The Arc Pikes Peak Region strives to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) of all ages and their families to ensure a high quality of life. People with IDD should be able to lead the life they choose, but oftentimes, need help accessing their community. Our advocates are here to help resolve these issues while empowering individuals and their families to be able to advocate for themselves and ensuring that their voices are heard.

The Arc-PPR provides three types of advocacy services at no charge: Adult, Educational, and Judicial. In addition, we offer dedicated advocacy for individuals served through our Guardianship program, ensuring that their rights are consistently upheld, honored, and respected. Through consultation by email, telephone and/or personal meetings, our advocates assist individuals with IDD and their families understand their resource options, as well as understand their rights and responsibilities in schools and in government-funded systems of care.

To request advocacy, you must submit an advocacy referral. Please click on Request Educational or Adult Advocacy below to submit a referral.

The Arc PPR protects the rights of individuals with IDD through our three core areas of Advocacy support:

Educational Advocacy:

• Support parents’ ability to meaningfully participate and advocate for their child in IEP/504 Meetings
• Advocate for quality IEP/504 Plan implementation
• Help parents to better understand their child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Provide parental education and support in understanding how to navigate their child’s special education process
• Empower parents to be their child’s best advocate

Adult Advocacy/Judicial Advocacy

• Attend residential and/or day program staffings
• Advocate for ADA accommodations in the workplace
• Provide understanding of individuals with IDD in the workplace
• Interface with other community organizations and agencies on behalf of adults with IDD (TRE, DVR, PASAs, Host Home Providers, Job Coaches, etc.)
• Support and assist individuals with IDD to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Help navigate the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process
• Assist individuals with IDD to apply for other benefits (e.g., food stamps, Medicaid)
• Advocate for people with IDD within the court system. Request competency evaluations for people with IDD facing criminal charges

Decision Making (Guardianship and Alternatives):

• Help parents navigate Guardianship and less restrictive options (Supported Decision Making, Power of Attorney, etc.)
• Support Future Planning (for people with IDD and family/care givers)
• To learn more about Guardianship, alternatives to Guardianship, or to find out how to purchase a Guardianship Packet, please contact Christina Butero, christina@thearcppr.org

Other:

• Provide limited emergency financial assistance to meet individual needs for people with IDD
• Connect people with IDD to Long-term Supports and Services through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program)
• Navigate the Medicaid Waiver system by connecting individuals with the appropriate support agencies