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 DisabilitiesSexuality Education Shorts: Anatomy and Body Awareness
Sexuality Education Shorts offer accessible and inclusive information for both Parents and Self-Advocates on healthy bodies and relationships in under 10 minutes.
Anatomy and Body Awareness gets parents comfortable teaching and talking about accurate anatomy for youth with disabilities. In this video parents and caregivers will learn the importance of and how to talk to youth with disabilities about accurate sexual anatomy. We will talk about body parts, teaching tools, and other tips for having big conversations at home!
Watch the video below.
[Read more…] about Sexuality Education Shorts: Anatomy and Body AwarenessDenver Public School’s Education and COVID-19 FAQs for Parents and Children with Disabilities
AdvocacyDenver has received many questions from parents/guardians of children with disabilities regarding what to expect beginning in August 2020. We know that Denver Public Schools announced that remote instruction has been extended from August 24 through October 16.
AdvocacyDenver has kept a record of questions and has been working with the Special Education Director Robert Frantum-Allen to define a response to questions.
The following reflects the current thinking on the part of the District. This is a start in terms of questions and answers specific to children with disabilities.
This document will be amended and will include additional questions and answers in relation to Behavior Intervention Plans, English Language Acquisition services, facility programs, assistive technology and children eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you have a question that is not included in this document, you are encouraged to call (303-831-7733) or email: pbisceglia@advocacydenver.org.
[Read more…] about Denver Public School’s Education and COVID-19 FAQs for Parents and Children with DisabilitiesPreguntas Frecuentes de los Padres de Niños con Discapacidades con respecto a la Educación y el COVID-19
AdvocacyDenver ha recibido muchas preguntas por parte de los padres/tutores de niños con discapacidades con respecto a qué esperar a partir de agosto de 2020. Sabemos que las Escuelas Públicas de Denver anunciaron que la educación a distancia se ha extendido del 24 de agosto al 16 de octubre.
AdvocacyDenver mantiene un registro de preguntas y ha estado trabajando con el director de educación especial, Robert Frantum-Allen, para definir las respuestas. A continuación, se refleja lo que el distrito piensa actualmente. Esto es un comienzo en términos de preguntas y respuestas específicas para los niños con discapacidades.
Este documento se modificará e incluirá preguntas y respuestas adicionales relativas a los planes de intervención del comportamiento, los servicios de adquisición del idioma inglés, los programas de los centros, las tecnologías de apoyo y los niños elegibles conforme a la sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación.
Si tiene una pregunta que no esté comprendida en este documento, lo animamos a llamar (303-831-7733) o enviar un correo electrónico: Pbisceglia@advocacydenver.org.
[Read more…] about Preguntas Frecuentes de los Padres de Niños con Discapacidades con respecto a la Educación y el COVID-19Action Alert: Extend Retainer Payments for Home and Community-Based Services
Action is needed & time is of the essence!
Please call your local Representative and Senator to ask them to sign onto a letter supporting the extension of retainer payments to Calder Lynch, Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Wednesday, July 22nd.
[Read more…] about Action Alert: Extend Retainer Payments for Home and Community-Based ServicesDay 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, 2020Finding That Inspire Elementary School Principal Discriminated Against a Student Based on Race
From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
On February 6, 2020, a complaint of discrimination was filed by a member of Denver Public School (“DPS”) staff against the Principal of Inspire Elementary School. The complaint was filed in accordance with DPS Board of Education policy AC. The complainant alleged that the Principal discriminated against the student based on race (Black) and disability. AdvocacyDenver appreciates the staff that stood firm advocating for the appropriate treatment of the student and forwarded the complaint of discrimination.
[Read more…] about Finding That Inspire Elementary School Principal Discriminated Against a Student Based on RaceCommunity Endorses a Board Resolution to Remove School Resource Officers and Review of Role and Responsibility and Actions of Denver Public Schools Safety and Security
From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
Dear Denver Public Schools Board of Education:
We are writing as advocates in the disability community to ask that you support the call of your colleagues, Tay Anderson and Jennifer Bacon, to end the human rights violations of school policing. In this historic moment spurred by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, we call on you to do what is right and just and vote to terminate the Denver Public Schools’ (DPS) contract with the Denver Police Department and remove all police from the DPS.
[Read more…] about Community Endorses a Board Resolution to Remove School Resource Officers and Review of Role and Responsibility and Actions of Denver Public Schools Safety and SecurityBlack Lives Matter
From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia
The Arcs in Colorado, have always been and will continue to be civil and human rights organizations. We are pained and heartbroken by the acts of violence and racial injustice impacting our black and brown neighbors, friends and community.
[Read more…] about Black Lives MatterNavigating Respite Care During COVID-19
Everyone Needs a Break – Respite isn’t just for emergencies!
Advice from all of the Chapters of The Arc in Colorado
You can also view this post as a video webinar.
When your friends ask you how you are faring, you just shrug your shoulders and say “fine” don’t you? We know you’re resilient and strong, but let’s face it, our world has changed, and you may be at a point where you need to take a break.
[Read more…] about Navigating Respite Care During COVID-19Webinar: Navigating Special Education During COVID-19
In this recorded webinar, AdvocacyDenver’s Education Advocate Stephen F. Fusco presents information to help you understand the current educational landscape for children with disabilities amid these uncertain times.
También puedes ver esta presentación en español.
[Read more…] about Webinar: Navigating Special Education During COVID-19