IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #27
  • State Of The Arc: Online Annual Membership Meeting June 30
  • Help Demolish Poverty
  • Public Comment Needed: Students With Disabilities And School-based Discipline
  • Uncovering The Mysteries of Weather
Brenda Moya - Voice #27

Creative, active, funny, friendly. Brenda.
 
Lots of people like Brenda Moya for her easy-going style and friendly personality. But, it’s her creativity that’s one of the most interesting things about her. Brenda can make beautiful things out of anything. She enjoys tie-dying and making creative posts for Pinterest boards, and one of her favorite projects was making Chinese New Year fish.
 
Her love of art combines nicely with her passion for performance. She’s known for her hilarious comedy skits, funny Tiktok videos, and lovely dance performances. She shares some of these activities with her best friend Alexa, who was Voice #26 last week! Daily meditation keeps Brenda’s mind grounded, her body balanced, and those creative juices flowing.
 
“I enjoy expressing myself in lots of creative ways, like art, dance and comedy.”
 
Brenda embraces all that life offers her, and she loves to get out and about. You can find her taking a walk in the park or around the mall, going out with her day program or spending time with family. At the Arc, we’re lucky that she’s a regular attendee at our events, including picnics, holiday parties and LifeAbility talks. 

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
State Of The Arc Online Annual Membership Meeting June 30
RSVP deadline June 23

Join us online to learn about the fantastic things happening at The Arc! This annual meeting includes a State of The Arc address by President Helen Pietranczyk, discussion and voting on proposed bylaws changes, the election/reelection of members to the Board of Directors, and recognition of retiring Board members.
 
CLICK HERE to download and read information about proposed bylaw changes
CLICK HERE to learn more about candidates for Board election and reelection
 
State of The Arc/Annual Membership Meeting (via Zoom)
Wednesday, June 30th, 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Please RSVP by June 23, CLICK HERE
 
If you need special accommodations, please email [email protected] or call (303) 232-1338 and say you’re calling about State of The Arc/The Arc’s Annual Meeting.
 
Are you a member of The Arc but are unable to attend our meeting? All current members of The Arc are eligible to vote. Anyone who donates to The Arc is considered a member for one year from the date of the donation. CLICK HERE to download a mail-in ballot. Then print the ballot, complete it, and mail it for receipt by June 25 to:
 
The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties,
13949 W. Colfax Ave, Suite 102, Lakewood, CO 80401
Help Demolish Poverty
Urge Congress to update SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program benefit levels and rules have not been updated for decades, forcing people with disabilities to live in poverty in order to maintain their needed benefits. These rules need to be changed so people with disabilities don’t end up living in poverty and have the freedom to save money and marry who they love. Congress should increase benefits and asset limits as well as update old rules about marriage, receiving help from family, and earning income.
 
Help us tell Congress that they need to:
  • Increase SSI asset limits and income rules
  • Eliminate marriage penalties
  • Ensure SSI benefits lift people out of poverty
  • Allow people to receive help from family without being penalized
 
In addition to needed SSI changes, for years Medicaid, the service system that people with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) and their families rely on, has needed an update. People are stuck on waiting lists, the direct care workforce is underpaid, and unpaid family caregivers often fill in the service gaps.
 
The Biden Administration has included a long-overdue investment in the disability service system as part of a COVID-19 economic recovery. It's time for Congress to act to fund $400 billion for the Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) system, increase wages for the direct care workforce, and create more of these jobs.
 
CLICK HERE to urge Congress to take these essential steps!
Public Comment Needed:
Students With Disabilities And School-based Discipline

Did you know that students with disabilities experience more disciplinary action than other students?
  • 13% of students have a disability.
  • They make up 25% of suspensions.
  • They make up 15% of expulsions.
 
“Our nation’s civil rights laws require fair and nondiscriminatory school discipline practices ...yet we have data that show concerning disparities based on race, sex and disability in the administration of discipline,” said Suzanne B. Goldberg, acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education.
 
The U.S. Department of Education is seeking public comment on discipline in schools serving pre-K through high school. The department would also like feedback on issues around school closures, virtual learning, hybrid learning, and school re-openings – all a result of the pandemic.
 
Officials intend to use these comments for policy guidance, technical assistance, and to provide other resources to help schools do better.
 
“We want to hear from educators, students, parents and other stakeholders about how the department can support schools in addressing disparities and eliminating discrimination in school discipline and fostering positive and inclusive school climates,” said Goldberg.
 
You can provide comments through July 23. Simply CLICK HERE for more information and to make your voice heard by submitting your comments. You can also read more about this effort in Disability Scoop, CLICK HERE.
Uncovering the Mysteries of Weather

It is hot outside. Really hot outside. We are experiencing an unusual and extreme weather event. We are even under an “Excessive Heat Warning” which was issued by the National Weather Service. This warning went into effect yesterday and remains in effect until Saturday!
 
What does this warning mean? It means that the temperatures are going to be dangerously hot, up to more than 100 degrees. When the weather is this hot, you need to take precautions to stay healthy. For instance, stay inside in air conditioning if you can. Drink lots of water and stay out of the sun to prevent heat exhaustion.
 
Remember last winter when we had a winter storm warning and got more than a foot of snow? That was also an extreme weather event. Weather is always changing, especially as we move from season to season.
 
A fun way to explore our changing weather is to keep a weather journal. CLICK HERE for a short video on how to keep your own weather journal. All you need is a notebook, a pen or pencil, and an outdoor thermometer. Or, simply watch the local weather on your favorite news broadcast to learn the high temperature of the day and log it in your notebook.
 
If you are curious about how the weather works, CLICK HERE for a really great video explaining the weather. It is about 12 minutes long and is really interesting because it explains the weather in simple and graphically interesting ways. For now though, you should probably drink a glass of water or get a cup of ice-cold lemonade and chill out. It’s hot outside!