On January 17, 2023, AdvocacyDenver filed a complaint against the Denver Public Schools (DPS) with the Colorado Department of Education alleging violations of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The complaint was filed on behalf of a family whose child had not received speech/language services (SLP) required by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) beginning August 2022 to the date that the complaint was filed. In addition, AdvocacyDenver provided a list of other elementary schools where children were not receiving the IEP SLP services.
[Read more…] about DPS Failed to Provide Speech Services to Over 1000 StudentsStudents Prevail in Systemic Complaint Against Denver Public Schools
It is important to know where you have been in order to know where you are going. The student pictured is a client. He is a Denver Public School (DPS) student, diagnosed with autism. In 2011 the student was assigned to an affective needs (AN) center program. The AN program is said to be designed for students with emotional disabilities, not students with autism, intellectual disabilities, other health impairments (e.g. ADHD) or other disabilities.
[Read more…] about Students Prevail in Systemic Complaint Against Denver Public SchoolsThe New Norm?
From the Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
When the Stay at Home orders were issued all persons, including AdvocacyDenver and community centered board staff transitioned from in-person to a remote workforce. We learned that for the day-to-day business or staff meetings we did not need to travel into the office, rather business could be conducted virtually. We became experts learning to access and the new social norms when meeting via Zoom, Google Meets, etc. We also learned lessons in relation to access and equity.
[Read more…] about The New Norm?Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Parent OPT Out
From the Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
Periodically AdvocacyDenver forwards concerns to the Colorado Department of Education regarding their policies, rules/guidance, including the state assessment Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS). The requirement for academic standards and a method to “measure” student progress was first defined in No Child Left Behind and remains in place under the Every Child Succeeds Act. It is said that if a state does not comply that they could lose federal funds. Some time ago California Department of Education weighed the loss of instruction time, the social emotional toll that “high states assessments” take on their students, did away with their state assessment and said keep the pennies of federal funds.
[Read more…] about Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Parent OPT OutColorado Gives Day is Coming
I think it is appropriate to suggest that you each take a deep breath, and let out a sigh of relief that 2020 is coming to an end. This year has been one of adaptation and resourcefulness. We moved from meeting in person to meeting via a list of virtual platforms. Today, when we come together we wear a mask, greet each other with an elbow bump, and quickly step back 6 feet.
[Read more…] about Colorado Gives Day is ComingAction Alert: Extend Retainer Payments for Home and Community-Based Services
Action is needed & time is of the essence!
Please call your local Representative and Senator to ask them to sign onto a letter supporting the extension of retainer payments to Calder Lynch, Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Wednesday, July 22nd.
[Read more…] about Action Alert: Extend Retainer Payments for Home and Community-Based ServicesDay Program Services Expected to Reopen July 20, 2020
In June, Health Care Policy and Financing provided Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Day Program service providers and Case Management Agencies (CMAs) of required provisions for additional reopening of Day Program services in congregate settings.
[Read more…] about Day Program Services Expected to Reopen July 20, 2020Finding That Inspire Elementary School Principal Discriminated Against a Student Based on Race
From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
On February 6, 2020, a complaint of discrimination was filed by a member of Denver Public School (“DPS”) staff against the Principal of Inspire Elementary School. The complaint was filed in accordance with DPS Board of Education policy AC. The complainant alleged that the Principal discriminated against the student based on race (Black) and disability. AdvocacyDenver appreciates the staff that stood firm advocating for the appropriate treatment of the student and forwarded the complaint of discrimination.
[Read more…] about Finding That Inspire Elementary School Principal Discriminated Against a Student Based on RaceCommunity Endorses a Board Resolution to Remove School Resource Officers and Review of Role and Responsibility and Actions of Denver Public Schools Safety and Security
From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
Dear Denver Public Schools Board of Education:
We are writing as advocates in the disability community to ask that you support the call of your colleagues, Tay Anderson and Jennifer Bacon, to end the human rights violations of school policing. In this historic moment spurred by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, we call on you to do what is right and just and vote to terminate the Denver Public Schools’ (DPS) contract with the Denver Police Department and remove all police from the DPS.
[Read more…] about Community Endorses a Board Resolution to Remove School Resource Officers and Review of Role and Responsibility and Actions of Denver Public Schools Safety and SecurityBlack Lives Matter
From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
The Arcs in Colorado, have always been and will continue to be civil and human rights organizations. We are pained and heartbroken by the acts of violence and racial injustice impacting our black and brown neighbors, friends and community.
[Read more…] about Black Lives Matter