In This Issue:

• We Are Expanding Our Consulting Advocacy Team–Apply Now!
• Find Community at Our Parent Gathering
• Mark Your Calendar: 2026 Supported Decision-Making Summit
• Upcoming Webinars & Events

We Are Expanding Our Consulting Advocacy Team–Apply Now!

Application Deadline is September 30th!

Are you interested in working side by side with advocates who believe as you do that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should live self-directed lives and be valued and respected for who they are as individuals?

This is a unique opportunity to engage with the IDD community by sharing about your own lived experience.

• Engage with peers through planned community events
• Assist with administrative tasks for our Consulting Advocacy events, including planning, outreach, scheduling, and communicating details by phone and email
• Support people with IDD in developing self-advocacy skills through People First and Speaking for Ourselves
• Discover new opportunities to share your own experiences

Join The Arc, where your person-centered values and skills can be shared with the community. Our collaborative team is focused on growing self-advocacy skills that can change the everyday challenges of life into success and opportunities.

Find Community at Our Parent Gathering

Take a well-deserved break and find your people at our upcoming Parent Gathering! This casual, welcoming mixer is a chance for parents and caregivers of children ages 3–14 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to connect and get to know other families on the Special Education journey.

Come as you are and leave with new connections, helpful tips, and a stronger sense of community!

When: Wednesday, September 30th, 4:30pm-6:00pm

Where: The Arc’s Office – 13949 W Colfax Ave, Suite 102, Lakewood, CO 80401

This event is free–just register in advance. Registration will close on September 14th.

Light refreshments and childcare will be provided. If you’ll need childcare, simply let us know when you register. A member of our team will follow up to learn more about your family’s childcare needs.

Do you know a parent who would be interested in our Parent Gathering? Please forward this message and help us spread the word! Parents and caregivers do not have to be previously connected to The Arc-JCCGC to attend.

For any questions, please contact info@arcjc.org.

Mark Your Calendar: 2026 Supported Decision-Making Summit

Save the date! The Arc of Colorado’s Supported Decision-Making Summit will take place Saturday, November 14th from 9:00am-5:00pm in Grand Junction.

This event is a chance for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to learn more about Supported Decision-Making, a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that ensures dignity of choice, honors an individual’s will and preference, and maximizes independence.

The 2026 Supported Decision-Making Summit will be free to attend. Additionally, limited travel scholarships will be available for people with IDD and their families who are traveling more than 50 miles.

Registration details from The Arc of Colorado are coming soon. Click here to learn more about the 2026 Supported Decision-Making Summit.

Upcoming Webinars & Events

United Voices Digital Advocacy Workshop

Session 1: Sept 15th and 17th, 9:00am-11:00am

Session 2: Oct 6th and 8th, 9:00am-11:00am

• This free online workshop will teach people with disabilities, family members, and other supporters how to turn their lived experience into a message that helps get out the disability vote. The workshop will be offered twice, once in September and once in October. Click the link above to register and learn more.

Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Sustainability Webinar

September 16th, 1:00pm-2:30pm

• This webinar from the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) will overview the ongoing changes, sometimes called sustainability actions, to the LTSS system, while also addressing common questions. Medicaid members, families, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend. No registration is required. Click the link above to join the webinar when it begins.
• In addition, click here to submit feedback to HCPF about any questions you would like answered in the webinar. The feedback form will remain open through Friday, September 11th.

Fall IN!spiring Futures Mentorship Program

October 1st-December 3rd

• From local nonprofit IN!, this eight-week workshop is for students with intellectual disability ages 16-25 who would like to learn more about pursuing inclusive higher education. Through the program, students will hear from peer mentors who have experienced inclusive higher education and learn about transition-related topics. Applications are due by September 15th.