IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #32 Anicee Lamoreaux
  • Director Of Child & Family Advocacy Positions - One More Week To Apply
  • RSVP For The Ice Cream Social, The Deadline Is Melting Away
  • Urgent Action Notice: Better Care Better Jobs Act Funding In Jeopardy
  • It’s A Wrap: Big Legislative Wins
  • Outreach Team Joins 4-H STEM Day Camp
  • Going Places And Getting There
60 Voices That Shine - #32

Some people in this world make quite an impression everywhere they go. Public speaker, talented artist, and all-around cool dude, Anicee Lamoreaux is one of those people. She has an energy that puts people at ease, and her wisdom and maturity are far ahead of her 18 years.
 
Anicee was born in Belize with a disability called Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also called Brittle Bone Disease. As a result, she has broken hundreds of bones and endured countless procedures to fix them. None of this stops Anicee from living a full life, or from thinking big.
 
In fact, when she was younger, she wanted to be president. “I have always been very political and have done some work with First Ladies, like Hillary Clinton and the First Lady of Papua New Guinea,” says Anicee. “When Barack Obama became president, that’s what I wanted to be.” She has met former First Lady Michelle Obama, who chose one of Anicee’s original paintings to hang in the White House. In addition to her piece that was featured in the White House, and producing commissioned pieces for others, her work has also been featured locally in the Lakewood Arts Gallery during March of 2020.
 
Creating artwork is on hold for the moment, as she is preparing for a big move to begin her freshman year at Colorado State University to study psychology. She plans to become an expert in her field, of course. What other big things does Anicee see in her future? For one, she’s planning to pursue a PhD. And if her studies involve moving to another country, she’s totally up for it. She also hopes to do at least one Ted Talk, and perhaps write a book.
 
Going big doesn’t seem hard for Anicee, who has become a powerful role model and a leader by using her unique voice. “I’m fortunate to have a big support system around me, so I want to be that support for others.” At The Arc, we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
Director Of Child & Family Advocacy Positions - One More Week To Apply

The Director of Child & Family Advocacy positions offer a real, hands-on way to positively influence our IDD community while working for an organization that values every staff member. If you or someone you know is qualified, apply today!
 
Director of Child & Family Advocacy - Two Openings
 
In response to the ever-growing need for advocacy for children and families, The Arc needs TWO new Directors of Child & Family Advocacy. Could you be one of them?
 
Our two new directors must have a passion for ensuring that all children have full access to our community and everything they need to live their best lives. They must be able to meet parents where they are on their journey, and to empower them to be their child’s lifelong advocate, while at the same time encourage parents to listen to their children’s voices as well.
 
The foundation of the Child & Family team is to educate and equip families with information on to how to navigate different systems, including private and public healthcare, financial, public education, behavioral health, recreational, and other community access.
 
In addition, the Child & Family Team serves on community committees to represent the needs of people with IDD and we provide relevant training & outreach to parents and community stakeholders. This position requires working collaboratively with all staff to continuously strengthen and improve the effectiveness of The Arc’s programs across the lifespan (i.e., birth through end of life).
 
For more information, CLICK HERE and apply no later than Thursday, July 29!
RSVP For The Ice Cream Social
The Deadline Is Melting Away

We have missed you and are excited to start getting social again at our ICE CREAM SOCIAL on Friday, August 6 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Please note that the deadline to RSVP is fast approaching!
 
RSVP is required by Friday, July 30 with the names of all people in your party
By Phone: (303) 232-1338
Online: CLICK HERE
 
We want to see everyone, friends old and new, because it is the people that make an event with The Arc so unforgettably fun.

So, join us in Clement Park at 7306 W Bowles Avenue, Littleton. CLICK HERE for a map of the park. Masks are not required, although if you’d like to wear one, we encourage you to do that. Hand sanitizer will be provided.
Urgent Action Notice: Better Care Better Jobs Act Funding In Jeopardy

We are hearing that the proposed $400 billion investment in the Better Care Better Jobs Act may be cut in HALF! The proposed legislation is essential for people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce. The bill is moving through Congress right now.
 
The proposed $400 billion for Medicaid would support people with disabilities to do essential things like getting dressed, taking care of their families, working, and participating in their communities. Cutting that amount in half would be devastating. For more information, read this article from HuffPost, CLICK HERE.
 
Right now, too many people are stuck on waiting lists, relying on unpaid caregivers, or forced to live in institutions. We must stop this funding cut from happening. Luckily it is easy for you to reach out to your members of congress. In fact, it will take you only about 2 minutes!

The stakes are incredibly high so CLICK HERE right now. 
It's A Wrap: Big Legislative Wins

The 2021 Colorado legislative session was like none other. COVID protocols and fiscal uncertainty amidst economic concerns meant that no one knew how legislation to help the disability community would fare. But there is good news to report after all!
 
The session ended June 8, 2021 with the following four big “wins” for the IDD community.
 
Win One: Supported Decision-Making Agreement (Senate Bill 21-075)
Colorado now legally recognizes supported decision-making agreements. Adults may voluntarily enter into an agreement with someone they trust to assist with understanding options and consequences, answering questions, communicating the individual’s decisions, and ensuring the execution of those decisions. Adults can now retain their independence and authority over decisions while also receiving the support they need to lead healthy, safe, and self-determined lives.
 
Win Two: Behavioral Health Crisis Response Training (House Bill 21-1166)
To address gaps and barriers for Coloradoans that are diagnosed with both IDD and a mental health diagnoses, this bill will provide training in behavioral health crisis response management for case management agencies, mental health centers, and approved support providers.
 
Win Three: Elimination of Subminimum Wage Employment (Senate Bill 21-039)
Employers in Colorado with special certificates allowing them to pay subminimum wages to people with IDD must phase out these pay practices by 2025. The bill allocates money towards Medicaid waiver-supported employment with the goal to affirm Colorado’s position as an Employment First state dedicated to the advancement and economic justice of workers with disabilities.
 
Win Four: Joint Budget Committee: Developmental Disability Waiver Slots
With over 3,000 people on a statewide waitlist for comprehensive Developmental Disabilities waivers, progress was made when enough money was allocated to open 667 slots. This funding allowed individuals and families who have been waiting, some for decades, to have access to vital support.
 
For more detailed information on these legislative wins, including profiles of the bills’ supporters, CLICK HERE to access an article by Advocacy Denver or CLICK HERE, to read the bills on the state’s website.
Outreach Team Joins 4-H STEM Day Camp

Earlier this month, our Outreach Team of Brent Belisle and Valerie Smith had the privilege of attending the 4-H Mentoring Program STEM Day Camp at Jeffco Fairgrounds. Our friend, Lisa Stavig, Jeffco 4-H Mentor Coordinator, was kind enough to invite The Arc to this day camp focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The 4-H club, titled Youth & Families with Promise, has numerous members with developmental disabilities. It was our 2nd year attending and engaging with the kids as they create, learn and have fun.

Brent was there in his usual role—to inspire the kids and build awareness of what people with IDD can achieve. Valerie was there connecting with kids and the occasional parent, and also capturing the excitement on camera.

The camp activities included archery, building remote controlled cars, creating model rockets, interacting with goats, sheep, and even a pony, and lastly, cake baking and decorating. How does the last one relate to STEM, you ask? This was no ordinary cake project—after being baked, the cakes were fitted with an electronic piece with a microphone so that they sounded like they were screaming when they were cut! Not to mention, the cakes were filled with strawberry jam, which gave the effect that they were bleeding. What more could a science-minded kid want from a cake??

It was a day to remember, and we have the photos to prove it! We loved being part of the 4-H Mentoring Program STEM Day Camp and we look forward to next year.
Going Places And Getting There

Transportation is important. After all, you have places to be and people to see! How you get there and home again is serious business. Missing a doctor’s appointment because your transportation was late, could mean you don’t receive vital medical care. Unavailable transportation could mean you miss all the fun at your best friend’s birthday party.
 
If you are passionate about transportation, there are several ways for you to get involved, make your voice heard, and advocate for the IDD community. Check them out!
 
Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities (RTD)
This committee helps implement positive change to all RTD services and programs. It also helps ensure and guide RTD’s commitment to people with disabilities and the community overall. This committee is advisory in nature and reports to an internal RTD ADA steering committee. This committee meets four times a year in RTD’s downtown office. To apply, CLICK HERE.
 
Access-a-Ride Paratransit Advisory Committee (RTD)
This discussion-based group focuses on RTD’s Access-a-Ride program. The group seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of Access-a-Ride services. It works in concert with RTD’s Advisory Committee to make RTD’s bus and train operations responsive to the needs of customers who are living with disabilities. Meetings are held every other month on the second Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Civic Center Plaza. To apply, CLICK HERE.
 
Transit Advocate Task Force (DRMAC)
The Transit Advocate Task Force (TATF) is a group of advocates who attend transit-themed meetings in the Denver Metropolitan Area. Members then report on their meetings and the reports will be posted on the DRMAC website to provide updated information on projects, initiatives, and policies. For more information, CLICK HERE. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Stephanie at [email protected]