Next Week
September 9, 2015
John Reid
Metro Community Provider
President Rob wanted to encourage attendance
next week. A new RI award for spouses has been
established and one of our member's spouse will
receive it. Several people from District 5450 will
be here to make the award.
Save the Dates
Kimberly Armitage announced several event dates:
Sept 9 Special Spouse Award
Sept 30 Rotational at Tenaker Pet Care
Oct 20 Area 2 Assembly at The Tavern @
3609 S. Dawson St.
Oct 21 Dark no meeting at Double Tree
Dec 19 Holiday Party at the Franciscan
Jan 9 President's Dinner
Note: Area 2 Assy is an evening event for all members.
Tables will designated according to topics. Members
with these interests are asked to share their experiences
on these topics. In the past, heavy hors doevres have
been served.
Fitness Festival Grant
Kimberly Armitage presented a $1500 award to
Janice Napper with Cherry Creek Schools to support
Fitness Festival which will take place September 12
at The Stutler Bowl,9300 E. Union Ave. 80111. The
event goes from 7:00am to 12:00pm
What is This?
This Week
September 2, 2015
Ability Connection
Tiffani Lennon was introduced by Thiensa Nuygen to talk about the Ability Connection
Colorado.
Ability Connection is a charter school in APS. There are 5 locations all located in
Aurora for 70 years, There are 800 children per site. They teach children with
intellectual disabilities. Their focus is:
Education
Employment
Family Support
There are 1200 students in early learning and 3000 students in K-12,
There are 260,000 students that need mental health in Colorado
There are 819 on the wait list for Ability Connection.
From AbilityConnectionColorado.org
In 1946, nine mothers of children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities met in the waiting room
at Children’s Hospital and found themselves faced with a significant challenge, the difficult decision of whether or not to place
their children in institutions. At that time, both opportunities for public education and the chance to lead a productive and functional
life was non-existent for children with disabilities.
These brave and visionary moms forged ahead to create a legacy that forever changed the lives of their children, as well as, laying
the foundation of change that affects thousands of Coloradoans today, the founding of Cerebral Palsy of Colorado. Within a short
time, there were over one hundred eighteen CP of Colorado members!
This fledgling organization started as a school in a church offering education, socialization and therapies for all children with disabilities, all ages,
no matter their disability. The operation was run entirely by teachers, volunteers and family members. Somehow, through the
generous financial support and in-kind services from families, individuals and local companies, the doors of the CP of Colorado
school stayed open.
In 1949, CP of Colorado and the clients it served receive great news; the Colorado legislature allocates $50,000 for educating
children with disabilities. While it is limited to one segregated classroom, matched with the efforts of CP’s school, it represents
a significant win for the disabilities community.
Through the incredible efforts of Gerald Phipps (a well-known Denver developer), the Denver construction industry and
twenty-two labor unions, the “gleaming castle of hope”, was built, a real school for children and youth with disabilities.
This unique CP school opens its doors in 1953, at 2727 Columbine Street in Denver. Fifty-three children were
enrolled initially, and the first School Board was appointed to oversee the school’s operation, while a Medical Panel was
setup to determine eligibility.
Colorado Insurance Professionals
13693 E. Iliff Ave #115
Aurora, Co. 80014
Steve Brunston
303 755-8600
Tenaker Pet Care Centers
895 Laredo St.
Aurora, Co. 80011
Dick Schutt
303 366-2376
Craig Wagner Law Firm
4601 DTC Boulevard, #950
Denver, Co. 80237-2575
Craig Wagner
303 220-8004
Preferred Auto Glass
8400 E. Iliff Ave.
Denver, Co. 80231
Chuck Cluster
303 745-8400