The Arc of Aurora

03/03/2026

Jack Johnson, Public Liaison at Disability Law Colorado discusses the fine line of regulation and keeping host homes available to people with disabilities.

Hear more from her at thinkchange.info/CommLivingPOD

Or listen to as a Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or iHeartRadio!

03/02/2026

Last week The Arc of Aurora and two self advocate trainers presented at the 2026 COVA Basic Academy, hosted by the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance.

We led a multi-hour training about supporting crime victims with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We shared communication tips, local resources, and lived experiences.

Many participants said the session was helpful and shared how much they appreciated hearing directly from people with IDD. Proud to help make victim services more accessible and inclusive across Colorado.

02/25/2026

Throwback from the THINK+change archives!

What is digital equity and why does it matter?

Digital equity ensures everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully participate in today’s digital world. In this episode, Gabriel Gates shares insights on digital equity vs. accessibility, common barriers, emerging technology, and how policy shapes access.

What can you or your organization do to advance digital inclusion?

🎧 Watch or listen: https://buff.ly/aO2Td9X



Image description: A headshot of the guest of the podcast, Gabriel Gates, a man with short brown hair, Coordinator for Disability Support Services at Front-Range Community College, and the host Petri Brill, a woman with shoulder length brown hair, with a black microphone and three green sound lines around both headshots. Text reads Digital Equity. In the top corner is the Think Change Podcast Vodcast album cover. At the bottom are the logos for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

02/22/2026

Debunking Myths & Misinformation in Disability Planning:

A presentation that debunks the top 20 myths about disability benefits and planning.

Presenters are from The Legacy Planning Group, Easterseals Colorado, and T3 Disability Planning.

Get clarity. Get accurate information. Plan with confidence.

Find more details in the flyer below! And RSVP here: https://buff.ly/YgIxmyt

02/22/2026

02/20/2026

🎉 Disability Rights Awareness Month Spotlight 🎉

The best disability policy happens when people with disabilities help shape it. From major policy wins like Medicaid Buy-In to advice for future advocates, this episode highlights the power of disabled voices in policy spaces.

In our PODVOD featuring Hillary Jorgensen, Co-Executive Director of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, shares how disability policy is made, why representation matters, and how advocacy leads to real change.

🔗https://thinkchange.info/PolicyPODVOD



Image description: Think Change Podcast Vodcast logo that includes a black microphone. Below, is a headshot of the guest of the podcast, Hillary Jorgensen, a woman with long brown hair, Co-Executive Director of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and the host Petri Brill, a woman with shoulder length brown hair, with a black microphone and three green sound lines around both headshots. Text reads How Policy-Shaping Happens. Made possible through support from Developmental Pathways, Dungarvin, arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora.

02/18/2026

This month’s episode of the THINK+change podcast dives into how we keep people with disabilities safe in paid community living options. Jack Johnson from Disability Law Colorado joins us to dive into the regulations, gaps, and potential solutions!

🔗https://buff.ly/12G2Ooz

Made possible through support from Developmental Pathways, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Rocky Mountain ADA Center, Arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora!



Image description: Think Change Podcast Vodcast logo that includes a black microphone. Below, is a headshot of the guest of the podcast, Jack Johnson, JD, Public Policy Liaison at Disability Law Colorado, a man with short light brown hair and glasses, and host, Petri Brill, a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, with a black microphone and three green sound lines around both headshots. Text reads Safety in Community Living Options. Made possible through support from Developmental Pathways, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, arc Thrift Stores, Rocky Mountain ADA Center, and The Arc of Aurora.

02/17/2026

“Voting is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The SAVE America Act moves our country away from its foundational principles and will make it more difficult for disabled people, rural, low-income, and voters of color to participate. Barriers to documentation and restrictive voting rules are not neutral. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, this legislation would weaken our democracy, making the voting process less accessible and our elections less representative,” said Alexia Kemerling, American Association of People with Disabilities's Director of Accessible Democracy.

Working together to help people with disabilities Access The Right To Vote!

02/13/2026

✨ A powerful read! ✨

Rosa Parks is rightly remembered for sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott — but her legacy goes far beyond that. Decades after her courageous act, her example helped inspire disability rights activism, including protests around accessible public transportation and the broader fight for equal access. The ripple effects of her resistance remind us how interconnected movements for justice truly are. 🚌✊💛

Check out this article to learn how her influence helped shape the disability rights movement and continues to inspire change today!

Decades after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, these activists in Chicago turned to Parks’ playbook to broaden disability access.

02/13/2026

Take a look at the workshops our staff will be providing throughout 2026! We encourage you to attend as many as you can! We know you’ll get lots out of it!

02/12/2026

If you are new to supporting people with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD), this is the course for you!

Dive into these important things to know about IDD today: thinkchange.info/IDDBasics-SOC

02/10/2026

This Black History Month, we’re sharing stories about race and disability.

People experience disability in different ways. Race and culture can also affect how people are treated. Everyone should be able to take part in daily life, no matter their race, background, or disability—but many people still face barriers.

Our THINK+change TALKS mini-documentary series shares the real stories of four people from different racial backgrounds, including Black, North African Arab, Vietnamese, and Latino individuals, who have a connection to disability.

They talk about:
• discrimination they have faced
• successes they have had
• what still needs to change

🎥 Watch the videos here: https://buff.ly/2T6BUkT

This series was made possible with support from PASCO (Personal Assistance Services of Colorado), Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Guided by Humanity, Developmental Pathways, Arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora



Image description: Think Change Storytelling Talks logo that includes a black microphone with a cord. Below are the four individuals featured in the series. Text reads The Intersection of Race & Disability. Made possible through support from Guided by Humanity, CCDC, Developmental Pathways, PASCO, arc Thrift Stores, and The Arc of Aurora.