In This Issue:

  • We Had a Blast at The Arc's National Convention!
  • Celebrate with Friends at Our Holiday Open House
  • Welcoming Our New Board Member: Cate Humbert
  • It Only Takes a Little to Make a Big Impact
  • Information about Upcoming Cuts to LTSS
  • Come Say Hi at Coffee House Tonight
 
 
Two people smiling and posing together indoors, both wearing bright orange sunglasses. The man is seated and the woman stands beside him with her arm around his shoulder. A sign in the background reads “Show Why You Smile.”

We Had a Blast at The Arc's National Convention!


Last week, a group of individuals connected to our chapter—including staff members, board members, and self-advocates—flew out to Charlotte, NC to take part in The Arc’s National Convention! The conference brought together individuals from Arc chapters all across the country to connect with one another and learn more about important topics—such as how people with disabilities can get more involved in leadership, mental health support for people with disabilities, and more.


Below, our staff share some highlights from their time at the convention:


My favorite sessions were those that challenged us to reach higher, be creative, and support people’s dreams in innovative ways. -Lori Ropa, Executive Director


My favorite session of the Arc National Convention was Never Forget: 40 Years of Advocacy & Independence. This breakout session was empowering. This is why I’m truly grateful to be involved with the Self-Advocacy movement. -Brent Belisle, Consulting Advocate


Some of my favorite memories were coming together, learning different opinions, and learning how we can help people here in Colorado. Conventions are important because they help us think outside the box and come together to help people with disabilities. Our voices matter. – Kellie Schultz, Consulting Advocate
 

Celebrate with Friends at Our Holiday Open House


The holiday season is a time for cheer—and there’s nothing more cheerful than mingling with friends at The Arc’s Holiday Open House!


You’re invited to join us as we celebrate friendship and togetherness with our Arc community at this winter wonderland-themed get-together. Swing by when you can, any time between 3:00pm and 7:00pm. You’ll be certain to see old friends and make some new ones, too!


Where: The Arc’s Office - 13949 West Colfax Ave, Building 1, Suite 102, Lakewood, CO 80401

When: December 8, 3:00pm-7:00pm


Photos with Santa will be available starting at 4:00pm.
Register Now!
 
A young woman with long wavy brown hair smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a cozy, light-colored turtleneck sweater, and the background is a clean white.

Welcoming Our New Board Member: Cate Humbert


We’re thrilled to welcome Cate Humbert to our board of directors!


Cate joined our board this past summer, having previously served for more than a year as a volunteer on our chapter’s Resource Development Committee. Professionally, her experience has centered on empowering and supporting people with disabilities. Having graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, Cate has interned at the National Sports Center for the Disabled, worked as a direct care professional and job coach, and helped lead inclusion work at summer camps. Today, she is a care manager who assists people with disabilities with important tasks, such as applying for benefits.
Read More
 
A smiling young girl with long dark hair and glasses sits indoors, wearing a gray “Miami USA” shirt. A purple mobility device is beside her. In the top right corner is the Colorado Gives Day logo.

It Only Takes a Little to Make a Big Impact


Donate to The Arc This

Colorado Gives Season

 

We here in Colorado are in the middle of one of the largest giving movements in the nation: Colorado Gives Day. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to show your support for The Arc-JCCGC by making a contribution if you are able to. 


Gifts of all amounts make a huge difference in uplifting the voices of people with IDD, promoting and protecting their rights, and supporting them to achieve their goals. When generous people like you come together to donate, no matter the donation size, the impact is massive. We hope you will consider The Arc during this season of giving.  
Click Here to Give
 
Logo for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, featuring the Colorado “C” icon with a pine tree and a circular symbol of three people labeled “HCPF,” followed by the department’s name in black text.

Information about Upcoming Cuts to LTSS


As you may be aware, the state of Colorado is planning to make many impactful cuts to Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). LTSS programs are health care programs that help people with disabilities and older adults with their everyday needs, including programs like Home-and-Community-Based Services (HCBS). In Colorado, the majority of LTSS services are paid for through Medicaid.


We know that this news has been very difficult for many of the individuals we serve and their family members. Please know that our advocacy team is always here to support you as we navigate these changes and challenges together. We encourage you to submit an advocacy request if you need support in understanding how these changes may impact your services.


Why are changes happening? Cuts to LTSS are happening for several reasons. First, the federal bill H.R.1 made changes to Medicaid that increased the state’s financial obligations. Second, the state has found that LTSS costs are growing at an unsustainable rate, so officials would like to make changes that would make the system more sustainable long-term.


What changes are being made? You can learn more about each upcoming change through the Medicaid Sustainability & LTSS in Colorado Webinar recording. This video covers 18 changes, called sustainability actions, and when they will go into effect.


How can I give my feedback on a specific change? Several public comment opportunities have been scheduled. Through these meetings and channels, you can give your input to help determine how these changes will be implemented. Opportunities for public comment will be as follows:

  • Now through Dec. 6: Some of the changes require amendments to certain HCBS waivers. Public comment on the amendments will be taken through Dec. 6. Learn more here.
  • Nov 25 @ 8am: Listening Session 1. This meeting will cover: Community Connector rate, policy, and limits; soft cap on certain HCBS services; implementing new caps on weekly caregiving hours. Register here.
  • Dec 2 @ 8am: Listening Session 2. This meeting will cover: Residential Habilitation negotiated rate tool; enrollment changes for the DD waiver, aligning member cost of care contribution in the DD waiver, CO single assessment tool. Register here.
  • Dec 11 @ 11am: Listening Session 3. This meeting will cover: Updates to CFC and LTHH rates and units; PDN per diem and acute benefit; movement therapy reductions; equine removal; delaying LTSS Presumptive Eligibility. Register here.


We will be sharing more information about these changes as it becomes available to us, so please continue to keep an eye on our eNewsletter.
 
Two smiling people holding mugs above the text Coffee House in bold font.

Come Say Hi at Coffee House Tonight


  • Where: Panera Bread - 650 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80226 (Southeast corner of Wadsworth & Center Ave)
  • When: Thursday, November 20 from 5:30pm-7:00pm


We hope you can join us! Click here to learn more about Coffee House.


For any questions, please reach out to us at info@arcjc.org.
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The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties | 13949 W. Colfax Ave. Ste 102 | Lakewood, CO 80401 US

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