Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, & Included

[Image description: A woman with short, brown hair and wearing a light blue denim shirt sits in a wheelchair, smiling at the camera. Behind her are very large reddish-orange rocks in Garden of the Gods park.]

Remembering Vicki Skoog,

The IC's Founder

It is with heavy hearts that The Independence Center shares the news of the March 4 passing of our founder, Vicki Skoog.

As we reflect on her remarkable life, we are reminded of the power of compassion, perseverance, and the profound impact that one person's vision can have on the world.

Her story serves as an inspiration to us all, a reminder that true independence knows no bounds and that with dedication and determination, anything is possible.

[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a red cardigan sweater and a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she has touched and the community she transformed. Today, the organization stands as a testament to her vision, providing a wide range of services and programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live so that ALL are Known, Valued, and Included.

To read the full story about our Founder, Vicki Skoog, please follow this link:

https://www.theindependencecenter.org/empowering-independence-the-legacy-of-vicki-skoog/

[Image description: A male child and a male adult, both Black, sit on a white couch. The man is making the sign for the letter F in American Sign Language, and the child is making the sign for help in ASL.]

Deaf History Month is a great opportunity to recognize the historical events and accomplishments of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) individuals and celebrate the impact Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and this diverse group of people have all made on our communities! 

This month we celebrate three important events in the history of Deaf education:

• April 15, 1817- The establishment of the first school for the Deaf in America: the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut.

• April 8, 1864- Gallaudet University, the first institution of higher education for the Deaf and HOH was officially founded.

• March 13, 1988- Gallaudet University hired its first Deaf president.



[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a red cardigan sweater and a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

To learn more about how these three significant events impacted the Deaf community- click here: https://aslwonder.com/deaf-history-events/

Deaf History Month is more than a celebration and recognition of historical events, accomplishments, and well-known Deaf and HOH people who have made an impact, it is also a reminder of the obstacles and barriers encountered by Deaf people; the barriers to communication, the struggles for recognition, and the fight for equality deaf people face daily. 

How can we celebrate and honor Deaf History this month?

• Learn American Sign Language (ASL) to promote language inclusion and access for d/Deaf and HOH individuals. 

• Educate others by sharing information and resources about Deaf culture and the Deaf and HOH community.

• Advocate by reaching out to companies and governments and encouraging them to hire and provide effective communication access to Deaf and HOH individuals.

• Support Deaf-owned and operated businesses. 

Let’s build a world where every person is Known, Valued, and Included!

- Chelsea Elstad, Deaf Specialist at The IC

[Image description: On a pale blue to darker blue gradient, text says "April is Parkinson's Awareness Month! This year, learn the ABCs of PD." ABCs of PD is in white inside a box containing the rest of the letters in the alphabet. A yellow button says "Parkinson.org slash awareness." At the bottom, an orange box contains "Parkinson.org/Awareness."]

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder affecting almost one million Americans. The disease causes the nerves in the body to decay, which can result in tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and eventually difficulties with speech and movement. Basic tasks can be challenging at any stage of the disease, however.

The theme of this year's Parkinson's Awareness Month is "The ABCs" of Parkinson's disease, which explores the various symptoms of the disease as well as early signs that can help with earlier diagnoses.

To learn more about Parkinson’s disease and how you can observe this month, click the following link:

https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month

[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a red cardigan sweater and a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

[Image description: Over a background of four people without various limbs, the text "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month April 1-30, 2024." To the right of the text, an illustration of an orange ribbon labeled "amputee coalition."]

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

More than two million people in the United States live with limb loss or limb difference, according to the Amputee Coalition. As a result, we observe this month to raise awareness about the causes of limb loss, the barriers to access it can prompt, and the ways we can support and encourage people who live with limb loss or limb difference.

For more information about this month as well as information about how you can participate, go to this link:

https://www.amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/limb-loss-awareness-month/

[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a red cardigan sweater and a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

[Image description: Underneath a hanging compound bow, a man in a wheelchair pulls back a rubber-tipped arrow with another compound bow. To his left, someone holds a long light bar and another person with a camera records the man. The wall behind them says "Aim straight."]

IC Staff Featured in Upcoming United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum Commercial

The IC will be part of an upcoming advertising campaign for Visit Colorado Springs, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the City of Colorado Springs and the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games! Our Assistive Tech Specialist Paul was the star of the shoot which took place at the Olympic & Paralympic Museum here in downtown Colorado Springs.

Be on the lookout in May for the final product!

https://www.facebook.com/VisitCOS

https://www.facebook.com/USOPMuseum

https://www.facebook.com/CityofCOS

https://olympics.com

[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a red cardigan sweater and a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

[Image description: Below The IC logo, the words "ADA Fest-Able 2024" in various colors. At the bottom, yellow text says "July 26, 2024. 10 am to 2 pm." White text below says "729 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903."]

Save the Date! The Fest-ABLE Returns on July 26

On Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., The IC will once again be hosting the Fest-ABLE, our annual celebration of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

This year, the event will be a bit different than before, but we'll still have interactive experiences, food, and a lot of fun!

Watch our social media and keep an eye on this newsletter as the event gets closer to find out what exciting new activities and experiences you'll be able to be a part of!

[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a red cardigan sweater and a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.]

Peer Support Calendar

Classes and events at The IC provide opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and try new things in a supportive environment! Up to date classes and events can always be found on our website's event calendar.