Join the Dance with The Arc Pikes Peak Region

In This Blog:

Create Bright Futures   Navigate the Criminal Justice System   Protect Individual Rights

 

To ‘Join the Dance,’ for me, means to be a part of something beyond the world of disabilities. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) sometimes live in a ‘bubble’ of services and supports only. They have no life outside of what is paid for or required by the funding source. So, when I hear ‘Join the Dance,’ I think of engaging these individuals in a meaningful life where disabilities are not the focus. -Danna Snedden, guardianship specialist

At its core, to dance is to be free. To experience freedom is one of humanity’s greatest desires, and this drive is no different for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Freedom to be oneself and to pursue wholeness, thriving in every area of life, is as equally important to people with disabilities as it is for able-bodied individuals.

The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s theme for the year 2018 is “Join the Dance,” and it is an invitation for individuals of all abilities to live their lives to the fullest, following their dreams, cultivating their passions to create a positive impact on their communities. To “Join the Dance” is to realize one’s inherent value as a person, acting to make our community a place where all individuals are embraced and respected. To “Join the Dance” is also an opportunity for people for people who are not familiar with The Arc PPR and the people we support to open their minds and hearts to the vast amount of potential the Building for Change will bring to our community. The possibilities are endless for the community to experience the passion, drive, pride and joy of the people we support in our services. Joining our dance makes us all one step closer to an accepting community.”

“Joining the Dance” Creates Bright Futures for Those with I/DD

When you “Join the Dance” with The Arc PPR, either by volunteering, donating or simply becoming educated on issues faced by individuals with I/DD, you help make the future one full of opportunity. Education is an important stepping stone to a fulfilling future, and students with I/DD often face staggering challenges when accessing rights like a solid education. This article explains how even preschoolers with disabilities account for three quarters of all suspensions and expulsions, despite representing just 13 percent of the nation’s preschoolers.

It might seem hard to believe that children with disabilities as young as preschool-age face such obstacles when receiving a proper education; however, this reality is one that students of all ages with disabilities face. To help change this scenario, The Arc PPR’s educational advocates help families of students with I/DD to navigate the educational system, advocating for students to create strengths-based IEPs (Individualized Education Program). Our advocates help clarify an often-muddy process so that families feel confident about their child’s education plan.

After working with one of The Arc PPR’s educational advocates, one mom explains, “She’s [my daughter] learned how to use her talker, a high-tech talker. She’s made honor roll. She’s full-curriculum. She’s just shown that if you believe in yourself, you can do anything you want to do.”

“Joining the Dance” Helps Those with I/DD Navigate the Criminal Justice System

Not only does “Joining the Dance” help create bright futures for those with I/DD, but it also offers critical protections for this vulnerable population. When those with I/DD find themselves caught up in the criminal justice system, it is often unfairly. The Arc PPR’s judicial advocates help these individuals and their families navigate this system, filling in a gap in knowledge between the I/DD community and the criminal justice system.

Stats reveal a dark picture for people with I/DD wading through the criminal justice system. While people with disabilities represent 2-3% of the general population, they represent 4-10% of the prison population. And, in 2012, people with disabilities experienced: 233,000 robberies, 195,200 aggravated assaults, 838,600 simple assaults, and 80,100 rapes or other sexual assaults.

In the midst of recent sexual scandal in US headlines, sexual assault of individuals with I/DD has also come to light. National Public Radio recently aired a series of stories about sexual victimization of people with I/DD. Leigh Ann Davis (a member of The Arc National staff), Karen Harvey (of The Arc Baltimore), Nora Baladerian, and The Arc Self-Advocate James Meadours were among those interviewed. It is estimated that the sexual assault rate among those with I/DD is seven times higher than among other people. If you missed the broadcast, the print and radio stories are still available here.

In one recent case, The Arc PPR received a call from a very concerned parent who had a son accused of inappropriately touching a teacher. Ideas like Registered Sex Offender and Problematic Sexual Behavior started to be discussed. As it turned out, The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s advocacy was able to be the “cool head” in the room. Educational Advocate Connor Cassidy reminded the team of the boy’s diagnosis of ADHD, his age (eight years old), and his past history. This helped the team set up the supports and evaluations needed to understand the boy’s behavior.

In another case, The Arc PPR became involved with a situation that made the local news, involving a teenage boy, a BB Gun, and a Wal-Mart store. Now, remember that this event came right on the heels of a recent shooting at a Thornton, Colorado-based Wal-Mart. Thanks to the advocacy provided by The Arc PPR’s Andrew Salazar, the judge, DA and Public Defender, will all have the tools and information to make the right decisions regarding the alternative sentencing options and probation stipulations that are appropriate, rather than a sensationally-inaccurate story provided by the media. For every person that The Arc PPR helps to keep out of prison, the state of Colorado saves approximately $32,000.

“Joining the Dance” Protects Individual Rights

Another way that “Joining the Dance” benefits those with I/DD is through guardianship. The Arc Pikes Peak Region serves as legal guardian to up to 75 individuals with I/DD. When the Probate Court appoints The Arc PPR as a legal guardian, staff members are named as agents to provide the guardianship services. Guardianship services include evaluation of the individual’s needs and services, attendance at all staffings and individual plan meetings, at least one monthly visit, 24-hour emergency on-call services, consent for medical treatment, and annual report to the probate courts. For people who are not capable of making informed decisions, the Guardianship Program offers both protection and enhancement of individual rights.

Whether you volunteer your time, resources, or continue to help raise awareness of the issues faced by the I/DD community, it is indeed time to “Join the Dance.” We encourage you to attend our upcoming 6th Annual Achieve with Us Colorado Film Festival: Join the Dance, Friday, March 23, at Stargazers Theater. This event is free and open to the public, with showings at 1 pm, 3 pm and 7 pm! You can also learn more about our Capital Campaign, Building for Change, here. 2018 is a great time to Join the Dance with The Arc Pikes Peak Region!