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The Independence Center is excited to announce our Title Night Sponsorship with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for their July 26 match against Texoma FC! Saturday, July 26 is the 35th anniversary of the signing into law of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and we can't wait to celebrate this with the entire Colorado Springs community!
As the date gets closer, follow our social media accounts and future newsletters to get more information about the exciting opportunities this game will bring!
Tickets and information about the game can be found on their website at the link below:
https://www.switchbacksfc.com/
Photo: Isaiah Downing
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | April is National Deaf History Month | | |
From The IC's Deaf Specialist Ben Chittenden:
"April is Deaf History month. People in the Deaf World take this month to look back on their rich history and culture. One of the most honored quotes in Deaf history is 'Deaf people can do anything except hear' which was famously quoted by I. King Jordan. He was the first Deaf President of Gallaudet University, the world’s only liberal arts college designed specifically for the Deaf.
Those in the Deaf community work to share their history and culture with the world, and also continue to tear down barriers the mainstream world places in their way. This month, events around the country will bring attention to Deaf experience, their language, and their history."
This month, you can support local and national Deaf organizations and learn how you can celebrate the rich history of Deaf culture in the US. The link below, from the American Society for Deaf Children, has several examples as well as an additional explanation on the importance of this month:
https://deafchildren.org/2023/04/the-importance-of-national-deaf-history-month-a-word-from-our-executive-director/
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Congrats to new City Council member and IC Board Member Kimberly Gold | | |
[Image description: On a blue background, underneath the logo of The IC, text says "Congratulations, Kimberly! Colorado Springs City Council, District 4" next to a photograph of a smiling woman with curly dark hair and red glasses. At the bottom, text says "Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included."]
Exciting news! Join us in congratulating Kimberly Gold on her election to the Colorado Springs City Council!
While we’ll miss her thoughtful leadership on The Independence Center's Board of Directors, we’re so proud to see her take on this new role. Her passion and dedication to the disability community will no doubt continue to make a powerful impact. Best wishes, Kimberly! Thank you for your commitment to building a community, and world, where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included! We're cheering you on!
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | The IC Fund Supports Accessibility in our Community | | |
[Image description: In two lines, 13 people smile for the camera in front of a screen with logos of The IC."
For years, The IC has used The IC Fund to award grants to local-area non-profit organizations for specific projects which promote independence and increase accessibility for people with disabilities. We are thrilled to announce that in 2025, we have awarded $97,000 in grant funding to local organizations for projects that will do this!
This year's grant recipients include:
Pikes Peak Interagency Transition Team
Special Kids Special Families
TRE - The Resource Exchange
The Griffith Centers
We're excited to see how these organizations use these funds to help build a world where everyone is Known, Valued, & Included!
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
Youth and Young Adult Summer Camp (Open to Consumers ages 16-30)
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[Image description: Over a blue background with a photo of four people sitting on a bench smiling is to the right. The IC's logo sits at the top with the words "Youth and Young Adult Summer Camp, Ages 16-30 , July 9 - August 4, 2025" below it. A green box below saying "Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m."]
The IC invites IC consumers ages 16 - 30 years old to participate in an exciting Summer Camp! Participants will learn leadership skills, find support, hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, and enjoy other fun activities!
This camp will begin on Monday, June 9 and runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through August 4.
Registration is required for this camp, and you must be an IC consumer.
To RSVP, become a Consumer, ask questions, or to make accommodation requests, please contact our Independent Living Skills Specialist Edgar Morales at 719-471-8181 ext. 168 or email emorales@the-ic.org.
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | |
Direct Care Worker
Appreciation Week
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[Image description: On the grass in front of The IC's offices, several dozen people smile at the camera and hold signs behind large letters that spell out "Thank You Direct Care Workers" next to several hearts, fireworks, and a circle that shows a stethoscope.]
Since 2024, the first full week of April has been Direct Care Worker Appreciation Week.
Direct Care Workers (DCWs) provide essential personal care, homemaking, and home health aide services to people who need help with daily tasks. These services allow Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries to live at home and avoid costly medical or institutional services and provide a vital help to those who want to remain living independently in their homes. Currently in Colorado more than 70,000 older individuals and people with disabilities receive long-term care services and supports from Direct Care Workers.
The IC is proud to support DCWs in our community, and we encourage everyone to take time to thank any DCWs in their lives!
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Independent Living (IL) Open House | | |
[Image description: On a blue square, to the left, the Independence Center logo and the words "Independent Living (IL) Open House and Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included appears. To the right, a photo with seven people of varying ages and ethnicities appear, smiling.]
Join us on one Thursday per month (dates below) through September for our IL Open House at The Independence Center! Discover the incredible services, activities, and groups we offer to empower our Consumers at The IC!
Experience an Evening of Fun and Connection:
- Watch a Movie
- Play Accessible Games in our Gaming Lab
- Join a Peer Support Group
- Cook a Delicious and Healthy Meal*
*The Healthy Meal event is limited to eight participants each month - Please RSVP to secure your spot!
Join an upcoming Open House from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- April 17
- May 15
- June 26
- July 17
- August 21
- September 18
For more information, to RSVP, or to request accommodations, contact Edgar Morales, Independent Living Skills Specialist at emorales@the-ic.org or call 719-471-8181 ext. 168.
| | [Image description: A man with short brown hair wearing a short-sleeved gray polo shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | | Upcoming Community Workshops, Special Events, Recreation Events, and Support Groups | |
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/
| | [Image description: The logo of The IC next to a QR code. Below, the words "We're hiring" and "Scan to apply! Or visit the-ic.org/employment"] | | | | |
