IN THIS ISSUE...
  • Summit of Hope 2020--Explaining Advocacy And Its Power To Build Better Lives
  • ReWriting Our Worlds: Writing Groups For Parents Of Kids With I/DD
  • CPR News: Special Education Advocate Says Coronavirus And Online Learning Made 'A Complex Issue Even More Complicated'
  • El Grupo VIDA Annual Conference Oct 10
  • A Shout Out To YOU!

Summit of Hope 2020
Explaining Advocacy And Its Power To Build Better Lives

Advocacy--it's what we do at The Arc. But, what does it mean to advocate for someone? It can be hard to describe the complex and varied work that we've been doing on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for nearly 60 years.
 
If you attend Summit of Hope 2020 next month, you'll learn what advocating for people with I/DD truly entails. You'll hear from some of The Arc’s advocates and also the individuals and families who receive the advocacy. Most importantly, you’ll see how it builds better lives.

CLICK HERE to sign up today!

  • Select the date and time you prefer: Wed 10/14 at noon, Wed 10/14 at 5:30 PM, or 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.
ReWriting Our Worlds: Online Writing Groups For Parents

Fellow Arc chapter, Association of Community Living (ACL) Boulder, has something cool going on, and you're invited to join in. For 5 years, ACL Boulder has been sponsoring a monthly writing group for parents who have kids with disabilities. Last fall, however, they hosted a reading that had standing room only.

ACL Boulder's writing groups calls themselves, ReWriting Our Worlds, as they reject some of the narrative of being ‘special parents’ that society has, and they literally rewrite their stories. The groups are open to all levels of writing experience. ACL Boulder also hosts a Hero's Journey writing workshop. Read about both types of opportunities below.
Special Education Advocate Says Coronavirus And Online Learning Made ‘A Complex Issue Even More Complicated’

Melanie's fifth-grader is on the autism spectrum and is sensitive to textures. Her third-grader has ADHD and deals with impulsivity. Her family has been weighing their education options since last spring. When the pandemic hit, schools had mere weeks to transition to remote learning. That was tough for every learning situation, and it made some special education services nearly impossible to provide. 

CLICK HERE to read the full article from CPR News, which includes an interview with an advocate from fellow chapter, Arc of Adams County!
El Grupo VIDA Annual Conference

El Grupo VIDA is a network of Hispanic/Latino parents formed to provide mutual support for people with disabilities or special needs, their parents, family, and guardians. 2020 marks their 23rd annual conference, at which all content is presented in Spanish. This year the conference will take place:

Saturday, Oct 10, 2020
9 AM - 6 PM

This events is free. CLICK HERE to register.

Topics include:
  • Sexuality & Disability
  • Mental Health
  • Guardianship
  • Mindfulness
  • Autism
  • Medicaid Waivers
  • Sensory Integration
  • Immigration & Public Charge

Questions can be directed to:
Francina Taveras, Coordinadora de Recursos y Defensora de Familias
El Grupo VIDA | (303) 335 9875
A Shout Out To YOU!

It's true, we're in the midst of a global pandemic. No, we can't safely go out and socialize and do all the fun things that we used to do. And now, even the weather is crummy. But you know what? You are surviving. You are getting up each morning. You are doing what you need to do, and that is an achievement to celebrate.

Because The Arc is all about recognizing great achievements, today we recognize YOU! Whether you are a parent of an adult child with I/DD feeling stressed and isolated at home, or a special education teacher trying to do your job online in unprecedented times, we honor you. Whether you have a young child at home with I/DD and you're just trying to keep it together, or you're an adult with a disability wondering if you'll ever get to go back to work, we salute you. If you are struggling for any reason right now, this message is for you.

Don't forget about the light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. One day, this pandemic will be over and life will be better. In the meantime, just keep on going, and pat yourself on the back for doing it!
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.