In This Issue:
- Developmental Disability Awareness and Women's History
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Join In On Our DDAM Outreach Campaign - Be A Changemaker
- Free Webinar Series On Aging, Dementia, and Intellectual Disability
- From The Arc U.S.: Your Vote Has Power - Pledge To Vote Today
- Housing Denver Residents With IDD - Share Your Views In A Survey
- See You At Coffee House Tomorrow
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Developmental Disability Awareness and Women's History
March marks the month that is recognized as both Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Women's History Month.
Women who have led and elevated the disability rights movement are among the most powerful and memorable figures in history. Here is a look into Colorado's past to honor merely two of the many women who have had profound influence:
Laura Hershey
Laura Hershey (Aug. 11, 1962 – Nov. 26, 2010) was a prolific author, poet, and activist. She also fought for civil rights of people with disabilities and the LGBTQ community. Laura became very active in groups like ADAPT (American Disabled For Attendant Programs Today - a grassroots disability rights organization that first began protesting to fight for lifts on buses) as the ADA came under constant attack. Her focus was not just on protecting civil rights, but on empowering people whose rights were threatened.
Linda Chism-Andre
Linda Chism-Andre (June 2, 1947 - Sept. 10, 2018) and eighteen other people in wheelchairs surrounded Regional Transportation Department buses on Colfax Avenue and Broadway in July 1978 and chanted, "We will ride!" The protest, led by what would become known as the Gang of 19, sparked a movement that called on equal access to public transportation, changing the course of disability rights in Denver and around the world, according to Westword. Chism-Andre spent the rest of her life pushing for more access and equality for people with disabilities.
By advocating for equal rights and equal opportunities for people with disabilities, these and many other local trailblazers demanded necessary changes that have made a positive impact on our lives today.
For more history about woman in the disability rights movement, click here.
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The Arc-JCCGC’s Be A Changemaker DDAM Outreach Campaign is all about protecting human dignity, encouraging belonging, and upholding the rights of all people with IDD.
It features easy action items to help make the world a better place for people who have IDD and everyone else.
Here are three Be A Changemaker actions to encourage positive change to increase understanding and build community:
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Read About The History of The Arc – it reveals what it’s like to be at the forefront of advocacy and positive change for people with IDD. To learn about the history of The Arc U.S. click here and the history of our chapter click here.
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Learn More About People First Language and Identity First Language Some individuals like People First Language. Others prefer Identity First Language. Many choose a combination of both. This is solely a personal decision since experiences often determine preference. Check out The Arc U.S.’s statement: On Person First vs. Identity First Language by clicking here. Which do you prefer People First Language or Identity First Language?
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Do You Have An Idea That Can Help Build Belonging and/or Promote Awareness About People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities? Do it and share the outcome with us by emailing it to [email protected]. Who knows? Maybe your idea – with credit to you - will be featured.
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Voice Your Opinions On HCBS
The President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) will host an online meeting this Thursday to address issues surrounding Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). This meeting is open to the public and your opinions are welcome!
The March 21 meeting will discuss the future of HCBS and the recommendations identified by four PCPID workgroups related to the HCBS areas of:
- Direct support professionals
- Employment
- Community living
- Federal support programs.
This discussion will help develop a framework for the preparation of the PCPID Report to the President.
PCPID was established in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It advises the president and the secretary of health and human services on a broad range of topics that impact people with intellectual disabilities, as well as the professional fields that support people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
If you’re not already familiar with the PCPID, read a Fact Sheet by clicking here.
Stakeholder input is very important to the PCPID. Comments and suggestions—especially from people with intellectual disabilities—are welcomed.
Do you have comments related to HCBS or other areas?
Meeting Information
- Thursday, March 21, 2024
- 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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Register by clicking here
This meeting will include CART and American Sign Language (ASL) services. If you need additional reasonable accommodation requests, contact [email protected] and [email protected].
You can find the Notice on the Federal Register by clicking here.
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Free Webinar Series on Aging, Dementia, and Intellectual Disability
The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices is hosting an informative webinar series titled Aging, Dementia, and Intellectual Disability, which will explore issues of interest for families and caregivers of adults with an intellectual disability.
Here is information about the upcoming sessions:
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Life Planning for Different Phases of the Life Journey featuring Brittany Goodrich, B.S. March 26: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mountain Time
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Behavioral Changes that Occur with Aging and Dementia with Katie Frank, Ph.D. April 9: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mountain Time
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Family Panel - Sharing Experiences with Hut Beall, BA, Sharon Trocki-Miller, M.Ed. and Leone Murphy, A.P.N. April 23: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mountain Time
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Your Vote Has Power - Pledge To Vote Today!
Voting is very important. Your vote helps choose the people who will run the government, make laws, decide where government money gets spent, and much more.
The people who get picked to run the government—and the decisions they make—can have a big impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
If you do not vote, then you do not get a say in what happens.
Make a pledge today to:
- Vote this November!
- Pick people who you believe will make good changes for your community, state, and country
- Encourage your friends and family to vote
- Join us and commit to be a voter as soon as you are eligible! Then make a plan for how you will cast your ballot.
Interested? Pledge to Vote with The Arc U.S. by clicking the button below!
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Housing Denver Residents With IDD Survey
Interested in sharing your views about Denver Metro area housing access for people with IDD?
The Kelsey is collecting information to understand barriers to housing for people with IDD for a Builder’s Assessment with the City and County of Denver Human Services Department Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Equitable Access to Services (IDDEAS) program.
As part of the project The Kelsey is conducting a survey for people to share their experiences and ideas around housing to understand current barriers and thinking about future solutions to housing people with IDD. The Kelsey is a non-profit organization, focusing on building opportunity through inclusivity and pioneering disability-forward housing solutions that open doors to homes and opportunities for everyone,
The survey should take about 20 minutes to complete, information can be provided anonymously, and most questions are optional. Please forward the survey to others whose voices are important to understanding current barriers and thinking about future solutions to housing people with IDD.
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Let's Meet Tomorrow at Coffee House!
When you join us at Coffee House, you'll
- Find a warm and inviting atmosphere that welcomes everyone
- Expand your social circle
- Mingle with people of all abilities
Plus, it's always a lot of fun!
Coffee House – 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at Panera Bread - 650 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood.
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