Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, & Included

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In 1988, the United States Congress designated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to “acknowledge the contributions to the nation’s economy made by workers with disabilities, current and past.”

The right to work, and be paid fairly for that work, has been an ongoing struggle for many groups of people in the U.S., and people with disabilities are no exception.

There remains lingering misconceptions and stereotypes that people with disabilities are not able to work and participate in society, and in some states, workplaces can still legally pay disabled employees less than minimum wage.

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Fortunately, Colorado is currently phasing this program out and, by 2025, employers will be prohibited from paying an employee with a disability a sub-minimum wage.

People with disabilities make essential contributions in all areas of life, and the workplace is no exception.

At The Independence Center, our mission is to support people with disabilities as they live independently and participate in life as fully as they wish. Being equitably paid for work is essential to this.

To this end, CEO Indy Frazee, Housing Specialist Erica Rosario, and Information & Referral Specialist Tyler Box spoke in front of the Colorado Springs City Council on October 8 to talk about the work of The IC as well as to share personal stories of navigating the experience of employment with a disability. Afterwards, the Council voted unanimously to recognize October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

The Independence Center is proud to recognize and share information about National Disability Employment Awareness Month in order to help everyone in our community be known, valued, and included.

Did You Know? You Can Vote at The IC!

Uncertainty about accessibility, and the availability of accommodations at polling places can discourage people from exercising their right to vote. In an effort to ensure everyone's access to the electoral process, The IC will again open our facility as a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) for this year’s November elections.

Our building is fully accessible, meaning anyone can come in and utilize the space, regardless of disability. An accessible voting machine will be available, with certified election officials on-hand to answer questions. By voting at The IC, you can cast your vote independently and with privacy.

If you’ve already filled out a ballot, there will also be a ballot drop box where your ballot can be officially and securely deposited.

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Our building will be open for in-person voting during these dates and times:

Friday, Nov. 1 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 2 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 5 - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the last general election, hundreds of people cast their votes at The IC! As the home of disability civil rights in the Pikes Peak Region, The IC is proud to do our part to make sure that our community is able to exercise their voting rights.

If you want to know more about accessible voting at The IC please call us at 719-471-8181 or email us at this link: info@the-ic.org

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World Mental Health Day 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a man with short-cropped hair wearing a dark gray shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

This year's theme for World Mental Health Day is "Mental Health at Work."

With more than 60% of the global population employed, the WHO is encouraging all workplaces to enhance employee well-being and create environments where individuals can truly thrive.

Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions, awareness remains low. In the United States, only about 52% of adults report familiarity with the mental health care system.

Each year, approximately one in five adults experiences a mental health condition, yet less than half receive the treatment they need (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health challenges. In fact, approximately 19.4 million people face at least one depressive episode annually, while anxiety disorders affect over three million Americans each year.

Mental health issues can lead to various invisible disabilities, underscoring the importance of prioritizing mental wellness alongside emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

This World Mental Health Day, we invite you to take action.

Visit the official website to engage in meaningful ways: share your personal experiences, learn more about mental health and its impact on our lives, and express yourself through art. Together, we can foster a supportive community that advocates for mental health in the workplace and beyond.

For more resources and to get involved, please visit the link below.

https://wmhdofficial.com/engage-2024/

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The IC thanks our Veterans!

The “In Their Honor Veterans Day Parade” will take place Saturday, November 9, starting at 11 a.m. along Tejon Street, between St. Vrain Street and Vermijo Street.

To help say thank you to service members both past and present, The IC is offering free parking in our east parking lot (just off of Tejon Street and Las Animas Street) for Veterans and their families attending the parade!

The Independence Center's Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program helps empower Veterans to manage their own Veteran's Administration (VA) benefits and care, so they can continue to live independently in their homes.

[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a man with short-cropped hair wearing a dark gray shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

To speak to an IC Team member about The IC's VDC program, call 719-471-8181. You can also visit the Veteran-Directed Care program page on our website:

https://www.theindependencecenter.org/veterans/

Peer Support Calendar

Classes and events at The IC provide opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and try new things in a supportive environment! An up-to-date listing of classes and events can always be found on our website's event calendar: https://www.theindependencecenter.org/