All Aboard for the Next LifeAbility Talk: Travel

Are you a self-advocate who’s interested in having a fun adventure with lots of great people? If so, join us at The Arc on Wednesday, January 23rd from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM for our next LifeAbility Talk, which is all about travel. 
 
You don’t need a plane ticket or a passport to experience other places. In fact, there are lots of ways to see the world without even leaving your seat. At our upcoming Talk, we will take three “journeys” together: exploring a tropical island paradise, rafting down a mountain river, and touring the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, all in one day! On top of that, we’ll have Virtual Reality (VR) headsets available for attendees to experience different destinations through VR. 
 
We will provide a free lunch inspired by our three journeys.

We look forward to seeing you and hearing about YOUR travel experiences, too.

Because space is limited, please RSVP to [email protected] (or call Valerie at 303-232-1338) to reserve your spots today!
Board of Directors is Seeking Nominees

Are you committed to ensuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live the lives they choose as valued and respected members of the community?  

Do you know someone else who is passionate about The Arc?  

The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties is seeking nominations for positions on its Board of Directors, a rewarding experience that requires both passion for the organization’s mission and the ability to dedicate time and energy to moving the organization forward. You can read more about Board Member responsibilities in the Board of Directors Prospectus. 

After reviewing The Arc’s Strategic Plan and current Board composition, we are particularly interested in adding the following to our Board: 

• Young adult representation, especially a sibling who is between the ages of 18-34
• Health Care knowledge and experience
• Experience working in government/public sector
• Relationships with Local media organizations
• Relationships with Philanthropic Organizations/Individuals

Although the Board, through the Governance Committee, has expressed these priorities, all interested individuals who have a passion for The Arc’s mission are encouraged to submit a nomination form. Minorities are encouraged to apply.

 The Arc is accepting nominations through January 31, 2019. Please download the Board Service Interest Form to nominate yourself or someone else. These forms will be reviewed by the Governance Committee, which will put forward a slate of nominees to be voted on by the Membership at The Arc’s Annual Meeting on April 17, 2018. New Board members would begin service July 1, 2019.

If you’re interested in serving and would like to know more, please contact Board President Helen Pietranczyk at (720) 979-1447 or Executive Director Lori Ropa at (303) 232-1338 and visit our website.

"Board service has been rewarding, inspiring and educational. I treasure the friendships that I have made through The Arc - Board, Staff and the individuals and families we serve. We are truly helping to create an inclusive community."

--Deb Karsell, Past President
Honor Someone Exceptional with The Arc's SPARC Awards

Do you know someone who is making a difference for our community? The Arc's SPARC awards are a special way to recognize exceptional people in our community who have given of themselves to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and/or assisted the families and organizations that serve them.
 
SPARC Awards are given in the following six categories:
• Advocacy – Family, Friends, Caregiver
• Community Champion – Recreation, Church, Volunteer, Partner/Collaborator, etc.
• Education – Local Educator, Administrator
• Employer – Local Business
• Policy/Legislator – Local Policymaker
• Self-Determination – Self-Advocate

 
If you know someone who demonstrates extraordinary leadership in any of these areas, changing the community and the lives of people with I/DD, send in your nomination form by Tuesday, February 13 for consideration. Additional details are available on our website.
Join the 2nd Annual Special Education Accountability Committee (SEAC) Resource Fair

Please consider joining the Special Education Accountability Committee (SEAC) for their 2nd annual Resource Fair on Thursday, January 31 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the Jeffco Education Center.

All are welcome - parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators. Connect with local organizations that provide services for families with children who have special needs. Come meet community groups and organizations that provide supports and resources for children with disabilities.

Jeffco Special Education administration, staff and SEAC parent volunteers will be on hand to talk with families and answer questions about SEAC and Jeffco programs.

For more information/accommodations contact Holly Dolfi at (303) 982-6710 or [email protected].

Check out SEAC's webpage for up to date information here.
Information Night for Parents of Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Join Jeffco Public Schools for their Special Education 101 Information Night. Parents will discuss starting the journey and navigating your new IEP, and an overview of the special education process and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

When: Tuesday, February 5 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Arrive at 5:30 PM for pizza, salad, and networking. Interactive learning will take place from 6 to 7:30 PM.

Where: The Arc, 13949 West Colfax Ave, Bldg 1, Lakewood, CO 80401. Suite 150.

Please note that child care is not provided.

Please RSVP by January 31, 2019 by clicking here.

For more information or accommodations contact Holly Dolfi at (303) 982-6710 or [email protected].

To request any resonable accomodation you may need in order to fully participate in the training or for interpretation services please leave a message at (303) 982 - 6710 one week prior to the training date.
The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is Recruiting New Members!

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? Consider becoming a member of the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council!

The University of Colorado reported that as of 2016, 85,000 residents of the Centennial State had intellectual or developmental disabilities. Does your son or daughter have an intellectual or developmental disability? Do you believe that equal opportunity and fairness matter and are worth working for? If so, consider joining their team today!

The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is a 24-member board of Governor-appointed volunteers. Through governance, planning and partnerships they: support the development of knowledgeable leaders, build capacity for communities to fully welcome Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and advocate for changes to systems and policy to create equal opportunity.

Members contribute roughly eight hours each month to participate in full Council business or activities. They happily provide reasonable accommodations. Mileage, per diem, lodging, child care, and offsets for lost wages may be provided when conducting Council business according to fiscal rules and regulations.

They are seeking six parents of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be appointed members:
• 4 parents or guardians of a living child with developmental disabilities
• 1 parent or guardian of a living adult with developmental disabilities
• 1 parent/guardian/family member of an institutionalized living person with developmental disabilities

All members are at least eighteen years old. Application deadline is February 28, 2019.

To learn more, please contact Vanessa at [email protected] or apply today.
Autism Nature Study

Colorado State University's Temple Grandin Equine Center is conducting a 10 month research study to learn about the benefits of occupational therapy in natural environments for children with autism. They are offering: Free Equine-assisted Therapy, Free Trips to Botanic Gardens, $75 Compensation, and Travel Reimbursement.

They are hoping to recruit 12 children with autism that meet the following criteria:
  • Age 6 - 15
  • Diagnosed with autism by a community provider
  • Experience irritable or hyperactive behaviors
  • Have not ridden horses for more than 2 hours in the past 6 months
  • Not planning on starting any other new therapies from February - August 2019

If you are interested in participating or want more information, please contact Caiti Peters at (720) 665-0023 or [email protected].
Are You on Social Media? Connect with The Arc Today!

Stay up to date with what’s happening at The Arc by connecting with us on social media! Click here to find us on Twitter, click here to find us on Facebook, and click here to find us on Instagram!
Want to be even more connected? Check out our website here!