An Interview with Catherine Strode
The Executive Director of the Arc of Colorado, Marijo Rymer, says the major legislative goals for supporting adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the 2017 Session were successful. These issues include banning the use of prone restraints in public schools, establishing a pilot for the creation of an Office of Public Guardianship, Adult Protective Services background checks for direct care providers, and addressing case management conflict of interest.
In an interview with Catherine Strode, Ms. Rymer adds that two public education issues which failed this Session may make a repeat appearance during 2018.
[Read more…] about 2017 Session Brings Big Wins for People with IDD
Reform of the Division of Youth Corrections
An Interview with Catherine Strode
State Representative Pete Lee has sponsored a series of bills to bring about change in Colorado’s juvenile justice and youth corrections systems. State Representative Lois Landgraf has established a legislative reputation for being an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This Session, the two legislators from El Paso County have paired up to sponsor House Bill 17- 1329, a bill that supports a cultural shift in the Division of Youth Corrections including a name change. A recently released report, entitled Bound and Broken, details incidences of increased violence and injuries within the Division.
In an interview with Catherine Strode, Representative Pete Lee explains the bill’s attempt, through a proposed pilot program, to combat violence and to change the culture within the state’s youth corrections system. Representative Landgraf explains how this juvenile justice bill relates to her ongoing efforts to back legislation that offers protection to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
[Read more…] about Reform of the Division of Youth Corrections
Juvenile Justice Reform On Legislative Agenda
An Interview with Catherine Strode
Colorado could lead the nation in Juvenile Justice Reform if a bill to eliminate detention for youth ages 10 to 12 passes this session.
The bill, which passed out of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously, would eliminate the requirement for the Department of Human Services to place a youth in detention unless charged with a serious offense.
In an interview with Catherine Strode, the Republican and Democratic co-sponsors discuss why this bill is necessary and its potential of a positive impact on Colorado youth.
[Read more…] about Juvenile Justice Reform On Legislative Agenda
Bill Develops Discipline Strategies to Decrease Suspensions
An Interview with Catherine Strode
State Representative James Coleman (House District 7) is very proud that the education bill he is sponsoring has support across both aisles in the Colorado legislature. House Bill 17-1211 calls for a pilot program to provide educators with professional development in culturally responsive methods of discipline. In an interview with Catherine Strode, Representative Coleman says he was ‘appalled’ to learn over 7000 young children in preschool through third grade were suspended from Colorado schools last year. He adds most of those suspensions were disproportionately experienced by children of color.
[Read more…] about Bill Develops Discipline Strategies to Decrease Suspensions
Colorado’s Communities Support Bill To Decrease School Suspensions
An Interview with Catherine Strode
The House Education Committee will hear testimony today on a bill to reduce the number of school suspensions and expulsions of young children in Colorado’s public schools. Data presented by the Colorado Children’s Campaign has shown children in minority populations and children with disabilities face disproportionate disciplinary actions, specifically suspensions and expulsions.
The sponsor of House Bill 17-1210, State Representative Susan Lontine, says the ultimate goal of the bill is to close the achievement gap of children in minority populations and explains the bill’s broad community support.
In interviews with Catherine Strode State Representative Lontine explains how the bill can impact educational disparities in Colorado; and the Vice President of Early Childhood Initiatives for the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Bill Jaeger, explains the suspension data.
[Read more…] about Colorado’s Communities Support Bill To Decrease School Suspensions
Coming Events: Protecting Children’s Futures, a Presentation by Betty Lehman of Lehman Disability Planning
AdvocacyDenver and Denver Public Schools invite Parents, Special Education Teachers and Community Providers to:
Protecting Children’s Futures
a Presentation by Betty Lehman of Lehman Disability Planning
March 14, 2017
6-8:00 p.m.
DSST Stapleton High School
2000 Valentia Street
Topics: Disability and Financial Planning and Legal Considerations, ABLE Accounts Update!
Information: Pamela Bisceglia
Pbisceglia@advocacydenver.org
(303) 974-2526
AdvocacyDenver y las Escuelas Públicas de Denver invitan a padres, maestros de educación especial y proveedores comunitarios a
Proteger el Futuro de los Niños
una presentación de Betty Lehman de Lehman Disability Planning
14 de marzo 2017
6-8 p.m.
DSST Stapleton High School
2000 Valentia Street
Temas: La Discapacidad y Planificación Financial y las Consideraciónes Legales, Cuentas de la Ley “ABLE”
información: Bob McGill
bmcgill@advocacydenver.org
(303) 974-2532
Accepting applications for Advocate for Transition Services, Juvenile Justice, and Policy Development
AdvocacyDenver is now accepting resumes for our Advocate for Transition Services, Juvenile Justice, and Policy Development position
Job Description
- Work with the courts, education system, and providers to develop positive plans for individuals with disabilities residing in Denver who are involved with those systems.
- Provide individual advocacy for children and young adults with disabilities in Denver between the ages of 15 and 22.
- Take the lead on initiating and participating to improve services for these individuals and maximize their civil rights.
- Analyze and advise the Board of Directors and Staff on Legislative initiatives or rule changes in regard to these issues.
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Position requirements
- Must have the ability to work flexibly with various individual circumstances and have the judgment necessary to establish appropriate limits, as necessary.
- Knowledge of the juvenile justice, education, Developmental Disability, and Mental Health systems.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
- Relevant degree, certification, or 5 years of experience; parent and client training experience is a plus.
- Being bilingual is not required, but will be taken into consideration
Compensation
Salary range to start at $32-34k annually. Benefits include health, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, 401k, and more available.
To apply:
Please send your resume to advocacy@advocacydenver.org before 12/31/13. Interviews will be held in January.
2012 Voter Guide on Disability Issues
Follow the link below to access the 2012 Voter Guide which outlines issues ranging from Medicaid, to juvenile justice, to pending federal legislation that all affect the community of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Use the guide to contact candidates for both Colorado legislature and U.S. Congress to raise awareness about these issues.
2012 AdvocacyDenver Voter Guide
Don’t forget to vote on Election Day on November 6th, 2012! Our voices count!