IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #25
  • State of the Arc: Online Annual Membership Meeting June 30
  • Photos & Stories & Pictures, Oh My!
  • Keeping Up With Hanna Atkinson
  • National Sibling Leadership Network Conference
  • Survey: Case Management Redesign Catchment Area
Lance Solomon - Voice #25

Relationships are one of the most important things in life, according to self-advocate Lance Solomon. His bonds with his family members are at the core of his identity, and he cherishes his time with them. 

"I love spending time with my family," says Lance.

He also has meaningful connections with his fellow self-advocates and staff at The Arc. He has been involved with self-advocacy groups, like People First and Speaking for Ourselves – Colorado, for years. He has even traveled around the state as a member of these groups and met people from around Colorado. Fellow members and advisors have gotten to know Lance and look forward to his calm and likable energy at these gatherings. 

Born in Colorado, Lance has lots of different interests. He enjoys getting out and about to fun and interesting places in the community. He also likes dancing, playing basketball, and going to Rockies baseball games. At The Arc, we appreciate how Lance uses his unique voice to make new connections and strengthen existing ones. This week, we are so pleased to honor him as one of our 60 Voices That Shine.

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

Each year, our chapter of The Arc hosts a meeting for members and the community so we can share how and what our chapter is doing. This year we are excited to share with you a shift that is happening at The Arc!
 
This new focus is intended to strengthen The Arc’s mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is designed to:
 
• Sharpen our focus on support and empowerment for the people we serve
• Increase awareness of the truth about people with IDD
• Create more positive changes in our systems and in our community
 
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 by CLICKING HERE.

If you need special accommodations, please email [email protected] or call (303) 232-1338 and say you’re calling about The Arc’s Annual Meeting/State of The Arc.
 
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 25th to:
The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties
13949 W Colfax Ave, Suite 102, Lakewood, CO 80401
Photos & Stories & Pictures, Oh My!
We need your memories for our online scrapbook

Help us tell the story of The Arc! We are looking for content for our 60th Anniversary virtual scrapbook. Here's what we're looking for:

  • Photos from events (picnics, holiday parties, 5K, People First, SFO, Coffee House)
  • If our advocacy helped lead to an achievement, like a graduation or other milestone, we would photos of those events, too.

If you don't have photos but would like to contribute something else:
 
  • You could write about a memory from an Arc event, a funny time with us, or a special moment at The Arc.
  • Send your words to us by email, and we will put a diamond-themed decorative border on it and post it on the scrapbook page.
  • If you are a creative soul, you could add a diamond-themed border to your writing and email us a photo of it.
  • If you love to draw, send us drawings of special memories of The Arc.
 
Submit your memories/stories/photos to the scrapbook by emailing them to Val at [email protected]. If you have questions about the scrapbook or how to submit something, call Val at 303-232-1338. 
Keeping Up With Hanna Atkinson
Join Her For The Special Olympics Colorful Summer Challenge

It is hard to keep up with Hanna Atkinson because she is always on the move! Just last month she completed the Special Olympics North American Move Challenge which required daily work-outs for 8 weeks.
 
Hanna participated by biking, stair climbing, dancing, elliptical, walking, yoga, and more! CLICK HERE to read her latest blog, which is about the Move Challenge, and check out the photos of her in action.
 
What's next for Hanna?
Special Olympics Colorful Summer Challenge June 14 - July 25.
The focus of this next challenge is nutrition and healthy eating. Hanna will have a “colorful” role in this challenge and is encouraging everyone to sign up.
CLICK HERE to register for the Colorful Summer Challenge before June 25.
 
All Special Olympics athletes including, young athletes, coaches, parents, caregivers, volunteers, unified parents, and community members are welcome to join the Colorful Summer Challenge. This is a self-led challenge that includes virtual interactive events.
 
Don’t miss out on all of the fun and good health this summer! Join Hanna and register today!
National Sibling Leadership Network Conference

Sometimes there is nothing better than to connect with people who understand. In this case, connecting with people who understand the unique gifts and challenges that come with being a brother or sister to someone with IDD. One great way to connect is through the 2021 National Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) Conference!
 
“Strength Through Connection” is the theme for this year’s SLN Conference. Conference attendees will connect with others like them, hear from experts, learn about advocacy opportunities, and much more.
 
The 2021 conference will be held entirely through Zoom. Participants will connect using their computers or by calling in. In addition to the large group and keynote events, smaller Zoom break-out sessions will allow for lively discussions among peers. Adding to the fun is a cook-along pasta dinner and movie night on the last day.
 
The cost is between $18 and $30 per day of attendance, allowing you to only pay for the parts you plan to attend. For more information, including the full conference schedule and to register, CLICK HERE. Note that continuing education units (CEU) are available from the pre and post-conference workshops.
 
If you are a sibling of someone with IDD or a sibling supporter (parents, relatives, and/or an IDD professional) this is an event that was literally designed specifically for you. You won’t want to miss it!
Use for eUpdate articles about studies and or surveys
Survey: Case Management Redesign Catchment Area
 
A very important survey is being conducted by the State of Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) regarding case management.

The HCPF is currently undertaking this major initiative called Case Management Redesign (CMRD). Several changes are being reviewed including, Conflict-Free Case Management, one place to go for all Medicaid Waivers, and a new Assessment and Person-Centered Support Plan Process.
 
While it may seem complicated on the surface, this process is simply seeking to create the right number of case management agencies and increase the quality of case management services in Colorado. The five key outcomes of CMRD are: federal compliance, simplicity, quality, stability, and accountability. These decisions will affect service access well into the future, and as a stakeholder, the department values your input.
 
CLICK HERE to participate in the Case Management Redesign Catchment Area Stakeholder Survey.

The deadline has been extended to Monday, June 7, 2021. For more information about this survey, CLICK HERE.
 
After the survey, a stakeholder meeting providing an overview of the feedback received will be held on Wednesday, June 16 from 1 PM to 3 PM. CLICK HERE to sign up for HCPF’s email list to receive meeting and other future information.