The Arc of Aurora

02/18/2026

This month’s episode of the THINK+change podcast dives into how we keep people with disabilities safe in paid community living options. Jack Johnson from Disability Law Colorado joins us to dive into the regulations, gaps, and potential solutions!

🔗https://buff.ly/12G2Ooz

Made possible through support from Developmental Pathways, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Rocky Mountain ADA Center, Arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora!



Image description: Think Change Podcast Vodcast logo that includes a black microphone. Below, is a headshot of the guest of the podcast, Jack Johnson, JD, Public Policy Liaison at Disability Law Colorado, a man with short light brown hair and glasses, and host, Petri Brill, a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, with a black microphone and three green sound lines around both headshots. Text reads Safety in Community Living Options. Made possible through support from Developmental Pathways, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, arc Thrift Stores, Rocky Mountain ADA Center, and The Arc of Aurora.

02/17/2026

“Voting is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The SAVE America Act moves our country away from its foundational principles and will make it more difficult for disabled people, rural, low-income, and voters of color to participate. Barriers to documentation and restrictive voting rules are not neutral. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, this legislation would weaken our democracy, making the voting process less accessible and our elections less representative,” said Alexia Kemerling, American Association of People with Disabilities's Director of Accessible Democracy.

Working together to help people with disabilities Access The Right To Vote!

02/13/2026

✨ A powerful read! ✨

Rosa Parks is rightly remembered for sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott — but her legacy goes far beyond that. Decades after her courageous act, her example helped inspire disability rights activism, including protests around accessible public transportation and the broader fight for equal access. The ripple effects of her resistance remind us how interconnected movements for justice truly are. 🚌✊💛

Check out this article to learn how her influence helped shape the disability rights movement and continues to inspire change today!

Decades after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, these activists in Chicago turned to Parks’ playbook to broaden disability access.

02/13/2026

Take a look at the workshops our staff will be providing throughout 2026! We encourage you to attend as many as you can! We know you’ll get lots out of it!

02/12/2026

If you are new to supporting people with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD), this is the course for you!

Dive into these important things to know about IDD today: thinkchange.info/IDDBasics-SOC

02/10/2026

This Black History Month, we’re sharing stories about race and disability.

People experience disability in different ways. Race and culture can also affect how people are treated. Everyone should be able to take part in daily life, no matter their race, background, or disability—but many people still face barriers.

Our THINK+change TALKS mini-documentary series shares the real stories of four people from different racial backgrounds, including Black, North African Arab, Vietnamese, and Latino individuals, who have a connection to disability.

They talk about:
• discrimination they have faced
• successes they have had
• what still needs to change

🎥 Watch the videos here: https://buff.ly/2T6BUkT

This series was made possible with support from PASCO (Personal Assistance Services of Colorado), Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Guided by Humanity, Developmental Pathways, Arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora



Image description: Think Change Storytelling Talks logo that includes a black microphone with a cord. Below are the four individuals featured in the series. Text reads The Intersection of Race & Disability. Made possible through support from Guided by Humanity, CCDC, Developmental Pathways, PASCO, arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora.

02/09/2026

We’re gathering most frequently asked questions about Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)!
Put your questions in the comments or send us a message — your voice matters 🧡

¡Estamos recopilando las preguntas más frecuentes sobre los Planes Educativos Individualizados (IEPs)!
Deja tus preguntas en los comentarios o envíanos un mensaje: tu voz importa 🧡

02/09/2026

Since 2011, Colorado Children's Campaign has hosted the 'Speak Up for Kids' event where people from across Colorado come together to learn how to make a difference at the state capitol.

The 2026 event is right around the corner...

When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Where: History Colorado (1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203)
Time: 7:30 AM-12:00 PM (Optional state capitol tour available afterward)
..to learn more and to register for the event you can go to their website linked below!

Speak Up for KidsAt Speak Up for Kids Day, people from across Colorado come together to learn how to make a difference for kids at the state capitol. Since 2011, hundreds of Coloradans have participated in Speak Up for Kids. How does it work? Come to Speak Up for Kids with an issue that matters for....

02/03/2026

Surprise visits are the best! 🧡 So fun to see Mitch Routon from The Arc of the United States Board and former board member Randy Patrick at The Arc of Aurora today. Thanks for stopping by!

02/02/2026

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY!
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something truly historic.
We invite you to join Grita tu Identidad: Un camino hacia la libertad emocional y la salud mental (Shout Your Identity: A Path Toward Emotional Freedom and Mental Health) — the first statewide Behavioral and Mental Health Conference in Spanish, created by the community, for providers.

This FREE conference centers lived experience, cultural identity, and community leadership to strengthen how we serve Latino and immigrant communities across Colorado.

📅 Conference Details
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: The Cool Event Center
1050 S Sable Blvd, Aurora, CO
🗣️ Conducted in Spanish with live English interpretation for full language access.

🎓 Continuing Education (CE) Credits
CE credits will be available for eligible licensed mental and behavioral health professionals.
Approval is pending/approved through applicable accrediting bodies. Final CE details will be shared prior to the event.

💡 Why Providers Should Attend
Latino and immigrant communities continue to face systemic barriers to mental and behavioral health care. Grita tu Identidad centers community voices to support culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and equitable care.

You will gain:
• Direct insight from lived experience
• Culturally responsive, trauma-informed training
• Increased cultural humility and language-access awareness
• Practical tools for clinical and community settings
• Expanded referral networks and partnerships
• Access to bilingual and community-based resources

🔗 Register Now — Before Spots Fill
Registration is FREE, but space is limited.
👉 Community Members Register:
https://forms.gle/Ftwm42aE5PMGxiVR8
👉 Providers Register:
https://forms.gle/ZXG37PjtX5Z15ZhV9

02/02/2026

Brad Stiles, M.A., gives advice to schools about emergency planning for their Special Education population.

Tune in to the full conversation at https://buff.ly/LKgInsU

Or listen to as a Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or iHeartRadio!