Celebrating Staff Anniversaries at The Arc ADE
At The Arc ADE, we love celebrating the people who make our work possible! This month, we celebrate the anniversary of Kelly Lawler.
Kelly joined The Arc ADE in February 2019, and for six years, she’s been an important part of our work. Now, as our Director of Communications, she helps share our story and spread awareness about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Please join us in wishing a very happy Arc-iversary to Kelly!
State History: Advancing Special Education & the SIS Assessment
February marks a significant moment in Colorado’s history of advocating for inclusive education. In 1960, House Bill 36 established a two-year program for students with IDD. This was one of the first formal steps toward educational access for all. The Arc of Colorado was a driving force behind this effort, and local Arc chapters, including The Arc of Jefferson, Gilpin & Clear Creek Counties, were deeply involved in shaping its impact.
This initiative, later known as the Eiber Program, initially served just 12 students. While it fell short of providing a truly fair education—focusing mainly on self-sufficiency skills rather than traditional academics—it was a crucial first step. It helped pave the way for increased school funding, the creation of community services, and a shift away from institutionalization.
Fast forward to February 2008, when Colorado implemented the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment statewide. Developed through national testing since 2004, this tool helps figure out the level of support individuals with IDD need. Today, SIS assessments are required for those applying for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers provided support to 56,190 people in Colorado in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Beginning in July 2025, Colorado will be replacing SIS assessments with a new method of determining support levels for individuals with IDD. This initiative is part of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing’s new processes. These processes include eligibility determinations. They cover needs assessments. They also involve support planning for all individuals seeking or receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS). More information on the changes coming for assessment and person-centered support plans can be found on the Department’s website.
National History: A Month of Awareness & Advocacy
February holds a special place in the history of disability advocacy. On February 5, 1963, President John F. Kennedy addressed Congress with a groundbreaking message about the rights and needs of people with IDD. It was the first time a U.S. president formally spoke about these issues, marking a major shift in national awareness and policy.
Disclaimer: This historical video from 1963 reflects the language and perspectives of its time. Some terms used in the video are now considered outdated and offensive. The Arc ADE shares this video to acknowledge the history of the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.
Just three years after Colorado’s HB36 began expanding education for students with disabilities, President Kennedy’s address had a significant impact. It helped push the movement forward on a national scale.
Then, on February 26, 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This annual observance continues today, highlighting the progress made and the work still ahead in building a truly inclusive society.
These moments in history show us how far we have come —and how much work is still left to do. At The Arc ADE, we are proud to be part of this journey. We celebrate the progress made. We continue to fight for a world where everyone has the support and opportunities they deserve.
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