IN THIS ISSUE...
  • Denver Post article, "He wants to live like any other person..."
  • Your vote has POWER! National Disability Voter Registration Week begins Monday.
  • Understanding Social Security--self-guided training available 24/7 on our website
  • Survey for Jeffco families
  • American Sign Language Story Time online with Jeffco Public Library every Friday!
  • FREE Workshop: Person-Centered Planning and the Pandemic

"He Wants to Live Like Any Other Person."
The Human Cost of Colorado’s Budget Crisis

Republicans and Democrats were on board, as were all members of the state Joint Budget Committee. They’d have to set aside a lot of money, but after careful planning over several years, lawmakers vowed Colorado would finally pass legislation to start clearing  the state’s backlog  of roughly 3,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, waiting in line — in some cases, for more than a decade — to receive waivers for housing and 24/7 care provided through a Medicaid program.

Then the coronavirus hit. Seemingly overnight, state budget writers went from having a projected surplus in the 2020-21 fiscal year to furiously hacking away at the budget to close a  virus-provoked $3 billion shortfall .

What does this mean for people like Paul Tafoya and his family? CLICK HERE to read the full article in The Denver Post.
Voting is very important.

It is a way for you to help choose the people that will run our government. Our government makes laws, decides how money gets spent, and much more.

Who gets picked to run the government makes a big difference for people with disabilities and their families. If you do not vote, then you do not get a say in what happens.

CLICK HERE if you:
  • Are not yet registered to vote and would like to register
  • Are not sure if you're registered to vote
  • Would like to pledge to vote and make your voice heard
  • Want to learn more about voting

Resources are available in English and Spanish in PDF and Word versions.

Every year, the   REV UP Campaign   coordinates National Disability Voter Registration Week (NDVRW) to increase the political power of people with disabilities by sharing resources and getting folks registered to vote. This year, NDVRW is July 13-17. Let's raise the disability voice across the country!
Self-Guided Online Training from The Arc: UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY
Things to know before you apply

When people say they receive "Social Security" they are usually referring to money that they get in the form of a monthly social security check. It is also sometimes called benefits, Social Security Income, or Social Security Benefits. There are different reasons that people apply for Social Security, and it's not always a clear and easy process.

In order to help people better understand the application and approval process and how to optimize their chances of being approved, our chapter has created an online, self-guided training that is available 24/7. Check out Understanding Social Security: Things to Know Before You Apply by CLICKING HERE . 
Survey for Jeffco Families

The goal of this survey for Jeffco parents/families is to identify supports and resources in Jefferson County communities that may help those who care for kids at home. C ommunity members and professionals worked together to create it.

If you are a Jeffco parent, please take a moment to answer the survey from your perspective. Your voice is needed to help increase supports and resources for parents and caregivers in Jefferson County. CLICK HERE to go to the survey, open through July 20.
American Sign Language (ASL) Story Time Online (from Jeffco Library)

Our friends at Jeffco Public Library know how to tell fun and engaging stories to people of all abilities! Every Friday morning, the library hosts ASL Story Time that is told out loud AND through American Sign Language. Designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, kids of all abilities are welcome to log on and join the fun.

Every Friday 10:15-10:45 AM

CLICK HERE for more information and to learn how to attend ASL Story Time. If you'd like to view a recording on YouTube of past ASL Story Time CLICK HERE . And if you're interested in Story Time in Spanish (Cuentacuentos), CLICK HERE .
FREE Workshop: Person-Centered Planning and the Pandemic

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into stark relief the critical importance of advance planning for both daily wellness and healthcare emergencies,” as the National Center for Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems reminds us.

They are sponsoring a free interactive workshop tomorrow, Thursday, July 9th at noon (MST), featuring people with lived experience and subject matter experts in the long-term services and supports field. The Workshop offers strategies to cope during the pandemic and plan in the event of a COVID-related hospitalization. CLICK HERE to register. 
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.