In This Issue:

  • Don’t Miss Our Employment Mixer – May 18!
  • Attend Coffee House on May 19
  • Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Explore the Six Main Areas of Future Planning for People with Disabilities
  • How to Get Tested for COVID in Metro Denver — At No Cost
  • Advocate to Support Disability Funding
  • Support The Arc by Shopping on Amazon
Adults talking with each other in a restaurant setting.
Join Us For An Employment Mixer

Join The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties and The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Counties on Wednesday, May 18th from 4 – 6 PM at Brewability for a new kind of Employment Mixer!
 
This mixer is designed to bring together employers and potential employees who have an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability (IDD). The goal is to give job seekers opportunities to make connections and employers a chance to find new talent that is good for business. We’re also hoping to debunk some stereotypes about people with IDD.
 
We will be providing a non-formal (no resumes needed), non-job fair (no employer booths), casual happy hour with delicious pizza and drinks made by the staff of Brewability, a model for inclusive employment for people with IDD. There will be a short welcome presentation, followed by eating, drinking, schmoozing, and breakout sessions. We’ll also provide research data proving that hiring people with IDD improves productivity, profitability and morale.
 
Who should come:
 
  • Employees with IDD who would like to share their experiences with employers who may not yet employ staff with IDD.
  • Job seekers with IDD who would like to meet potential employers and explore local resources for job seekers.
  • Employers who are considering inclusive hiring to bring proven benefits to their company or organization. They will have the opportunity to meet and talk with employees and job seekers of all abilities. There will also be opportunities to speak with employers already benefiting from inclusive hiring who can share their success stories. 
Come To Coffee House On May 19

Don’t miss out! Attend our upcoming Coffee House gathering to make new friends, mingle with people of all abilities, and promote inclusion in our community. Everyone is welcome. No RSVP is needed.
 
Thursday, May 19: 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Panera Bread
650 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood

Hope to see you there!

 
Multi-Cultural Group Of Men And Women At Mental Health Group Therapy Meeting
Mental Health Awareness Month

May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience.

Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. According to a U.S. Government Proclamation highlighting the significance of mental health:

  • Less than half of Americans struggling with mental illness receive the treatment they need.
  • Mental health challenges among youth have been severe due to pandemic-related disruptions in routines, increased social isolation, and learning loss. 

You can read the entire proclamation by clicking here.

This month is also a good time to revisit this call to action from The Arc U.S.: We Must Do Better for People With IDD and Mental Health Needs. Up to 40% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience co-occurring mental illness.

The article casts a light on relevant issues facing our community and includes a link to an in-depth report: Supporting the Needs of People with IDD and Co-Occurring Mental Healthy Challenges and their Families.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can:

  • Visit The Jefferson Center website by clicking here. View their extensive online library of FAQs, tips and resources by clicking here
  • Call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255
  • Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This number will transition to a simple three-digit number, 988, in July.
The Arc U.S. Logo
Resources For Future Planning For People With Disabilities

When developing a person-centered future plan for a person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, there are different aspects of daily living that need to be considered:

1. Expressing wishes for the future
2. Deciding where to live
3. Financing the future
4. Employment and daily activities
5. Supporting daily and major life decisions
6. Making social connections
 
To help you get started, The Arc U.S. and the Center for Future Planning has broken the process into manageable sections including tips to help guide planning and questions to think about as you start working on your future plan. For more information, click here.
How to Get Tested For COVID-19 In Metro Denver
 
There are many free community and pharmacy-based testing sites across Colorado that provide COVID-19 test results within two days. Making an appointment is easy, and many free community testing sites do not require insurance or ID. To find a COVID-19 test near you, view a list of community testing sites by city.

Additionally, many locations across the state are partnering with Colorado Department Public Health & Environment to distribute rapid tests that provide a result in 15 minutes. Visit CDPHE’s website for more information about the Rapid Home Testing Program.
 
Tell Congress: Pass Disability Funding Now!

It is time for investment in disability funding, so everyone can get the support they need to live in their community - instead of in institutions.

People with disabilities rely on home and community-based services (HCBS) for everyday things like employment supports, getting around the community, dressing, bathing, taking medication, and much more.

But there isn’t enough money in the HCBS program to support everyone. Too many people are stuck on waiting lists and not getting the services they need. Direct care workers are underpaid, which leads to high turnover, critical staffing shortages, and compromised care for many people with disabilities. All too often, this means unpaid family caregivers are filling in the gaps of care. 


You can learn more with these resources:

Support The Arc When You Shop On Amazon

Make the most of your shopping while supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with AmazonSmile!
 
Using AmazonSmile is a great way to get what you need AND support The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties. Each eligible purchase you make will result in a donation. Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
 
For more information please see the complete AmazonSmile program details.