ARC- resources

 If you haven't gotten onto ARC's mailing list, you really should.  They send out some great resources, like this:

Our Virtual Program Library for People With Disabilities Is Now Live!

Looking for online activities that someone with disabilities in your life can use to keep busy as the weather cools down? We’re excited to share our new Virtual Program Library, a free hub full of on-demand activities that can be done from home by people with disabilities, their families, and service providers. Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Visit the hub to check out the resources we have so far and share it with your networks so it can continue to grow into a robust resource for people with disabilities and their supporters!

Browse Resources

Did we miss a great online activity that you love to do? Tell us about it

PEP conferences - Conference for Parents just like you

 Have you heard of PEP Conferences. They are conferences that are specifically designed for parents of kids with disabilities. They are designed to help build partnerships with schools and empower parents. 

2022 WINTER PEP Academy Dates:

 

The PEP Online Academy will be presented via live and pre-recorded sessions through Zoom and Moodle over the following dates:

 

Friday evening, January 28, 2022 – 6:00 pm-9:00 pm (3 hours)

Saturday, January 29, 2022 – 8:15 am-1:15 pm (5 hours)

Saturday, February 5, 2022 – 8:15 am-12:30 pm (4+ hours)

 

To learn more about PEP Conferences and to register, please visit:  http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/PEP.asp

If possible, thank you in advance for adding the above link to your organization's web site

Trailwinds Rec Center- Upcoming AIR programs

 

Trailwinds Rec Center wants to provide a inclusive experience for everyone!  The are starting Unified Vollyball, Music class, Art, Dance, Rock Climbing and more. 

All kids no matter ability are welcome!! 

Click this site for more information on their offerings

https://drive.
google.com/file/d/1rf-4BzhzHqvXiGYA7fguoNcfyorOyy-m/view?usp=sharing

AIR- Halloween Dance Party - Trailwinds

ARC - help planning for future

 

Whether you work directly with people with disabilities and their families or with other professionals who provide services and supports to people with disabilities, the following resources can be an asset. Please share widely with the families you support.

Financial Planning Videos in Plain Language People with disabilities must plan for the future, including how they will pay for the things they want and need. To help people with disabilities and their families begin to understand some of the resources they may want to consider as they develop their financial plan, The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has developed a series of new videos. Click below to view the two newest videos (also available in Spanish):  Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: How Are They Different?  Pooled Special Needs Trust: What Is It and Who Should Consider One? Free Special Education Resources in Spanish Spanish-speaking families and the professionals who support them can now find a wide range of special education resources in Spanish on The Arc@School website. The new resources are easy to download and provide a general overview of special education, in addition to covering topics such as parent’s rights, early intervention services, IEPs, and Section 504. Please share these resources within your network of professionals and family members to help Spanish-speaking households better navigate the special education system. Visit website

Temple Grandin

 Parents, 

I saw this and wanted to share this with you. If you haven't heard of Temple Grandin she is an adovate and person with autism.  This is a great article. I hope you will watch this clip. 

https://www.yahoo.com/news/temple-grandin-urges-parents-educators-133943896.html

All-Stars program

 Monthly All Stars Program Coming to Northglenn

The City of Northglenn is happy to announce that they are launching a monthly All

Stars Club night for people ages 8+ in the community with special needs.

The All Stars Club is a 2.5 hour fun evening of sports, crafts and karaoke for our All Stars while their caregivers/parents can enjoy an evening out. Every All-Star gets a volunteer buddy for the night and a medical team, safety team and care team members will be on site to help ensure a fun and safe club for all!

Club nights will be the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Crossroads Community Center (ran by Crossroads Church in Thornton) at 104th & Huron. The first club will be hosted on Oct 21st.

Please visit the All Stars Club webpage for additional information.

ARC Training

 

ARC: Parent Rights & Responsibilities Training

The Adams County ARC is offering a virtual around Parent Rights & Responsibilities for students in Special Education.  Please share fliers linked below with those who may be interested.   RSVP to mlunsford@arcadams.org to receive Zoom link (English)

Date: Tuesday, Sept 14, 2021

Time: 9-10:30 am (Spanish)

          12:00-1:30 pm (English)

Para Olympics! MUST SEE TV!

 

If you haven't had a chance to watch the para Olympics! They are awesome this year.  I literally was screaming at my TV over the wheelchair rugby game the other night, which the Americans won!

Parents, this is an awesome way to open up the conversation about how people with disabilities are really amazing people and can do so much. A great lead off to having conversations about your child's own disability.  Did you know their are people with intellectual disabilities competing this year? It is not just for those with physical disabilities. Let's show our kids how awesome and cool these athletes are. 

TACT- Programs for kids with Autism

Have you heard of TACT.  TACT's mission is to help kids develop job skills that matter. 

The Mission of TACT is to encourage and empower the full spectrum of individuals with autism through education and employment in the skilled trades.

Our Core Values are essential to our identity:  inclusion, integrity, respect, grace, discipline, and empowerment.ncourage and empower the full spectrum of individuals with autism through education and employment in the skilled trades.

Check out their website for upcoming actvities:

https://www.buildwithtact.org/

Wheelchair accessible trails in Boulder

Let's go hiking!   There are so many accesssible trails!  

Here is a link to wheelchair accessible trails in Boulder! 

https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/OSMP_Accessible_Trails_Guide-WEB-1-201602011129.pdf?_ga=2.254557256.1179601198.1625883258-1240749685.1625883258

Overdrive RACEWAY

 So my kids love go-carts.... if you want to try it with your kiddo.

 

The Overdrive Raceway has ADA accessible go-carts. 

It is located in Colorado Springs so a bit of a drive but definitely a new experience for many kids. 

Check out this website for more information.

https://overdriveraceway.com/ada-karts/

Disability Pride Month!

 This month is Disability Pride Month!! 

Check out this USA Today article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/02/how-disability-pride-month-started-and-what-means/7840560002/

What a great way to introduce kids to the concept of being proud and accepting of their disability.  Disability is not something to feel shame about it is just one piece of who your child is. We celebrate their accomplishments, shouldn't we also celebrate the hurdles as well. You have amazing kids I hope you can chat with them and teach them how to find pride in their disability and that there are others that have simular hurdles. Often times it isn't the disablity that is isolating, it is not feeling like part of a community. There are some great articles and resources out this month to help with this. If you want to start these conversations at home feel free to email me for some resources. 

Hope you are having a great summer! 

DownTown Aquarium

The DownTown Aquarium has a Sensory Friendly morning coming up soon! 

Reservations may be required see below for more information. Here is the link to that information:

https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/default.asp

On the second Sunday of every month at 8:30 a.m., the Downtown Aquarium engineers a calmer, quieter environment for guests to take in the sea creature and animal exhibits, turning down ambient sounds and turning up the lighting.

Exhibit entry purchase is required.

Wings Across the Rockies- Sensory Friendly!

 Wings Across the Rockies! Sensory Friendly Days

Beginning on Sunday, May 16, 2021, sensory-friendly activities, science demonstrations and quiet areas will be available for visitors of all ages to enjoy every third Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

If you haven't been to Wings Across the Rockies it is a fun place to explore and is big and open area filled with lots of planes and displays. 

Click here for more information

https://wingsmuseum.org/

Adaptive Sports Center

 You really need to check out the Adaptive Sports Center. They provide activites all over Colorado as well as equipement rental and more.  ALL ABILITIES ARE WELCOME

CLICK HERE for a calendar of events: 

https://www.adaptivesports.org/adventures/summer-adventures

Bookbar Story times

 The Bookbar encourages everyone no matter ability to come and join them for their storytimes!  For more information visit their website. 

https://www.bookbardenver.com/

Parents- Saving for your child's furture

 Parents, 

It is important for you to save for your child's furture. But how do you do this without them losing their benefits.  Have you heard of ABLE plans. They are savings plans that parents and others can invest in that do not effect your child's federal disability benefits. 

Here is a link to more information:

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/07/how-to-set-a-family-member-with-a-disability-on-a-great-financial-path.html

Why might you want to save for your child if they have will have federal benefits:

• buy a house or condo 
• buy furniture
• go on vacations as an adult
• improve quality of life 
• pay for classes or training opportunites
• pay for a care service they don't qualify for or additional services
• start a small business

Botanic Gardens- Low Sensory Mornings

 

SIGN UP NOW FOR THIS WEEKEND's EVENT

Summer Low Sensory Mornings

Audience: Family (all ages)

Experience Denver Botanic Gardens without the crowds.

York Street gardens will open earlier on select mornings for those who wish to connect with plants in a safe, restful location.

This therapeutic horticulture program is intended to give individuals and families who prefer a quiet, less crowded environment a chance to experience the Gardens with limited attendance. During low sensory mornings you are invited to explore on your own and learn more about other Sensory based programming the Gardens offers that will inspire curiosity and awaken your senses like our Sensor

Please sign up online or call 720-865-3500 with any questions

GiGi's Playhouse

 

I just recently heard about GiGi's Playhouse! This is an organzation that is pushing for more acceptance of people with Down's Syndrome and developmental disabilities  A new location is coming to Denver soon. They provide therapies, and fun activties.

Here are a calendar of online events: 

https://gigisplayhouse.org/gigisathome/calendar/

Trailwinds Rec Center

Parents,

Check out Trailwinds rec center this summer: 

Click here for all their offerings

Trailwinds Rec Center is offering a inclusive recreation experiences for kids this year.  If you are interested register soon! 

Here are some highlights:

Student with Down's gets into College

I thought I would share this story. Click on the link to see Micheal Blackburn's reaction to being accepted into college. 

https://www.intheknow.com/post/michael-blackburn-vanderbilt/