The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties

Helping children and adults with disabilities

COVID-19

The Arc of Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert exists to support children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Your health and safety matters to us.

As responsible members of our community, we want to do everything we can to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19. We have decided to attend most meetings virtually or by phone, with some exceptions. We are available to support you! We will do this by email, telephone or Zoom.

Call us at 303.220.9228 or email us.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Just go to our website www.arc-ad.org and click on “Who we are” then click on Staff. We look forward to hearing from you! Connect with us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/TheArcArapahoeDouglas and join the conversation.

We know how important our social and education events are to you all. Fun Fridays are really fun! Our Annual Meeting is one of our favorite events of the year, and the Picnic is always a great way to make new friends and catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while.

We are postponing all of our events for the time-being.

The Board of Directors and staff at The Arc care about you and we know this is a scary time. Please continue to watch your emails. We have created some enjoyable things for you to do and think about, and are continuing to do so. You might get a call from us or an email, just checking in. We encourage you to reach out to your friends and family. Let’s all take care of each other!

Our community knows how to deal with adversity, and we know how to make the best of difficult situations. We know you will all be resilient and kind to each other.

Please note this is a rapidly changing situation.  You can check back frequently to find updates.

Last updated 04/20/2021

The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties does not endorse these links. This is a living document that will be constantly updated in order to best serve the community.

If you know of any other resources that need to be added, please email Luke Wheeland at luke@kenahosting.com​.

 

Page Contents:

Here are posts from The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties about many different topics:
  1. Budget/Public Policy discussion on Tuesday May 26, 2020 our chapter sponsored a parent support group to discuss what we know about the budget in Colorado right now (May 2020).
The Arapahoe County, Arapahoe County Alert Center & the Arapahoe County resource center is posting updates and guidance for families, business, etc. here:

Cherry Creek School District

The Arc chapters do not have an opinion as to whether or not your child should return to in school program or continue to participate in remote learning. The following is a checklist (Spanish checklist) that serves as a tool of different information you may wish to consider as you make decisions in relation to your child. This is important information for families to have to protect their child’s right to a Free, Appropriate, Public Education. "Document Document Document"  Updates from the Cherry Creek School District, including options to obtain food, are available here: Update 12/15/2020: Important Update about Returning to School in January https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/  View Superintendent Siegfried's presentation to the community on July 29 here.  Video presentation link: https://youtu.be/fTtZe81Fz0o  Cherry Creek School District: Planning Forward Updated 6.19.2020

Englewood School District

Updates from the Englewood School District, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.englewoodschools.net/

Littleton Public Schools

Updates from the Littleton Public Schools, including options to obtain food, are available here: Update 12/15/2020: Plans for a Return to School in January   https://littletonpublicschools.net/

Bennett Schools

Updates from the Bennett Schools, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.bsd29j.com/

Byers Schools

Updates from the Byers Schools, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.byers32j.k12.co.us/

Deer Trail Schools

Updates from the Deer Trail Schools, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.dt26j.com/

Sheridan Public Schools

Updates from the Sheridan Public Schools, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.ssd2.org/

Strasburg School District

Updates from the Strasburg School District, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.strasburg31j.com/ COVID-19 and Special Education View information for educators and parents to support students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources from CDC on COVID-19 related to individuals with disabilities: Coronavirus Rumor Control FEMA helps the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
https://youtu.be/IN_GVlbyC4Y?list=PLvrp9iOILTQatwnqm61jqFrsfUB4RKh6J

Updated: Cases and outbreaks in child care and schools - https://covid19.colorado.gov/cases-and-outbreaks-child-care-schools

Individuals with autism may have varied levels of understanding about the COVID-19 virus, how it spreads, and how to reduce risk of exposure. Here are several strategies to use to provide additional meaning to this complex scenario.
The Douglas County & Douglas County Department of Health and Environment is posting updates and guidance for families, business, etc. here:
The Douglas County & Douglas County Department of Health and Environment is posting updates and guidance for families, business, etc. here:

Douglas School District

Returning to school?

The Arc chapters do not have an opinion as to whether or not your child should return to in school program or continue to participate in remote learning. The following is a checklist (Spanish checklist) that serves as a tool of different information you may wish to consider as you make decisions in relation to your child. This is important information for families to have to protect their child’s right to a Free, Appropriate, Public Education. "Document Document Document"  COVID-19 and Special Education View information for educators and parents to support students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) The national hotline directs you to local services and professionals based on the number you’re calling.
  • For help, text: LOVEIS to 22522
Have you lost your job? Here's OnwardCO, a one-stop resource for the people of Colorado impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Pinterest page. Stocked full of great ideas and free websites to stay entertained.
  • Free meals and Summer Fun: www.Kidsfoodfinder.org
  • Locate local Food Pantries, Formula/Baby Food, Brown Bag Food Programs, Packed Lunches/Dinners, Food Vouchers at 211colorado.org searchable site: https://bit.ly/3bjGbwy
  • School Food Authorities (SFAs) and other child nutrition program sponsors can serve free meals to children in the event of an unanticipated school closure.
  • Food Bank of the Rockies
  • Free Meals For Youth 1-18 (No ID or Registration Required)
  • Hunger Free Colorado​ has set up a Food Resource Hotline for anyone who needs  help locating food. Call 855-855-4626, M - F (8 am - 4:30 pm) to find school meals,  food pantries, and SNAP and WIC enrollment.
  • Community Table​- Community Table is a Colorado nonprofit 501 c (3) corporation  formed in 1982 by five church congregations to serve the needy and vulnerable in  our community. They serve the residents of Arvada and neighboring communities in  Northern Jefferson County would have a place to go for emergency food. They are  distributing food boxes.
  • Spanish-language list of food banks - ​BANCOS DE COMIDA ABIERTA DURANTE DEL  CORONAVIRUS (Actualizado el 30 de Marzo)
  • USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat.
We are hearing that many stores are experiencing trouble filling online orders for pick-up.  Below are some grocery-delivery options.  Please note the list below is for informational purposes only as The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Counties does not endorse any of the following companies or services:
Please visit this page to see guidance from The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing about COVID-19, including guidance for Host Home Providers, Day Programs, etc. – https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/2020-memo-series-communications
NEW: If you are feeling stressed contact them anyway, and let’s talk. 720-707-6789 or visit them at: ALLHEALTHNETWORK.ORG/COLORADO-SPIRIT
Some borrowers may be eligible for Mortgage Relief if your income has been impacted by COVID-19.  Please contact your borrower directly as each lender may be handling the situation differently.
Resources to help people self-isolate who may not want to or know how? The Alzheimer’s Association has two online resources that might be helpful:
  • Information on Second Round of Coronavirus Economic Impact Payments 2021 (Spanish)
  • Fact sheet that provides the answers we (The Arc) currently have on Coronavirus Stimulus Payments - Recovery Rebates
  • People on Social Security are eligible for the one-time stimulus payment.
  • Non-IRS Tax Filers: Enter Payment Info Here
The National COVID-Ready Caregiver Certificate Training Program for Front line Staff - Provides practical guidance to staff about how to keep themselves and those they care for safe. Topics include: infection control practices, personal protective equipment, changes to health and safety practices, and tips for managing stress and anxiety. Draws on current CDC and WHO recommendations and guidance. Features key experts in healthcare and long-term care https://covidcert.nextstep.careers/
  • RTD public transit, as critical infrastructure, continues to operate for essential travel.
  • RTD - Fare collection will change Jan. 1, 2021. RTD is encouraging riders to use contactless payment options such as their mobile ticketing app to lessen contact with the farebox on vehicles. More information.
https://www.tchd.org/818/Coronavirus-COVID-19 COVID-19 vaccination rates in Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties: An interactive dashboard from Tri-County Health Department shows vaccination rates, case counts, and other data points for these three counties.
Closures due to COVID-19 can create a financial burden due to loss or reduction of employment.  Visit the Colorado Department of Labor to explore options if your employer is closing or your hours are being reduced due to COVID-19: https://www.colorado.gov/cogov-now#1
  • Arapahoe/Douglas County Workforce Center information:
    1. Phone: 303-636-1160
    2. Arapahoe/Douglas County Workforce Center Website
    3. Online Workshop PowerPoints - https://www.adworks.org/index.php/job-seekers/online-powerpoint-workshops/
Link to Register on Connecting Colorado - Connecting Talent with Opportunity https://www.connectingcolorado.com
  • As the moratorium on utility disconnections expire customers falling behind on utility bills arevvencouraged to make payment arrangements or apply for assistance.
  • Utility Customers Needing Assistance Have Options to Help Pay Their Energy Bills: To avoid disconnection, customers who have fallen behind in their payments are encouraged to contact their electric or gas utility. Information about how to contact the utility can be found on the customer’s bill, the utility’s website or the PUC’s website
  • If customers need further help with their bills, Colorado has additional resources available. The Colorado Department of Human Services provides payment assistance to low-income customers through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). Individuals can call toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to get assistance.
Many Utility companies are not disconnecting service during the COVID-19 outbreak.  We have a summary of the information available as of March 18th, 2020 below.  Please contact your utility directly if you are having a hard time paying your bills as this is a rapidly evolving situation.

 

The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties does not endorse these links. This is a living document that will be constantly updated in order to best serve the community. If you know of any other resources that need to be added, please email Luke Wheeland at luke@kenahosting.com​.

Last updated 08/11/2021