Standing in Solidarity with Victims of Systemic Racism & Police Brutality
 
The Arcs in Colorado have always been and will continue to be civil and human rights organizations. We are pained and heartbroken by the acts of violence and racial injustice impacting our black and brown neighbors, friends and community. 
 
What happened to George Floyd, Ahmed Aubrey, and Breonna Taylor as well as the many others, is abhorrent and unacceptable.  

The Arc stands in solidarity with communities of color and victims of police brutality, those with disabilities and those without. We recognize the importance of listening to and hearing individuals who have experienced horrific injustices, and we commit ourselves to furthering our work as a civil and human rights organization. 

All people, without exception, should be able to access their community without fear. All people, without exception, should be able to engage in everyday activities without being policed. The disability rights movement is a movement grounded on freedom and independence – it is a civil and human rights movement. We stand for the rights of all people to live, work, learn, love, and play without fear.  

If you have thoughts on how The Arc can better serve our communities of color, please reach out to me at [email protected] or 303.232.1338.  
RSVP Now for The Arc’s Virtual Annual Meeting/ State of The Arc

It's only 2 weeks away, so RSVP today! Join us for our annual meeting called State of The Arc, during which we provide a concise update for our members and for others in the community. We want to make sure that everyone in our community has an opportunity to stay informed about the State of The Arc, even during a global pandemic.

Wednesday, June 17th, 6:00 – 6:30 pm
State of The Arc Meeting (held virtually through Zoom)

Please RSVP by June 10. How to RSVP:

After we receive your RSVP, you will receive instructions for how to join the meeting.

Everyone is welcome!  It’s during this annual gathering that the President of the Board delivers the State of The Arc address. Also at the meeting, outgoing Board members are acknowledged, and voting is conducted for new Board candidates and existing Board members considered for reelection. We look forward to receiving your RSVP!
Navigating Respite Care During COVID-19

In last week's email, we included an article that was created by Colorado chapters of The Arc about the need for caregivers to care for themselves, especially during our pandemic. Our chapters have also collaborated to develop a video designed to help caregivers who may be overwhelmed by caring for loved ones with disabilities during our health crisis.

This 13-minute video guides you through several steps to help you address feelings of overwhelm that are natural as we find ourselves having to stay at home without our normal community connections and outings. Although we adore our loved ones, we all need a break sometimes! CLICK HERE to view the video designed to provide some relief to caregivers.

If you're a caregiver or family member in need of more intense help, please call your chapter of The Arc. We’re here to problem solve with you and ensure that you have access to essential support. Everyone needs and deserves a break. 
Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers™

Online Program for Family Caregivers of People with Chronic Conditions

Do you provide care for a loved one of any age with a chronic condition? You Are Not Alone.

Caregiving can be stressful. This program will teach:
  • Stress management techniques
  • Relaxation and coping strategies
  • Strategies for challenging behaviors
  • Program is available at no cost

More program information:
  • For family caregivers of a loved one with any chronic condition
  • Small group meets virtually for 9 weeks
  • All classes will be held online through WebEx
  • June 11-Aug 6, 2020 – Classes held weekly on Thursdays from 10-11:30 AM

“I was at a very low point in my life. This program saved my life.” – Participant

Distributed by: WellMed Charitable Foundation
Developed at: UT Health Science Center San Antonio
For more information or to register: Meghan Kluth – [email protected]
Resources During Safer-at-Home
For more resources, visit our resource page HERE .

Improve Healthcare Interactions with My Health Passport

A document has been developed by the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities for people with disabilities and their caregivers to give to healthcare professionals to foster better interactions. There are spaces designated for a person's specific health care information, including allergies, medications, food preferences, and recommendations for how best to provide assistance. CLICK HERE to view My Health Passport, which can be printed and filled out ahead of any trip to a hospital or clinic.


COVID-19 Communication Rights Toolkit

Patients with the coronavirus who need communication tools and supports due to speech-related disabilities face greater risks of discrimination and isolation during this pandemic.  Your legal and civil rights to access your communication supports do not go away during an emergency, in quarantine, or in the hospital!  But, for safety reasons, your family members and others who help you communicate may not be allowed to join you in the hospital. And you may face other barriers to communicating your needs and desires while you are being treated.

This toolkit, created by CommunicationFIRST, (1) explains your communication rights; (2) provides tips on advocating for them, and (3) has an accommodation request form you can bring to the hospital. CLICK HERE to access the Communication Rights Toolkit.

Jeffco Summer Grab-and-Go Meal Service

  • Meals will be served for all children 18 and under (no adult meals available)
  • Dates of service are May 27 - August 14, 2020
  • Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:30am - 1pm
  • Meals served include 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches per child at no charge 

Grab-and-Go Meal Sites for Summer 2020:  
  • Alameda Jr/Sr High School
  • Bear Creek High School
  • Conifer High School
  • Dunstan Middle School
  • Golden High School
  • Jefferson Jr/Sr High School
  • Lakewood High School
  • Pomona High School
  • Summit Ridge Middle School
  • Wayne Carle Middle School
  • Wheat Ridge High School

 Comcast Offers 2 Free Months of Internet Access for New Customers

As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, Comcast is taking immediate steps to make it easier to connect low-income families to home Internet.
 
  • New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service if they apply by June 30, 2020. After promotion, regular rates apply.

  • For all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service has increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.

  • Households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials. We are waiving this qualification for applicants who are approved by 6/30/20. After 6/30/20, standard eligibility rules apply.

CLICK HERE for more information and to see if you are eligible for this special offer.


COVID-19 Testing Sites for Individuals with Medicaid/Medicare & Individuals Who Are Uninsured

Colorado Nextcare Urgent Care (contact clinic prior to visit)
  • Multiple locations: Arvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Greeley, Longmont, and Thornton
  • Only offering curbside testing (patients need access to a car) 

Stride Community Health Center (no appointment required)
  • Multiple locations: Aurora and Wheat Ridge
  • Only offering curbside testing (patients need access to a car)

Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine (contact clinic prior to visit)
  • Multiple locations: Brighton, Lafayette, and Stapleton
  • Only offering curbside testing (patients need access to a car)

American Family Care Urgent Care (appointment required)
  • Multiple locations throughout Denver
  • Only offering curbside testing (patients need access to a car)

Rocky Mountain Urgent Care & Family Medicine (no appointment required)
  • Only the Lakewood location is offering testing
  • Offering testing in the clinic (patients do not need access to a car)

 Clear Creek Resource Center (appointment required)
  • Located in Idaho Springs
  • Only drive-thru testing for symptomatic residents of Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties

CLICK HERE to see Colorado's Public Health Dept map of testing sites.
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.