Reflections on 2024
A Remarkable Year of Advocacy and Community: A letter from our CEO, Indy Frazee
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As we approach the end of another year, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the past 12 months. Did we accomplish what we set out to do? Did we reach the goals we envisioned at the start of 2024? This year seemed to fly by, but as we look back, it’s clear for The Independence Center, 2024 was a remarkable year of connection, community building, and impactful advocacy.
This year, we deepened our relationships with many community leaders, fostering collaboration and strengthening our shared commitment to the disability community. Through legislative luncheons, tours, and advocacy meetings, we elevated the voice of our community and worked to ensure people with disabilities are represented at every level of decision-making.
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In July, our 3rd annual ADA Fest-ABLE was a true highlight, drawing nearly 300 attendees to The IC. The event celebrated the transformative legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while showcasing the power of adaptive technology, independent living resources, and our Veteran Directed Care and Home Health programs. It was incredibly inspiring to see our community unite for such a meaningful celebration, made even more special by Mayor Yemi joining in the festivities!
Building on our strong foundation as advocates for both individual and systemic change, we proudly sponsored House Bill SB24-019, guiding it from inception to its successful passage into law. Signed by Governor Polis on November 1, this landmark legislation ensures remuneration-exempt disability parking placards for qualified individuals, removing barriers and reinforcing our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
As the bright fall leaves and crisp air signaled the arrival of election season, The IC was proud to once again serve as a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) for the 2024 General Election. Our fully accessible building and voting machines ensured that every voter could cast their ballot independently and with privacy, exemplifying our commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Though the year is winding down, The IC remains a vibrant hub of activity. From our accessible gaming and computer lab to cooking classes and support groups, we continue to welcome individuals striving for independence in all its unique forms. There's always room to grow, learn, and connect here at The IC!
As we celebrate the goals we’ve achieved this year, we humbly recognize that our efforts are just one piece of the larger journey ahead. Our work in disability rights, advocacy, and resources is made possible through the support of you, our clients, consumers, and community partners. You inspire us every day to keep striving toward a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included.
As I reflect on this remarkable year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for our talented and dedicated team members. Their unwavering passion and commitment bring The IC’s mission to life, and I am truly honored to walk this path alongside them. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community, one step at a time.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with friends, family, and moments of peace and happiness. Here's to an even brighter 2025!
In gratitude,
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[Image description: Four people smile at the camera. A man using a wheelchair is in front, and three women stand behind him.]
From left to right, back row: Indy Frazee, Independence Center (IC) CEO; Emily Biniki, Senior Government Affairs Associate, Aponte & Busam Public Affairs Consultants; Edie Busam, Principal, Aponte & Busam Public Affairs Consultants; Front row: Jim Vacik, IC Board Member.
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Advocacy at
The Independence Center
Celebrating the passage of SB24-019
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During our November Legislative Luncheon with state and local officials, we had the opportunity to celebrate the passing of SB24-019, a bill sponsored by The IC!
The bill addresses remuneration-exempt disability parking placards (purple placards) exempting qualified individuals with disabilities from paying fees for metered parking. This bill specifically defined the requirements for this placard, thereby making parking more accessible to those who truly need it.
A special thank you to IC Board Member Jim Vacik, and our two lobbyists Edie Busam, and Emily Biniki for working to get this bill to Governor Polis' desk!
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This bill officially went into law on November 1, 2024!
To read the details of the bill and see the Senators and Representatives who helped pass it, click on the following link:
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb24-019
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The International Day of Disabilities | |
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The IC's Advocacy Specialist Scott Bartlett shares his thoughts on the importance of the United Nations "International Day of Disabilities":
Each December 3, the United Nations (U.N.) conducts a global campaign to promote and support the rights of people with disabilities, called the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The day is focused on raising awareness of how people with disabilities must be included in world social, cultural and economic life. On this day, the U.N. focuses on specific themes that affect people with disabilities globally.
For instance, in 2019, the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution to protect persons with disabilities in locations of armed conflict by ensuring access to justice, services, and humanitarian aid. Today the U.N.focuses on people with disabilities through events, discussion, and resolutions.
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“Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” is the theme of this year's event. It reflects what we at The IC already know: that people with disabilities can lead others, are change makers, and must be included in all aspects of societal life. The theme seeks to bring awareness to the role of people with disabilities in all the efforts of society.
In many areas of the world people with disabilities struggle greatly with access to healthcare and basic civil rights. They are not included in the politics or social life of their communities. Full inclusion of people with disabilities doesn’t come from resolutions, but rather from active participation and leadership by people with disabilities.
The key goals of the Day are:
- Promote the leadership of people with disabilities in all areas of life.
- Ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
- Increase participation of people with disabilities in decision making about global issues.
- Raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities.
- To celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities.
You can learn more about the U.N.'s International Day of Persons with Disabilities here: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/events/2024-international-day-persons-with-disabilities
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Vote for The IC in the Gazette's
2025 "Best of the Springs" awards! | | |
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Thanks to all of you, The IC has been recognized with several "Best Of" awards over the years. Now we have another chance to shine in the Colorado Springs Gazette’s "Best of the Springs" awards!
This year, The IC is nominated for Best Home Care Company and Best In-Home Care Company. If you’d like to help us go for gold (or silver! or bronze!), it just takes a couple of minutes to cast your vote.
Have you had a great experience with our Team, services, or programs?
Vote for The IC!
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Want to help spread the word about the work we do empowering people with disabilities?
Vote for The IC!
Love the Independent Living movement?
Vote for The IC!
Want to help us in our mission to build a world where EVERYONE is Known, Valued, and Included?
VOTE for The IC!
Voting ends on January 13, 2025!
Click this link to vote: https://thebestofthesprings.com/voting/
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Comcast Grant Supports Digital Access for People with Disabilities | |
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The IC is thrilled to announce the receipt of an $11,000 grant from Comcast to support our fully-accessible Computer & Gaming Lab. This funding has allowed us to extend our impact by creating “Go Kits,” mobile computer and gaming labs designed to bring accessible technology directly to schools, assisted care facilities, and other spaces that support people with disabilities.
Our Accessible Computer & Gaming Lab is already a critical resource, serving about 200 consumers annually. Through technology skills training, individuals with disabilities and seniors gain essential digital skills to apply for jobs, manage online tasks like banking and telehealth, and connect with loved ones via video calls. These tools combat social isolation and enhance independence in a tech-driven world.
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Thanks to Comcast’s commitment to advancing digital equity, the “Go Kits” will bring these vital opportunities to even more community members, empowering individuals to bridge the digital divide and connect like never before.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Comcast for their support in making digital inclusion a reality for those we serve.
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A Great Place to Work!
The IC is again named one of
the Gazette's "Best Workplaces"!
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The Independence Center was again voted as one of the "Best Workplaces" in Colorado Springs by the Gazette!
We are proud to have an incredible, dedicated, and encouraging Team who make The Independence Center an amazing place to work!
Every day, we live our mission of building a workplace, and world, where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included!
Want to join our Team?
For more information on what makes The IC a great place to work and see our current employment opportunities, click on the following link:
https://www.theindependencecenter.org/employment/
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The IC's Holiday Schedule | | |
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The IC's offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 25 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025 to ensure our Team has the opportunity to relax and enjoy the holiday break with friends and family.
Please take a moment to make sure you've taken care of any important IC-related needs or concerns before the closure!
Or doors will be open again at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and a Happy New Year!
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Upcoming Community Workshops, Special Events, Recreation Events, and Support Groups | | | | |
