In This Issue:

  • You're Invited to Our Annual Picnic
  • July Is Disability Pride Month
  • Our Annual Meeting Video Is Available Now
  • Free Webinar: Discovering and Celebrating Autistic Strengths
  • Don't Miss a Special Library for All Event
  • Sensory-Friendly Fireworks Viewing at Autism Community Store
  • Our Office Will Be Closed on July 3rd
  • July Celebrations & Observances
  • People First Meets Tonight
 
Collage of four photos from an outdoor picnic, showing attendees in colorful outfits, costumes, face paint, and casual clothing, framed by a turquoise border.

You're Invited to Our Annual Picnic


RSVPs are open for our summer picnic—and we want to see you there! This inclusive, welcoming afternoon is sure to be a highlight of the summer. Relax, be yourself, and enjoy good conversations!

 

Here’s what you can expect:  

  • Facepainting, lawn games, and other fun activities 
  • Tasty food and refreshments 
  • Beautiful mountain views 


When: Wednesday, July 22, 4:00pm-7:00pm

Where: Clement Park - 7306 W. Bowles Avenue, Littleton, CO 80123 (Shelters O, P & Q)


This family-friendly event is free to attend. Let us know you'll be there by clicking the button below.
Sign Up Today
 
Disability Pride flag with red, yellow, white, light blue, and green diagonal stripes across a dark gray background.

July Is Disability Pride Month


Disability Pride Month is here! Every year, this observance is a chance to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and push for full inclusion in everyday life.


How can you celebrate Disability Pride Month? Whether you are a person with a disability or an ally of the disability community, there are many ways to learn more, uplift our community, and champion disability rights. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:


  • Read about Disability Pride Month and this year’s theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” by visiting The Arc United States’ blog.
  • Know the threats facing our community and push back by making your voice heard. Right now, people with disabilities are facing numerous challenges stemming from recent actions by the state and federal government. You can learn more about many of these challenges, and speak out, by visiting The Arc US's Take Action page.
  • Celebrate the month in-person at an upcoming event held by Atlantis Community Inc and the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). The event will take place on July 18th at Atlantis Community in Denver. Click here for more information.
  • View CDOO’s Disability Pride Month Passport, which highlights historic disability rights movement sites, disability-owned businesses, and more right here in Colorado. Click here to explore the passport.


However you choose to engage, we hope you have an emboldening and empowering Disability Pride Month!
 
Video-conference screenshot of a woman smiling in front of an orange gradient background. Text at the top reads “Annual Membership Meeting,” with The Arc Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties logo in the upper right.

Our Annual Meeting Video Is Available Now


Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Membership Meeting!


Held on Wednesday, June 24th, the Annual Membership Meeting took place via Zoom. It was great to see so many community members join the webinar to stay up to date on The Arc-JCCGC and to vote on important matters. 


Couldn’t make it? The video recording of The State of The Arc address and additional remarks is now available. Click the button below to view the video and additional details from the meeting.  
Watch the Video
 

Free Webinar: Discovering and Celebrating Autistic Strengths


JFK Partners is holding a free webinar, Beyond Awareness: Discovering and Celebrating Autistic Strengths, all about exploring and understanding autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.


In this webinar, participants will learn from research, real-world examples, and lived experiences. The webinar will run in two installments—one tailored for teens and young adults with autism, and one tailored for supporters like families, friends, educators, and providers.


Webinar 1 (for teens and young adults with autism)

When: July 8th, 3:30pm-5:00pm


Webinar 2 (for families, friends, educators, and providers)

When: July 15th, 3:30pm-5:00pm


Click here to register or learn more.
 
A group of adults sits together at a table doing yarn crafts, with a smiling man in a yellow hoodie at right. An orange, red, and purple geometric banner runs along the bottom.

Don't Miss a Special Library for All Event


Join Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) for an upcoming inclusive event!


As part of its Library for All series—a series of weekly interactive events for people with disabilities—JCPL will be holding a special Library for All on July 9th, featuring a magic show with magician Erica Sodos. Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers are invited to attend.


When: July 9th, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Edgewater Library: 1800 Harlan St., Edgewater, CO 80214


This event is free and no registration is needed. Click here for more information.


Library for All events occur regularly, inviting people with disabilities and their caregivers to create art, play games, explore the library, and more. To learn more about upcoming Library for All events, click here.
 
Graphic for the Autism Community Center, a project of the Autism Community Store. A row of colorful illustrated birds sits on a wire, with one bird flying above them, on a light green background.

Sensory-Friendly Fireworks Viewing at Autism Community Store


Take part in all the fun of Fourth of July fireworks in a sensory-friendly environment! The Autism Community Store in Aurora is bringing back its Sensory-Friendly 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party on the evening of July 4th.


Enjoy a view of the City of Aurora fireworks display, free burgers and hot dogs, and fun activities. Designated sensory-friendly spaces and noise-reducing headphones will be available.


When: July 4th, 7:30pm-10:00pm (fireworks begin at 9:30pm)

Where: Autism Community Store: 14095 E Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012


Click here to learn more.
 

Our Office Will Be Closed on July 3rd


In observation of the upcoming Independence Day holiday, The Arc-JCCGC's office will be closed Friday, July 3rd. Our normal office hours will resume Monday, July 6th.
 
Stylized illustration of a woman in a yellow dress and a man in blue dancing with one arm raised in front of an orange background shape with white spots.

July Celebrations & Observances


July includes some of the largest celebrations of the year for the disability community, with the month representing an important chance to raise awareness and continue fighting for the rights that our community deserves. Read on to learn more about this month’s celebrations and observances.


Disability Pride Month: July 1-July 31

This observance occurs every July—in honor of the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act—to empower people with all types of disabilities and to celebrate the history of the disability rights movement. Read our article above to learn more about Disability Pride Month.


Fragile X Awareness Month: July 1-July 31

Fragile X conditions are a group of conditions caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene. This includes Fragile X syndrome, which may cause intellectual disability, learning challenges, and behavioral challenges. Fragile X Awareness Month is a time to promote support by boosting understanding of Fragile X among doctors, educators, legislators, and the general public. World Fragile X Day also takes place during this month, on July 22nd.


Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): July 26

Signed into law on July 26th, 1990, the ADA represented a huge step forward in the disability rights movement here in America, protecting those with disabilities from many forms of discrimination in public life. The anniversary of the signing of the ADA is a chance to celebrate this victory and advocate for continued progress.
 

People First Meets Tonight


  • Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • The Arc's Office - 13949 W. Colfax Ave, #102, Lakewood, CO 80401


Learn more about People First here. For any questions, please email info@arcjc.org.


We hope to see you there!
 
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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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