Nancy Bach, 63, can handle most of the daily tasks for her 36-year-old niece, Elizabeth, who has developmental disabilities. But Bach’s hands shake with persistent tremors, making it impossible to fill the pillboxes that sort her niece’s complicated array of prescriptions. The two of them need help, and good help is hard to find. When […]
developmental disabilities
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Unemployment may be dropping in Colorado, but for at least one vulnerable group it’s rising
In April, May and June of last year, Colorado’s unemployment rate was well over 11%. Thankfully, as we have started to come out of the pandemic, that number has fallen considerably, down to 6.2% as of May. Soon, I hope, we will return to pre-COVID numbers — between 2.5% and 3%. However, there is a […]
Posted inColoradans, Health, News, Politics and Government
Colorado will finally get hundreds off the waitlist for disabilities services. But not everyone.
Joni Krickbaum found out recently that her son, who is 34 and has severe disabilities, will soon get a spot in a state program for people who need round-the-clock help with personal care and supervision. It only took 20 years. Krickbaum immediately cried when she got word two weeks ago that her son would soon […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities should qualify now for COVID-19 vaccination
We all can agree that 2020 was perhaps one of the most difficult years any of us have ever experienced. As we settle into this new year, I am focused on remaining optimistic and positive about the changes I hope to come. But I am also worried. I am the president and CEO of Arc […]
Posted inCOVID, Education, Health, Politics and Government
Colorado’s coronavirus budget crunch is putting Democratic accomplishments at risk
Anna Layden makes $57,000 a year as an educator in Durango and owes the same amount in student debt after putting herself through college and graduate school. To pay it down, she applied for a $5,000 loan repayment through a new initiative for Colorado teachers. Deana Cairo wanted to see her 19-year-old son with developmental […]
Posted inHealth, News, Politics and Government
Colorado vowed to end the waitlist for an adult disability program by 2020. Nearly 3,000 people are still waiting.
Like most people in their 20s, Brennan Froehlke wants to move out of his parents’ house and share a place with friends. His parents, Margaret and Bob Froehlke, have been meticulously planning for the day for more than 12 years. That’s how long ago they signed up for a developmental and intellectual disabilities program –– […]