In This Issue:

  • Jefferson County Transition Services Commencement
  • Case Management Redesign – Learning from Older Adults
  • Mobility Awareness
  • Help Fix the "Family Glitch" – Take Action Now!
  • In-Person Travel Training Available at DRMAC
  • Don’t Miss People First on June 1!
  • No eUpdate Next Week – Happy Memorial Day!
Multi-Cultural students graduating
JTS Commencement:
New Beginnings

Congratulations to the Jefferson County Transition Services Class of 2022!

The achievements of these 41 JTS students were recognized at a commencement ceremony at Gold Crown Field House on May 13.

“It was incredible to see so many young adults together celebrating their success and looking forward to the future. It was a such an honor to be able to attend and be included in such a momentous event,” said Ashly Ulrich, The Arc-JCCGC’s Director of Adult Advocacy.

JTS provides learning experiences designed to assist youth in transitioning from high school student to adult. Through collaboration with families and community agencies, learning opportunities are individually developed to support youth in progressing toward desired post-secondary goals.

The event was a “commencement” rather than “graduation,” explained Jeb Brako, assistant director of Special Education at Jeffco Public Schools.

“First, all our students have already met Jeffco’s board requirements of a regular high school diploma. Secondly - and more importantly - the word commencement means beginning. We are celebrating not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new one,” Jeb shared.

“Each graduate has the power of their community, including connections and bonds of family, friendship, work skills, and life competencies that are not ending, but just beginning,” Jeb said. “They are doing some incredible things after they exit public school. A number of students are now employed by their previous internships while at JTS.”

These employers include Jeffco Nutrition Services, Jeffco Transportation Services, United States Geological Survey, Coors Field, The Omni Hotel, UC Health, Children’s Hospital, The Pie Shop, The Fort Restaurant, Noodles and Company, Gleam Car Wash, and King Soopers to name a few. There also are some students enrolled in Red Rocks Community College programs.

“We love to see our students move on to the next step,” Jeb said, “but we would be lying if we didn’t admit we feel a little sad that we will not see our students who’ve exited any longer.”

Case Management Redesign: Learning From Older Adults

The Case Management Redesign series focuses on listening and learning directly from individuals whose lives are most impacted by case management services. The next segment in this series will feature older adults and their advocates talking about what they believe is most important for case management agencies to know about serving them.
This webinar is open to the public and will be most helpful for staff and leaders from case management agencies not currently serving older adults. Others who might benefit from attending include case managers, older adults. and families.

For more information on this series, click here.

Interested? This virtual meeting is scheduled on: Tuesday, June 21 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. MT.


Or join by phone: 1-346-248-7799 or (Toll-free) 1-877-853-5257
Meeting ID: 952 3788 3839  Passcode: 690330
Mobility Awareness

National Mobility Awareness Month encourages people with disabilities to enjoy an active, mobile lifestyle. Mobility is a right, not a privilege. Statistics indicate:

  • 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability
  • 26% (one in four) adults in the United States have some type of disability
  • Caregivers spend an average of 24 hours per week providing assistance for their loved ones

This annual event is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month with the goal of educating and engaging people with disabilities, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners to help drive change.

Focusing on mobility shines a light on how we all can collaborate and change society to become more helpful in assisting individuals with mobility issues and accommodate their challenges.

Click here for more information about National Mobility Awareness Month.
 
Help Fix the "Family Glitch" - Take Action Now!

Right now, people who do not have access to affordable health insurance through their jobs can get financial help to buy coverage in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

However, current rules only consider the cost of the insurance for the employee and don’t take into account the cost of insurance for spouses, partners, dependents, or other family members.

This means that families who need insurance but can’t afford the cost for the entire family on the employee’s plan aren’t guaranteed an affordable option.

Because of the "family glitch," five million people, including adults and children with disabilities, don’t have access to affordable health coverage.

Everyone should have access to care, and your story can help make this possible.

  • Do you or a family member have a disability, and have you been unable to afford health coverage?
  • Have you been unable to afford care for your children because of an expensive employer-based plan?
  • Has your spouse or partner been left without coverage?

Click here to share your opinions with your elected officials.

In-Person Travel Training
Available at DRMAC
 
The Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council wants to help people go where they want and need to go safely, efficiently and economically.

DRMAC is offering in-person travel training and is continuing to offer travel training sessions via Zoom. The organization is especially involved with older adults, people of low income, and people with disabilities - those who are often transit dependent.

If you are interested in signing up for travel training or want to learn more about DRMAC, please click here.
Attend People First on June 1!

Self-advocates and advisors from The Arc meet to focus on making positive changes in our community and beyond, becoming stronger self-advocates, and supporting each other.

Join us in person at our next People First meeting on June 1 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at The Arc – JCCGC Offices, 13949 W. Colfax Ave., Bldg. 1, Suite 102, Lakewood.

To attend virtually or by phone click here, and select the meeting you wish to attend to find the Zoom information. No RSVP needed.
No e-Update
Next Week!

The Arc in Motion will not be published next week.

Please don't miss our next edition on June 8. It will include information about upcoming events, Summer Resources For Parents, and other interesting features.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day!