IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #45 Julian Wang
  • Summit of Hope – It’s Not Too Late To Participate
  • DDRC Offers Financial Support
  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month
  • CES Waiver Benefits For Recreational Equipment
  • Webinar: Identifying And Addressing Mental Health Needs In Children And Teens With IDD
Julian Wang #45

How do you cook up a self-advocacy rock star? Add a cup of confidence, a pound of leadership, and a heaping of dedication. You mix it all together to get a well-liked, successful young man named Julian Wang.
 
He started his self-advocacy journey as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics as a teen. Now in his 20s, this 2019-2020 SARTAC Fellow (Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center) participated in a year-long opportunity for self-advocates to develop their skills as leaders in the self-advocacy movement. His SARTAC Fellowship project was titled, "Engaging the Younger Generation of Self Advocates," and you can CLICK HERE to view his presentation, listen to a 2-part podcast, and access other important resources from his fellowship. For more information on SARTAC, CLICK HERE.

His journey of self-advocacy included attending meetings of a group called People First, a local group led by self-advocates addressing disability and inclusion issues and also promoting awareness. Through People First, and in his role as a Peer Advocate at The Arc of Larimer, he has been learning about the issues and challenges in the system, never hesitating to use his voice in every way possible to make things better.

Filled to the rim with leadership skills Julian is currently the president of Speaking for Ourselves – Colorado, a statewide self-advocacy group made up of local chapters, like People First. CLICK HERE for more information on this advocacy group. Julian also actively uses his voice to promote employment for people with IDD, who are vastly underemployed compared to those without disabilities. Through all this work and exposure in the IDD community, he now has expertise in systemic advocacy in the areas of transportation and technology, in addition to employment.

Julian’s philosophy is “If you build it, they will come,” meaning that if people create opportunities for people with IDD to succeed, then people with IDD will come and utilize those opportunities. His advocacy approach includes these three pillars:
 
  1. Bringing awareness to the need for inclusion
  2. Seeking funds to create opportunities for more inclusion
  3. Education--educating stakeholders about why inclusion is important and educating other self-advocates about why their voices and participation are essential
 
He wants everyone to create their own opportunities by thinking them through and then asking for what they want or need. “People with IDD need to have a seat at the table,” he says.
 
Julian encourages everyone to do something that they enjoy. He enjoyed sports so much that his participation in Special Olympics led to him having a platform for his voice and now a successful life as an advocate and leader. 

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
Summit Of Hope - It's Not Too Late To Participate
If you missed the broadcast, you can still watch!

If you joined us for our broadcast of the 2021 Summit of Hope last week, thank you so much! If you were unable to attend the broadcast-don't worry, the video is now available on YouTube for you to view at your convenience.
 
Watch the 2021 Summit of Hope today! CLICK HERE
 
Summit of Hope continues through October and it is easier than ever to participate with our virtual format. You can attend from anywhere you have Internet access, and the best part is that you don’t need to dress up or even leave your house.
 
Your support of this event ensures that we’re able to help every person with IDD who seeks our advocacy and other life-changing programs. If you are able, please consider making a gift during Summit of Hope. CLICK HERE to donate.
DDRC Offers Financial Support
Family Support Services Program (FSSP)

Have you been reaching deep into your pockets only to find not much is there? Do you have a child or adult family member with IDD living at home and have unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses for disability-related services? If so, DDRC (Developmental Disabilities Resource Center) wants you to know that they may be able to help!
 
The process to request funds through the Family Support Services Program (FSSP) begins with a Most In Need Assessment (MIN) and then the development of a Family Support Plan. Funding amounts vary based on MIN scores. The good news is that MOST families qualify for some level of support through the program.
 
Here are just a couple of examples of reimbursable expenses:
  • Respite care to give family a break from extraordinary care due to disability
  • Adaptive equipment, therapy tools, developmental toys, sensory items
  • OT, PT, speech, mental health, ABA, movement therapies, autism evaluations
  • Medical and dental costs for an eligible family member including co-pays, deductibles, and specialty care
 
During COVID, additional allowable services include:
  • Rent and utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, Internet)
  • Technology (i.e., purchase of an iPad or laptop to enable connection to services and community)
  • Emergency food or cleaning supplies
 
The FSSP program has funds available for qualifying applicants, and DDRC wants to encourage all eligible families to apply. Current funding runs through June 30, 2022.
 
To apply and start the funds request or get more information about the program, CLICK HERE. If you want more information or need assistance completing the forms, call (303) 462-6576. 
National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! The campaign sheds light on critical issues in disability employment and promotes best practices in hiring employees with disabilities.

This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” and focuses on the need for people with disabilities to have full access to employment, especially during the economic recovery from the pandemic.
 
Showing his support for NDEAM, President Biden said, “Young people with disabilities in particular must be part of an inclusive economic recovery so that they can find the fulfilling careers, apprenticeships, and futures they deserve in every industry [. . .] Our Nation’s future will be brighter and more secure when everyone is dealt into the economy we build together.” To read the full proclamation, CLICK HERE.
 
Holding an INCLUSION conference next week for its members, The Society for Human Resource Management urges HR professionals to reaffirm their commitment to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It has gone so far to as ask members to sign a Disability Inclusion Pledge which, in part, includes promises to provide:
 
  • Diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces
  • Ways to build a more skilled workforce
  • Outreach to this large untapped talent pool
 
Recording artist Sting has a catchy and relevant song/video titled “The Hiring Chain” that demonstrates the ripple effects of proactive hiring in the disability community. If you have less than two minutes to spare and don’t mind potentially getting this toe-tapping song stuck in your head, check it out, CLICK HERE.
 
For more information on National Disability Employment Awareness Month, CLICK HERE. There are a lot of resources for sharing information on social media, getting employers involved, contacting legislatures, and more.
CES Waiver Benefits For Recreational Equipment

Would you enjoy having a jog stroller for your use with your child with disabilities? Could your child use an adaptive tricycle? These are just two popular needs for families, and Kids Mobility Network (KMN) can help you get this equipment with a low out-of-pocket expense.
 
CES Waivers allow families to get a $1,000 benefit to cover therapeutic recreation equipment not ordinarily covered under Medicaid. Using discounts on new and used equipment, KMN can help you stretch your dollar further.
 
Kids Mobility Network works with all Community Centered Boards making it easy to use the benefit. If you would like more information on how this organization can help you get therapeutic recreation equipment for your family, CLICK HERE or call 303-242-8281.
Webinar:
Identifying And Addressing Mental Health Needs In Children And Teens With IDD

Mental health challenges are often found in youth with IDD. This has perhaps never been more evident than during the COVID pandemic. To help support this population, JFK Partners is hosting a webinar.
 
Identifying And Addressing Mental Health Needs In Children And Teens With IDD
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
 
If you need concrete ideas and strategies for understanding, identifying, and supporting the mental health needs of children and teens with IDD, this free webinar is for you. It is designed for school providers, nurses, HCP providers, clinical providers from non-mental health, parents, any individual seeking to broaden their understanding of mental health needs for children and youth with I/DD. Attendees will:
 
  • Understand common co-occurring mental health conditions in youth with IDD
  • Identify signs of ongoing or emerging mental health challenges
  • Recognize when to refer to mental health providers
  • Learn behavioral strategies and supports to manage mental health challenges
  • Learn strategies and supports to address COVID-specific challenges
 
To register, CLICK HERE. Contact via email [email protected] if you need more information.