The Arc of Aurora

Benefits and assistance programs can be lifesavers for people with disabilities and their families. But, these systems can be complicated and the applications long and confusing.

That is why THINK+change has created the Benefits & Programs Toolkit to help you break down the steps, stay organized, and save time!

Learn more at https://thinkchange.info/EntitlementsTOOL



Image description: Think Change Tools logo that includes silhouettes of a pamphlet and book. Below is a notebook with a checklist titled Gather Your Documents and a pair of hands holding a packet titled My Benefits & Programs Toolkit. In the middle is a graphic of a hand holding a house, dollar sign, and health plus sign symbol Text reads My Benefits & Programs Toolkit. Made possible through support from Colorado Access, Developmental Pathways, The Limbaugh Law Firm, The Arc of Aurora, and the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council.

See you there!

Our friends at Atlantis Community, Inc. and Guided by Humanity are hosting a Disability Pride Kick-Off Party on July 1st!

Join them for an afternoon of music, community, and celebration to kick off Disability Pride Month. They will be grilling burgers and hot dogs and have treats from the Smoothie Bus.

Event Details:
📆 July 01, 2026
⏰ 1:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 Community Room: 201 S. Cherokee St. Denver, CO 80223

Image description: Flyer promoting a Disability Pride Kick-Off Party hosted by Atlantis Community Inc. and Guided by Humanity, featuring the Smoothie Bus. Event details: July 01, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. in the Community Room at 201 S. Cherokee St., Denver, CO 80223.

Today is the anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. And today, that right is at risk.

A new Department of Justice opinion says the federal government may stop enforcing one of the strongest protections people with disabilities have against institutionalization.

This opinion doesn’t erase Olmstead or take away the regulations that protect community living. But it’s dangerous because rights mean less when the federal government refuses to enforce them.

Our Senior Executive Officer Shira Wakschlag, told NPR: “This opinion is a direct threat to decades of progress toward community living for people with disabilities. People with disabilities shouldn't be forced into institutions because a state refuses to provide services in the community.”

Olmstead has helped millions be a part of their communities and live the lives they choose. We cannot go backward.

Read the NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization

We're proud to mark a major milestone at Think+change!

🎙️Over 7 YEARS & 117 EPISODES🎙️

In a world where disability perspectives are still too often missing from mainstream conversations, we're proud to have built one of the most consistent and extensive disability-focused podcast archives out there.

Thank you to every guest, listener, and sponsor who has been part of this journey.

Stay tuned for more! 🥳You can find all of our episodes here:

https://thinkchange.training/vodcasts-and-podcasts/

🚗 Learn, Prepare, and Build Confidence Behind the Wheel! 🚗

Are you a driver or have a learner’s permit? Join Fitness to Drive and the Aurora Police Department for a Mock Traffic Stop Workshop!

This interactive workshop will help participants learn what to expect during a traffic stop, practice communication strategies, and gain helpful tools to feel more prepared and confident on the road.

Participants will also learn more about the Blue Envelope Program and how it can support communication between drivers and law enforcement.

📅 Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 10am-12pm
📍 Location:
Fitness to Drive Office
14211 East 4th Avenue, Building 3 - Suite 260
Aurora, CO 80011

✅ This workshop is for individuals who currently have a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

Come learn, ask questions, and connect with your community!

The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) is conducting the Colorado community's assets and needs assessment, the country’s first statewide needs assessment for all disability types. Make sure YOUR voice and the experiences of people with IDD are included!

Colorado Disabilities Survey How can Colorado be a better place to live with a disability? Please take this survey today.

Simplify your child’s transition into adulthood with this map TOOL from THINK+change! Break down the steps for each part of their life by age. Focus on where you are right now and take it one step at a time!

Download for yourself at https://buff.ly/epjB9Qv

Made possible through support from Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Developmental Pathways, Special Olympics Colorado, Arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora!



Image description: Think Change Tools logo that includes silhouettes of a pamphlet and book. Below are graphics of a ladder leading out of a school to footsteps to a slide and road. In the middle there is a person sitting cross-legged holding the transition map tool. Text reads Transition Planning for Young Adults with IDD. Made possible through support from Developmental Pathways, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Special Olympics Colorado, arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora.

We want to hear from you! DP’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) invites community members to our next meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. to share your insights and help improve our programming. Public comments are welcome at every CAC meeting held at DP’s office, with in-person and virtual options. More details will be available on our CAC webpage at https://bit.ly/3CjvuO0.

Comments are heard at the start of each meeting, and you can join in person, call in, or watch via video. To share comments, we suggest you register by 10 a.m. the prior business day through our Public Comment Form in English at https://bit.ly/4jx31EW or in Spanish at https://bit.ly/45ftqm4. Registration isn’t required, but is encouraged to ensure we can plan for your visit and any accommodations you may need. For questions, contact us at [email protected]. Thank you!

Join Parent to Parent of Colorado!

Calling all Aurora/Centennial/Parker parents: Join us this Wednesday, June 10th, at Smoky Hill Library for a casual morning of conversation and connection. Children of all ages welcome. Find us in Meeting Room A on the first floor, next to the restrooms.

Scan the QR code or RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/etW1ZY8DhW