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Join The Arc of Aurora Members, Family, and Friends at
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April 29, 2016
Colorado's Mandatory Reporting Crimes Against People with Developmental Disabilities:
Everything You Need to Know about Implementing but Didn't Know Who to Ask!
August 6, 2016
Summerfest FUNdraiser at Pitcher's Sports Restaurant
Indoor carnival and silent auction
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| Have you checked out our YouTube videos?
- See the rest of our videos here.
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Support Us When You Shop Online This Mother's Day!
Did you know that with each purchase for Mom at Amazon.com you can support The Arc of Aurora?
Amazon Smile is a 501(c)(3) foundation that lets customers enjoy the same selection of products, etc., as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers
shop on AmazonSmile
, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to The Arc of Aurora! Happy Mother's Day!
eBay for Charity
is another online-shopping option that allows you to support The Arc of Aurora with each purchase. eBay for Charity teams up with a nonprofit called PayPal Giving Fund to ensure that 100% of every donation processed is given to the allocated organization!
goodsearch
is a Yahoo-powered search engine that offers funding to nonprofits like The Arc of Aurora with each online search! All you have to do is use the internet like you normally do, except the Arc of Aurora can earn a portion of goodsearch.com's advertising profits!
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From the Editor
Spring Greetings!
Spring is a time of invigorating renewal.
 This spring has found me thinking about my and my family's renewing and how we choose to impact the people and institutions about which we care. In my search for answers to my questions about renewal and impact, I came across this essay by Michael Josephson, a noted character educator. It is helping to frame my thinking and I hope it might yours, too.
What Will Matter
by Michael Josephson
"Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, no hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do-lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won't matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured?
- What will matter is not what you bought but what you built.
- What will matter is not what you got, but what you gave.
- What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
- What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
- What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
- What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
- What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.
- What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
- What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice
."
Cheers to mattering and our shared journey in making that happen!
Jean Solis
Editor and Director of Marketing and Development
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Summer Camp, Respite Guides
Believe it or not, summer is right around the corner. Developmental Pathways has updated its Summer Camp Guide to support your making plans for your child's summer break. Click
here to view the guide and
here for Developmental Pathways' year-round respite guide.
Contributing Membership
with The Arc of Aurora has
many benefits. AND both new and renewing members are eligible for a gift card drawing each month - realize your benefits right
away! Click here to renew now.
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Hot Topic: ABLE Accounts Still a Work in Progress in Colorado
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On December 22, 2014, President Obama signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.  The law established a new IRS 529A tax code section for ABLE accounts (modeled after Section 529 savings accounts) for individuals that are declared disabled prior to the age of 26.
ABLE Act savings accounts create a valuable resource for families seeking to establish funds to protect loved ones with disabilities without risking disqualification from the federal funding upon which these individuals otherwise depend. Beginning in 2015, each State had the option to establish its own ABLE programs, under which eligible individuals have the opportunity to save for expenses related to the individual's disability. Colorado legislators introduced the Colorado ABLE Act during their 2015 session and it was signed into law on June 3, 2015, by Governor John Hickenlooper. In December 2015, the PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Higher Taxes) removed the requirement that an individual could only open an  ABLE account in the state where he/she resides, and states are in different places in their processes of creating active ABLE programs.
There are other federal regulatory decisions that states have been waiting for until they can fully develop their own programs. For instance, in December 2015, the Social Security Administration released a new Program Operations Manual System (POMS) section governing the agency's treatment of ABLE accounts for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. However, the Internal Revenue Service has not issued final regulations regarding ABLE accounts. The Colorado ABLE program is  currently under development with a goal of opening for enrollments in 2017. Check this website
periodically for more updates. Click here to link to 10 Things You Should Know about ABLE Accounts overview.
And
this website from the ABLE National Resource Center may also help you navigate the offering.
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What's Happening on Social Media
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"More than 1:7 #American #children have a #mental, #behavioral, or #Developmental Disorder, according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicating need for increased resources directed toward improving health care and supporting families and communities." Read the story
here.
"#PWD make up 1/3 to ½ of all people killed by law enforcement officers and are the majority of those killed in use-of-force cases that attract widespread attention. Currently, there is no legal requirement for local, state or federal law enforcement agencies to aggregate or collect the number, type, and result of violent incidents that occur between police officers and disabled people." #ItsTimeToTalkAboutIt
Read the story here.
"We're thrilled to have collaborated with Art Restart, a program of The Gathering Place (TGP) on
recognizing and honoring people who go above and beyond for The Arc of Aurora, through sharing cards
created by artists with #disabilities! Art Restart sells greeting cards created by the artists of The Gathering Place, Denver's only daytime drop-in center for women, children, and transgender individuals who are experiencing poverty or homelessness. Check them out
here!
"#Poverty and #disability are intricately related. It is troubling to note that 25 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (#ADA), adults with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty as those without a disability #ItsTimeToTalkAboutIt
Read the story
here.
"We're here, joining the #Aurora community at the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education Meeting. Will the Board vote to move #Innovation plans forward?
Don't miss a thing by following The Arc of Aurora on
and
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Legislative Session Updates
Contributed by Hanni Raley, Director of Systems Advocacy
Colorado's Legislative Session began January 13th. Here are the bills that The Arc of Aurora is watching at the State Capitol, specifically as they relate to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
House Bill 16-1027:
Criminal Disposition for At-Risk Persons, Sponsored by Representative Danielson
This bill allows the prosecution to request to take the deposition or statement of a victim or witness who is an at-risk adult and/or an at-risk elder if they may be unavailable at trial (likely due to death or incapacity) to be used in future trial. This bill helps to recognize and realize new tools to increase prosecution like the Hearsay and Mandatory Reporting, which will increase the likelihood that victimization of a person with I/DD has substantial chance of prosecution and justice. The bill passed out of the House and Senate and is now just waiting for the Governor's signature!
House Bill 16-1101:
Medical Decisions for Unrepresented Patients, Sponsored by Representative Young
This bill allows an attending physician or his or her designee to make health care treatment decisions as a patient's proxy decision-maker for a patient deemed incapacitated, in certain circumstances, after review by a hospitals Ethics Committee. Considerable concerns regarding the lack of safeguards for people with disabilities have been discussed and some have been addressed through amendments. The bill was passed out of the House and Senate Committees and is waiting to be heard again on the Senate Floor.
House Bill 16-1127:
Audits Of CCBs By OSA, Sponsored by Representative Sias
This bill directs the state auditor to audit all of Colorado's community-centered boards (CCB), no less than once every 5 years, or more frequently in the state auditor's discretion. The bill also requires the state auditor to conduct a performance audit of 3 CCBs annually and to submit a written report with recommendations on each audit conducted to the legislative audit committee. The bill also makes each community-centered board subject to the Colorado Local Government Audit Law. The bill was postponed indefinitely by the Sponsor on 4/12/16 and will not be heard.
Senate Bill 16-038:
Transparency Of Community-centered Boards Sponsored by Representative Young and Senator Aguilar
This bill initially made all writings made, maintained, or kept by a CCB that receives more than 75% of its funding on an annual basis from the federal, the state, or a local government or from any combination of such governmental entities subject to public inspection, essentially opening all local CCBs up to Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). However, many amendments were offered to simplify this bill. It now asks the State Auditor to conduct a performance review within 5 years of the bill passing of all Community Centered Boards and may request additional audits of CCBs upon their discretion. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee of the Whole.
Senate Bill 16-077:
Employment First For Persons With Disabilities Sponsored by Senator Kefalas, Representative Ginal, and Representative Primavera
This bill asks certain state Departments to develop employment first policies for persons with disabilities and is currently being rewritten to codify Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other Federal legislation. The bill passed out of Senate Finance Committee and is now in Appropriations.
Please stay tuned for legislative updates as this session is an exciting one!
If you have questions about any of the bills listed or how to make your voice heard on a specific issue, please contact Darla Stuart at [email protected] or 720-213-1420.
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The Arc of Aurora is Getting Social*
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Today, tomorrow and beyond ... reasons to build a Social Enterprise!
Submitted by Darla Stuart, Executive Director
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*The Arc of Aurora was selected as one of four non-profits to attend a two year program starting in January 2016 on how to start a Social Enterprise. The Social Enterprise Alliance says, "Social enterprises are businesses whose primary purpose is the common good. They use the methods and disciplines of business and the power of the marketplace to advance their social, environmental and human justice agendas."
Last month we examined our top social enterprise ideas using the framework of a feasibility scan. We had three solid ideas, and we did three scans. Those scans allowed us to do a quick analysis of our ideas. Quick in the sense of predicting whether a business idea would make money and be sustainable. Ultimately, we decided on one idea to move forward to the study phase.
Now, we are really focused-in on that one idea and will create a Feasibility Study that includes:
- Conducting a full scale target market and competition analysis.
- Examining the business idea industry and our potential role in it.
- Proposing a business structure, such as, is this possible new business a part of The Arc of Aurora or a whole new company?
- Creating our marketing and sales strategy.
- Figuring out where this business would be physically housed.
- Evaluating the regulatory and risk factors.
Ultimately, the goal of this social enterprise is to increase cash flow to The Arc of Aurora. That cash flow would allow us to do more! So we are excited by our idea, but we are also cautious. This study should help steer the discussion of whether we continue forward or stop before we lose any money and more time.
I can't wait until we are far enough along in the process to be able to share our social enterprise idea, but until then please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions, or even a super idea worth exploring.
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Representative Dave Young
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For the past two years, Representative Dave Young has worked tirelessly to have people with intellectual and developmental disabilities included in Colorado's mandatory reporting. When the original mandate was passed, it only included elders over the age of 70. Colorado is new to this type of mandate, but nationwide it is mostly the norm that vulnerable populations have additional protections. Mandatory Reporting of Mistreatment, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation committed against people with I/DD will go into on July 1, 2016. Representative Young's persistence and persuasive actions have been the driving force in this change. For his tenacious inclusiveness, our hats are off to Representative Dave Young -- you ROCK!
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Everything Else You Need To Know
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Webinars
These April 29th and May 20th online presentations' goals are to help participants better understand, advocate, and care for their family member with ASD and their families as a whole. Click here to read more about them and to register.
The University of Southern California is offering a free webinar based on the book The Rules of Sex for people with developmental disabilities on April 28 from 11AM-12PM. It is designed for people with disabilities as well as their family members and advocates. Click
here
to view the flyer and click
here
to register.
Support in Applying for Benefits
Colorado Disability Benefits Support Program (DBS) is hosting a webinar series on the basics of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs and how to apply for them. This series is geared towards individuals/families who need these benefits but are having difficulty navigating the application process. It includes a basic overview of each type of benefit program, how to apply and an overview of the paperwork that applicants will receive and need to return to complete their application. Click
here
to view a flyer on the series.
Tips for Helping Children Develop Friendships
PEAK Parent Center is hosting a free webinar on April 26 from 6PM-7PM and will discuss strategies 
both educators and parents can use to support children to develop friendships. Register
here
.
Learn the relationship between FASD and ADHD at this free webinar hosted by NOFAS on May 18 from 12PM-1PM. Learning objectives include understanding the complicating factors in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and more. Click
here
to register.
Home Builder's Foundation of Metro Denver
The
Home Builder's Foundation is currently seeking applications for people needing ramps to be completed during its 2016 Blitz Build, taking place on August 25th, 26th, and 27th
.
The
Blitz Build
is an annual event that brings together contractors, remodelers and volunteers to build about 15 (possibly more!) ramps for individuals needing access to their homes.
If you or someone you know is in need of a ramp, fill out the HBF's application for assistance and return it to the HBF. Note: any ramp applications received now through June 2016 will be considered. Projects need to meet the requisite qualifications and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis of the completed application.
 For questions about the Blitz Build or for more information about the HBF, call 303-551-6721.
Peak Parent Center is offering a 3-day workshop to develop leadership skills, learn valuable ways of communicating, strategies for finding and using state and local resources for your child and family on June 13 and 14, and July 11, 2016 (must attend all 3 days). This will take place at Peaceful Valley Resort in Lyons, CO. Application must be filled out and selected participants will be notified. Click
here for the application, and call 719-531-9400, ext. 105 for more details.
The University of Denver is conducting a paid research study which will involve 3 visits to the DU campus for 4 hours of testing, caregiver interviews, and survey completion. Participants must be ages 6-25 and have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Participants will receive compensation for their participation, as well as a feedback session on cognitive test results from a licensed school psychologist. For more information, contact Jeanine Coleman at 303-871-2496.
These classes take place monthly at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library from 5:30-6:30 PM and are recommended for enhancing your overall quality of life in addition to providing preparation for homeownership.
Aurora residents can drop off their unwanted household chemicals to recycle for free on September 10 from 9AM-4PM at 13645 E. Ellsworth Ave in Aurora, 80012.
The City of Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space is holding a free event on May 13 from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM to have fun and brainstorm for upcoming opportunities for people with disabilities of any age.Call 303-326-8410 with questions. RSVP
here.
Continuing Education for Adults with Down Syndrome is a grant-funded research project featuring and evaluating 4 unique modules that support life-long learning for adults with Down Syndrome. This occurs Mondays from 6:30PM-8 PM at University of Denver's Morgridge College of Education. Contact Brianne Gerlach-McDonald at 906-251-8201 or [email protected] to sign up.
The Aurora Animal Shelter partners with the Dumb Friends League to host subsidized mobile spay and neuter clinics for cats and dogs on April 30 at 7:30 AM. Cats are free; dogs are $50.
Other Information
Scam Alert
Many Xcel Energy customers have recently been victimized by phone scams claiming to shut off service if not paid immediately. Scammers even have been manipulating Caller ID to make it look like an Xcel Energy call.
Read this Scam Alert with tips to avoid being tricked.
The
Denver Post reported that Colorado families are questioning the overhead costs of community-centered boards, which serve as case managers for individuals with disabilities. It examined the difference between what service agencies bill the state Medicaid department compared to what they pay their caregivers and therapists, determining caregivers receive less than half of the funding. The state's 20 community-centered boards receive $325 million in funds each year, largely from taxpayers.
Read the story here.
This tip sheet from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission examines the options available to help voters with disabilities before visiting the polls this voting season.
Family members often take time away from work to care for loved ones with disabilities. A proposal in Congress seeks to ensure that they don't lose out on Social Security retirement benefits for doing so.
Extended School Year (ESY) Disability Law Colorado is collecting data regarding the failure of schools to individualize Extended School Year (ESY) services. If your child has received ESY services in the past, fill out this survey
here in English or
here in Spanish.
This user-friendly guide, developed with stakeholder input, explains who needs to follow the FLSA rules and how to follow them. The guide provides examples of situations involving hiring a home care worker directly, using a home care agency, and arranging care through a self-directed program.
Best, Worst States Named for Disability Employment
For people with disabilities, new figures suggest that the odds of having a job vary dramatically depending on where an individual lives.
This tip sheet from PACER's National Parent Center on Transition and Employment features practical strategies families can use to lay the groundwork for a successful transition from middle school to high school.
Federal education officials are reminding schools not to skimp on needed speech and language services for children with autism...
Federal education officials are taking new steps to address the academic needs of students with disabilities who have significant behavior challenges.
Like many 16-year-olds, Franklin High sophomore Jerry Grimmer loves to pal around with his friends and favorite adults at school. A full school day is a welcome change for the Southeast Portland teen. For an entire school year, over the objections of Grimmer, his mother and his teacher, Portland Public Schools allowed Grimmer, who has autism, to attend only a half-day of school.
A federal proposal to require overtime pay for many professionals who support people with disabilities living in the community could force service cuts, providers say.
With a new advertising campaign, a disability advocacy group is putting Hollywood on notice that it's not acceptable to mock people with disabilities.
For $20,
NOFAS is offering this 21-minute animated video that introduces the topic of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It demonstrates key strategies that have been proven to help students who experience brain-based disorders become more successful in school and in life.
Books for families living with FASD along with many other awareness and educational materials are available from NOFAS.
Children with autism spectrum disorder often have difficulty with social, emotional and communication skills, yet they vary greatly in the way they learn, think and solve problems.
Genetic variants responsible for autism exist in varying degrees throughout the population -- both in those on the spectrum and among typically-developing individuals.
Adults with autism are increasingly showing up in emergency rooms, with a new study finding that such visits more than doubled over a five-year period.
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