Self-advocates speaking up for disability rights

Program

Advocacy

The Arc Pikes Peak Region strives to support individuals with IDD of all ages and their families to ensure a high quality of life.

People with IDD should be able to lead the life they choose, but oftentimes need help accessing their community. Our advocates are here to help resolve these issues while empowering individuals and their families to advocate for themselves and ensuring that their voices are heard.

The Arc PPR provides three types of advocacy services at no charge: Adult, Educational, and Judicial. In addition, we offer dedicated advocacy for individuals served through our Guardianship program, ensuring that their rights are consistently upheld, honored, and respected.

Educational Advocacy

Support parents’ ability to meaningfully participate and advocate for their child in IEP/504 meetings

Advocate for quality IEP/504 Plan implementation

Help parents to better understand their child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Provide parental education and support in navigating their child’s special education process

Empower parents to be their child’s best advocate

It is our pleasure to serve you and your family. To request educational advocacy, please fill out the form below. Please note that we serve El Paso, Park, and Teller Counties. If you need to find a chapter of The Arc in your local area, please click here.

Please Know:

•The purpose of our Educational Advocacy is to equip parents and guardians with the advocacy skills necessary to represent their child’s educational needs independently and effectively. We are committed to providing advocacy support with you, not in place of you.
•Our Advocacy Team works collaboratively on all cases, which means you may connect with more than one advocate to ensure seamless and timely support throughout your case.
•During periods of high demand, we may be unable to accept new cases or provide additional support for previous cases.

Please allow one business week for a response from one of our educational advocates. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (719) 471-4800.

Parent / Guardian Information

Name of Parent or Guardian *

*In order for us to provide advocacy, we must have permission from the child's parent or guardian.

Parent or Guardian Address *

Parent or Guardian Email *

Parent or Guardian Phone Number *

Student Information

Student's Name *

School & District *

Date of Birth *

Grade *

Type of Plan *

IEP504RTI / MTSSNone

Details

Reason for Advocacy Request *

Desired Outcome

List all agencies, service providers, school, resources, etc., involved

Rate your understanding of the IEP/504 Process *

I have little to no understanding of the process. I need significant support to help me understand IEP/504 basics and to help me advocate for my child.I am somewhat familiar with the process. I need a fair amount of support to help me understand certain components of the IEP/504 process and to help me advocate for my child.I have a good understanding of the process. I need support to help me navigate this current concern/issue I am having.

Are you a member of The Arc Pikes Peak Region?

YesNo

How did you hear about The Arc Pikes Peak Region?

Adult & Judicial Advocacy

Attend residential and/or day program staffings

Advocate for ADA accommodations in the workplace

Provide understanding of individuals with IDD in the workplace

Interface with community organizations and agencies on behalf of adults with IDD (TRE, DVR, PASAs, Host Home Providers, Job Coaches, etc.)

Support and assist individuals with IDD to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Help navigate the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process

Assist individuals with IDD to apply for other benefits (e.g., food stamps, Medicaid)

Advocate for people with IDD within the court system

Request competency evaluations for people with IDD facing criminal charges

It is our pleasure to serve you and your loved ones. To request general advocacy, please fill out the form below. Please note that we serve El Paso, Park, and Teller Counties. If you need to find a chapter of The Arc in your local area, please click here. Please allow one business week for a response from one of our advocates. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (719) 471-4800.

Person Being Referred

Person's Name (Being referred)

Person's Email Address

Date of Referral

Date of Birth

Individual Address *

Person's Phone

Home Phone

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Is it OK to contact the person directly?

YesNo

Please list all agencies involved with providing services and the type of services provided to the person.

Person Making Referral

Address

Home Phone

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Agency Making Referral

Reason for Referral

Does the person receive services through a Medicaid Waiver?

Does the person have family involvement? (please explain)

Is the person able to make decisions for themselves? (please explain)

What types of decisions does the person require support with? (i.e. medical decisions, financial decisions, etc.)

Please describe the need for advocacy

Are there judicial issues? (please be specific)

What are the expectations for advocacy?

Does the person have knowledge of this referral and agree / consent with this request? If not, please explain why:

Please include any additional information that is pertinent to this request.

How did you hear about The Arc Pikes Peak Region?

If you are interested in guardianship, please contact Christina Butero at [email protected]

Decision Making

Help parents navigate Guardianship and less restrictive options (Supported Decision Making, Power of Attorney, etc.) and support future planning for people with IDD and their family/caregivers.

Contact Christina Butero at [email protected]

Other Support

Provide limited emergency financial assistance to meet individual needs for people with IDD
Connect people with IDD to Long-term Supports and Services through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program)
Navigate the Medicaid Waiver system by connecting individuals with the appropriate support agencies

Include U.S.A. — Self-Advocates

Our Include U.S.A. (Unique Self-Advocates) group meets monthly to build leadership skills, learn about rights, and advocate for change. Open to all adults with IDD in the Pikes Peak region.

Request Advocacy Services

Through consultation by email, telephone, and/or personal meetings, our advocates assist individuals with IDD and their families understand their resource options, as well as their rights and responsibilities in schools and in government-funded systems of care.

To request advocacy, you must submit an advocacy referral. Please contact us to get started:

(719) 471-4800 [email protected]

Explore Our Other Programs

From guardianship to school programs, we provide free services throughout life.

All Programs