Why Teen LifeAbility Matters

“Limitations are only put on our kids by society. It is important for teens to build their own circle of friends, be educated along with their peers, find jobs and be active in their communities. That is what gives your teenager the empowerment to move into adulthood and live the life they are determined to live.”

-- Theresa Gonzales, Parent of a child with a developmental disability

This is why we’re developing Teen LifeAbility, a fun, interactive series of discussions driven by and for teens with I/DD.

Our goal is to raise $7,500 by March 31 and we are 20% of the way there. If you’ve already made a donation, thank you! And if you haven’t, join us by making a donation today-- your gift of $20, $50 or $100 will help make this happen!

DD Awareness Month is Still in Full Swing!

There’s still so much happening around the state with Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Achieve With Us Film Festival hosted by Arc of Colorado was a smashing success last Friday, and other chapters of The Arc have hosted their own film festivals. These events demonstrate how talented film makers with disabilities can be, and how the topic of disability can make for a blockbuster that people of all abilities want to see.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and on our website because all month we are regularly posting the different faces of our campaign, Learn The Truth. These are photos of self-advocates from all around the state along with personal quotes expressing their truths. They have a lot to say that we can all learn from.

We have more specific information about when our Learn The Truth public service announcement will air on Jammin 101.5. It will be played through March 31, but here are some upcoming dates & times, give or take a few minutes: 



For the rest of DD Awareness Month and beyond, keep on learning and speaking the truth, so that people with I/DD are more understood, respected and valued!

RSVP Today for The SPARC Awards and The Arc's Annual Meeting!

The Arc's SPARC Awards:

To honor the people that selflessly serve and aid our communities every day, The Arc- Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin counties has created the SPARC awards. The power of the SPARC Awards and its recipients is in their ability to demonstrate to the community that individuals and organizations can and do make a difference.

This year's award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 17, and will once again be at The Arc's office ( click here for address and directions). Please note that the Annual Meeting is a separate event from the SPARC Awards. There will be a brief reception in between the two at 6 PM, and our SPARC Awards ceremony will begin at 6:30 PM.

RSVP is required by April 10. Please RSVP by clicking here or by calling (303) 232-1338. You can also email us at [email protected].

We're proud to announce this year's winners: 

During our Special Presentation, we’ll ask the audience to imagine what it would be like if no one knew what you were really capable of. Think about how it would affect you if people constantly underestimated you and told you that you CAN’T do things others can do. Most people with intellectual & developmental disabilities have encountered this frustration all their lives, and they still do. Misconceptions and stereotypes prevent people with disabilities from being respected, valued, and fully included. That is why this year’s special presentation is all about sharing the TRUTH. 

We’ve invited to our presentation a panel of seasoned self-advocates who want to share their truth--what they’ve experienced, what they believe, what they want others to know. There will be Q & A afterward. Even if you are well-acquainted with the I/DD world, you may be surprised at what you hear. It is our hope that audience members will share these truths with others in order to help further break down stereotypes and make our community a more inclusive place.

The Arc's Annual Meeting:

Please join The Arc on Wednesday, April 17 as we address the annual business of our organization. The annual meeting is open to the public and will begin at 5:30 PM. The Membership Meeting will run 30 minutes and will include The State of The Arc by President Helen Pietranczyk and the election of members to the Board of Directors.

The Arc's Annual Business Meeting will be held before the SPARC Awards at The Arc's office. All current members of The Arc are eligible to vote. To confirm your membership status, please contact Eryn at [email protected]. 

All current members are being asked to vote to elect 2019-2021 Board members. The following new candidates have been selected by the Governance Committee and approved by the Board to be presented to members for terms beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2021.

Click here to RSVP to The Arc's Annual Meeting.

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed on March 21 every year.

On this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organize and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

The WDSD website is a hub of activity; be sure to check it out!

Registration Open for Wrightslaw Conference - April 25, 2019

Wrightslaw is coming to Northern Colorado for a one day conference on April 25th – you’ll want to register now for this event hosted by The Arc of Larimer County and The Arc of Weld County!

Wrightslaw special education law and advocacy programs help parents understand how they can be effective advocates for their child. This one-day intensive training will go over what your child’s rights are to access a free and appropriate public education. 

Date: April 25th, 2019

Time: 9 AM - 4:30 PM (registration opens at 8 AM)

Location: The Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Hotel Conference Center, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO 80538

Regular Pricing* -

- Individual Pricing: $215**

- Professional Pricing: $265**

We do anticipate to sell-out, so you won’t want to miss this amazing opportunity!

Click here to register!

Navigating the World of I/DD Services - FREE Event

Join DDRC and Community Partners for this free event on Navigating the World of I/DD on Thursday, April 4 from 4 - 7 PM at DDRC, 11177 W. 8th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215.

Presentations and panels:

Living Independently: 

Preparation, Housing and Transportation Options, and Supports

 

Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services: 

Things to Know and Is it Right for You? 

Drop-by information stations with subject experts to talk with you one-on-one about:

-   Guardianship 

-   Intake / Determination 

-   Medicaid / SSI Planning 

-   Higher Education 

-   Behavioral Health 

-   And More! 

Most relevant to those 14 years old and up, but all ages are welcome! * 

Interested? Please Click Here. 

* Open to individuals, families, personal representatives, advocates and educators.