IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #29
  • Support The Better Care Better Jobs Act
  • 60th Anniversary Scrapbook Wrap-up
  • Survey: College Options for Students With ID
  • Independence Day Has A New Meaning This Year
60 Voices That Shine - #29

Born in southern California, Elizabeth Zuniga was surrounded by fans of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. However, she wasn’t really interested in them until her senior year of high school, when she stumbled upon a Laker game on TV. Elizabeth couldn't believe the talent of Laker players Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson. She was hooked.

Decades later, she’s one of their biggest fans! She’s a member of Laker-related Facebook groups, and she’s able to watch the games with other members of her groups from all around the world. “We have so much fun watching the games together, that we sometimes forget what day it is!” laughs Elizabeth.

Not long ago, she was living outside of town in a place where she felt isolated and had no friends. She would talk to the players on the TV, like they were her friends. Without even realizing it, the LA Lakers kept her company for a long time. Fortunately, she was able to advocate for herself and find a new place to live in town where she’s happier and better connected. But, she still loves to watch the Lakers and talk to the players on TV.

Elizabeth not only uses her confident voice to cheer for the Lakers, she uses it for self-advocacy. She’s a member of Speaking For Ourselves – Colorado, and she has traveled around the state to its meetings. She attends monthly meetings of People First and Coffee House, where she increases awareness of people with IDD, and connects with her friends and makes new ones. She also attends Zoom calls designed for self-advocates with IDD from around the country. She has met people from Washington DC, Hawaii and California.

Elizabeth has dreams for her future. One dream is to live on her own, and another is to finish college and become a psychologist. She also hopes to have a long-time boyfriend in her life.

By some stroke of luck, Elizabeth recently found herself in a chat room with Magic Johnson. She messaged him asking for a job with the Lakers, and he replied that there might be a chance, but that he wouldn’t know until after the pandemic is over. Way to speak up for yourself, Elizabeth--our fingers crossed for you!

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
Better Care Better Jobs Act
Educate yourself, then help get this bill passed

It has been described as a historic investment in the Medicaid HCBS system – the Better Care Better Jobs Act. The Arc was instrumental in the negotiations with Hill staff and other stakeholders in the disability, aging, and labor communities.
 
This $400 BILLION bill will provide funding for states to expand access to Medicaid HCBS and address workforce issues such as attracting and retaining qualified direct care workers.
 
Nicole Jorwic, senior director, public policy at The Arc in Washington, D.C. said, “I have no doubt that The Arc network is up to the challenge (to get this bill passed), given all that it will mean to people with IDD, their families and direct care workers.”
 
So what can you do to help get the Better Care Better Jobs Act passed? Here are a few ideas:
 
  • Read the #CareCantWait blog post, CLICK HERE
  • Read The Arc’s statement on the Better Care Better Jobs Act, CLICK HERE
  • Sign The Arc’s Action Alert, CLICK HERE
  • Scan “From the Hill,” a one-pager and more, CLICK HERE
  • Enjoy Time Magazine’s article about the need for this investment, CLICK HERE
 
Then, if you feel so inspired, contact your congressional representatives and senators asking them to pass the Better Care Better Jobs Act, CLICK HERE.
 
As we celebrate the birth of our nation this weekend, it is important to remember that this is how democracy works, and we all must participate to make it successful for all of us.
60th Anniversary Scrapbook Wrap-up

It’s the end of June and that means our 60th Anniversary scrapbook project is wrapping up!

If you would like to see the fun images and captions, CLICK HERE to be taken to the online scrapbook. See if you recognize some familiar faces, and even some impersonators!

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and ideas for our online scrapbook. It has been an unforgettable 60 years not only of great achievement, but also of fun, family and friends.
Survey:
College options for students with ID

IN!, a non-profit working to provide college opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Colorado, would like to hear from you. As a person with ID, your input is needed on potential college plans and any barriers you may be facing.
 
While they want to hear from everyone, they would really love to hear from those living in Gilpin and Clear Creek counties to have a better perspective on barriers that might be unique to living outside of the Denver Metro.
 
Additionally, they would like to hear from people of all ages with ID that are considering going to college – middle school to those in their late 20s/early 30s.
 
All of the responses will influence how they move forward with developing college pathways in Colorado.
 
CLICK HERE to take this 5 to 10-minute survey. If you would like more information or would like to take the survey via telephone, contact Shelby Bates at [email protected] or (720) 580-1277.
Independence Day Has A New Meaning This Year
Celebrate freedom

Last year’s 4th of July celebrations looked much different because of the pandemic.
 
This year, however, with more freedom to gather together, we can once again celebrate Independence Day with those we love. In fact, don’t you feel like independence has a whole new meaning this year?
 
One way to celebrate is with a traditional fireworks show. Below are a few local 4th of July fireworks options that may be of interest.
 
Whatever you do over this long holiday weekend, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the freedoms we all enjoy in our country. Happy Birthday United States of America!
 
Saturday, July 3
 
Lakewood
Lakewood Big Boom Bash — Fireworks at dark, approximately 9:15 p.m. choreographed to music by MIX 100. The launch site will be on the grounds of Jeffco Stadium, the stadium and parking lots will be closed to the public. If you can’t watch the show from your home or neighborhood, recommendations of the best viewing locations around town are available, CLICK HERE.
 
Littleton
Littleton Fourth of July Fireworks — Starts at 5 p.m. in Belleview and Cornerstone Parks. Enjoy local business vendors and food trucks. Bring a picnic dinner and blankets. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. 
 
Sunday, July 4
 
Arvada
Arvada Fireworks Display — Gates at the Stengler Sports Complex open to vehicles at 7 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.  The park is at 58th and Oak St.
 
Golden
Golden 4th of July Festival — Annual festival in Lions Park from noon to 9:30 p.m. Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Something Underground performs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 1300 10th St.
 
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs 4th of July — An afternoon complete with live music, beer garden and dancing downtown at Citizens Park. Live Music and entertainment starts at 2 p.m. Fireworks Show at 9:15 p.m. over Charlie Tayler Waterwheel.
 
Westminster
Westminster 4th of July Celebration — Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Westminster City Park. No pre-show entertainment or vendors in 2021. Shuttles run every 20 minutes starting at 7 p.m. and will be available after the fireworks show to get back to the shuttle stop locations. Courtesy golf carts will be available at the event for those with mobility needs.
 
CLICK HERE to see a list of many other 4th of July festivals, fireworks and entertainment options throughout the Denver Metro.