An Interview With Kaley Day
Nearly one year after COVID-19 changed our world and impacted lives globally, the release of two FDA-approved vaccines has offered hope to many. For Colorado’s intellectual and developmental disability community, the relief offered by the vaccine has become imperative to a population more impacted by social isolation, where the function of essential services and supports has changed, and many live with co-occurring or underlying conditions. In these interviews, AdvocacyDenver seeks to understand the development of Colorado’s vaccine priority schedule, along with the perspective of advocates and family members.
[Read more…] about Priorities: The COVID-19 VaccineColorado 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 OutWebinar: Exenciones de servicios para Niños con base en el Hogar y la Comunidad
Las Exenciones de Servicios Comunitarios son beneficios adicionales ofrecidos por el programa Medicaid de Colorado, Health First Colorado, que su hija/a podría recibir. En este seminario web de dos partes, Christy Blakely de Family Voices proporciona a los padres información sobre cómo encontrar y solicitar las exenciones de Medicaid para estos niña/os.
[Read more…] about Webinar: Exenciones de servicios para Niños con base en el Hogar y la ComunidadDecision 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…] about Decision Making Regarding the COVID-19 VaccineCortos de Educación Sexual: Anatomía y Conciencia Corporal (para Padres y Cuidadores)
Los cortos educativos sobre sexualidad ofrecen información accesible e inclusiva para padres y autogestores sobre cuerpos y relaciones saludables en menos de 10 minutos.
El programa de “Anatomy and Body Awareness” hace que los padres se sientan cómodos enseñando y hablando sobre anatomía precisa para jóvenes con discapacidades. En este video, los padres y cuidadores aprenderán la importancia y cómo hablar con los jóvenes con discapacidades sobre la anatomía sexual precisa. ¡Hablaremos sobre las partes del cuerpo, las herramientas de enseñanza y otros consejos para tener grandes conversaciones en casa!
You can also view this presentation in English.
[Read more…] about Cortos de Educación Sexual: Anatomía y Conciencia Corporal (para Padres y Cuidadores)Cortos de Educación Sexual: Consentimiento (para todos!)
Los cortos educativos sobre sexualidad ofrecen información accesible e inclusiva para padres y autogestores sobre cuerpos y relaciones saludables en menos de 10 minutos.
“El consentimiento para todos” proporciona una comprensión rápida y sencilla del consentimiento y los límites para los niños, los cuidadores y los autogestores. Los espectadores aprenderán qué es el consentimiento, comprenderán el contacto adecuado y no adecuado, además de las formas de practicar el uso del consentimiento todos los días. Hablaremos sobre cómo proteger nuestros cuerpos y ayudar a otros a mantenerse seguros también.
You can also view this presentation in English.
[Read more…] about Cortos de Educación Sexual: Consentimiento (para todos!)Colorado 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 ComingWebinar: Home and Community Based Services Waivers for Children
Community Based Services Waivers are extra benefits offered by Colorado’s Medicaid Program, Health First Colorado, that your child could qualify. In this two-part webinar, Christy Blakely with Family Voices provides parents with information about finding and applying for these children’s Medicaid waivers.
[Read more…] about Webinar: Home and Community Based Services Waivers for ChildrenSexuality Education Shorts: Consent (for Everyone!)
Sexuality Education Shorts offer accessible and inclusive information for both Parents and Self-Advocates on healthy bodies and relationships in under 10 minutes.
Consent for Everyone provides a quick and easy understanding of consent and boundaries for kids, caregivers, and self-advocates. Viewers will learn what consent is, understanding safe and unsafe touch, and ways to practice using consent every day. We will talk about how to protect our bodies and help others stay safe too.
También puedes ver esta presentación en español.
[Read more…] about Sexuality Education Shorts: Consent (for Everyone!)2020 Colorado Voter Guide for All
How to Vote
- 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. 3rd and vote in-person that same day.
- Mail-in ballots must be received by Nov. 3rd to be counted. Mail back your ballot as soon as possible before October 24th.
- You have until 7pm on Nov. 3rd 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
[Read more…] about 2020 Colorado Voter Guide for All