September is Deaf Awareness Month | |
Every September we observe Deaf Awareness Month to celebrate the history and diversity of the Deaf community, as well as to draw attention to the importance of ensuring full access and participation of Deaf people throughout our community. | |
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Are You Prepared for an Emergency? | |
September is National Preparedness Month, which is a time to consider how prepared you are for a disaster. From extreme weather to wildfires and more, an emergency can strike at any time. Preparation is key, and people with disabilities may have additional things to consider. | |
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For in-depth information, checklists, and advice about how to be prepared for emergencies, download The IC's free Personal Emergency Preparedness Guide from the link below, or come by our offices to get a printed copy:
The IC Emergency Personal Preparedness Guide
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If you live in the Pikes Peak region, you can sign up for Peak Alerts, which is an emergency notification system run by the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management. You can receive alerts by phone, text, in an app, or in an email about nearby disasters, evacuation notices, missing persons, and more by following this link: https://peakalerts.org | |
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Calling All Artists!
Join us for Arts Month and the
"Art of Accessibility" event
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The IC has partnered with UCCS and the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience for our annual Art of Accessibility event. This year, the event will be a part of the Arts Resiliency Gathering taking place at the Ent Center for the Arts, October 26 through 28th. As part of this collaborative event, we invite people with disabilities and their community to contribute their time, energy, and talent by showcasing artwork to be on display at the Ent Center for the Arts for the duration of this three-day event! | |
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Call for Artists!
We invite all IC consumers, their families and members of the disability community to submit art for display at our Art of Accessibility event.
All art mediums are welcome, to include, but are not limited to, oil paints, watercolors, photography, textiles and fashion, acrylic paints, pencils, pastel, sculpture, etc.
Submissions will be accepted until September 29, 2023.
Information about the event as well as our call for submissions can be found at this link:
theindependencecenter.org/art-of-accessibility
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[ID: In front of a blueish background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a long-sleeved black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]
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Employee Spotlight:
Paul Spotts, Assistive Technology Specialist
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- What do you do at The IC?
- I help consumers navigate the complexity of getting a home modification as well to assist them with applying for funding. I have put together an accessible computer/gaming lab for consumers to learn basic computer skills such as learning how to create an email so they can get familiar with a computer because they may have never used one. I do individual basic training with cell phones and a tablet. Accessible gaming is for those that may not play video games because they can’t use the controller for some reason or another, and we work with them to get them back into gaming. Gaming also helps people connect in many facets. I sit on two transportation committees to advocate for people with disabilities to receive better transportation. I also sit on the Consumer Independence Fund committee.
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- What do you do for fun when you aren't at work?
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"I like to play video games, go fishing, watch sports, take my dog to the park, and put out flowers in the spring."
- What's something people might be surprised to find out about you?
- "I’m 53 years old and only have had two adult jobs."
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October Community Workshops, Special Events, Recreation Events, and Support Groups | |
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Classes at The Independence Center provide opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and try new things in a supportive environment! The classes below as well as any classes added after this newsletter goes out can always be found on our website's event calendar.
To sign up for a class, request accommodations, or to learn about how to participate in a virtual/online class, please contact Kendra at 719-471-8181 x121.
Run/Walk/Roll with Achilles International
- Every Monday (October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30), 5:30 p.m.
- Colorado Running Company (5262 N. Nevada Ave #140)
Accessible Climbing
- Every Saturday (October 7, 14, 21, 28), 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- RSVP required.
- City Rock (21 N. Nevada Ave.)
Women's Group
- Need a break, ladies? Let’s encourage each other while we work on projects!
- Wednesday, October 4, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at The IC
Holistic Nutrition: Spice Mixes
- Thursday, October 19, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The IC
- Join us to learn how to create a few healthy spice mix blends.
Archery with Archery School of the Rockies
- Wednesday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. & 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- RSVP required. Call to secure your spot as they go fast!
- 2110 Busch Ave
Equine Group (for IC consumers)
- Wednesday, October 18, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at The IC
- RSVP required. Space is limited.
- StableStrides (1035 Lower Gold Camp Road)
- Discussing struggles is easier with a mini horse around to bring a calm vibe.
Blended Group: Halloween Fun (for IC consumers)
- Thursday, October 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at The IC
Fitness at NEXUS
- Wednesday, October 11 & 25, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- NEXUS Community Fitness and Performance Training (1026 S. Tejon St.)
- An accessible workout without bulky gym machines.
Traumatic Brain Injury Group (for IC consumers)
- Wednesday, October 11 & 25, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The IC or on Zoom
Cross-Disability Group (for IC consumers)
- Thursday, October 12 & 26, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The IC or on Zoom
- All consumers welcome. Let's encourage and support each other!
Arcade/Gaming Day
- Thursday, October 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Roadhouse Cinemas (3030 N Nevada Ave, Suite B)
The IC will cover the cost of admission to any peer support recreational events. Transportation may also be covered for those riding Metro Mobility. Call for details.
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October Independent Living Skills Opportunities | |
Independent Living Skills workshops are reserved for consumers of The IC. Some workshops may require an RSVP. Call Edgar Morales at 719-471-8181 ext. 168 for details and to reserve a spot.
Not a consumer? Speak with a specialist and become a consumer today!
Social Skills
- Mondays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The IC
- Learn skills for public speaking and to become more sociable with confidence.
Budgeting Basics
- Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The IC
- Learn about checking and savings accounts, budgeting, and using money wisely.
Cooking Skills: Pancakes (RSVP required)
- Wednesday, October 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The IC
- Let's come together and learn how easy it can be to make pancakes.
Cooking Skills: Fall Snack (RSVP required)
- Wednesday, October 18, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The IC
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