In This Issue:
  • TONIGHT! Annual Membership Meeting
  • Sneak Peek – July Is Disability Pride Month
  • You ARE Able to Save With ABLE Accounts
  • Blast off to fun! RSVP Today For Our Annual Picnic
  • School’s Out Series: Summer Activities
  • Supported Decision Making Summit
Laptop on a wooden table displaying The Arc Jefferson Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties logo in a modern kitchen
TONIGHT: Annual Membership Meeting

There is still time to RSVP for this online event!

The “State of The Arc” meeting is tonight. When you RSVP, you will be sent the meeting link.
 
State of The Arc/Annual Membership Meeting
Wednesday, June 26, 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Zoom and conference call access

To RSVP and access meeting materials, click here 
 
The 30 minutes you spend online with us will be jam-packed with information and celebration!
Person in a wheelchair and a person walking joyfully outdoors with Disability Pride Month text and colorful pride flags.
Sneak Peek – July Is Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month begins next week!

Because this month-long celebration is important to all of us, we are giving you a little heads-up to look for exciting coverage during July.
 
In case you aren’t aware of the history behind Disability Pride Month, here is a simple primer:
 
  • Disability Pride Month was established the same year that the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 and now occurs every July to mark the ADA’s anniversary.

  • Disability Pride initially began as a day of celebration when Boston held the first Disability Pride Day. It has since blossomed into Disability Pride Month when in 2015 the 25th anniversary of the ADA was recognized. Since then, the month of July has become Disability Pride Month in cities across the country.

  • Since the ADA’s enactment, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 22, 1999, in the Olmstead v. L.C. case, that it was a violation of the (ADA) to unjustifiably segregate people with disabilities. The court determined that community-based services must be provided to those with disabilities when appropriate, the person does not oppose such treatment, and the services can reasonably be accommodated.

Special Note: If you would like to see the White House’s Olmstead 25th Anniversary Observance from last week, click here for the video, view the speakers list, and download a transcript.
 
The 2024 Disability Pride Month theme set by The Arc's National Council of Self-Advocates is “We Want a Life Like Yours”. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied.
 
During July’s celebration, you will hear diverse stories of people with disabilities thriving as students, employees, leaders, engaged members of their communities and families, and more. So, stay tuned for all Disability Pride Month has to offer!
Green background with Colorado is ABLE text and ColoradoABLE logo in red yellow and blue.
You ARE Able to Save With ABLE Accounts

Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are able to save money in a special savings account called an ABLE Account. 
 
These accounts allow individuals with disabilities or authorized individuals to put aside money tax-free and use the funds to pay for qualifying expenses without impacting their SSI or SSDI qualification. Up to $15,000 a year can be saved in an ABLE account.

As a bonus, if you sign up for an ABLE account in 2024, you will receive $25 deposited to your account for free. Of course, there are eligibility requirements for ABLE accounts such as the disability must have started before age 26. Click here to see all the information on Colorado ABLE accounts, including the eligibility requirements.
 
To view a short and informative video about ABLE accounts, click here.
 
Colorado has made it easy to open, use, and contribute to an ABLE account, so don’t delay. Look into opening an ABLE account today.
Poster for The Arc annual picnic with Out of This World theme rocket and astronaut in space
Blast Off to Fun!
Join Us At Our Summer Picnic

Picture this: delicious tacos, laughter with friends, and the gorgeous Colorado sunshine all in one place. Here's why you don't want to miss this year's celebration:

  • Tasty Food: Enjoy mouth-watering tacos and other picnic delights!
  • Awesome activities: Like space-themed Bingo with prizes!
  • Good Vibes: Connect with friends, old and new, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
  • All Are Welcome: Bring your family, friends, and neighbors – everyone is invited!

So, grab your favorite sun hat and get ready for an unforgettable day. Don't wait--RSVP today!
 
Wednesday, July 10
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Avenue, in Littleton
Shelters O, P, and Q
 
For more information, click here, and to RSVP, click here.
 
A joyful boy in a wheelchair holding a badminton racket while wearing a yellow shirt and black shorts.
School’s Out Series:
Summer Activities

School has been out for a few weeks and perhaps you are looking for something to do. Summer is a great time to enjoy free and low-cost events like movies, concerts, and recreation. To give you some inspiration, here are few ideas and resources.
Two children sitting on a picnic blanket watching an outdoor movie on a large screen in a park.

Movies
You can watch FREE movies in the park throughout the Denver Metro. Here are just a few in our area:
 
  • Lakewood - O’Kane Park will be the host of Disney’s Encanto on Tuesday, July 9. The movie begins at 8:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

  • Golden – Bands precede the movies at 7 p.m. and the movies begin around 8:30 p.m. in Parfet Park. There are three movies this summer with Shrek on July 5, Elemental on August 2, and Barbie on September 6. Click here for more information.

  • Arvada – Enjoy free movies in various Arvada city parks. This year’s line-up includes Barbie on July 7, Jaws on July 19, Back to the Future on August 9, and People’s Choice on September 6. A band plays first, with the movies starting around dusk. Click here for the park location for each movie as well as additional information and times.
A child wearing green headphones and a striped shirt sitting on someone's shoulders watching a concert.
Concerts
There are many FREE outdoor concert options this summer too! Here are just a few:
 
  • Wheat Ridge – Performances in the Park has several free, family-friendly concerts this summer, all in Anderson Park. Children’s shows are from 10 a.m. to 10:45 am and the evening concerts go from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There are too many to list, so click here for the full line-up and all the necessary details.

  • Foothills Park and Recreation District – You will find a whole summer calendar of concerts being held in Clement Park. All start at 7 p.m. and are free to the public. Click here to see the concert list and get more information.
A young boy in a yellow shirt holding a green bar with an adult wearing sunglasses behind him.
Recreation
Want to get outside and get a little healthier? There are a whole host of free recreation opportunities this summer. Check these out:
 
  • Lakewood Parks and Recreation is celebrating Park and Recreation Month in July with select free days at their recreation centers, as well as free yoga in O’Kane Park, Hulu Fit at Addenbrooke Fitness Court, and Boot Camp at Green Mountain Fitness Court. Click here for the dates, times, and more information.

  • Carmody Park – This park was completed in 2017, and is the city’s first universal playground. Described as an imaginative place that stimulates creative play and healthy physical activity, and includes features such as mounds, ramps and structures that children of all ages and abilities can play in. Click here for more information.

  • City of Arvada is hosting Yoga in the Park in McIlvoy Park, every Saturday until September 28. The class starts at 9 a.m. and lasts for an hour. The class is FREE – all you need is a yoga mat. Click here for all the details.
 
Still looking for things to do? Mile High On The Cheap is a great source for free and cheap events in the Denver Metro. Signing up for their daily newsletter with all the steals and deals is free. Click here for more information.
 
Have fun during our Colorado summer!
Supported Decision-Making Summit

There is still time to RSVP for this weekend’s FREE event

Registration is still open, but space is limited for the free June 29 Supported Decision-Making (SDM) Summit hosted by The Arc of Colorado. 
 
2024 Supported Decision-Making Summit
Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Marriott Westminster
7000 Church Ranch Blvd. Westminster CO 80021
 
Click here to register and then mark your calendars for this FREE in-person event:
 
Thanks to legislation passed in 2021, guardianship is no longer the only path available for youths approaching adulthood and their families. Learn more about how Supported Decision-Making (SDM) helps individuals with disabilities who are transitioning into adulthood to retain their decision-making capacity.
 
Click here to read more about this event on The Arc of Colorado's website. You can also follow the event on Facebook, click here.