IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #9
  • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Is Almost Here
  • PorchLight Family Justice Center Opens
  • Jeffco Special Education Virtual Forum
  • Vaccine Resources That Make Sense
  • Want To Go To Outer Space?
Jeff Alexander - Voice #9

How do you create a voice that shines? You start with a guy named Jeff. You add a bunch of artistic ability, a dash of sass, and a whole lot of heart. His is this week’s Voice That Shines – Jeff Alexander.
 
Jeff has been speaking out about self-advocacy issues for most of his life, with transportation being a hot topic. He has won awards for his self-advocacy, and he has been active in both People First and Speaking for Ourselves Colorado for many years.
 
Adding some spice to Jeff’s life are his interests in volunteerism and art. His colorful, geometric creations were featured in a Lakewood Arts Council show last March. The Georgetown Fire Department and arc Thrift Stores have both benefited from Jeff’s desire to give back to his community. We’re happy to honor Jeff as he dedicates his shining voice to self-advocacy and making the world a fairer, better place.
 
To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Is Almost Here
Beginning March 1

Since 1987, March has been designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It began when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to give those with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
 
Our chapter is planning a festive and exciting DD Awareness Month. Stay tuned for more information on how to get involved and activities we have planned in next Wednesday’s email and other online communications. Our theme for this year will be also be announced next week so, lace up your shoes and get ready to march into some fun with DD Awareness Month.
PorchLight Family Justice Center

Jeffco and Gilpin County residents can now breathe a little easier with this week’s opening of PorchLight--A Family Justice Center. This safe haven in Lakewood is for Jefferson/Gilpin victims of violence, and for their families, to receive coordinated services from more than 70 organizations in one place. People served by PorchLight include victims and survivors of physical or sexual abuse, exploitation, human trafficking or other devastating crimes. The new center is prepared to serve all segments of our community including elders, children, and people with intellectual & developmental disabilities. PorchLight is designed to provide justice, hope, and healing for those who need it most.

Fortunately, Lori Ropa, executive director of our chapter of The Arc, has been involved with the creation of PorchLight since its inception in 2017. It stands apart from the more than 130 family justice centers in the country as having taken into account the needs of victims and survivors with I/DD from the very beginning. Her presence on the PorchLight Board of Directors has raised awareness of the exceptional vulnerability of people with disabilities and the need to serve them as equal members of our community. As a result the building even includes unique features, like a sensory room and communication aids, designed to specifically help people with disabilities begin to heal.

“The opportunity to collaborate on a project as important as this has been invaluable. It has strengthened our relationships with law enforcement, government agencies, and nonprofit community partners, making our advocacy even more effective. Arc advocates have volunteered on many of the committees that developed operating procedures, safety protocols, and trainings for PorchLight, offering insights and strategies so that everyone will feel safe and welcome there.”  

Because people with I/DD are between 4 and 10 times as likely as people without disabilities to be victims of crimes, The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties has a designated space at PorchLight. We will be there to provide life-changing advocacy to people with disabilities who experience violence, and to help them stay safe and find their voices once again. 

A tour of the facility will show you that PorchLight leaders have thought of everything possible, down to the smallest details, to support victims of violence. Before finalizing the design, planners listened closely to real-life survivors of violent crime in order to create a truly nurturing place. PorchLight welcomes crime victims with its comforting, empowering, and confidential environment, where individuals and families get the help they need to renew their hope for the future.

If you or someone you know needs PorchLight’s support, please call 303-271-6100.
Jeffco Special Education Virtual Forum
Next Session is March 4

Jeffco Public Schools’ Special Education Community Forums are a chance for parents of kids in special education to learn, share, and connect. There are two Forums left in the 20-21 school year, and the next Forum is March 4.
 
Thursday, March 4
4:30 - 5:30 PM MST (Spanish & ASL)
5:45 - 6:30 PM MST (English & ASL)
 
CLICK HERE and then scroll down to Community Forums for more information, to RSVP, and to request additional accommodations (e.g., sign interpretation, closed captioning, etc.), if needed. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
 
RSVP before the event is available but not required. The Zoom link to join the Forum is available on the website. CLICK HERE to access the Zoom link, to pre-register, or to listen to previous forum recordings.
Vaccine Resources That Make Sense

Understanding COVID-19 and the vaccine is important to your health but, it can also feel overwhelming. Perhaps these plain language resources will help provide some clarification and much-needed information.
 
Topics Include:
  • What is COVID-19?
  • What is a vaccine?
  • Is the vaccine safe?
  • Who should get the vaccine, and who shouldn’t?
  • What happens after I get the vaccine?
 
CLICK HERE for plain language information on COVID-19 and the vaccine.
CLICK HERE for plain language information on what to expect after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
 
Please note that these resources are from Canada and therefore some of the information provided is country-specific and will not apply. The U.S. government has committed to the vaccine costing nothing for its citizens throughout 2021. However, depending upon where you get the vaccine, you may need to provide your Medicaid/Medicare or health insurance information.
 
Information is power. Take a few minutes to learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccine so you can make an informed decision about your healthcare.
Want To Go To Outer Space?

There are two great stories in the news lately about NASA’s exploration of outer space. So, while it isn’t possible for any of us to go to space ourselves (yet) we certainly can take a virtual trip. The stunning pictures alone are worth a visit to the Internet.
 
Juno, a NASA space probe, has been taking stunning photos of Jupiter from its orbit of the planet. It was launched in 2011 and you can learn all about it and see all of the photos, CLICK HERE
 
Mars Perseverance Rover is the other space news you have probably been hearing a lot about. The rover safely landed on Mars last week after a 292.5 million-mile journey from Earth. Learn more and see impressive videos, CLICK HERE.
 
Enjoy these out-of-the-world images!
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.