IN THIS ISSUE...
  • Summit of Hope 2020--HOPE In Action
  • Thank You To An Additional Summit of Hope 2020 Sponsor--Peak Codecraft
  • Congratulations Melinda Perry, 2020 SPARC Award Winner
  • Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg--A Champion Of People With Disabilities
  • Webinar: How Can Distance & Hybrid Learning Be Inclusive?

Summit of Hope 2020
HOPE in action!

How important is hope? It’s a 4-letter word that can transform ourselves and our lives. At The Arc, we’ve seen hope lead to tremendous achievement. We've seen it elevate people to their full potential. People with intellectual disabilities and their families, time and time again, achieve their dreams when The Arc restores their hope.

The Arc’s community awareness event coming up next month, Summit of Hope 2020, is all about hope and how absolutely essential it can be. Come and see inspiring examples of hope in action at Summit of Hope 2020 on October 14 or 15.

It's also really easy to attend. All you need is a device (computer, laptop, tablet, phone) with a screen and an Internet connection. Then you just click on the link that you receive in an email after you register. CLICK HERE to register for Summit of Hope today!

  • Select the date and time you prefer:
  • Wed 10/14 at noon
  • Wed 10/14 at 5:30 PM
  • Thurs 10/15 at 8:30 AM 
  • We’ll send you a reminder with a link prior to the event
  • Join the Zoom session a few minutes before the start time

In a half-hour, you can help change lives.
Your generosity ensures that we’re able to help every person with I/DD who seeks our advocacy and other life-changing programs. If you are able, please consider making a gift during Summit of Hope. Thanks to the support of FirstBank and an anonymous donor,
the first $25K in donations will be matched!

More info on Summit of Hope 2020 is available HERE. Hope you can join us in October—RSVP today.
Thank You To Our Summit Of Hope 2020 Sponsors!



And special thanks to our
Transformational Partner
FirstBank!
Congratulations Melinda Perry
2020 SPARC Award Winner!

This is the second week that we're honoring our three 2020 SPARC Award winners in our Wednesday email. This week we honor Melinda Perry with Jeffco Public Schools!

Melinda Perry was nominated for a SPARC Award by not just one person, but by two people who are in awe of how she champions her students. Melinda is planning to retire from Jeffco Schools soon, after an exemplary career of dedicated service to middle school and high school kids, and especially students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In the words of one of her nominators, “My granddaughter was struggling with the transition to middle school a few years ago. Melinda did whatever was necessary to help her not only to adjust to, but thrive in this new setting. It was almost like she was the only student Ms. Perry was involved with, which of course I know was not the case. Ms. Perry discovered our granddaughter was interested in make-up and fashion, so what did she do? She helped her start an after-school club for other like-minded students.

Then a few years later when Ms. Perry was at RVHS, she made arrangements for our granddaughter to come to that school for one class – one on make-up and fashion. How many educators would remember a student and her interests from years before and include her in a class to enable her to succeed? That’s dedication!”

According to her second nominator, “Our daughter would not be poised for success without Melinda Perry's influence, guidance, and advocacy. If the IDD world had more Melinda Perrys in our schools, our IDD students would have more champions and fewer challenges. Melinda is a gem who should be recognized for a lifetime of caring before she retires. Our family is forever indebted to the kindness and advocacy of Melinda Perry.”

Melinda Perry, That Arc thanks you for your dedication to our community. We are honored to call you a 2020 SPARC Award winner! CLICK HERE to learn more about the SPARC Awards and the 2020 winners.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG)
A champion of people with disabilities

You may know about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's accomplishments and influence in women's rights, but what you may not know about is her staunch support of people with disabilities, as well. In fact, on June 22,1999 in the landmark Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court's decision was written and announced by RBG, as she was affectionately known.

In this opinion, Justice Ginsburg wrote about the Court's historic decision--that the institutionalization of people with disabilities wrongly perpetuates a stereotype that they are “incapable or unworthy of participating in community life.” She acknowledged that this practice was discrimination under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. CLICK HERE to read what The Arc of the United States has written about her role in the Olmstead decision.
Webinar From The Arc of the US
How can distance and hybrid learning be inclusive?

Whether schools are starting the year in the classroom, virtually, or a hybrid of the two, a student's typical day may look very different this year. Additionally, it is likely that the manner in which instruction is provided may need to pivot during the year because of the impact of the pandemic.

How can educators and families figure out what meaningful instruction and supports will look like this school year? In order to prepare for whatever the 2020–2021 school year may bring, CLICK HERE to register for The Arc@School's free upcoming webinar:
Instructional Planning for School and Distance Learning for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Inclusive Environments

The TIES Center, the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices for students receiving special education services and supports, will serve as guest speakers. During the webinar, speakers will review the 5C Process, which is used for identifying learning priorities for each student with intellectual disabilities and building continuity between their inclusive environments and instructional supports to provide meaningful instruction across their day. 
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.