IN THIS ISSUE...
- 60 Voices That Shine - #42 Breanna Fetters
- You’ll Laugh. You’ll Cry. You’ll Be Inspired. 2021 Summit of Hope
- Karaoke Tomorrow Night!
- Free Webinars
- Special Education Resources In Spanish
- What Are You Going To Be For Halloween?
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Breanna Fetters #42
What do you get when you combine a fierce desire for social justice with a compassionate and fair personality, and then you throw in a winning smile? You get Breanna Fetters, Director of Adult Advocacy for The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties.
Bre is a competent and experienced team member who embodies The Arc’s values. One value high on her list is dignity. She believes that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity, no matter what.
Because of her job, she has oodles of opportunities to use her voice in influential ways and to promote dignified treatment for all. “One way,” she says, “is leading by example.”
Bre leads by example is countless ways, and especially in meetings to discuss the support services for a person with IDD. It frequently happens that people in these meetings would indicate that they knew what a person with IDD wanted. Bre would take these opportunities to check in directly with the individuals with disabilities to verify what they truly wanted. She would do it respectfully to everyone while presuming best intentions among support team members.
Because Bre believes deeply in informed consent and supported decision-making, she also uses her voice to promote these two concepts. In the IDD world, there are lots of acronyms and phrases that most people don’t understand. If she’s there with an individual for whom she advocates, and some of these terms are used, she will stop and make sure that the person understands them. “Otherwise,” she says, “how can the person possibly be participating in informed consent or supported decision-making?”
Another way Bre uses her voice is in what she calls “holding space” for the people we serve. She says people often ask her questions when they should really be asking the individual she’s with and who receives their services. When this happens, she will gently nudge professionals and other community members into communicating directly with people with IDD, opening those lines of communication and fostering inclusion.
One thing Bre loves about working for The Arc is that we’re holistic. We truly support individuals and families from birth through end of life in every aspect of their lives - whether someone is looking for housing, trying to understand the dynamics between them and their team, buying a car, or any other human task. “We support people through the full breadth and depth of the human experience,” says Bre, “and all those spaces in between.”
To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
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You'll Laugh. You'll Cry. You'll Be Inspired.
2021 Summit Of Hope
It isn't your average event. This year's Summit of Hope will be a powerful journey of inspiring stories told by the people we serve. It will be a refreshingly entertaining online snapshot of the culmination of 60 years of our most transformational work. The inspiration and hope generated as you watch and listen will to stick with you for days and weeks to come.
CLICK HERE for a sneak peek of some of the most exciting highlights of the 2021 Summit of Hope!
Don’t Miss It! October 14th Online - RSVP Today! CLICK HERE
It is easier than ever to attend Summit of Hope because again this year it is a virtual event. You can attend from anywhere you have internet access. The best part is that you don’t need to dress up or leave your house. With two different event times, you can attend at a time most convenient for you.
In just a half-hour, you can help change lives!
- Select the session you prefer (both sessions will be the same)
- We’ll send you a reminder with a link prior to the event
- Join the Zoom session a few minutes before the start time
Your generosity 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.
More info on Summit of Hope 2021 is available CLICK HERE. Hope you can join us in October!
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Karaoke Tomorrow Night!
Our first karaoke night in March was so much fun, we had to plan another one for September. But for this one, we can gather in person! Don't worry, you can attend online as well, if you prefer. Will you hear your favorite song performed? Will your favorite singer win a prize? You will have to join us tomorrow to find out!
Karaoke Night In September
Thursday, September 23 | 6:30 PM - 8 PM
At our office (13949 W Colfax Ave, Suite 102, Lakewood, 80401)
or Online via Zoom
While the karaoke singing line-up has already been finalized you can still join us for all the fun!
If you have decided to join us in person, simply show up at our offices shortly before 6:30. If you haven’t already RSVP’d and would like to join us virtually, email [email protected] or call Val at 303-232-1338. She will provide you with the Zoom link. If you already RSVP’d, you will automatically receive the link before the event.
To learn more about all the ways we're celebrating our 60th Anniversary all year, CLICK HERE.
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Free Webinars:
Planning for a Meaningful Future
& Improving IEP Teams
What’s better than a free webinar? Four free webinars! Peak Parent Center is offering these webinars via Zoom for anyone that registers.
Planning for a Meaningful Future: The Role of High Expectations and Community Connections
Tuesday, September 28 | Noon – 1:00 PM
Improving IEP Teams for Parents and Educators – Three Sessions
Considering a Facilitator for Reframing Common IEP Issues
Tuesday, October 5 | Noon – 1:00 PM
Tips from a Facilitator for Reframing Common IEP Issues
Tuesday, November 9 | Noon – 1:00 PM
10 Tips for Better Meetings
Tuesday, December 7 | Noon – 1:00 PM
Do not miss these opportunities to gain this valuable insight. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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Special Education Resources In Spanish
If you need special education resources for Spanish-speaking families and the professionals who support them, then The Arc has the answer.
The Arc@School recently launched a new Spanish-language section on the website, CLICK HERE. The new resource topics include:
• A general overview of special education
• Parents' rights
• Early intervention services
• Individual education programs (IEPs)
• Section 504
Please share these resources within your network of professionals and family members to help Spanish-speaking households better navigate the special education system.
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What Are You Going To Be For Halloween?
Don’t get scared yet because Halloween is still over a month away. But time is flying faster than a witch on a broomstick, and now is the perfect time to start planning your costume. You will find the best inventory selection when you shop early. Plus, you will have time to put together your costume without a last-minute panic.
Of course, arc Thrift Stores are always the go-to locations for Halloween. They have a special Halloween section and they are stocked full with items from which to create your perfect Halloween costume. CLICK HERE for arc Thrift’s website with location and store hours so you can plan your shopping trip to the thrift stores with Colorado’s largest Halloween selection!
If you need a little creative help, there are certainly a lot of websites with costume ideas. One of those sites is Women’s Day. CLICK HERE for all kinds of costume inspirations, including ideas for your pets!
If you aren’t all that creative and want to buy a ready-made costume, there are certainly plenty of sources out there. One option we want to point out is Target’s line of adaptive costumes and wheelchair covers specially made for those who use wheelchairs. You can find options like a princess carriage, a rocket ship, a sports car, a witch, and more designed for both kids and adults, CLICK HERE.
Don’t be terrorized by the need for a last-minute costume! Start planning today. If you don’t, it could get scary!
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