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 ComingDay 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, 2020Latest COVID-19 Information by and for People with Disabilities
Due to COVID-19, AdvocacyDenver office will be closed to outside visitors until further notice. Our staff will be working in the office and/or remotely and will be able to participate in meetings virtually. We recognize that there is still important work to do, and we’re striving to perform those vital services while helping stop the community spread of COVID 19.
[Read more…] about Latest COVID-19 Information by and for People with DisabilitiesLast Interview
From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
At different times, over the years, I had an opportunity to stand with Carrie Ann Lucas on issues important to the community of individuals with disabilities. I cannot report that we were Facebook friends, we did not meet for lunch or dinner or discuss our personal lives. I knew Carrie as a bright, firm, determined parent, attorney, advocate, and community leader. If there was a question in relation to the rights of parents with disabilities, Carrie was the expert.
[Read more…] about Last InterviewThe Gift of A Lifetime
An Interview with Catherine Strode
For nearly 50 years, Don Morales has given his time and talent to support the needs of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. At 84 years old, Don currently serves as the Treasurer on AdvocacyDenver’s Executive Board. However, his history of service does not begin there nor does it end there. He has logged countless hours of volunteer time over the decades in order to raise funds and improve services for our community.
Don says the greatest advancements he has seen over the years has been children having the right to attend public schools. His service has been based on his passion to help individuals like his own son Danny. He says Danny, now 56 years old, has been a gift to his entire family. ”
AdvocacyDenver Featured on KGNU’s “A Public Affair”
AdvocacyDenver’s Pam Bisceglia, the Coordinator for Child and Family Advocacy and Interim Director of Advocacy, and Scott Utash, advocate for the Children’s Mental Health Program and Interim Director of Operations, visited last week with KGNU’s Tish Beauford on her program “A Public Affair”.
On the program Pam and Scott discussed AdvocacyDenver’s mission of serving children, teens and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities—as well as their families—throughout the Denver community, including issues relating to education and current legislation that AdvocacyDenver is working to advance through the state legislature.
New Director Set To Take Reins of Colorado Arc
An Interview with Catherine Strode
Effective November 9, Christiano Sosa takes hold of the leadership reins as Executive Director of The Arc of Colorado. He is in the process of completing a statewide tour of the 13 Arc chapters across the state. Christiano brings a strong background to the position in philanthropic and policy leadership roles for nonprofits including: The Denver Foundation, the Northern Colorado AIDS Project, and Mi Casa Resource Center. His professional career experience reflects his commitment and passion to the goal of social justice.
In an interview with Catherine Strode, Christiano says his career experience reflects his commitment and passion to the goal of social justice. He adds that the concepts of inclusion and equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be a primary undercurrent of all policy and systems change promoted by the Arc of Colorado under his leadership.
[Read more…] about New Director Set To Take Reins of Colorado Arc
Arc’s Departing Executive Director Gives Final Reflections
An Interview with Catherine Strode
For the past 10 years as Executive Director of the Arc of Colorado, Marijo Rymer has led policy campaigns across the state to shed light on the issues of our community of individuals with developmental disabilities. At the end of this month, she is retiring from her position. However, she is not retiring from advocating for the IDD community.
In a “farewell” interview with Catherine Strode, she says she will be staying involved with the Arc of the US and with the local Arcs in New Mexico. Her policy legacy? She says it’s a call for collaboration.
[Read more…] about Arc’s Departing Executive Director Gives Final Reflections
AdvocacyDenver’s Advocates and Staff Look Forward To…
Looking forward towards 2018, AdvocacyDenver’s Advocates and Staff have their own individual goals of contribution as this new beginning of the organization unfolds. [Read more…] about AdvocacyDenver’s Advocates and Staff Look Forward To…
AdvocacyDenver Announces New Leadership
Looking forward, AdvocacyDenver will be jointly supervised by Pamela Bisceglia and Scott Utash. Pamela is taking on the role of Interim Director of Advocacy and Scott is taking on the role of Interim Director of Operations.
Together, Pamela and Scott have decades of combined experience working with individuals with disabilities, advocating for better opportunities and outcomes for children and adults, and creating policy and systemic change on a state level with other organizations and government agencies.
Their work, and the work of the other members of the staff of AdvocacyDenver, empowers our clients with confidence and self-respect and strengthens our community of constituents. [Read more…] about AdvocacyDenver Announces New Leadership