to help those searching for COVID-19 vaccine appointment openings at Colorado pharmacies.
STEP 1: Visit Colorado.gov for detailed information about your county's vaccine options and review whether or not you are eligible yet. You may be able to signup for vaccines with a health provider in your area (Kaiser, SCL Health, your county, etc.), in which case you will be contacted when it's your turn and you may not need this tool.
STEP 2: If you decide you want to find an appointment at a local pharmacy (and are currently eligible for the vaccine), go to the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder at https://vaccine-finder.nickm.org/. This website shows the pharmacy websites and any available appointments. All CVS, Safeway, and Walgreens locations in Colorado are scanned on a regular basis and this page is updated every minute with any available appointments in the state. If you don't see locations near you right now, appointments can come and go quickly so try visiting the page at different times throughout the day.
|
|
Webinar: Navigating Sexuality in Adolescents With ASD
So many issues appear during adolescence (teenage years), and a common issue revolves around gender and sexuality. The discomfort and misconceptions around this topic are often stumbling blocks for families, caregivers, and teens alike.
To learn more about strategies to support teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the areas of gender identity, sexuality and intimacy, JFK Partners is hosting a webinar.
Navigating Sexuality in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Thursday, March 18, 2021
10:00 to 11:30 AM MST
Learning objectives:
- Discuss common misconceptions around sexual development and intimacy in adolescents with ASD
- Explore core components of relationships and sexuality for adolescents with ASD including, gender identity, dating, social safety, and sex education
- Learn skill-building strategies for promoting healthy sexual development in adolescents with ASD
|
|
"Smart But Scattered" Training Opportunity - A Reminder
Smart But Scattered is a FREE training opportunity for parents and families of children and teens who might need help with their “executive skills.”
Smart but Scattered: Helping Children and Teens Strengthen Executive Skills
Thursday, February 25, 2021
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
This training session will demonstrate how these skills develop in children, as well as strategies on how parents and families can help their children become successful learners. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
|
|
A Virtual Getaway to Hawaii
After this past weekend’s frigid temperatures, most of us are probably dreaming of warmer weather. Luckily, there is hope. The average temperature in Denver next month is a full 10 degrees warmer than in February! Generally, we can expect 11 days that are 60 degrees or above, with an average of 3 days in the 70s. Every few years, March temperatures can actually hit 80 degrees!
We also get more sun in March as the daylight hours increase. Plus, daylight savings time starts so it stays a little lighter out later each evening. So hang in there, warmer weather is on the way.
For now, we are still in February, the longest, shortest month of the year. So, why not take a virtual trip to the beach by visiting beach cams! There are beach cams worldwide, but this week, let’s visit Hawaii, America’s tropical paradise.
CLICK HERE for a live view of the island of Oahu on Waikiki Beach.
While the camera moves, it shows the Pacific ocean, Waikiki beach, and Diamond Head. Perhaps most inviting is the sound of the ocean waves crashing onto shore, an instant meditation. Just remember, there is a three-hour time difference between Colorado and Hawaii, so if you log on too early in the morning, the sun might still be rising. While on the website, you can also click on other beach cams in Hawaii and across the U.S. for a virtual beach exploration.
Enjoy the trip to Hawaii, or wherever your live beach cam adventure takes you!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
