The Arc of Colorado provides systemic advocacy in regard to a variety of issues. We keep abreast of legislative issues in regard to state and federal bills proposed which may affect the lives of the persons for whom we advocate.

Within the community we promote the full inclusion of people with a developmental disability. Sometimes this means educating people with disabilities and others in the community of laws that protect people’s rights. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically addresses the rights of persons with disabilities. Additionally, other civil rights laws protect all individuals, including people who have disabilities.

The Arc of Colorado is beginning to become more aware of issues that are arising as a result of people with disabilities who become involved in the criminal justice and law enforcement systems. As with the general population, the majority of individuals with a developmental disability are responsible citizens. Nevertheless, some individuals with a developmental disability will become involved with law enforcement or the judicial system.

We are working with these systems to create relationships and share information to enhance understanding for all citizens.

Advocacy for Children

For children with a developmental disability The Arc of Colorado may be involved in assisting the family to get information regarding the child’s disability; helping the family understand the services for which the child may be eligible; learning how to apply and access those services; learning how services blend together; helping families in similar circumstances connect with each other.

Early Intervention for a child with a developmental disability can be of utmost importance. We can assist families in getting the supports the child needs to address issues in the early developmental years.

Preschool is also a typically important time for a child, who, without support, may not begin school with academic and social readiness. When a child with a disability reaches three years of age she/he may be eligible to receive services from the local school district.

The Arc of Colorado assists students and parents in learning more about special education laws, their rights according to these laws, what the law requires and how to use the information to the best benefit of the student. We help in making connections, clearing communication and developing IEP’s which will provide the highest level of educational benefit for the student.

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Advocacy for Adults

Adults who have a developmental disability may receive supports and services through the state system for developmental disabilities. This system provides funds to help people with a developmental disability. As in any system, there are benefits and there are shortcomings. Not all adults who have a developmental disability will receive supports and services through the state system. There are criteria which determines eligibility for services in the developmental disability system.

The Arc of Colorado believes that the state system for developmental disabilities should exist to help people with a developmental disability learn to be as independent as possible while receiving the assistance they need to live, work and play in the community. Historically, people who had a disability lived in institutional settings. Over the past several years Colorado has been opening the minds of the community and closing the doors to the institutions. This has forced some news ways of thinking and new ways of providing services and supports to people. Sometimes the reaction to changes has been positive and other times it has not.

The Arc assists adults with a developmental disability, their families and friends in understanding the developmental disabilities system, ways to interact with the system, how the system works in conjunction with other state and federal systems and learning about their rights within the system.

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Legislative Advocacy

Each year the state and the federal legislators come together to enact new laws for the benefits of the citizens in the state and country. There are many changes in laws that take place every year. As numerous as the changes are it is difficult to follow and know how these affect the lives of people with development disabilities. That is why we, at The Arc of Colorado, follow bills that are introduced during the legislative sessions. We track legislation that is introduced and keep constituents informed of progress. In keeping with our grassroots philosophy, we provide information to interested parties regarding the proposed legislation and suggestions for action, if any, that needs to be taken surrounding a particular bill.

The Arc of Colorado assists people in learning about the legislative process and how they can be most effective in that process. We host a legislative day so members and other persons interested in issues of developmental disabilities can meet and learn more about their elected officials. This is a time for public officials to also meet and learn more about the people they represent.

For issues at the federal level we coordinate with The Arc of the United States' governmental affairs office to get information and updates on legislation proposed. As this data is received we pass on the information and suggestions for any necessary action by constituents.

At The Arc of Colorado we know that people can and do make a difference in setting public policy. We can help you to learn more about the legislative process so you feel comfortable in helping to shape the policies that affect the lives of people with developmental disabilities.