Easterseals Colorado, like all of us, is eagerly awaiting the full return to life, jobs, activities, and communities.

2020 was hard for us all, but caregivers and clients who rely on programs were especially hit hard. Our fundraising events this year, more than ever, are bringing together a community who understands the importance of taking care of one another. 

That is why we are so excited to announce our 2021 Easterseals events! 

We will be kicking off our event season with our 2nd Annual Walk With Me as a hybrid event! From now until June 26th, we invite you to sign up (as an individual or as a team), choose your route, and let your friends and family on social media know why you walk to support OUR Easterseals community! You also have the option to walk with us in person on Saturday, June 26th at 9:00 a.m. at our Vestal Center in Lakewood (5755 W Alameda Ave). Easterseals Colorado has continued to run our programs throughout this difficult time. Will you consider helping us and support our programs through Walk With Me? Don’t forget to tag us in your social posts with#WWMColorado.

Join us on August 7th to celebrate 70 years of camp! Did you know camp is used by more than 1,200 children and adults living with disabilities throughout the year? Rocky Mountain Village is honored to be regarded as one of the top Easterseals camps in the country. Campers enjoy swimming, fishing, overnight camping, outdoor cooking, travel camp, day trips, arts & crafts, sports & recreation, hiking, dances, music & drama, horse-back riding, zip-lining and more. Come experience the magic of camp and its 70-year long history! 

Are you a marksman or want to learn? Join us August 13th for our 2nd Annual Archery Challenge or August 20th for the 18th Annual Clay Shoot! Both of these events raise money to send children and adults living with disabilities to our RMV camp! We are pleased to bring back archery – a fun filled challenging course through camp! For 18 years, the annual Clay Shoot has been a highly anticipated event, and Easterseals Colorado is very grateful for Mansfield Service Partners Rockies, LLC / Western Fleet Services and Worldwide Rental Services to host this event at Colorado Clays this year! 

Are you more of a foodie? Then our 8th Annual A Perfect Pairing event on September 18th is for you! Your favorite mountain community watering holes and restaurants come together for a night of delicious food, beer and entertainment at our RMV camp.

Finally, Easterseals Colorado will be hosting the 11th Annual Seasons of Lights Gala on November 13th at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. “Hollywood Nights” is this year’s theme and you are sure to spend the night feeling like a celebrity. The annual Season of Lights Gala is our largest and most anticipated fundraising event each year. It’s a time for us to come together as a community and celebrate the year’s accomplishments and look to the future while also raising critical funds for important Easterseals Colorado programs.

We know the impact of COVID will long be felt, but we also know our community is strong! We cannot wait to see you this year!

For more information please visit: https://www.easterseals.com/co/get-involved/events/

May is Stroke Awareness Month.
Did you know that stroke is a leading cause of death and serious disability nationwide? And about 80% of strokes are preventable. We hope to share some tools to help you learn how to prevent and treat stroke, as well as how our Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program (NRADP) can help you!

What is stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked or ruptures, causing brain tissue to become damaged or die within minutes.

These are the two major types of strokes:
(1) Ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot or other particles blocking blood flow to the brain, (2) Hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a blood vessel rupturing in the brain.

Symptoms of brain cell damage are shown in parts of the body controlled by the damaged brain cells. 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes.

There is also a third type of stroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a warning sign or “mini stroke” where blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short amount of time.

It’s important to learn what causes stroke as early action is crucial.

Have you heard of F.A.S.T.?
F = Face Drooping
A = Arm Weakness
S = Speech Difficulty
T = Time to Call 911

If the person shows any of the first 3 symptoms, call 911 to get medical treatment immediately.

Other warning signs include the unusual and sudden onset of these symptoms:

• A feeling of numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg (You might notice it on one side more than the other.)
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance; difficulty walking
• Confusion
• Problems speaking or understanding what other people are saying
• Severe headaches without warning or explanation
  

Women may have the same symptoms as men, but they’ve also reported a few others. These symptoms also happen suddenly and unexpectedly:

• Pains in the face or legs
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Feeling weak all over
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart beat
  

Are you at risk for stroke?

Anyone at any age can have a stroke. Age, gender, ethnicity, and family history are risk factors beyond your control that can increase your chances of having a stroke. Your risk of stroke increases with age with about 65% of strokes occurring over age 65. Stroke kills more women than men. African-Americans have the highest rate of death from stroke. If a family member has had a stroke, you may be at a greater risk of stroke.

With 80% of stroke being preventable, it is important to know the unhealthy habits and treatable risk factors of stroke. The most important treatable risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, as well as, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

The CDC references these steps you can take to reduce your risk for stroke:

• Eat a healthy diet low in sodium with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be physically active.
• Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Prevent or manage your other health conditions, especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.

It is important to control, treat and improve these stroke risk factors. The American Stroke Association has a great ‘Stroke Risk Quiz’ you can take on their website.

Effects of Stroke
Understanding the brain is important to understanding the effects a stroke can have on your body functions. The effects of a stroke depend on what part of the brain the blockage or burst occurred in and the extent of brain tissue damage. The effects will appear on the opposite side of the body that the stroke occurs on and can include paralysis or weakness in some parts of the body, memory loss, problems speaking, numbness, trouble thinking, expressing emotion, or even swallowing. There is always hope after stroke – and rehabilitation through speech, physical and occupational therapy is the next step in recovery and to regaining your independence!

About Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program
Easterseals Colorado provides a unique day program for people living with neurological disorders, such as but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, MS, TBI, Stroke, etc. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies are available through an adult day program environment, assisting participants in their pursuit of independence. It is a place to find community, support, and friendship. This program also provides respite for caregivers. Our program hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday at our Vestal Center located at 5755 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226. Some participants utilize Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Funds, VA Benefits, and Private-Pay to pay for program fees and transportation. 

*We are offering VIRTUAL programming to qualified applicants! Due to current COVID-19 restrictions and limited capacity, we are not accepting new in-person applicants. However, we can offer a variety of virtual programming to qualified applicants. We also offer FREE virtual Facebook live sessions on Easterseals Colorado’s Facebook page – Mindfulness Meditation at 10:00 a.m. and Rehabilitative Strengthening at 1:30 p.m. Feel free to join us and tune in!

Learn more about Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program on our wbsite here or contact Jessica Richardson at jrichardson@eastersealscolorado.org.

For more specific information on stroke awareness, visit the CDC’s website or the American Stroke Association’s website.

April is Autism Acceptance Month and we are encouraging the community to come together to #CelebrateDifferences, and promote awareness and inclusion of individuals with autism, or any disability! 

**The Autism Society is leading the legislative effort for lawmakers to federally and globally designate April as Autism Acceptance Month, a shift from the commonly used phrase “Autism Awareness Month”.

Easterseals Colorado’s tagline is the essence of this movement – All Abilities. Limitless Possibilities. Leading the way to creating a Colorado where EVERYONE, regardless of age or ability, is 100% included and 100% empowered.

The shift in the use of terminology aims to foster ACCEPTANCE to spark change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services. Acceptance comes with understanding, and while individuals living with autism and their families live this life every day, there is a need for factual education and awareness for the general public. Knowledge promotes acceptance because it allows people to understand how to be more inclusive, as well as build more supportive experiences.

People living with autism deserve to be celebrated for their differences, welcomed by their community, included in schools and employment, and given equal opportunities and access.

What is autism?

Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood, and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. While there is currently no known single cause of autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive the support and services that they need, which can lead to a quality life filled with opportunity.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) now includes several developmental disabilities that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger syndrome. It can be difficult to diagnose ASD since there isn’t a medical test – a child’s behavior and development are looked at for doctors to make a diagnosis.

Did you know?

• Autism spectrum disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability. [CDC]
  
• 1% of the world population has autism spectrum disorder. [CDC]
  
• 1 in 54 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. [CDC]
  *In comparison – In 2004, 1 in 125 children in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism.
  
• Autism spectrum disorder occurs among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. [CDC]
  *However, there are disparities in diagnosis due to barriers including stigma and lack of access to health care.
  
• Autism spectrum disorder is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls. [CDC]
  *Recent research suggests girls may not show signs of autism in the same way as boys, and therefore, might go undiagnosed.
  
• Autism spectrum disorder begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s lifetime, although symptoms may improve over time. [CDC]
  
• Some children show symptoms of autism spectrum disorder within the first 12 months of life, but others may not show symptoms until 24 months or later. [CDC]
  
• Updated criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder include problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. [CDC]
  *Important note: some people without ASD might show similar characteristics, but for people with ASD, these characteristics make life very challenging.

Autism Awareness Signs:

• Repetitive behaviors, movements, or phrases
  
• Lack of response to normal stimuli [i.e. his/her name, visual cues]
  
• Atypical verbal communication or non-speaking
  
• Difficulty understanding or expressing feelings
  
• Avoiding or not keeping eye contact
  

Click here for more specific signs and symptoms of ASD from the CDC.

The CDC has a great “Learn the Signs. Act Early” campaign on their website to track your child’s development, from age 2 months to 5 years, and act early if you have a concern. This campaign helps show certain milestones your child should reach in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. They also offer a free Milestone Tracker app!

TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades)
While we have many programs for people living with disabilities, we are proud to have TACT as a part of the Easterseals Colorado Affiliate Network (ESCAN), a local nonprofit organization that encourages and empowers individuals ages 5-30 living with ASD through education and employment in the skilled trades industry. TACT was founded in 2016 by two parents seeking better options for their son, who was diagnosed with ASD in 2015. Recognizing that adults with ASD are one of the most unemployed populations in the country at 90% – and with significant access, experience, and knowledge of trades – the pair created TACT.

Learn more about TACT here or visit Easterseals Colorado’s website to view all of our program offerings for people living with disabilities in Colorado.

March is the nationally recognized Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and the barriers they still sometimes face. This month, in partnership with Developmental Pathways, our affiliate at Access Gallery created a #DDAwareness campaign with the theme “I am …” to highlight that a person is more than their disability.

What’s a word that defines who you are? See how you can make your own poster and other ways to get involved with this campaign below.

How to make your own “I am …” poster:

Step #1: Print your poster and a photo of yourself in black and white.
Poster size – 11″ x 17″ – color
Photo of you – 5″ x 5″ – black & white

Search for a FedEx, UPS, or other print services store near you – print on cardstock.

Supplies you will need: Scissors, glue, black permanent marker

Step #2: Cut out your photo.
Cut around your face and body. You can use a photo facing the camera or a profile photo of yourself from the shoulders up. We recommend using a black & white photo for maximum contrast with the bright colors of the poster.

Step #3: Glue your photo.
Glue your photo in the upper left green square, it can stick out above the square.

Step #4: Write your word and draw an icon.
Using black permanent marker, write a word that describes you in the upper right purple square and draw an icon or illustration that represents you and your word in the yellow square.

Step #5: Take a photo and email us.
Take a photo of yourself holding your poster and email it to COEvents@dpcolo.org and info@accessgallery.org.

Step #6: Post on social media and tag us.
Post your photo on Facebook and tag @developmentalpathways and @accessgalleryco with the hashtags #DDAwareness #IAmMore.

Find a Billboard and take a picture!

There are 10 billboards across the Denver Metro area featuring an individual with a disability sharing who they are. Exact locations are listed below, or you can click here for a PDF.

1. Golden – 16050 S Golden – Facing East
2. Aurora – 94 S Havana – Facing North
3. East Colfax – 7404 E Colfax – Facing West
4. Park Hill – 5101 E 48th – Facing East
5. Englewood – 1667 W Evans – Facing West
6. Denver – 4225 E 48th – Facing West
7. Denver – 4985 N Colorado – Facing South
8. Elyria-Swansea – 5090 Race Court – Facing West
9. Denver – 450 E 51st – Facing East
10. Denver – 4700 Washington St – Facing South

Use a Zoom Background

Download a Zoom background and use it during your meetings – it’s a great conversation starter!

Share on Social Media

Facebook Sample Message:
March is the Nationally recognized month raising awareness about individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

@DevelopmentalPathways and @AccessGalleryCO created a campaign with the theme “I am…” to highlight that a person is more than their diagnosis. What’s a word that defines who you are?

#DDAwareness #COIDD #IAmMore #DPxAG

Twitter Sample Message:
March is the national month of raising awareness about individuals diagnosed with IDD. @dev_pathways & @AccessGalleryCO created the “I am…” campaign, to highlight that a person is more than their diagnosis. What word defines you?

#DDAwareness #COIDD #IAmMore #DPxAG

More information on this campaign can be found on Developmental Pathways website.

Caregivers of individuals who need support with personal care, supervision, and monitoring may find themselves in need of respite (or short breaks) from time-to-time. A program of Easterseals Colorado, the Colorado Respite Coalition (CRC), provides financial assistance for family caregivers across the state to access respite care through the Family Respite Voucher Program.

Funds are still available! Colorado family caregivers of any age and any special health care need who have limited access to respite care and/or other supports through current systems are encouraged to apply. The purpose of this program is to meet planned respite needs for unserved and underserved family caregivers. Eligibility for this program is not determined by age or income level, but is a payer of last resorts, meaning that families are eligible if they do not receive another source of respite funding (i.e. Medicaid waiver, Area Agency on Aging funds). Read more below on how the program works, frequently asked questions, and how to become an approved provider.

How the Program Works:

1. A family caregiver submits an application for the respite voucher program using the online form, ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements:
   – I provide unpaid care for a family member, friend, or neighbor; both living in Colorado
   – I provide full-time care (40 hours or more) weekly
   – The care recipient has a special health care need (please review explanation box on application)
   – Respite services will be delivered by an Approved Provider (list available online or by request)
   – I am able to utilize the respite voucher over approximately 120 days, or by the expiration date.
   – My family is not currently receiving any funding that can be used for respite care (i.e. Medicaid waiver, Area Agency on Aging voucher). This program is designed as a Payer of Last Resorts.
2. If you provide care to more than one care recipient, complete one application for each individual. One voucher may be awarded per household.
3. Per availability of funding (still available as of February 16, 2021), a family caregiver may be awarded a Voucher, typically ranging between $250 – $1,000.
4. Voucher awards are valid for four months and must be used prior to the expiration date listen on the award letter.
5. Voucher recipients then select an Approved Provider and schedule services prior to expiration date.
6. The Approved Provider will invoice the CRC directly, so there are no out of pocket fees for the family.
7. Voucher recipients must confirm receipt of services with a signature on monthly invoices and complete an exit survey at the conclusion of the voucher,
8. Voucher funds can be returned at any time.

Approved Provider List

Family Voucher Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

Spanish Versions:

– Solicitud de Cupón para Relevo Familiar
– Preguntas más frecuentes

Voucher Information for Providers

Increase your impact, serve more families, and support your current clients that may be struggling to private pay! Partner agencies must submit an application and meet all eligibility requirements to become an Approved Provider. Approved Providers provide the direct respite care to family caregivers that have been awarded a Family Respite Voucher. Agencies submit billing and reporting directly to the CRC, so there are no out of pocket fees for the family. The Family Respite Voucher Program serves people caring for loved ones of all ages and all special healthcare needs, throughout Colorado. The CRC is seeking partners in any location to meet the need of our voucher recipients. Applications from for profit, non profit and government entities or agencies and organizations are accepted at all times.

Voucher Providers Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

If you have questions on eligibility or the voucher program process, please contact Megan Bettinger at mbettinger@eastersealscolorado.org or 303.233.1666 x8. Learn more at the Colorado Respite Coalition website.