By Kaley Day
Affordable housing in Denver—a seemingly contradictory statement and an issue that, at the very least, causes headaches for those trying to navigate it, and at worst leads to homelessness and displacement for our most vulnerable community members. Denver’s housing market is among the fastest growing in the country, and that growth leaves behind thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are unable to keep up with rising costs and lack of inclusivity and accessibility.
[Read more…] about Inclusive Housing Report Highlights Need for Creative Action in DenverLegislative Wins and a Brighter Future
By Kaley Day and the Arc of Colorado
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.
[Read more…] about Legislative Wins and a Brighter FutureImmigrant Eligibility for Public Benefits
This five-minute webinar addresses the problem of access to some necessary public benefits for certain immigrants with disabilities in Colorado.
También puedes ver esta presentación en español.
[Read more…] about Immigrant Eligibility for Public BenefitsLa elegibilidad de inmigrantes para beneficios públicos
Este seminario corto aborda el problema del acceso a algunos beneficios públicos necesarios para ciertos inmigrantes con discapacidades en Colorado.
You can also view this presentation in English.
[Read more…] about La elegibilidad de inmigrantes para beneficios públicosAdvocacyDenver to DPS: Current Compensatory Services Plan is Failing Students with Disabilities
To: Denver Public Schools Board of Education
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.
[Read more…] about AdvocacyDenver to DPS: Current Compensatory Services Plan is Failing Students with DisabilitiesCOVID Vaccine Clinic April 23rd
In PartnershipAtlantis Community, AdvocacyDenver, The Arc of Colorado and theColorado Department of Public Health and Environmenthave scheduled a vaccine clinic!
The Moderna, a two-dose vaccine, will be offered on Friday, April 23 for the first dose and Friday, May 21st for the second dose, from 1 PM – 4 PM at 201 South Cherokee, Unit 100, Denver, CO 80223
[Read more…] about COVID Vaccine Clinic April 23rdTips for Talking (for Parents and Caregivers)
‘Tips for Talking’ helps parents and caregivers feel better prepared and more comfortable with talking to children and youth about sexuality. Initiating these conversations early and often prepares kids for what’s ahead and instills life-long confidence and self-advocacy skills!
También puedes ver esta presentación en español.
[Read more…] about Tips for Talking (for Parents and Caregivers)Consejos para hablar Sobre Sexualidad
‘Consejos para hablar’ ayuda a los padres y cuidadores a sentirse mejor preparados y más cómodos cuando hablan con los niños y jóvenes sobre sexualidad. ¡Iniciar estas conversaciones de forma temprana y frecuente prepara a los niños para lo que está por venir y los llena de una confianza duradera y habilidades de autodefensa!
You can also view this presentation in English.
[Read more…] about Consejos para hablar Sobre SexualidadThe 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 Out