AdvocacyDenver and The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties are excited to be sponsors of Viva Southwest Mariachi, featuring Lupita Infante and Mariachi Estelares de Colorado at Levitt Pavilion Denver.

Sunday, September 14, 2025
4:00 PM Doors | 5:00 PM Show
Levitt Pavilion Denver – 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver, CO

This free community concert will be a vibrant celebration of mariachi music, cultural pride, and togetherness – and we can’t wait to share more details with you soon.

Stay tuned for event highlights, ways to get involved, and how you can join us for an unforgettable evening.

The post Save the Date: Viva Southwest Mariachi appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

Colorado’s 2022 legislative session came to a close on May 11th. In a year where continued COVID recovery and an upcoming midterm election loomed, legislators across the aisle came together and championed efforts to advance inclusion, options, and services for individuals with disabilities. Thanks to the exhaustive work of self-advocates, families, community advocates and policymakers alike, five key bills made their way to the governor’s desk and will be highlighted below. 

These summaries are not exhaustive.

For the full content of each bill, please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills. 

House Bill 22-1376: Supportive Learning Environments for K-12 Students

In an effort to increase transparency and address the emotional and physical wellbeing of students, HB22-1376 aims to improve policies and data collection in relation to issues including chronic absenteeism, suspensions, expulsions, referrals to law enforcement, and perhaps most importantly for students with disabilities, the use of physical restraint (including handcuffing) and seclusion. The Colorado Department of Education will be required to compile and accessibly share data annually while maintaining student privacy standards. Colorado’s Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board will develop and distribute a model policy for the hiring, training, and evaluation of School Resource Officers (SROs).

HB22-1376 also provides updated definitions, new provisions, and protections regarding restraint and seclusion including that:

• The Colorado Department of Education has the authority to enforce complaint decisions regarding the improper use of restraint and/or seclusion. 
• Schools must provide written notice to parents and guardians for physical restraints lasting for more than a minute (see full bill text for specific reporting requirements and timeline for implementation).
• Seclusion rooms must include either a window, or video camera if a window is not feasible, to facilitate continual monitoring.
• Seclusion rooms must be safe spaces and not otherwise used for storage, custodial, or office space.

Representative Mary Young (D) – “Thanks to AdvocacyDenver, the Arc of Colorado, Stand for Children and the Children’s Campaign for all of their work that led to the successful passing of HB22-1376. Schools play a crucial role in fostering safety, connectedness, and healthy conditions for students’ learning and development. HB22-1376 will make data about students’ experiences at school more transparent and ensure that students receive targeted support and learn in an environment that is positive, safe, and inclusive. This bill lays a foundation for understanding our learning environments across the state and will provide actionable information to improve the student and educator experience.”

House Bill 22-1107: Inclusive Higher Education Opportunities

In 2016 Colorado legislature established a 5-year pilot for three colleges and universities to run inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Programs focus on four key areas: academic growth, social development, independence, and career advancement. As of 2022, 70 students with IDD have enrolled in these programs where they participate in traditional courses, live on campus, and work towards future career goals. Students who complete their respective program earn a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate rather than a traditional diploma.

HB22-1107 authorizes a grant program where schools across the state can apply for funding to establish, or expand existing, inclusive higher education opportunities. It requires that the administering entity awards grants to maximize “access and opportunity for all students regardless of demographic or geographic diversity.” The bill also provides for reporting and evaluation of the long-term outcomes of those funded programs and the students who participate.

Representative Mary Bradfield (R) – “As a retired teacher I was happy to support this legislation that expands access to higher education for all learners in Colorado. A good education and the future doors it opens are crucial to the success of our youth.  I’m proud to see these opportunities being given our students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” 

House Bill 22-1114: Transportation Services for Medicaid Waiver Recipients

Access to reliable, affordable transportation is a major barrier for many individuals with disabilities when trying to reach vital services, employment, and their communities at-large. For those who rely on transportation services available under a Medicaid home- and community-based waiver the options are limited and “often inefficient and overburdened.” 

HB22-1114 seeks to expand the available options for Medicaid waiver recipients by authorizing and reimbursing transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft to provide nonmedical transportation. This authorization will occur no later than July 2024 after a state reporting process to identify a reimbursement system, compliance with federal law and waiver requirements, and best practices.

Representative Alex Valdez (D) – “HB22-1114 improves the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by eliminating barriers when it comes to choices in transportation. Many adults with disabilities lack sufficient access to reliable, accessible, and safe modes of public and private transportation. This bill addresses these barriers by offering the same choices in transportation that are already available to people without IDD.  Covering private transportation under certain Medicaid waiver services will allow people with IDD to participate more fully in their communities, employment, recreation, and relationships.”

House Bill 22-1320: Achieving A Better Life Experience Savings Account

Income and asset limits for assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid have significantly hindered individuals with disabilities’ ability to save money, make large purchases, and plan for the future. Since 2017, Coloradoans who were determined disabled before the age of 26 have had access to tax-free Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts that allow an individual and their families to save and invest without losing eligibility for those needs-based benefits.  

HB22-1320 makes three major modifications to the existing law that improves accessibility and benefits for those who are eligible:

• A person other than the account owner (such as a family member or other support) can establish and administer an account on behalf of the individual with a disability.
• As of January 2023, accounts will be protected from “Medicaid claw-backs”, or the practice of the state claiming and retrieving funds for reimbursement of Medicaid expenses upon a beneficiary’s death.
• Contributions made to an ABLE account may be deducted when determining state taxable income.

Representative Colin Larson (R) – “I was honored to work with Rep. Cathy Kipp and Senators Zenzinger and Woodward on this bipartisan bill.  It is a historic step forward for providing financial stability, certainty, and independence for thousands of  individuals with disabilities and their families. By bringing tax deductibility to and ending the claw-back provisions for 529 ABLE accounts, Coloradoans with disabilities can now earn and save without fear of losing the services they rely on.”

House Bill 22-1303: Increase Residential Behavioral Health Beds

Ensuring appropriate care for the mental and behavioral health needs of all Coloradoans has been an issue for the state both prior to and compounded by the COVID-10 pandemic. Lack of available beds in treatment facilities has left many, including those with a dual diagnosis and those awaiting competency restoration, without access to critical stabilization and longer-term care.   

HB22-1303 appropriates nearly $42 million in federal funds received by the state through the American Rescue Plan Act for renovations and the creation of at least 16 additional inpatient beds at the Fort Logan mental health institute and at least 125 additional beds at residential facilities across the state. Beds at Fort Logan must first be used to address the backlog of those awaiting competency services before accepting civil patients. Residential facility beds are prioritized for those with severe mental illness or co-occurring diagnoses.

Statute includes additional provisions such as:

• Minimum standards for services at mental health residential facilities including assistance with medication and activities of daily living, case management services, life skills trainings, and non-medical transportation.
• Future establishment of admissions criteria, discharge planning, quality assurance monitoring, and federal compliance for mental health residential facilities.
• Licensing entities and timelines, including that aa of July 1, 2023, the Behavioral Health Administration will be responsible for licensing of those facilities.

Senator Jim Smallwood (R) – “HB22-1303 is critically important, bi-partisan legislation that should make real progress statewide helping adults with urgent behavioral health needs who need long-term services and support. We have heard from citizens and law enforcement for years about the lack of facilities to provide integrated care to these populations and specifically, individuals awaiting competency restoration services.”

Additional Successes to Celebrate

• Senate Bill 22-127 appropriates $80 million to the Department of Education for special education programs across the state. The bill provides an increased per-student distribution of $1,750 and requires that amount to increase by the rate of inflation each budget year beginning in 2024.
• Key language in the amendments of House Bill 22-1278 (creation of the Behavioral Health Administration) ensures that people with co-occurring IDD and mental health diagnoses are not turned away from services due to their primary diagnosis or need for assistance with activities of daily living.

Kaley Day is an Advocate for Adults with AdvocacyDenver.

She is a graduate of the University of Denver, and a sibling to a young man with disabilities. Kaley publishes Policy Perspective featuring interviews with state policymakers and community members on issues that affect the work and mission of AdvocacyDenver.

For questions or comments, contact Kaley at kday@advocacydenver.org

The post Disability Policy Marches On appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

The 2021 Colorado legislative session began with uncertainty. Amid COVID protocols that required distancing and virtual testimony, economic concerns, and fear that any bill with a fiscal note may not make it to the governor’s desk, advocates and community members were unsure how far their efforts to promote legislation for the disability community would go. In the end there was cause for celebration as the session closed officially on June 8th and the state saw major legislation, some years and decades in the making, passed in order to support and advance the rights of Coloradoans with disabilities.

In this issue of the Policy Perspective, we will highlight four priority wins and the legislative champions that made them possible. All legislators highlighted in this issue received an “A” grade from The Arc of Colorado in a groundswell of bi-partisan support. The descriptions are not exhaustive.

For full descriptions of each bill, please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills. 

Senate Bill 21-075: Supported Decision-Making Agreement

Colorado joins 10 other states and the District of Columbia that legally recognize supported decision-making agreements and outline their implementation as a less-restrictive alternative (or supplement) to guardianship. People with disabilities and older adults may voluntarily enter into an agreement with chosen supports who the individual trust to assist with understanding options and consequences, answering questions, communicating the individual’s decisions, and ensuring the execution of those decisions. The act includes protections and limitations such as: 

• Agreements will not override existing authority by a court-appointed guardian, conservator, or power of attorney, and do not create a fiduciary relationship.
• Members of the supportive community are not entitled to compensation for their role. 
• Agreements may not be used as evidence of incapacity of the individual.

With this new option, adults can retain their independence and authority over decisions while also receiving the support they need to lead healthy, safe, and self-determined lives.

Senator Bob Gardner (R) – “As a legislative advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and a supporter of their rights, I was happy to lead on the voluntary agreement to advance independence and self-determination for people with I/DD. This bill creates a less restrictive approach, which is required to be considered before rights are removed through other legal arrangements. I am happy that older adults and people with disabilities in my district and across the state, have another tool to remain in charge of their own lives.”

Representative Kerry Tipper (D) – “We had a lot of work to do this session and I am particularly proud of this bill. Supported Decision-Making gives people with disabilities the help they need to make choices about their own lives, such as where they want to live; the services, supports, and medical care they want to receive; whom they want to live with; and where they want to work.”

House Bill 21-1166: Behavioral Health Crisis Response Training

A 2014 statewide study revealed significant gaps and barriers for Coloradoans that are dually diagnosed with both an intellectual/developmental disability and a mental health diagnoses, especially in obtaining timely, high-quality, and effective care. This bill directs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to obtain a training vendor in order to provide statewide, teleconferenced training on behavioral health crisis response management to case management agencies, mental health centers, and program-approved support providers. The training will reach 20 providers, including 10 additional providers from underserved areas of the state. 

Representative Mary Young (D) – “This bill was introduced in the 2020 session to address the ongoing need to remove significant barriers and bring needed training to communities to help people with I/DD with co-occurring disorders access needed behavioral health case management and crisis response services. The pandemic has increased the already identified need of this community. The need for quality care for individuals in crisis is a statewide issue and thus demands a statewide solution. It was a tremendous pleasure to work with the state, families, advocates, mental health providers, school personnel, and individuals to enhance the safety-net for people with I/DD.By training behavioral health providers to meet the unique behavioral health needs of this population we reduce the likelihood of their involvement in the justice system and jail, in an out of home placements away from their community, or a psychiatric placement.  Prison inmates are 4 times as likely to report cognitive disabilities as the general population and jail inmates six times more likely.  This bill provides essential training to continue to increase mental health parity for individuals with cognitive disabilities.”

Representative Perry Will (R) – “It was a tremendous honor to bring the challenges faced in rural communities to the forefront with this bill. When cross-system responses have been implemented, they have proven to support key outcomes, such as reduced jail admission, access to supportive services, and less system fragmentation.  This bill allows individuals to remain in community settings with their friends, family, and loved ones, rather than using the emergency department, inpatient psychiatric facilities, regional centers, and the State Mental Health Institutes far from home.”

Senate Bill 21-039: Elimination of Subminimum Wage Employment

Federal law has long allowed employers to pay people with disabilities substantially less than the minimum wage if their disability impacts their earning or productivity capacity. Now, 10 employers in Colorado who retain special certificates to pay subminimum wage must develop plans to phase out these models by 2025. The bill also allocates dollars and development toward Medicaid waiver supported employment options to ensure successful transitions and reduce barriers to competitive integrated employment. Under this act, Colorado affirms its position as an Employment First state dedicated to the advancement and economic justice of workers with disabilities across the state.

Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D) – “The inequity of subminimum wage, which dates back to 1938, has finally been addressed. This bill, which I was proud to carry, aligns Colorado with national policy. As Gov. Jared Polis signs this bill into law, countless individuals with a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities will finally take their rightful place in the workforce, with equal opportunities. By implementing these changes over the course of four years, I believe we will soften any impact on employers, and they will find that this is a law worth supporting. Additionally, the positive impact on the whole community will be significant, as the beneficiaries of the bill become less reliant on public support.”

Senator Dennis Hisey (R) – “I was honored to continue the work. Colorado has declared itself an Employment First state, and this bill promotes competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities. Research shows that 85% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not employed. Employment opportunities should be available to all people with who wish to explore opportunities to work, regardless of the nature and extent of their disabilities.”

Joint Budget Committee: Developmental Disability Waiver Slots

A significant indent was made to the list of over 3000 individuals across the state on the waitlist for the comprehensive Developmental Disabilities waiver. The Joint Budget Committee allocated enough money to open 667 slots, allowing for individuals and families—some who have waited decades, to finally access vital supports in their community.

Senator Bob Rankin (R)— “I have worked for several years to provide resources and supports in the person’s home and community to help with activities of daily living like bathing, getting dressed, finding and getting to work, and participating in community life. Especially in rural Colorado, these supports are critical to ensuring that people with I/DD can access the services they need to fully participate in the communities of their choice.”

Senator Dominick Moreno (D)— “In a difficult budget year with so many unknowns, I was happy to advance more support and resources for people with I/DD. Unfortunately, despite the intensive level of care needed by people on the waiting list, it continues to grow each year. Many of these individuals have been waiting for more than a decade for the critical supports they need to fully participate in their communities. Each year we chip away at the list and I am honored to support the most vulnerable in our communities yet again this session.”

Kaley Day is an Advocate for Adults with AdvocacyDenver.

She is a graduate of the University of Denver, and a sibling to a young man with disabilities. Kaley publishes Policy Perspective featuring interviews with state policymakers and community members on issues that affect the work and mission of AdvocacyDenver.

For questions or comments, contact Kaley at kday@advocacydenver.org

The post Legislative Wins and a Brighter Future appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

The following concerns and recommendations are submitted on behalf of students with disabilities who are enrolled in the Denver Public Schools.  Concerns, opinions and recommendations were provided to the Department of Special Education and Student Equity and Opportunity but the staff has been firm forwarding procedures and timelines.

March 2020 all students were sent home on an extended break.  Students were moved to remote instruction.  This had a significant impact on all learners, including students with disabilities.  For students with disabilities, the Individualized Education Program team (which includes the parent) met and developed a Contingency Plan.  An Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a Contingency Plan are not the same.  An IEP is an offer of a free, appropriate public education, a Contingency remote learning plan outlines what would be provided during remote learning as a result of the public health emergency.

Remote instruction was again provided to all learners at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.  Youngest learners and a small number of middle and high school students, with the most significant disabilities (approximately 10%) were offered in person, hybrid instruction.  In person instruction for middle and high school learners was staggered and some learners were not offered a hybrid schedule until February/March 2021.  April 2021 Special Education Teachers and Related Service providers were given a directive to determine compensatory services and provide parent with Prior Written Notice regarding compensatory services.  The timeline for completing and submitting information is May 15, 2021.  The District reports that staff is receiving additional pay because these decisions are completed/made outside of the work day.

Compensatory services are educational services that are awarded to students with disabilities to make up for services that they lost because of a school district’s failure to provide an appropriate educational placement and/or services.  Advocates and parents do not fault school or the District for the pandemic, but the pandemic does not waive procedures that require the IEP team (of which the parent is a member) to determine compensatory services that will be provided to make up for services missed during COVID 19.  Compensatory services are designed to place the student in the same position he or she would have been in if there had not been an interruption in learning.  The district’s procedures are flawed:

• Educators are making decisions outside of an IEP meeting, without the parents;
• Parents are provided a Prior Written Notice of the decision and parents are not informed of the process, definition of terms, or that they have a right and a definitive timeline to disagree with the decision;
• Some students have not returned to school and no student is participating in pre-pandemic level of general education and special education programming/services.  It is premature to calculate educational harm and make a final offer for recovery services; 
• Compensatory/recovery services/instruction have not been identified for neurotypical peers, instead the District will gather information in relation to individual learners and will make decisions once schools are able to return to a normal schedule.  
• The immediate timeline for determining compensatory services discriminates against students with disabilities. Attached is a copy of the IEP Recovery Worksheet.  Although the worksheet asks for parent and Local Education Agency (LEA) signature, parents are not provided with a copy of the worksheet or other supporting documentation.  The worksheet asks that the team identify Tier 1 (general education) Tier 2 and Tier 3 recovery services; again the offer for general education students will be made at a later date.  

Advocates work with a large number of parents of children with disabilities.  We began receiving calls from parents who said they had received a call from a teacher making an offer, or reporting that their child is not eligible for compensatory services and that they received an email or letter titled Prior Written Notice.  Many of our clients received notice that their child will not receive any services, others received notice that their child is eligible for as little as 210 minutes or as much as 15 hours.  Fifteen hours was offered to a student who did not receive technology or a hot spot until October 2020 (no instruction or services was provided March, April, May and September through October 20^th).  Prior Written Notice informs the family that compensatory services will be provided sometime in the next two years and could be delivered during the regular school day.

The District will receive and has budgeted 9 million dollars for special education and an additional 22 million to pay for recovery services for Denver students.  

• The District has made it clear that they will not provide compensatory/recovery services during the summer 2021.  Accordingly, there is no immediate need or reason to define an offer of compensatory/recovery services to students with disabilities.  
• A written notice should be sent to each parent setting a new timeline and explaining the procedures for determining compensatory/recovery services.  The notice should include plain language definition of terms; the notice should be provided in the parent’s primary language. 
• An offer (refusal) of compensatory services must be the result of an Individualized Education Program meeting that includes the parent.   
• The IEP team should consider the following, the list is not exhaustive:
  • whether or not appropriate technology was made available to the student; 
  • whether the student was able to operate the technology independently and/or with limited assistance; 
  • whether remote learning had meaning to the student;  
  • whether the student made expected progress toward the goals and objectives that were defined in the IEP that was in place at the start of the pandemic as well as additional IEPs developed during the course of the pandemic (2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years);
  •  whether the student was provided the special education and related services defined in the IEP that was in place at the start of the pandemic as well as additional IEPs developed during the course of the pandemic (2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years).

Applying a one size fits all, blanket approach when identifying compensatory services does not align with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  We look forward to working with the Board of Education and/or District to resolve the issues outlined in this letter.

Respectfully,

Pamela Bisceglia
Executive Director

Julie Rieskin
Executive Director

Meryl Duguay, Ed.S.
Owner | Advocate

Elisa Aucancela
Executive Director

Yvette Plummer Burkhalter
Executive Director

Copy:
Dr. Miranda B. Kogon, Associate Chief, Student Equity & Opportunity
Robert Frantum-Allen, Special Education Director

The post AdvocacyDenver to DPS: Current Compensatory Services Plan is Failing Students with Disabilities appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

• Election Day is November 3, 2020! All registered voters should get a ballot in the mail in October.
• You can check your registration status here: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/
• If you are not registered to vote, you can register up until Nov. 3^rd and vote in-person that same day. 
• Mail-in ballots must be received by Nov. 3^rd to be counted. Mail back your ballot as soon as possible before October 24^th. 
• You have until 7pm on Nov. 3^rd to drop-off your ballot or vote in-person.
• Drop-off boxes and polling centers can be found at: www.govotecolorado.gov or on your ballot

Accessible voting machines for people with disabilities are available at every polling center! Remember you must provide ID to vote in person. For a list of acceptable identification go to: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/vote/acceptableFormsOfID.html

Things to Know

• You do not have to vote on the entire ballot for it to be counted! For example, if you only want to vote for President of the United States, you can leave the rest of your ballot blank. Vote for the people and issues that you understand and feel comfortable choosing. 
• FAQ for voters with disabilities: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/FAQs/ElectorsWithDisabilities.html
• It is ok to ask for help filling out your ballot. Just make sure the choices are your own!

2020 Statewide Ballot Measures

Proposition 113: National Popular Vote

This bill would change the way Colorado and its electoral college vote for President of the United States. It would make Colorado’s electoral college choose the candidate who wins the most number of votes across the whole country. 

• The electoral college is a group of officials in each state who help decide the President and Vice President.
• Currently, our electoral college chooses the candidate who wins the most votes across the state, not the country.
• This means that sometimes the new President is not the person who got the most individual votes. 
• Colorado would be joining 14 other states who agree to follow the national popular vote.

People who agree say: This bill ensures every person’s individual vote counts equally. It will encourage candidates to focus on issues that affect the entire country, not just certain states.

People who disagree say: We should protect our state’s unique vote. This bill puts too much power in the hands of bigger states like California, who have different needs and beliefs than Colorado.

Proposition 114: Restoration of Grey Wolves

This bill allows Colorado Parks and Wildlife to bring back endangered Grey Wolves to certain places in Colorado by 2023.

• Grey wolves used to be found across the U.S. but their population has declined due to human activities like hunting and trapping. Wolves eat other animals like deer and elk. 
• Grey wolves would be re-introduced to designated land in western Colorado.
• CO Parks and Wildlife cannot force any land, water, or resource use restrictions, like taking away land, on private landowners to further the plan. 
• CO Parks and Wildlife will fairly pay back owners for any losses of farm animals, like cattle, sheep, and horses, caused by the grey wolves.

People who agree say: It is important to protect and help endangered species like the grey wolf. The wolves will be good for Colorado’s ecosystem (nature and animals) and need our help to grow their numbers.

People who disagree say: Grey wolves are a threat to livestock and farm animals, who ranchers depend on for their work and money. This endangered species can return on its own without our help.

Proposition 115: Prohibition on Late-Term Abortions

This bill bans women who are pregnant from ending their pregnancy (called abortion) after the fetus is 22-weeks along, or about 5 months pregnant. Any doctor who performs an abortion like this could be charged with a crime, fined, and suspended.

• The bill does not ban abortion that is immediately required to save the life of the pregnant person if they are physically threatened.
• The bill protects the person getting the abortion from being charged with a crime. Only the doctor who performs the procedure will face punishment.
• Colorado currently allows abortions at any time during a pregnancy.

People who agree say: Most other states have laws banning abortions later in pregnancy. This bill gives women time to make their decision before 22-weeks and protects the rights of the unborn child.

People who disagree say: Every pregnancy is unique and women should have the right to choose what’s right for them and their health. This bill does not help victims who become pregnant after rape and incest. Bans like this make it easier to pass harsher abortion laws in the future.

Proposition 116: State Income Tax Rate Reduction

This bill would lower the state income tax (money taken from most worker’s paychecks) from 4.63% to 4.55%. 

• People will pay less tax and the government will make less money.
• State income tax helps the government pay for its programs. Most of that money is spent on health care, education, human services, and other state programs.
• With this bill, someone who makes $25,000 a year would pay about $20 less in taxes. Someone who makes $1 million a year will save about $800.

People who agree say: This will help taxpayers keep more of their money. People will have more money to spend on local businesses and help the economy. The state budget will be fine without this extra money.

People who disagree say: This will hurt government services and social supports (like transportation and Medicaid) that have already been cut. Only people who are very wealthy will benefit from this small decrease.

Proposition 117: Voter Approval Requirement for Creation of Certain Fee-Based Enterprises

This bill would require voters to approve the creation of any new state programs who charge fees (called enterprises) that make over a certain amount of money.

• Colorado has a “bill of rights” for taxpayers called TABOR that says any tax increases must be approved by voters. 
• Some government agencies are paid for by tax money. Other programs like universities, the lottery, and state parks, are paid for by the money they charge people to use them, or fees. These programs are called enterprises.
• This new law would apply to any new enterprises that will make more than $100 million during the first five years they are operating.

People who agree say: This bill gives more control to Colorado voters over the way the state earns and uses money. Fees are paid by voters just like taxes, so we should have the right to vote on them too.

People who disagree say: Enterprises help pay for important government services without using tax money. Only the people who use and benefit from those programs have to pay for it. This bill could limit the amount of enterprises and force the government to cut programs or use tax money instead.

Proposition 118: Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program

This bill will require Colorado employers to give certain employees 12 weeks of paid time off to help themselves and their families during medical emergencies.

• Reasons someone can take paid medical leave include childbirth and adoption, sudden illness of yourself or a family member, and safety after abuse and sexual assault. 
• It gives people time off to help sick family members without losing their whole paycheck. Workers can earn up to 90% of their regular check, or up to $1100 per week.
• Workers who have been at their employer for at least 180 days cannot lose their job for taking medical leave. 
• For the first two years, employers and worker will both pay for the program. This means about 1% of each worker’s paycheck will be taken. 

People who agree say: This bill helps protect people’s jobs and money while also giving them the time to take care of themselves and their families during emergencies. People will not be forced to choose between their job and their family’s health.

People who disagree say: This bill would force people to pay for something they may never use. It also puts unfair costs on employers.

Proposition EE: Cigarette Tobacco and Nicotine Products Tax

This bill would make products like cigarettes and vapes cost more money for customers. That extra money (called taxes) will help pay for school programs.

• This will create a tax on e-cigarette and vaping products the same as other tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars.
• It will slowly increase cigarette/tobacco taxes over time. Cigarettes will cost at least $7.00 a pack after January 2021.
• The bill also creates a minimum tax for moist snuff products like “chewing tobacco” or “dip”
• Taxes collected will help fund programs like free preschool, rural schools, health care including Medicaid, affordable housing, eviction help, and programs to prevent youth tobacco use.

People who agree say: Tobacco and nicotine products are dangerous and unhealthy. When cigarettes and vapes cost more it helps prevent smoking and tobacco use. The extra taxes earned will help programs and schools who have lost a lot of money since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  

People who disagree say: Some people use vaping as a way to quit smoking, so adding tax to vaping products is unfair. The higher prices hurt buyers who will have to pay more and business owners who might sell less products. Colorado shouldn’t rely on tax money like this to help pay for programs.

Amendment B: Repeal Gallagher Amendment

This bill gets rid of a law called the Gallagher Amendment that says how property taxes (money paid by people who own homes, buildings, and land) are decided. 

• Property taxes help pay for services like police and firefighters, hospitals, transportation, and K-12 education.
• The current Gallagher amendment keeps property taxes on homes lower and property taxes on businesses and farms higher. 
• Gallagher also means tax rates are the same across the state. This means rural communities make less tax money and have less to spend on those important services.
• The new bill will keep tax rates for homeowners and business owners the same for the next 4 years. Any increases to tax rates will have to be voted on. 

People who agree say: The Gallagher amendment leads to higher and unfair taxes on small businesses and farmers. This new bill will make sure property taxes stay the same and can only be raised by the people’s vote. It will also prevent financial cuts to schools, hospitals, fire protection, and other local services in many areas of the state.

People who disagree say: The new amendment means homeowners could have to pay higher property taxes while people are already struggling financially. The Gallagher amendment keeps these taxes low and protects homeowners. Local governments can work with their voters to decide how to fund services like fire protection and libraries.

Amendment C: Bingo Raffles Allow Paid Help and Repeal Five-Year Minimum

This bill lets charities and nonprofits raise money with charitable gaming licenses (to play games like raffle and bingo) sooner than they used to. It also lets them hire people to run those games.

• Currently, nonprofits have to wait 5 years before they can get a charitable gaming license. This bill will lower the wait to 3 years.
• Organizations who hire workers to run these games may not be paid more than minimum wage.

People who agree say: This bill will give nonprofits more opportunities to raise money for their programs. It will be easier on organizations to hire someone to run these games instead of finding volunteers.

People who disagree say: Hiring people to run fundraising games takes money away from the nonprofit’s programs. Making these changes turns fundraising into more of a gambling business than a charity.

Amendment 76: Citizenship Qualification of Electors

This bill would change Colorado’s law to say “only citizens” of the United States who are 18 years or older may vote in elections.

• A United States citizen is someone who was born in the U.S. or was granted citizenship through another way, like someone from another country who moves here and completes the citizenship process. 
• Colorado currently says “every citizen” who is 18-years old may vote in elections and already bans non-citizens from voting.

People who agree say: Only citizens should vote. Words are important and other states with “weak” language like ours allow non-citizens to vote in some local elections. This bill will help avoid voter fraud, or voting by people who aren’t allowed to. 

People who disagree say: This bill could scare some people who have the right to vote away from voting, like immigrants. Voter fraud is rare and this bill will only confuse people and cause less people to vote.

Amendment 77: Local Voter Approval of Gaming Limits in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek

This bill gives local voters the power to make changes to their casinos like new games and higher bets. Money made will support community colleges.

• Colorado voted to make gambling legal in 1991, but made rules around the types of games allowed and how much money people can wager or bet. 
• This bill gives the power to local voters to make changes to those old rules without statewide approval.

People who agree say: Local voters should get a say in these businesses that affect them. Allowing higher bets could attract more people and help local businesses make more money. It can raise more money for community colleges without raising taxes.

People who disagree say: Changing these rules could increase the amount and severity of people who struggle with gambling addiction. It does not provide any funding to programs to address this issue. Expanding gambling could hurt other Colorado communities who will not have a say in these changes. 

The post 2020 Colorado Voter Guide for All appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

If you are currently working with an advocate, rest assured that they will still be able to continue to provide advocacy services. If you are in need of advocacy services and are not currently working with an advocate, please fill out our on-line advocacy form at: https://www.advocacydenver.org/our-programs/make-a-referral/

We have several events scheduled that we will approach on a case-by-case basis. We continue to provide and record webinars that are available at: https://www.advocacydenver.org/category/webinar

We have below some additional information and resources for families. Please note this is a rapidly changing situation. You can check back to find updates. Please note the list below is for informational purposes only as AdvocacyDenver does not endorse any of the following companies or services:

COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities: Table of Contents

• Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities During the Pandemic
• Decision Making Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine
• Information about Schools and Day Programs
• Statewide Information and Resources
• Denver County-Specific Information and Resources
• Using Zoom for Video Conferencing

Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities During the Pandemic

This handbook was developed by the Colorado chapters of The Arc (AdvocacyDenver is the Denver chapter), Disability Law Colorado and the Native American Disability Law Center. It provides general information and steps you can take to preserve your child’s rights regardless of where they are being educated. In addition, it includes checklists, sample letters as tools when you work with your child’s school or district.

Download the Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities During the Pandemic Handbook in English
Descarga el manual “Derechos Educativos de Los Niños con Discapacidad Durante La Pandemia” en Español

Colorado Crisis Standards of Care

Treatment of COVID-19 has been a challenge for Colorado’s health care system. Fortunately, there are currently no state-wide shortages of medical care, equipment, or facilities in Colorado and everyone who needs medical care can get it.

In the event that there was a shortage, the state of Colorado has created a plan for who gets medical care first. This plan is called the Crisis Standards of Care, and will only take place if many people become sick and need to go to the hospital and if there is not enough medicine for everyone. So far this has not happened and current trends do not suggest that it will happen. However, it is still a good idea to be informed about the Crisis Standards of Care and how it might affect you.

Read the guide to the Colorado Crisis Standards of Care in English

Lea la guía de los Estándares de atención de crisis de Colorado en español

Useful Tips for First Responders Aiding with People with Disabilities During COVID-19

Many of us, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are feeling anxiety in this time. For people with disabilities, this anxiety is heightened by underlying health conditions that might make them more vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19 and due to the widespread media coverage over the possible rationing of medical care to persons with disabilities.

For some with I/DD, interaction with authority figures can provide an added level of stress, even under normal circumstances. This guide is meant to provide some basic help for assisting persons with I/DD during this time.

Read COVID Tips for First Responders in English

Lea Consejos útiles para los socorristas que ayudan a las personas con discapacidad durante COVID-19 en español

Decision Making Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine

This page has a section of links to information about the vaccine itself which can be easily accessed by clicking on the hyperlinks in this article. Though AdvocacyDenver cannot provide you with a definitive answer to the question, we can provide you with the tools you need to make the best decision possible for yourself or the person in your life with a disability. Read More…

Information about Schools and Day Programs

Denver Public Schools Listening Session for Parents of Children with Disabilities

The Denver Public Schools held a Listening Session for parents of children with disabilities on Wednesday August 12 at 5 p.m. The listening session offered District leaders an opportunity to outline plans, but more importantly providid parents an opportunity to ask questions and for District leadership to respond. View a recording of the listening session here.

Should my Child or Client Return to School or their Day Program?

Even though some schools and day programs are re-opening, parents and care givers may not be sure whether their children or clients should return. AdvocacyDenver has put together some checklists to help parents and care givers make that decision.

The following checklist serves as a tool when considering whether or not your child should return to in-school program or continue to participate in remote learning:

• COVID 19 – School Program Checklist (English)
• COVID 19 – School Program Checklist (Spanish)

The following checklists serve as tools when considering whether your adult child or client should transition back to Day program and/or other options for providing meaningful daytime activities:

• Day Program Re-Entry Checklist
• Considerations for Day-Program Return
• The Arc in Colorado’s Person Centered Plan for Re-Entry Into Day Programs

Statewide Information and Resources

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: https://covid19.colorado.gov/

Colorado Department of Labor discusses the options if your employer is closing or your work hours are reduced: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/information-and-resources-coronavirus

The Department of Health Care, Policy, and Financing (HCPF) about COVID-19, including guidance for Host Home Providers, Day Programs, etc. https://covid19.colorado.gov/

Housing and Shelter resources: https://www.211colorado.org/housing-and-shelter/

Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

Xcel Energy: https://www.xcelenergy.com/covid-19_response

Denver County-Specific Information and Resources

Denver Public Health COVID-19 Information and Case Data: http://www.denverpublichealth.org/clinics-services/infectious-disease-clinic/coronavirus-disease-2019

Updates from the Denver Public Schools including options to obtain food: https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/#familyresources

Rocky Mountain Human Services Mill Levy – provides gap funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities birth through life: https://www.rmhumanservices.org/ml

Denver Human Services: https://www.denvergov.org/humanservices

Denver Parks and Recreation @ Home provides free online programming with diverse options for all ages and abilities to enjoy. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Denver-Parks-and-Recreation-at-Home.html?soid=1101784674537&aid=lndXwDPGwXU

Using Zoom for Video Conferences

Join a Zoom Meeting from Email: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZUpMsuDu9EH-aQFvpmu15OwXAdDDOeG/view?usp=sharing

Set Up Sound and Video in Zoom Meeting: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DNlXbXJ3ZTv4_WBII3syizqhyH4_lUZG/view?usp=sharing

Zoom Meeting Controls: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B3ItsW4nqMpKjBG1-826Lo6Up_dHV6cE/view?usp=sharing

Video Meeting Social Rules: https://drive.google.com/file/d/127_ON4-cgvPGe8x0x-d7pGhpPY4NkpAr/view?usp=sharing

The post Latest COVID-19 Information by and for People with Disabilities appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

Seven months ago, Christiano Sosa took over the helm of the Arc of Colorado. During that time, he united the state’s 14 Chapters around the 2018 legislative agenda. That agenda produced five prioritized bills that all successfully passed.

In an interview with Catherine Strode, Christiano reflects on this legislative progress and offers his vision moving forward. Part of that vision includes a statewide listening tour he will kick off this June.

What are your reflections on the past seven months?
“A tremendous foundation has been built over the last 10 years. I am fortunate to come into an organization that is widely known and respected at the Capitol for our bipartisan work on behalf of those with developmental or intellectual disabilities (IDD). This is difficult, complex work. It takes whole communities to rally together. I saw that in this Session. We have tremendous Chapters throughout the state. These Chapters are comprised of parents, of siblings, and of people with IDD. Their voice is amazing. The job of the Arc of Colorado is to help folks find voice in legislation. It is a privilege and an honor to be able to do that.”

What are your reflections on the Session?
“We had tremendous wins in this Session. All five of our prioritized bills went on to the Governor. That is an amazing accomplishment. We had a priority in ensuring that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) have clear paths to employment. We worked with our partners at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), the Disabilities Council, the Arc of Larimer County and countless others to ensure that people understand best practices under discovery and intake. Employment is talked about first as an option. Meanwhile, employment is talked about first as an option. People with IDD in the state now have landlord tenant rights. Previously, they were excluded from statute. We were able to increase Direct Service Providers’ wages 6.5 per cent. We whittled down the waiting list for the Comprehensive Waiver. That waiting list is close to three thousand. We were able to get three hundred new slots, or about 10 per cent. We were able to reauthorize the Child Mental Health Treatment Act and make that permanent.  Finally, we were able to move the Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHIRP) over to HCPF from the Department of Human Services. In the process, we got rid of the requirement that parents give up their custodial rights if their child has mental health needs and requires residential treatment.

With some of those bill sponsors leaving the legislature, are you concerned about how those voids will be filled?
“Fundamentally I believe policy issues around individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are bipartisan. I believe our legislators are looking out for those in the community that have the most need. The Arc of Colorado and our 14 Chapters have a lot of practice in terms of grooming legislators to understand the complex issues that make up of the world of IDD. Our job is two-fold, one is about education and the other is to work with our elected officials so the voices of people with IDD and their parents and siblings are heard.”

What issues will continue to be important in the 2019 Session?
“We will always have our eye on reducing the waitlist so people get the right services at the right time. We will be looking at the settings rule and how that is implemented in Colorado. The Arc of Colorado’s work is not done. We will be working with our partners to ensure all of the rules and the promulgation of those rules are informed by the collective experience of the 14 Chapters across the state.

What is your vision for policy issues in the coming year?
“I am looking forward to a statewide listening tour this summer to identify the issues that are at the top of mind for local Chapters. The listening tour will begin in June and go through August. It is a road show to: the Arc Chapters, legislators’ offices in their home turf, partners such as HCPF and the Department of Human Services. We want to understand what their priorities are and how we can all work together in identifying the issues that will have most promise in the 2019 session.”

What is your vision for the future of the Arc of Colorado?
“I think we are unique in lots of different ways. We are part of a national movement, a movement that mirrors what we have organically created in Colorado. Parents, families, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and siblings have a strong voice. That voice is echoed throughout every state.  We are part of a chorus. What happens at the federal level has implications at the state level. The Arc of Colorado will always have one leg in the federal world and one in the local sphere statewide. We have Chapters working at the municipal and county levels and the way all of those things roll up together is powerful in social justice movements. It is a tremendous asset. I hope the Arc of Colorado can be a depository for social justice and the stories that come from that.”

Catherine Strode is Advocacy Denver’s Communications and Policy Specialist.  She holds a Masters degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Policy. Catherine publishes Policy Perspective, featuring interviews with state policy makers on issues that affect the work and mission of Advocacy Denver.

The post Arc of Colorado Executive Director Hails Wins of 2018 Sessions appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

An Interview with Catherine Strode

The State Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing next week on a bill to reauthorize funding for the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC.) Funding the CCRC is being called one of the most contentious issues of the 2018 Legislative Session with opinions being drawn down party lines. In February, Republicans on the Joint Budget Committee voted to withhold the funding.

In an interview with Catherine Strode, Senate Judiciary Committee member Rhonda Fields voices her strong support of the reauthorization. She says the pending Supreme Court case, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission of a Colorado baker refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple is driving the partisan debate.

I believe all people in the state of Colorado deserve protection from discrimination against all the protected classes. If there is such harm based on discrimination, we need to have a safety net where that can be explored, investigated and researched to determine if there are any violations. I think we need to correct any wrong and that is what the Commission does.”
— Colorado State Senator Rhonda Fields, Senate Judiciary Committee Member

Do you think the Colorado case before the Supreme Court affected this push to defund the Commission?
“I do. The reason I say that is every time I read about the Commission being defunded, they always go back to that case of the wedding cake. When I first heard that I thought that case shouldn’t have anything to do with the defunding because the Commission is bigger than just that one scenario. That is, the cake maker saying he didn’t want to bake a cake because of the sexual orientation of the consumer. We have laws against that. Either you’re open for business or you’re not. You don’t get to pick and choose and say, ‘I don’t like you having a religious garment on.’ I don’t like the color of your skin. ‘You’re too old to purchase this product.’ If you start giving an inch, as it relates to a protected class, by saying, ‘No. I don’t want to do business with you.’ Then, who’s next? It could be any one of us if someone chooses to come up with, ‘I don’t want to do business with that person’.”

What are your thoughts about defunding the Colorado Civil Rights Commission?
“It’s just not the right time. It’s not appropriate for us to be thinking about defunding the CCRC because there are so many things going on, on the local level, the state level. I am getting a sense of discrimination tones. I think we need to be doing all possible to protect all of the classes that deserve protection. That’s: race, sexual orientation, religion.”

Do you hear from your constituents about situations that are discriminatory?
“Yes I do. One that comes to mind all the time is access to housing. Right now, affordable housing is extremely limited. Sometimes when those units become available, people have to fill out an application which is tied to a fee. That fee could be a range of $75 up to $200. There may be only one unit available. That application is screened. A lot of factors are considered that I believe should not be a part of the criteria if you get the home or the apartment. They might be considering your credit score. They could be considering your race. They could be considering your religion. They could be considering if you have a criminal background record. Those are forms of discrimination that make it harder for some people to have access to housing.”

What do you think about this being a partisan divide?
“I’m saddened by it because racism is real. It’s around us every day. Race plays out in every corner of our society. So do disabilities. So does sexual orientation. It plays out in our daily interactions with others. For someone to defund those protections and those safeguards is not understanding the reality of what it is like for someone to live in a world where sometimes decisions are made based on the color of their skin or their sexual orientation or their religion or age.”

There are calls for more lawyers on the Commission, Is that justified?
“I think that deserves a discussion. If there are people who believe there needs to be a new makeup of the Commission, why not have a discussion on that? If you see there’s someone missing from the table that needs to lend a voice to the work that needs to be done, you should expand the makeup of the group. That shouldn’t cause us to defund them.”

What do you think of claims the Commission doesn’t represent business interests well?
“I don’t have any facts on that. What I did read is that the Commission solved, or helped intervene, on over 735 cases that helped our small businesses. If they are not able to retain an attorney and a complaint is filed, you can have this Commission make recommendations or render decisions.”

What is the status of the Commission’s funding right now?
“Right now it passed out of the House to fund it fully. It passed out of the Senate to fully fund the Commission. Now it’s in Conference Committee. What the Conference Committee has to do is balance the budget. There were many amendments that came on to the Long Bill and it is their job to make sure it all works out and it is a balanced budget. It is on a holding pattern but because you have both Chambers supporting full funding the Commission, most likely it will get funded.”

Catherine Strode is Advocacy Denver’s Communications and Policy Specialist.  She holds a Masters degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Policy. Catherine publishes Policy Perspective, featuring interviews with state policy makers on issues that affect the work and mission of Advocacy Denver.

The post Funding of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission Faces Final Vote appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

An Interview with Catherine Strode

AdvocacyDenver Board Member and Self-Advocate Mitch McKinney was one of over 400 individuals to protest the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the GOP health bill in a rally held in front of Senator Cory Gardner’s downtown office. Several Colorado legislators also participated in the Medicaid Protest Rally, including State Representative Dave Young. Representative Young spoke at the rally calling the proposed cuts to Medicaid a ‘civil rights issue.’

In an interview with Catherine Strode, Representative Young who serves on the Joint Budget Committee said Colorado would not be able to accommodate the cost shift from federal to state funding.

What dangers to Medicaid are posed by the GOP health bill?

“The biggest danger is it represents a massive cost shift from the federal government to the states when it comes to Medicaid.  The state’s budget does not have the flexibility to absorb a massive cost shift like this.  It will force us to evaluate and consider every optional benefit we provide under Medicaid.  One of those is Home and Community Based Services. We know HCBS is more effective and better at controlling costs than lots of other things and results in tremendously better outcomes for people. This (bill) puts on the chopping block one of the most effective programs we have.  That’s happening because everybody’s voice is not in the room.  This bill is being crafted in secret, without hearings and without input from people. You end up with bad legislation when you do that.”

What do you mean when you say, ‘Medicaid is more than health care’?

“This is why I talk about Home and Community Based Services. Health care is a piece of that. Certainly, people with disabilities sometimes have significant health concerns that need to be addressed. But it’s not just health.  It’s housing.  It’s transportation.  It’s employment.  It’s a lot of other things that don’t necessarily fall under the narrow category of health care. We know when you help the whole person it makes a huge difference. People can be successful in the community when they get the services they need, when they need them.  That’s what HCBS does. To eliminate that, we are not just talking about eliminating a person’s health care or reducing their benefits under health care.  We’re talking about forcing them into institutional situations that don’t have good outcomes and cost a lot more.”

Why do you label this a ‘civil rights issue’?

“When you talk about what this nation is founded on, it’s not founded on forcing people into untenable situations and reducing or eliminating their independence and opportunities for life and liberty in the community.  These are really global and important foundational issues of our country. People need opportunity to be successful.  They need options.  When they are forced into a single option, it is no longer an option.  It’s just a bad outcome for them.  That cuts against every foundation of how we believe our Constitution is crafted to protect our citizens.  That’s why it is a civil rights issue.”

What is the significance of the Medicaid Protest Rallies?

“You have a community of people who are activated. You have people beginning to be recognized by the fact they are not willing to just sit back and take this. Colorado has been a leader in this over the years. It’s not every day these nonviolent demonstrations occur. When they have, they resulted in significant improvements for people with disabilities. It goes all the way back to the gang of 19  (in 1978) that laid down in front of those buses and said, ‘We’re not moving until you put lifts on these things so we have access to transportation.’ This issue is not going away.  If anything, the demonstrations are going to ramp up. It would be in Senator Gardner’s best interest to do what he’s elected to do: listen carefully to his constituency and make sure he’s making decisions that are effective. When we talk about putting HCBS at risk, that is an ineffective solution that shouldn’t even be on the table. Is it going to change the outcome of this bill?  I don’t know.  That is yet to be seen.”

Does Colorado have any options to protect Medicaid benefits?

“If this bill passes in Congress and signed into law by the President, we will be trying to come up with solutions at the state level.  We don’t have a lot of latitude.  We don’t have the kind of flexibility to contend with the kind of cost shifts that are there. We can tinker with the service delivery system and try to find some efficiencies there. We can tinker with payment reform and we may find some efficiencies there and get better outcomes and cost savings.  At the end of the day, it’s also who’s eligible, and, what benefits are available. We’re already taking steps to ensure there’s less fraud in the system.  We are focusing on that to make sure we get the best value out of our dollars we put into the system.  We’re going to have to look at all of the policy levers in Medicaid if this massive cost shift comes back to the state.  There’s no real flexibility to completely accommodate that kind of a cost shift.  It’s going to result in damage to people that none of as Coloradans wants to see.”

It has been said that if this bill passes, people will die.  Do you agree with that?

“Yes, absolutely. They will die unnecessarily. If we’re a civilized nation, we don’t let people die unnecessarily. We turned a blind eye and said, ‘No, we’re not going to pay for that.’  As a result, people are going to die unnecessarily.”

Catherine Strode is Advocacy Denver’s Communications and Policy Specialist.  She holds a Masters degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Policy. Catherine publishes Policy Perspective, featuring interviews with state policy makers on issues that affect the work and mission of Advocacy Denver.

The post Self-Advocates Join Medicaid Protest Rally appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.

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

The post Coming Events: Protecting Children’s Futures, a Presentation by Betty Lehman of Lehman Disability Planning appeared first on AdvocacyDenver.