In This Issue:
- Teachers Are Shining Stars
- RTD and Public Transportation Rider Rights
- Jeffco Transition Services School Commencement – This Friday
- Final Chance to Discuss Case Management Redesign – Next Week
- FREE Informational Webinar On Supported Decision-Making – Next Week
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- Say “Cheese” at Next Week’s Coffee House
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Teachers Are Shining Stars
May 6–10, 2024 is Teacher Appreciation Week. With this year’s theme being "Teachers are Shining Stars!" we all have the opportunity to think about all the teachers who provided us with wonder, inspiration, and light.
Whether the teacher(s) you want to thank for their inspiration are from decades ago or you are in their class right now, share your appreciation of them and how they impacted your life. When you do, be specific on how they helped you. Here are a few ideas:
If you are currently a student:
- Write a thank you note to your teacher
- Draw a picture that illustrates your thanks
- Stop by your teacher’s desk and tell them thank you in person
If you are a parent of a current student:
- Write a note or talk to your child’s teacher giving thanks
- Volunteer your time in your child's classroom
- Give your child's teacher a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant
- Donate school supplies to your child's teacher
If you want to thank a teacher from your past:
- Write a note or email detailing how they made a difference in your life. These stories are meaningful and powerful for teachers to hear.
Whatever you do, don’t let this week go by without thanking all those shining star teachers!
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RTD and Public Transportation Rider Rights
No doubt about it, public transportation is a vital part of every urban environment. In addition to reducing pollution and cars on the road, it provides life-affirming and life supporting transportation to those who need to get to work, doctor’s appointments, social events, and much more.
RTD offers Access-a-Ride, which provides complementary ADA paratransit services. It is a shared-ride service intended for those who cannot use regular fixed-route bus/light rail service due to a disability.
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Did you realize that you have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to RTD’s Access-a-Ride and even Uber and Lyft?
Here are a few highlights:
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- In addition to RTD drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers cannot refuse to transport your service animal and are required to assist you by storing your mobility devices.
- When you make a reservation, RTD may offer you a pick-up window one hour after your requested time if you cannot leave before that time – for example, if you get off work at 5 p.m.
- RTD can’t mark you as a no-show under certain circumstances, such as extreme weather or if the driver doesn’t wait the required 6 minutes for you.
If you have had any issues riding public transportation, including Uber or Lyft, Disability Law Colorado would like to hear about it. You can share your experience with them by completing a brief online survey - click here or call 303-862-3512. You will need the date and time of the problem, an explanation of the issue, and how it impacted your life, such as missing work or an appointment.
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Jeffco Transition Services School Commencement – This Friday
There is nothing like a commencement celebration - a time when past achievements are celebrated and futures are anticipated. That’s why you might want to help celebrate Jeffco Transition Services (JTS) 2023/24 commencement.
JTS Transition Services has extended an invitation to attend their commencement ceremony. Join the celebration!
What: The JTS Class of 2023/24 Commencement
Where: Gold Crown Field House: 150 S. Harlan St., Lakewood 80026
When: Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Interested in attending the commencement? No RSVP is required.
On behalf of The Arc – JCCGC, congratulations to The JTS Class of 2023/24!
Jeffco Transition Services is a school that serves students with Individualized Education Plans between the ages of 18 to 21 years old who have ongoing transition needs. A continuum of services is available to support growth toward realizing post-secondary workforce readiness goals, and personal ambitions.
Preparing Students for What Comes Next is JTS’s motto, and its students access high-quality education that promotes independence and autonomy for a lifetime of learning. Staff members are highly trained professionals committed to student learning and developing specialized authentic educational programming.
Serving various areas of Jeffco Public Schools, JTS fosters an individualized approach to whole-student instruction focused on independent living and employment skills. For more information about JTS, click here.
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Final Case Management Redesign Town Hall Next Week – We Will Be There Too
Learn More During The May 14 Meeting
The future of Home and Community-Based Services case management will be discussed and the new Jeffco CMA Team will be introduced at next week’s final case management redesign town hall meeting.
Because we are committed to being there for you through this transition, members of The Arc’s Advocacy Team plan to attend this meeting in person and online so we can provide support and ensure all your questions are answered. Look for our staff at the in-person meetings or contact us in advance by emailing info@arcjc.org.
Tuesday, May 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Attend in person at the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC), 11177 West 8th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215 in the Twin Lakes Conference Room, or
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Attend online: click here to register (link will be provided when you register)
Important: Registration is REQUIRED to receive access to the online meeting link. Registration is encouraged for in-person attendance (for planning purposes).
Hosted by Jefferson County Human Services and DRCC, the town halls are designed to allow participants to learn more about the new Jeffco CMA Team, hear from DDRC leadership, and ask questions. They have been working together to design, create, and develop the Case Management Agency (CMA) and would like to share their vision and hear your questions.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. All members, families of members, and advocates are invited to attend. Make sure your voice is heard. Hope to see you online or in person!
For additional resources related to case management transition, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions and other newsletters, click here.
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FREE Informational Webinar On Supported Decision-Making – Next Week
Pay attention if you are a family with children with disabilities who are approaching the transition from 17 years old to 18 years old. The free webinar, “Supported Decision-Making, Alternatives, and Guardianship Options” is a must-attend to help facilitate this big transition.
Jeanette Cordova, an advocate for over 18 years, will present valuable insights and practical advice on decision-making options to parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. If you would like to better understand the age of majority options and be able to make better and more informed decisions, you should sign up for this free two-hour webinar.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Zoom Webinar
For more information, contact Bright Futures Advocacy at 720-288-0743 or Arc of Central Mountains 970-456-2065.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May has been mental health awareness month since 1949, which is 75 years of advocating for mental health by working to eradicate stigma, extend support, foster public education, and advocate for policies prioritizing the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is encouraging everyone to "Take the Moment" and help destigmatize mental health by normalizing the practice of taking moments to prioritize mental health care without guilt or shame.
NAMI claims that 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness every year, and yet only 2/3 receive treatment. It is time to shine a light on mental illness by removing shame and helping those in need find resources to help. Everyone deserves to be happy and free from mental illness and its side effects.
Mind.org suggests you can take a few simple steps to improve your mental well-being. Just remember that different things work for different people, so you should go at your own pace to figure out what works best for you. Here are a few ideas you can try today:
- Relax and reduce stress – being quiet, breathing, meditation, journaling
- Find ways to learn and be creative – reading, art projects, and writing
- Spend time in nature – go for a walk, smell the flowers, sit or walk on the grass
- Connect with others – call a friend, meet someone for lunch or coffee, write a letter
- Look after your physical health – get a little exercise, eat healthy food, get a massage
- Try to improve your sleep – go to bed at the same time, avoid “screen time” before bed, keep your room cool and dark
If you would like to take an online screening test for mental health issues, Mental Health America offers free online assessments, click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or other related issues, please seek assistance from your healthcare provider or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The Jefferson Center also offers a wide range of programs and services for youths and families. For more information, click here.
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Say “Cheese” at Next Week’s Coffee House
Join us at our monthly Coffee House social gathering on Thursday, May 16. It’s a place where everyone is welcome and pretty much everyone knows your name. You can make new friends, mingle with people of all abilities, and promote inclusion in our community.
This week’s Coffee House has an extra special perk – CJ Fletcher from The Arc - JCCGC will be there taking photos to use in future issues of the eUpdate, our website, and for other publicity needs. So be sure to be camera-ready with your biggest smiles. If you don’t want your picture taken, no worries! Just let CJ know.
Thursday, May 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Panera Bread
650 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
No RSVP needed
We hope to see all of your bright and smiling faces there!
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