It is important to know where we have been, in order to know where we are going.
The foundation for DCARC, The Arc of Denver (D.B.A. AdvocacyDenver) has been our Board of Directors. Over the past seven decades a countless number of parents, self-advocates, siblings, doctors, lawyers, educators, psychologists, religious leaders, politicians and white- or blue-collar workers have served on our Board of Directors and helped shape the future for our organization.
[Read more…] about AdvocacyDenver History Part IIIAdvocacyDenver History Part II
It is important to know where we have been, in order to know where we are going.
By 1961, DCARC (“Denver Association for Retarded Children”) had grown in numbers. New chapters were situated in Pueblo, Jefferson and Southwest Adams counties. This first newsletter speaks to the focus in the early years. Membership was not limited to parents, but included teachers, doctors, theological and business leaders. The newsletter highlights a scholarship fund. The scholarship fund was likely in response to Public Law 86-158 The Training of Professional Personnel Act of 1959 which helped train leaders to educate children with intellectual disabilities. Parents and the community understood (then and now) that they would need to grow the number of professionals whose focus was on the education of children with disabilities.
[Read more…] about AdvocacyDenver History Part IIAdvocacyDenver History Part I
It is important to know where we have been, in order to know where we are going.
I am the parent of a child who was identified as having a disability shortly after birth. My daughter was premature, her health was fragile and she was in and out of the hospital many times in those first few years. I took life one day at a time, I did not think about or plan for my daughter’s future because I wasn’t sure if she would be with me tomorrow; instead I cherished each moment, each day.
[Read more…] about AdvocacyDenver History Part IColorado 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 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