IN THIS ISSUE...
  • More Restrictions? More Kindness. A Message From Executive Director, Lori Ropa
  • Reminder - Lifestyles Of The Differently Abled, A Town Hall Meeting Nov 18
  • Add A Leaf Of Thankfulness To Our Virtual Gratitude Tree
  • People With Disabilities Review Apps For Health
  • Happy National Family Caregivers Month!


Executive Director Lori Ropa
More Restrictions? More Kindness.
A Message from Executive Director, Lori Ropa

I’m sure you’ve heard that, in light of county-wide and statewide increases in COVID numbers, Jefferson County has moved back to a more restrictive way of living - at least for now.* 

More important than the actual restrictions is our understanding of how we can cope with this extended period of anxiety and uncertainty. Our bodies have naturally developed ways to manage stress, but frankly, I don’t think we were built for 9 months of anything quite like this. 

So my message is this...
Be kind. Be gentle. With yourself and everyone around you. When someone communicates with you in a less-than-ideal way, pause. Then respond with compassion and a desire to understand. When you disappoint yourself because you’re performing “inadequately” in your own mind, stop and remember that you’re imperfect and that doing your best is good enough. When you find that you’ve reacted to someone sharply, recognize it. Then find that person and apologize. As we do these things, we demonstrate our caring and connectedness, both of which are essential right now.

Kindness, gentleness and forgiveness won’t change what we’re experiencing, but it can absolutely change how we experience it. 

* If you’d like more information on what this means for specific settings, the West Metro Chamber has done a great job of boiling it down CLICK HERE.
Lifestyles Of The Differently Abled
Public Town Hall With Dr. Temple Grandin & Our Own Brent Belisle Nov 18

Don't forget to RSVP for Lifestyles of the Differently Abled, a virtual Town Hall on November 18th at 6 pm to discuss the lives of people in our community and beyond. This event was created and is hosted by the Jeffco 4-H Mentoring Program and Park County 4-H.

Join us for an in-depth and personal conversation about the challenges and victories that people of different abilities in our community face each day, and how their disabilities intersect with other aspects of their lives.

There will be eight distinguished panelists, including our chapter's Community Outreach Coordinator, Brent Belisle. The panel also includes renowned author, speaker, professor, and animal behavior expert, Dr. Temple Grandin. CLICK HERE to register for this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Add A Leaf Of Thankfulness To Our Virtual Gratitude Tree

Even in the midst of a pandemic, we can find things to be grateful for.

Even when there are huge challenges all around us, we can come together in gratitude. Let’s promote positivity by sharing what we are thankful for.

At The Arc, we are grateful for the opportunity to...
  • serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,
  • help people who have been silenced to find their voice,
  • connect with people of all abilities whom we learn from every single day.

Oh, and we are also grateful for the Virtual Gratitude Tree idea borrowed from our sister chapter, The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Counties! Please join us in gratitude by CLICKING HERE to visit our chapter's Virtual Gratitude Tree. There you can enter a message of gratitude in our online form and we’ll create a leaf with your message.
People With Disabilities Review Apps For Health

Have you ever used an exercise or fitness app (application) on a smartphone or tablet? Or, perhaps tracked weight loss and nutrition on your computer? Or, tried an app to start a meditation practice? If so, you have used a mobile health app, or mHealth app for short.

In challenging times, apps designed to improve our lives and our health can be a great idea. Because mHealth apps are readily available to everyone with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, these apps can be used by lots of people. They are convenient, often easy to use, and are low or no cost. However, according to a study from the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), these apps need to improve in order to truly benefit people with disabilities.

When researchers asked individuals with disabilities (including vision, hearing, physical, and cognitive disabilities) they found that many mHealth apps needed to improve accessibility:
  • Suggestions for improvements included: screen-reader capability, verbal descriptions, speech-to-text, captioning or sign language interpretation, and exercises for wheelchair users.
  • Respondents wanted the ability to manage medications, manage specific diseases, and synchronize health information from multiple providers.

While the mHealth apps may need more development, there are other apps already designed specifically to help those with disabilities in various ways. To see a list of the best apps for people with disabilities as ranked by the Endeavor Foundation CLICK HERE.

For more information about the NARIC study CLICK HERE.
Happy National Family Caregivers Month!

Family caregivers often juggle a huge amount of tasks for their loved ones. These tasks include health emergencies, medication regimens, insurance issues, and many, many more. Not only do family caregivers tackle lots of important tasks, they often feel isolated and depressed. For these reasons, and more, family caregivers deserve a month to be recognized and honored.

If you are a family caregiver and need some supportive tools, CLICK HERE to access a Family Caregivers Toolbox from the Caregiver Action Network (CAN). CLICK HERE for even more helpful resources from CAN.

If you know someone who is a family caregiver, think about providing respite for them. Offer to spend time with them or to learn to help out. Ask what you can do to make a difference for those who give so much!
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.