This Just IN!March 2023 Edition
March not only brings with it the hope of spring fast approaching but it is also recognized as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month, which makes us love it even more! We want to be intentional this month in particular to highlight the students and families with IDD that we serve as the true focal point of our work. We continue to be inspired by their commitment to achieve the goals they have set, invested in creating paths for them to attend college, and inclusive of anyone that has a college dream.
In this newsletter, you will find:
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GRADUATE STORY: Brianna's New Apartment
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It is evident that inclusive college opportunities offer more than just academic and career development for our students with intellectual disabilities. College also helps students prepare to live as independently as possible.
Brianna, a 2022 graduate of UCCS Office of Inclusive (OIS) Services, is a prime example of how college has prepared her for the life she always wanted. During her time at UCCS, Brianna lived in the on-campus housing with roommates and additional support provided by the OIS staff and peer mentors. Over the years, Brianna developed the skills necessary to feel confident living on her own.
After a brief stint living with her parents after graduation, Brianna has officially moved into her very own apartment. And she's not the only one! Brianna's apartment complex houses two other UCCS graduates that have also made the shift to living independently. To this point, Brianna said, "What a dream come true...It kind of feels like I am in college again, but more like home."
During Brianna's housewarming party, we were able to see her personality shine through in the ways she decorated, hosted, and made it her own.
Brianna and her family worked hard to find affordable housing options through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. Once an apartment was available, they knew Brianna would be ready. Brianna's advice to other students getting ready to graduate college and look at living on their own is to, "Never give up!"
To hear more about Brianna's perspective, click the video below.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS: IN!'s Tailgate Party - July 27th
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We are so excited to be hosting our tailgate party this year on Thursday, July 27th at Pindustry in Greenwood Village, CO! This is an incredibly fun event that brings the community, families, school partners and local businesses together to celebrate the importance of inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities statewide!
The evening will be filled with students, games, cocktails, dinner, inspiring speeches, expansion announcements and fundraising to continue making college dreams come true. Plus, it's casual! That's right - you can wear your college t-shirt and flip-flops. You won't want to miss it. Rally some friends, family, or colleagues, and buy your tickets today!
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IN REVIEW: Disability Rights Advocacy DayMarch 1st was Colorado's first Disability Rights Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Hosted by Disability Law Colorado, IN! and many other dedicated disability advocates gathered together to show support for upcoming laws focused on serving individuals with disabilities and ensuring their voices are heard. As one self-advocate declared to a lobby full of Coloradans with a variety of identified disabilities, "This is your house! Be here!"
Participants had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the house and senate in order to discuss ongoing needs in the disability community. This day was a clear reminder of the collective work required to make Colorado inclusive for everyone. IN! is honored to continue fighting for a fully inclusive Colorado alongside this committed community of disability advocates.
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House of Representatives Session on Disability Rights Advocacy Day.
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Representative Ortiz and the IN! staff, Tracy Murphy and Shayna Laing.
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Disability Rights Advocacy Day gathering and kickoff in the capitol lobby.
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JOIN IN!: Board of Directors
The work of IN! cannot happen without the dedication of our Board of Directors (BOD), which is comprised of representatives, leaders, advocates, supporters, educators, and parents from the IDD community and beyond. Through strategic direction and a commitment to inclusion, this interdisciplinary board works to ensure there are college opportunities for individuals with ID throughout our state. We are so grateful for their investment and the expertise they bring!
The IN! Board of Directors is currently accepting applications. If you have the desire to help us fulfill the mission of IN!, we encourage you to submit an application.
Click the image below to find out more about the BOD work and members.
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Community Resources For You
We love being a part of a much larger network of passionate organizations. Check out these amazing opportunities to learn and engage with resources in our community.
- FREE Monthly IN! Webinars: Don't forget, IN! is offering free monthly webinars for families, educators, and students to learn more about inclusive higher education options and resources. These interactive webinars allow you to get your questions answered and work to best prepare your student(s) for this post-secondary pathway. Click the link above to register for upcoming webinars.
- Next Steps After High School: Join this resource event hosted by Easterseals Colorado and the Lone Tree Arts Center to gather information on education, job training, and employment opportunities for teens and young adults with disabilities. Free dinner is provided. Be sure to review the flyer details below and reserve your spot ASAP.
- PEAK Parent Conference on Inclusive Education: Hosted in Denver, CO on April 17th-18th, parents, professionals, and persons with a disability can register for this conference to learn more about strategies that support inclusion. Plus, IN! will be presenting on how to best prepare for inclusive higher education. Click the flyer below for more details!
- Summer Institute at UCCS: The Office of Inclusive Services (OIS) at UCCS is hosting a free summer institute for young adults with intellectual disabilities that are interested in seeing what inclusive higher education is all about and how to best prepare. Be sure to review the details on their flyer below and head to their webpage to submit an application.
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Next Steps After High School Flyer
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PEAK Parent Center Conference Details
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UCCS Summer Institute Flyer
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IN!'s Alumni Association
The IN! Young Professional Board is focused on creating a community for our students who graduate from inclusive higher education programs. We want to provide spaces for alumni to celebrate, connect, and continue reaching goals together. If you are a graduate of an inclusive program and have not yet been connected, please hop on our Alumni Association Facebook Page and request to join. You can stay up to date on events, resources, and general happenings of your fellow grads.
Our next Alumni Gathering is just around the corner on March 28th. This time we will be enjoying taco Tuesday & playing some trivia games together! So, grab your fellow graduates and join us:
Tuesday, March 28th @ 6:30p at Sazon in Lone Tree, CO.
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Thank you for believing in inclusive higher education! We invite you to give to our mission and help us continue opening doors and paving paths to inclusive higher education in our state.
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Another great way to make an impact for IN! is to follow, like, and share us on social media. Click the icons below to get connected!
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