Dear Community,
As we step into summer, the Council has much to celebrate. We are thrilled to welcome five new members whose three-year terms began on July 1, 2024: Bobbi Christensen, Nicholas Gagner, Briana Anthony, Jose Torres-Vega, and Megan Bowser. Additionally, we congratulate Dina Johnson on her reappointment as a representative of the University of Colorado JFK Partners, the University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities in our state. Welcome aboard!
July brings Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and rights of individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme, “We Want a Life Like Yours!” from Arc’s national self advocates, underscores our commitment to promoting visibility, acceptance, and understanding of disability as a natural part of human diversity. Originating as a grassroots movement to raise awareness and celebrate disability culture, Disability Pride Month coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990.
In June, we commemorated the 25th Anniversary of the landmark Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision. This ruling affirmed that under the ADA, individuals with disabilities have the right to receive state-funded services in their communities rather than being unjustly institutionalized. It has profoundly shaped disability rights, emphasizing integration and combating discrimination based on disability. The White House hosted several speakers from Councils and our national director, Jill Jacobs. If you missed it, you can view the recording here.
We also invite you to view a powerful 15-minute video celebrating Cindy Bentley, director of People First Wisconsin, who recently celebrated 40 years of community living.
In our recent state milestones, the Council’s Planning and Grants (P&G) Committee awarded 11 Spring Mini Grants totaling $380,000 to support capacity building aligned with our state plan goals. We look forward to the connections being formed and the learning that comes from these projects. The P&G Committee identified continued efforts in inclusive housing; self advocacy; voter education for people with IDD; and a Belonging Series on the history and future of disability in Colorado as priorities for 2024-25.
During the 2024 legislative session, our Legislative and Public Policy (LPP) Committee monitored 19 bills, including 9 disability-focused bills. Eleven bills were passed by the General Assembly and await the Governor’s signature, thanks in part to advocacy efforts by Council members and community partners. The LPP Committee’s priorities for 2024-25 include legislator education, advocacy on guardianship reform and school seclusion, and voter education for people with IDD.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for our annual meeting on August 28th, where we will elect Council leadership and approve our annual budget. This gathering is more than procedural – it’s a community coming together to advance our mission of advocating for meaningful person-centered participation, self-determination, and inclusion for all individuals with developmental disabilities.
As we continue to engage with partners, you may have noticed our new logo, launched earlier this year. This circular design features five V-shaped elements in pink, purple, blue, green, and yellow, symbolizing our diverse community. The star-shaped white space at its center represents our commitment to a person-centered approach to a meaningful life, the foundation of our work. We hope you see yourself in it.
Thank you for being an integral part of our community. You matter, and we are glad you are here.
In community,
Sarah Grazier
Executive Director
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