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Please enjoy this month's snapshot of the events and news happening here at The Independence Center!
If you have questions or want more information about anything you see here, please call us at 719-471-8181 or email us at info@the-ic.org.
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Mental Health Awareness Month: Busting the Myths
Even though 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health condition, fewer than half seek treatment. Why? Often, it’s because the stigma surrounding mental health conditions leads to fear, shame, and judgment from others. For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’d like to bust a few myths surrounding mental health, offer some resources, and share what you can do to help someone who may be living with a mental health condition.
Read more by clicking here or on the button below.
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A Computer in Every Classroom
When The IC (along with the rest of the world) started working remotely due to the pandemic, the staff shifted to laptops and away from traditional, desktop computers. Since then, 19 of those computers have sat unused and unloved. That is, until one staff member had a lightbulb moment.
When Jenny Wilson, The IC's Finance Manager, learned about the computers, she knew just the place for them. Her daughter attends Orton Academy, a new school in Colorado Springs that serves 2nd through 8th graders who fit a profile for dyslexia. Since enrolling, her daughter has thrived both academically and personally.
"They are only in their second year of being a school and are very small so their funding is limited," Jenny says. So, she approached The IC's CEO, Indy Frazee, who immediately approved the idea to donate the computers to the school.
Cindy Kanuch, the principal at Orton Academy, notes that the donation will enable the school to put a computer in every classroom. Students will now have access to online resources and platforms that support their learning. "Technology can play a very important role in making learning accessible to students with dyslexia," she says.
To learn more about Orton Academy, visit their website at ortonk8.org.
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Join Us for These Adaptive Rec Events
Want a chance to get out, enjoy the warmer weather, and maybe even make a few new friends? Join us for one or all of these fun, exciting adaptive recreation events we have coming up this month!
- Run/Walk/Roll activities with Achilles International – Every Monday, starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Archery at The Archery School of the Rockies – May 26, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Accessible climbing at CityROCK – Every Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. - 10:30 am.
Transportation and admission is included in all of the scheduled events.
Contact Scott, Peer Support Specialist, to learn more or to sign up. You can reach him at 719-471-8181 x191 or sland@the-ic.org
Do you have accessibility needs?
Let us know if you have any accommodation needs when you register, or you can complete our Accessibility Registration Form. Please try to make accommodation requests two weeks before the event so that we have time arrange for what you need.
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Advocating for Change Through Legislation
The 2022 legislative session in the Colorado General Assembly is underway and The Independence Center has been engaged in monitoring and testifying on bills that affect people with disabilities.
We are currently monitoring nine bills, three of which we support. Of note are:
HB22-1143: State Auxiliary Services Program
The IC is championing this bill that will enable ASL interpretation and other communication supports to be made available to State of Colorado agencies and the people they serve. IC staff testified on behalf of this bill when it was in its House Committee.
HB22-1290: Changes to Medicaid for Wheelchair Repairs
This bill will reduce the pre-authorizations required by Medicaid to order parts required to repair wheelchairs. Many wheelchair users can attest to the many weeks it can take to get their chairs repaired, causing the user to miss out on work and life. We think this is a great step in the right direction for Coloradans. Advocacy committee members and IC staff are testifying and writing letters of support to our elected officials to let them know to vote yes on this important legislation.
HB22-1255: Improve Higher Education for Students with a Disability
The IC supported this bill, which was recently signed by Governor Polis. The new law will strengthen the data collected and analyzed in higher education about people with disabilities served. This will help us advocate for improvements by understanding the scope of who is being served and how.
For more information on how you can help support these and other upcoming bills, contact The IC's Community Organizing Specialist at drumsey@the-ic.org.
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Emergency Preparedness: Getting It Right
In 2010, the Waldo Canyon Fire both spotlighted the heroism of first responders and revealed alarming gaps in emergency evacuation procedures and communication. This was especially true for people with disabilities who faced communication, transportation, and access barriers.
Since then, there has been a greater focus on removing these barriers both locally and on a state level. In April, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management hosted the "Getting It Right: A Plan with Access and Functional Needs" Conference.
Over two days, the conference - emceed by The IC's CEO Emeritus, Patricia Yeager - featured speakers, expert panels, and exercises from a diverse population including emergency response, health, public service, 211, mental health, Centers for Independent Living, advocates, and many others. The focus was, "no planning about us without us."
The IC's Emergency Services Specialist, Connie Chavez, was in attendance and noted the emphasis placed not just on physical safety but mental health. In addition, she said, "public health employees had a large impact on the conference. They are actively working on meeting people where they are with regards to equal access for health needs."
Want more information or need help with your personal emergency plan? Contact The IC at 719-471-8181.
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We're Hiring!
Working at The Independence Center is more than just a job. It’s a way to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.
The IC is currently looking for experienced, dedicated people to fill a variety of positions in home health, administration, independent living, and leadership.
We welcome applicants both with and without disabilities. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to apply, please call our Human Resources Department at 719-471-8181.
To get started, CLICK HERE or on the button below for a current listing of job openings and to submit your application.
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