IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #14
  • COVID Vaccine Event Deemed A Success
  • DD Awareness Month – It’s A Wrap
  • Your Tribute Gift Will Make Someone Smile
  • Webinar: Transitioning From Pediatric To Adult Healthcare For People With I/DD
  • Paid Study: Measuring Cognition In Individuals With Down Syndrome
  • Easter Bunny Drawing Activity
Amanda Gillenwater - Voice #14

Forceful voices sometimes come in discrete packaging, just like Amanda Gillenwater. Amanda uses her powerful voice to vocally advocate for herself and others, but she is normally a little more soft-spoken.

That didn’t stop her from being the voice behind the 2019 DD Awareness Month campaign, themed “Learn The Truth.” This included her recording a public service announcement in Jammin 101.5’s recording studio and being an esteemed guest for the Facebook Live kickoff event.
 
Highly involved with the self-advocate groups People First and Speaking For Ourselves-Colorado, Amanda never hesitates to advocate for the workplace rights of people with I/DD, including for herself.

She is naturally generous and gives back to her community in many ways but, two of her favorite ways are taking cookies to nearby firefighters and volunteering at a shelter for homeless cats. Needless to say, she is well-liked by the firefighters and kitties! It is an honor to celebrate Amanda as our 14th Voice That Shines.

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE. We've updated our slideshow with all new photos!
DisAbility Vaccine Event Deemed A Success

Despite it being a frigid morning on March 24, there was a back-up of cars waiting in line for COVID-19 vaccines. This unique event called “DisAbility Vaccine Event: Protecting and Connecting our Community”, was organized in record time with the sole purpose of vaccinating up to 500 people with I/DD, a vulnerable population.
 
“The Arc serves people who are unable to wear masks, who have trouble breathing, who are unable to truly socially distance, and who have other characteristics that put them at higher risk,” says Lori Ropa, Executive Director of The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties.
 
The Arc – JCCGC working in conjunction with Rob DeHerrera, Executive Director of Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, Jefferson County Public Health, and STRIDE Community Health Center, helped 465 people receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at this pop-up event. The follow-up vaccination clinic for the second dose will take place on Wednesday, April 21.
 
IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you received your first vaccine at our March 24th DisAbility Vaccine Event, don’t forget that you will receive your second dose on Wednesday, April 21st. The location and time are the same as your first. We look forward to seeing you then!
 
To read more about the goals, inspiration, and how this event came together, CLICK HERE, to read the full article online.
DD Awareness Month - It's A Wrap

It was another eye-opening and fun DD Awareness month for us. The month’s In My Shoes themed activities are wrapping up today but, you can still view and enjoy many of the event highlights on our website. CLICK HERE to see all of the DD Awareness month information.
 
One of the most fun events this year was last week's Karaoke Night. It was the first time we have done such an event and it was a great success.

There were more than 30 attendees, of which 15 karaoke singers showed off their voices and their moves with songs by Queen, the Spice Girls, Elvis, and the Bee Gees.
 
While everyone who participated is a winner, we did have official contest winners. 1st place was Molly Kirkham for singing Requiem from Dear Evan Hansen; 2nd place was Jamie Rizzo singing A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman; and 3rd place was Sherice Bethel singing Wannabe by the Spice Girls.
 
Thanks to everyone that participated in our karaoke event. We hope to do it again soon. If you want to re-live all the fun, CLICK HERE to view the recording of the event.
 
For the rest of this year, let’s try to put ourselves in the shoes of someone who has different abilities from our own. We look forward to next March, when we can celebrate another unforgettable and fun-packed Development Disabilities Awareness Month!
Your Tribute Gift Will Make Someone Smile

There’s still time to celebrate DD Awareness month with a gift to The Arc in honor of someone you love and appreciate. In addition to delighting your honoree, your contribution will help individuals with I/DD and their families build better lives.
 
Make your gift online by CLICKING HERE, or by mailing a check. Be sure to include your honoree’s name and mailing address, so we can send a notecard (omitting the amount of your donation) to tell them about your thoughtful gift!
 
Thank you to everyone who made a DD Awareness Month gift to The Arc – JCCGC!
Webinar:
Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare for People with I/DD

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare for People with I/DD
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM MDT
CLICK HERE to register
 
Learning Objectives:
  1. Define transition, and define transfer; understand the differences of each process
  2. Discuss healthcare disparities patients with I/DD experience as they age
  3. Review research about healthcare for adults with IDD
  4. Outline the process of an ideal healthcare transition (there is no ideal, it should all be tailored to each patient and family’s unique situation and timeline)
  5. Understand the perspective of a patient/family who has undergone transition from pediatric to adult healthcare
 
Hosted by JFK Partners, the intended audience for this webinar includes families, caregivers, care coordinators, service coordinators, and community care providers. Email [email protected] with any questions. 
Use for eUpdate articles about studies and or surveys
Paid Study:
Measuring Cognition In Individuals With Down Syndrome

Colorado State University’s Developmental Disabilities Lab is looking for people to participate in a study on the best ways to measure cognition in individuals with Down syndrome.

They believe that individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities have valuable experience, knowledge, and insights that are important for the research they do and for the community in general.

Anyone with Down syndrome between the ages of 6 and 29 years old can participate. Families may receive up to $275 for their time and effort.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (970) 491-1969.
Easter Bunny Drawing Activity

If you are feeling a little creative and artistic this week, you might want to follow along with this short 6-minute video on how to draw an Easter bunny.

Make sure you have paper as well as markers or crayons ready and then CLICK HERE to start the drawing tutorial. You can draw along and pause as needed. Now “hop to it” and have a Happy Easter weekend.
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.