Self Advocate Spotlight: Mitch Routon

A large component of The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s work is encouraging individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD – a disability affecting cognitive or physical function) to become self advocates. This form of advocacy encourages individuals with I/DD to speak up for themselves, embrace opportunities for individual growth and work for positive change for people with disabilities in society. We are excited to spotlight these individuals in our community in ongoing blog posts.

Mitch Routon

Mitch Routon, a member of The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s Board, is a strong self advocate in the Colorado Springs community. His friendly, laid-back demeanor is paralleled by a quickness to speak out on injustices against those with disabilities. “Self-advocacy is important, because it lets people know that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have rights – that they contribute to the world and should not be ‘put on the shelf’,” Mitch said.

Early Self-Advocacy

A native of Manitou Springs, CO, Mitch had a stroke when he was just 10 days old. Until he was 10 years old, he suffered from seizures. “Because of my stroke, I don’t use the left side of my body as well as the right side,” Mitch explained. “It’s important to focus on ability rather than on disability.”

Mitch is quite the overcomer, and his high school years provided an excellent opportunity to develop his passion for self-advocacy. During his time at Manitou Springs High School, Mitch was very involved as the football team manager. This passion helped Mitch to build relationships and create opportunities for himself; he later worked as the assistant football coach. “Coaches are also teachers, and I got to teach kids good values,” Mitch said.

Involvement in The Arc Pikes Peak Region

As a current board member for The Arc PPR, Mitch enjoys being involved in the non-profit in a variety of capacities. “I knew about The Arc PPR from growing up; my dad was a former board member and board president from 1994-2000,” Mitch said. “I like being involved with The Arc PPR, because it’s important to let people know that The Arc (advocacy) makes a difference. I want to do whatever I can to make sure that people who have disabilities have the resources they need.”

A Worthwhile Challenge

For Mitch, helping individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves is a rewarding endeavor. “Self-advocacy is a challenge, but it’s a worthwhile one. It’s an everyday activity and involves daily choices,” Mitch reflected. “Self advocates are powerful people, and we appreciate it when others stop to listen to our story.”

Mitch participated in advocacy for people with disabilities in Washington D.C.

As an integral part of The Arc PPR, Mitch continues to meet this challenge with impressive achievements. He recently took advantage of the opportunity to speak to members of congress and their staff about the importance of keeping social security because of its impact on individuals with disabilities. “I got to talk to them (congress & staff members) about not cutting an important lifeline for people with I/DD,” Mitch said. “I enjoy travelling and attending conferences where I can hear others’ stories and share my story.”

Mitch also won the 2010 Burt Fellows award for volunteer service, and he is well-known in the local community for working at The Broadmoor World Arena, Safeway and Colorado College. In addition to advocating at the local, state and national levels, Mitch also advocates for better public transportation for those with I/DD.

For Mitch, having a disability is really about embracing his abilities. “I’ve done what I can, to the best of my ability, to make sure that I get what I need and that others get what they need. It’s been very challenging, and I want to do so much more,” Mitch said. “I hope that, one day, people with disabilities will not be ignored. I hope that people will stop and listen to our story – that we have rights just like anybody else.”