The Arc of Colorado

04/24/2026

ATTENTION ARAPAHOE COUNTY! Disability rights advocates, community members, and stakeholders are invited to join an upcoming town hall hosted by Colorado legislator, Rep. Chad Clifford. SPREAD THE WORD!

This is a critical opportunity to share your perspectives, highlight the real impacts of funding decisions, and advocate for the resources our community needs. Your voice matters—come be part of the conversation and help shape policies that affect people with disabilities across our state.

No RSVP or registration required. It is an "open invitation to all neighbors."

The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties

04/22/2026

Not sure what to do in an emergency? You’re not alone.

Join this free virtual training on how individuals with disabilities and their support networks can effectively interact with first responders. Gain practical tools and confidence for critical moments.

📅 Friday, May 15
⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
💻 Live on Zoom
🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85745762255...

Hosted by Pulse Line, IMPACT, and Family Voices of Colorado.

🚨 Worried about what could happen in a crisis? You’re not alone.

Join this FREE virtual training on Interacting with First Responders—designed for individuals with disabilities and the people who love and support them. Gain tools, confidence, and peace of mind when it matters most.
Register at the link below!

Hosted by Pulse Line, IMPACT & Family Voices of Colorado
🗓 Friday, May 15 | ⏰ 9–11 AM
💻 Live on Zoom 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85745762255?pwd=gIbf2DAEC6r21szBVtHUtAqwHuCPOq.1

Come informed. Leave empowered. 💙

04/22/2026

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19–25, 2026) is the perfect time to highlight tools that help professionals better support survivors.

The Arc of Aurora's THINK+change has created a handy pocket guide can travel with you wherever you go! It offers communication tips, best practices, and supports for serving and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Spread the word. See details below.

04/22/2026

Voting is a basic right, but for many people with disabilities it’s often not accessible. Barriers like inaccessible polling places, lack of transportation, and strict ID rules can make it harder to register and vote. Now, Congress is considering bills that could make these barriers even worse. These decisions could impact millions of voters with disabilities.

Take action now and tell Congress to protect voting rights for people with disabilities: https://bit.ly/489Qp2L

04/22/2026

Colorado’s state budget is deeply tied to federal funding. Additional proposed cuts to Medicaid at the federal level are putting critical services at risk. These cuts directly impact our ability at the state level to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

The Arc of Colorado is committed to this ongoing advocacy - but we can’t do it alone. Join us. Together we can make a difference.

📣 Contact your members of Congress today, share your lived experience, and urge them to:
• Stop Medicaid cuts
• Protect HCBS funding

Together, we can make a difference.

Help protect HCBS HERE: https://act.thearc.org/campaign/160808/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=advocacy&utm_term=2026-0422&utm_content=fb-2026-0422&fbclid=IwY2xjawRVyyxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsRzh1ZERhVmFPV0VXR1h2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnIsqHywFS0STJg1EFNqetUYH3OPto0pBGzAtdQAxGZvwtYNK6vIH6PBo1oM_aem_AvnKmcDZ9_wPOY8NoJqN3A

Millions of people with disabilities rely on Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) to live in their homes and be part of their communities. These services help pay for direct support professionals, daily care, and the support people need to live healthy lives in their own communities.

But after the biggest Medicaid cuts in history last year, many states are now struggling to make up for lost funding, which could mean longer waiting lists and less access to these critical services. And now, Congress is considering more cuts!

Tell Congress to protect HCBS. Click the link in the comments to take action now!

04/21/2026

04/20/2026

Behind every care routine is a deeper commitment. ❤️ This TALKS series highlights caregivers who step into the role of advocate, pushing for resources, support, and recognition for the people they love. 💪

Through this mini-documentary series, viewers can see the determination, challenges, and real impact of their advocacy in action. 🎥 🔗 https://thinkchange.info/CaregiverTALKS

Caregiving goes beyond the day-to-day! In this TALKS series, these caregivers fight hard to advocate for their loved ones, to make sure they get what they need.

Watch this mini-documentary series to learn how they do it!
🔗 https://thinkchange.info/CaregiverTALKS



Image description: A green circle with a white pictogram of an open hand with a heart above it. At the top corner is the Think Change Storytelling Talks album cover. Text reads Caregiving Across the Continuum

04/17/2026

Recreational activities are not always easily accessible for individuals on the autism spectrum, yet animals can play a meaningful role in changing that dynamic. 💙 This resource from Autism Spectrum News shares how animals bring a sense of comfort and encouragement, helping create more inclusive and enjoyable experiences. ✨ Often, genuine connection and moments of happiness begin with something as simple as spending time alongside an animal. 🐶

🔗 https://bit.ly/41zgggE

Recreation can be challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum, but animals can help change that experience. This resource from Autism Spectrum News highlights how animals create a calming, supportive presence that makes activities more accessible, enjoyable, and engaging. Sometimes, connection and joy begin with something as simple as time spent with an animal. ♾️ 🌈 🐾

🔗 https://bit.ly/41zgggE

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04/14/2026

Connection and communication don’t look the same for everyone. 🤝💬 Many individuals with disabilities experience the world in ways that are often missed or misunderstood, but those differences are meaningful and worth supporting. 💙

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Sesame Street in Communities is providing accessible resources to help families and communities better understand and embrace different ways of connecting. 🌈

Explore the resources: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism

There’s more than one way to connect, communicate, and be friends. For people with disabilities, those differences are often misunderstood or overlooked. But they matter. And they deserve to be supported.

This Autism Acceptance month, Sesame Street in Communities has simple resources to help families and communities better understand and support different ways of connecting and communicating.

Explore the resources: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism

04/10/2026

Thanks to The ArcCO’s Molly Kirkham for her advocacy!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hb44Qv9TG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yesterday, I passed House Bill 1045 out of committee! This will help ensure people with disabilities don’t have to choose between their service animals and housing. Thank you and supporters.

04/10/2026

The Arc of Larimer County invites the community to its 2026 Annual Meeting on May 8, 2026, an evening of connection, updates, and a keynote presentation featuring Alycia Anderson, an international speaker, disability advocate, and CEO, who will share insights on disability leadership. This free public event includes dinner, highlights from 2025, and a celebration of inclusion and advocacy in Larimer County; registration is required and space is limited.

🕠 Doors open: 5:30 PM
🗳️ In person member voting: available until 5:55 PM
🕕 Program begins: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., Fort Collins, CO

✨ You’re Invited! ✨
Join us for The Arc of Larimer County’s 2026 Annual Meeting on May 8, 2026—an evening of connection, updates from the past year, and an inspiring keynote.

🕠 Doors open: 5:30 PM
🗳️ In‑person member voting: Available until 5:55 PM
🕕 Program begins: 6:00 PM
📍 The Northside Aztlan Community Center
112 E. Willow St., Fort Collins, CO

This FREE, public event includes dinner, highlights from 2025, and time to celebrate our shared commitment to advancing inclusion and advocacy in Larimer County. Registration is required and space is limited—don’t miss it!

🌟 Featured Keynote Speaker: Alycia Anderson 🌟
We’re honored to welcome Alycia Anderson, international keynote speaker, disability advocate, TEDx speaker, CEO, and host of Pushing It Forward with Alycia. Alycia brings powerful insight, lived experience, and a bold vision for disability leadership and change.

🔗 Learn more about Alycia:
• Website: https://alyciaanderson.com/
• Podcast: https://alyciaanderson.com/podcast/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyciaranderson/

📅 Save the date: May 8, 2026
💜 We can’t wait to see you there!