IN THIS ISSUE...
  • Join Us For Summit Of Hope 2021!
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #40 Michelle Knight
  • Celebrations Happening Next Week
  • Donate To The Arc At Jeffco DMV Offices
  • Future Financial Planning Study
  • Comcast Expanding Internet Essentials Program
Join Us For Summit Of Hope 2021
October 14th Online

We invite you on a journey through powerful and inspiring stories told by the people we serve. During our half-hour virtual Summit of Hope, you’ll hear about the transformational work that our chapter is doing and the impact it is having on our community.

Like last year, you can attend Summit of Hope on your terms—in your PJs, while eating your lunch, or with an end-of-day beverage in hand.
 
In just a half-hour, you can help change lives!
RSVP today, CLICK HERE
 
  • Select the session you prefer (all 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!

Michelle Knight #40

Hills and valleys compose a well-lived life. Michelle Knight has experienced both the joy and the sorrow of life but she's proven that she is tough enough to handle whatever life brings her.
 
Michelle has endured the loss of a daughter at birth, but she is still able to spread joy wherever she goes. She has a son with disabilities, and she shares her love for him with those around her.

Decades ago, Michelle realized that she needed to advocate for her son, and in the process, she learned to advocate for herself. She uses her voice to speak up for herself, and she encourages others to speak up for themselves, help others, and learn about people with different abilities.
 
Michelle's loving, optimistic attitude, along with hard work, help make her a good friend and employee. She has worked at Arc Thrift for 8 years now, and she has also been married for more than 7 years. Along with exercise and walking, she and her husband enjoy living in their own home and going to movies and social events through arc Thrift Stores.
 
A little-known fact about Michelle is that members of the former Rocky Mountain Partners AKtion Club call her “Facebook Queen” because of her fabulous posts showing the Club having fun during its service work.

To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE.
Celebrations Happening Next Week

Next week highlights two important events, both worthy of your attention.
 
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week
September 12 through 18
The direct support professional is the heart and soul of the support system for people with disabilities. This past year has been especially hard on these workers due to COVID restrictions and increased personal exposure. These incredible professionals are rarely fully recognized for all they do, and they are often the unsung heroes in our community.
 
If you can, use this opportunity to highlight those DSPs that provide year-round support to you or a loved one.

If you have the financial means, a small appreciation gift would make your direct support professional’s day. But even if you don’t, there are lots of ways you can ensure that your caregiver knows how much she/he means to you.
 
One idea is to make something that shows you care. CLICK HERE for a draw-along video to create a heart and banner drawing. This video was originally intended for Mother’s Day, but you can easily modify it. Stop the video at the 4:33 mark, and instead of writing in the word “Mom” on the banner, write in your direct support professional’s name. Then color in the drawing as you desire. This homemade gift is sure to make someone feel special.
 
For more information on Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, CLICK HERE.

National Disability Voter Registration Week
September 13 through 20
Every year this campaign stresses the political power of people with disabilities and encourages everyone to register to vote. Running the week of September 13 through 20, the campaign is sponsored by American Association of People with Disabilities and the National Disability Rights Network.
 
In the last election, an estimated 38 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote. These two groups want to raise the disability voice with greater voter participation.
 
In Colorado, voting is made easier for those with disabilities because every registered voter receives a ballot in the mail, and the completed ballot can be either mailed back or dropped into one of many 24-hour drop boxes. For more information on National Disability Voter Registration Week, CLICK HERE.
Donate To The Arc At DMV Offices

Thanks to the Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office, the DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) offices now have donation boxes for visitors to donate spare change (or bills) to our chapter of The Arc! This donation drive will continue through October 2021.

While most DMV services, such as license plate renewals, are available online, visitors to a DMV office will have the opportunity to directly support The Arc. Note that if you need to visit the DMV, appointments are required. CLICK HERE to see a list of locations and more information about the DMV.
 
Thank you to the Jeffco Clerk & Recorder’s Office for caring about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through this donation collection effort!
Future Financial Planning Study
$25 gift card for participants

When you plan for your financial future, you are taking the steps needed to ensure that you have the money and services you will need long-term. For many, COVID has changed their saving and planning process.

This study asks participants to share their knowledge and experience about the ways COVID has changed these plans for people with disabilities and their families. In return, study participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
 
The interview will take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and no identifying information about participants will be shared. A report based on survey results will be published in 2022.
 
The study is sponsored by the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. It is a program of the University of Delaware’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. To schedule an interview, CLICK HERE. For more information, contact Cory Gilden at [email protected]. 
Comcast Expanding Internet Essentials Program

Comcast has expanded eligibility for its Internet Essentials program to those receiving Federal Pell Grants.

If you are in a Comcast service area and a student receiving financial aid in the form of a Pell Grant, you can use your Financial Aid Letter as proof of eligibility for this program. You will then receive either free Internet service through the government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit or a heavily discounted price of $9.95 a month for up to 50 Mbps.
 
Remember, even if you are not a Pell Grant recipient, you may qualify for this program if you participate in the National School Lunch Program or receive housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and other programs.
 
For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE.