Read Ability Connection Colorado’s Annual Report to the Community for FY 2018! We are very excited about the accomplishments of our organization this past year. Find more information, including:
Annual reports for Ability Connection Colorado and ACCO’s HeadStart / Early HeadStart programs:
Soon after Charlie was born I noticed his back was a ‘funny shape’, but I was afraid to say to anyone in case my fears came true. I was so anxious inside.
When Charlie was just 3 months old my husband was feeding him, and while burping him he noticed his back just wasn’t right. He told me his concerns and it was at that moment my fears became reality.
We saw the pediatrician at our local hospital who agreed that Charlie’s back looked ‘off’, and she arranged an X-ray for him. After the X-ray I was brought into the pediatricians office. I could immediately see on her screen that there was a curve in Charlie’s spine. I was absolutely devastated.
We were then referred to the main Orthopedic hospital in Northern Ireland and we were advised to watch and wait for the next 3 months.
Three months passed and we were back for repeat X-rays to see if the curve in Charlie’s spine had progressed or not. He was just 7 months old, and X-rays showed his curve had progressed from 28 degrees to 42 degrees in just 3 months. We were absolutely devastated. All I could think about was “Charlie needs his little spine to grow”.
We were told Charlie needed to go into a plaster jacket that would be changed under general anesthesia every 6 months, until he would be old enough for the first of many invasive spinal surgeries. We cried for days. We never wanted this for our baby.
Once the news sunk in, we began to research. We wanted to see what the plaster jacket would look like. After joining the Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Programs (ISOP) Facebook Group, I quickly saw there were different types of casts! That’s when I began to question what these differences were. ISOP’s Facebook Group taught me that some casts are designed to hold the curve while others are designed to correct the curve gently.
For us, it was a no brainier. We had to choose MGGC. We wanted to try to correct the curve in Charlie’s spine, and potentially avoid him needing surgery.
After many phone calls, emails and endless days and nights of research, we soon realized that MGGC was not offered here in the U.K. or Ireland. The closest hospital to offer this treatment was Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, USA.
Yes it was a huge distance, but we were willing to do whatever it took to give Charlie the best chance to avoid invasive spinal surgeries.
Thankfully after a very speedy application and approval process, Charlie was accepted for treatment at Shriner’s Philadelphia.
We traveled from Ireland to Philadelphia in April 2016 when Charlie was just 9 months old. We met with the incredible team who would be treating Charlie, and we instantly felt a huge relief knowing he was in the hands of an experienced Doctor who specialized in Early Onset Scoliosis and Mehta Casting.
Charlie had an MRI of the full spine which thankfully came back normal, and he was ready to begin treatment. His curve was now 45 degrees, and he got his first cast under general anesthesia. As parents it was a shock for us to see our tiny little baby wrapped in a plaster cast. But after the first day we soon realized that this special cast wasn’t going to hold Charlie back from meeting his milestones and doing what he wanted.
Over the next 2 years and 2 months Charlie received a series of 12 Mehta casts all under general anesthesia. We would fly back and forth across the Atlantic every 8 weeks so that Charlie could have a new cast applied.
Throughout his treatment he had regular X-rays to check how his spine was responding to the casts.
In June 2018 we received the news that we had hoped and prayed for, that Charlie’s curve was down to 9 degrees standing out of cast with a fully relaxed spine. We were just bursting with joy.
Charlie then graduated to a full time brace which he would wear for 23 hours a day until he would outgrow the brace. Over the next 2 years and 4 months Charlie a total of 3 full time braces. And in October 2020 it was agreed that Charlie could move to night time only bracing because his spine was holding at 8 degrees.
For the next 9 months Charlie enjoy his new found freedom during the day, and continued with bracing at night. He then began to outgrow his brace, and we decided to X-ray him in Dublin Ireland and send the results across to Charlie’s Doctor at Shriner’s.
To our amazement Charlie’s spine was completely straight! There was no measurable curve! This was the day we had hoped and prayed for since our journey with Charlie began. Charlie was finally cast and brace free for the first time in over 5 years.
Its been 13 months since Charlie was last in brace, and he is still monitored by X-ray every 6 months or so. At his last check he was still holding steady.
We will be forever grateful to Dr Min Mehta for developing this gentle non invasive treatment to help guide our little warriors to grow straight.
#FridayFeelings
Download a printable pdf of this guide HERE
Covid-19 Update
Our Amazing Creative Options Health Team!
Covid-19 update to our community
August 24, 2020
Dear ACCO Friends,
We wanted to take this opportunity to share with our community the impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on our programs and what steps we are taking to mitigate risks as we work toward reopening, while following the State health department guidelines. Given that ACCO serves people of every age from pre-natal moms to school-age children to youth seeking employment and older families sharing guardianship concerns about their loved ones, our organization is steadfast in believing that education, in all its forms, is the catalyst for overcoming all types of barriers. The updates below focus on our three primary areas of service:
EDUCATION
Our Creative Options program for children birth to five opened in June for a 4-week summer session focused on our children going to Kindergarten and our children receiving special education services. The session went well, and we feel assured that the children that could attend did demonstrate continued growth in all domains and expressed joy at being in school! Families also reported that this time for their children was important for them as well allowing them to stay employed while their children continued to learn. The health and safety of our teams, families and children we serve has and continues to be our top priority.
On July 20, we reopened our centers for our birth to 3-year-olds and, as of August 3rd, have also opened our preschool classrooms. Right now, we are offering a hybrid of services, providing both in-class and remote learning, depending on what families choose. For in-class learning, we have implemented several measures including:
• Following all CDC and Colorado Department of Health Guidelines.
• Augmenting staffing schedules in order to accommodate staff that also have children at home
needing care.
• We continue to provide ongoing assistance to families experiencing food, housing and
employment insecurity.
• On-site nursing provides immediate access to answer health questions and determine illnesses
when they occur.
EMPLOYMENT
Since March, the employment team at Ability Connection Colorado has been providing virtual services in a variety of ways:
• Though participation in the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) has been understandingly interrupted, ACCO staff continues to offer online virtual services to more than 50 youth.
• While mentoring participation has declined somewhat, guest speakers have been easier to arrange with less need for in-person meetings.
• With an uptick in food security and mental health issues, the RAMP team has been identifying and working with several families to provide needed resources. Staff also have noted a significant disparity between youth with disabilities and online learning. For these youth, we have helped provide or helped find and direct resources and equipment to help overcome these deficits.
• The Out of School Youth team is currently serving about 55 youth. Online Zoom sessions have been key to providing numerous classes on subjects including Financial Literacy, Mental Health Support, Workplace Etiquette and Navigating the OSY Application. Staff have also been helping youth with specific tasks such as applying for a Colorado I.D., obtaining a Social Security Card or assisting youth as they apply for Medicaid.
• Information is consistently shared among participants through newsletters and individual contact by phone.
• At a time when job placements and availability are down, employment staff continue to support participants individually with tasks like preparing job resumes and how to navigate new work environments considering the Covid-19 pandemic.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Ability Connection Colorado’s statewide support programs have been particularly busy at this time helping families stay safe and connected, while offering much needed information and resources:
• EMPOWER Colorado, with its focus on helping families cope with mental health issues, has seen a steady increase in calls regarding the uncertainty of the times we live in and the growing need for support and available resources. Beginning in the second quarter of this year, EMPOWER Colorado joined forces with Parent to Parent to broaden their collective resources and to provide additional levels of support for families in need.
• Faith in Action continues to do what it does best. Namely, to match the needs of vulnerable people with volunteers wanting to help others with their daily living skills and activities. More than ever, this service provides critical companionship and assistance at a time of isolation for many.
• Calls for information and support regarding ACCO’s Guardianship Alliance of Colorado (GAC) program have seen a steady rise during the pandemic. Aging parents are sharing their concerns and anxiety about their own health and what they can do for their loved ones should they become affected by Covid-19. The recruitment and training of guardians continues to be a major focus for GAC at this time.
• The Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program (ISOP) continues to help support families of children born with Progressive Infantile Scoliosis. Whether it’s helping families navigate the medical system or providing them with critical information and referrals regarding the life-saving techniques used in Mehta Casting, ISOP continues to be vital resource for many.
• Parent to Parent of Colorado (P2P-CO) has quickly made the transition from face-to-face meetings to online zoom gatherings where parents can share their stories and concerns, while receiving the latest information about the pandemic and guidelines for staying safe. P2P has been especially well positioned to help families at this time given their well-established web presence, their long-standing relationship with Colorado families and their growing network of information and resources.
In addition to programmatical changes, one of our greatest challenges has been the need to modify, cancel or postpone several of our special events. These critical sources of revenue are what allow us to provide the many comprehensive, life changing programs described above. While we are doing all we can to keep the lights on, it is a struggle to do so. If you can help us during these difficult times, we would be forever grateful. Whether helping spread the word about our need, volunteering or monetarily giving directly to our organization, please know that your contributions are and will make an important difference for someone in need. We recognize the challenges many are facing at this time and appreciate your consideration.
Lastly, if you are in need of support or know someone who is, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@abilityconnectioncolorado.org. We are here to help if we can.
Stay Safe and Connected,
Kathy Higgins
Chair of the Board
Judith Ham
President & CEO
Thanks to everyone who came out to our 26th year, 9-Ball Billiards event this past Saturday at The Wynkoop Brewery!! A challenge dedicated to Kyle E. Fisher. We had a blast! Thanks to the Fisher family, Denver Firefighters Local 858, Colorado Professional Fire Fighters all of our sponsors, volunteers and the ACCO team for making this a huge success. See more photos from the event : https://www.abilityconnectioncolorado.org/special-events/billiards-challenge/
The drawing was for the All-New 2019 Porsche Macan S or $50,000 Cash. See https://abilityconnectioncolorado.tapkat.org/wina2019porschemacans to find out more. Next drawing coming this January!
On December 7th, ACCO hosted a SUIT UP event from 10:00-2:00pm. We received a generous donation of masculine clothing such suits, shirts, and ties from Men’s Warehouse thanks to TKC Inc. We invited families and youth to join our RAMP team at ACCO to pick out a free professional outfit. This was an exciting opportunity to support our clients in the community we serve.
Judy Ham, President and CEO of Ability Connection Colorado in an interview with Scott Cowperthwaite of TV8 Summit, Outside TV, and Summit CH 16 about Wine in the Pines!
Ability Connection Colorado held its Annual Meeting for fiscal year 2018 on Friday, April 5, 2019. The well-attended meeting featured a number of speakers who shared outcomes and highlights from all of our programs as well as a review of our special events held during FY 2018. The meeting was capped off with the presentation of Ability Connection Colorado’s annual awards which recognized the outstanding contributions of key staff and community partners in a number of different categories. Special thanks to all who participated in the annual meeting and to all of our deserving award winners! Pictures from the event and a listing of award winners are summarized below.
2018 Outstanding Corporate Sponsor of the Year
The Frohlick Family
2018 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
The Romero Family
2018 Outstanding Perseverance & Determination Award
Heather Hyatt Montoya
2018 Outstanding Special Educator of the Year
Sara Randolph
2018 Outstanding Teacher of the Year
Maria Cardoza Alvarado
2018 Employee of the Year Award
Tracie Hammons
Civic Responsibility for All: Jury Duty
When our son Aaron turned 18, he started getting pink government envelopes in the mail, and I was not thrilled.
Jury Duty summons…
In principal I support our constitutional right to a jury trial by our peers. However, I thought Aaron would not be able to serve and he would be excused.
The first time he was summoned I went through all the paperwork to get him excused (it required a couple of doctors’ notes and a description from me as to why we felt he could not serve) – it was a pain! Over the years, Aaron has received several other summons and his number has not been called; one time his number was called and we showed up at the court house but were dismissed by noon.
This fall, he got summoned again and yes, his number was required to show up. We dutifully made arrangements to appear.
Aaron didn’t remember our past experience two years ago, but I told him, “don’t worry, they won’t seat you.” Of course I had to keep explaining words, like why it is called a summons or a call, what does it mean to ‘seat’ you, etc.
We had my husband drive us so we didn’t have to deal with parking in Denver County. I accompanied him to sign in and told the clerk that he had a cognitive disability, I was his assistant and asked if they would like us to leave?
Nope. We went into the big waiting room and watched the video with the rest of the potential jurors. And then you wait.
Aaron was a bit anxious and I kept assuring him most likely we would just sit enjoying our coffee and in an hour or so they would dismiss us so we could go have lunch. If his number was called the plan was to tell the court clerk that he has a cognitive disability and surely they would dismiss him. A half hour later sure enough his number was called and I prompted him to raise his hand and say ‘Here’ like the other people whose numbers had been called.
We went out into the hallway with the rest of the potential jurors and listened to the court clerk explain what would happen next: go upstairs to courtroom number D, line up, remove our hats, be quiet & respectful, and sit in the order in which we were placed.
As we waited for our turn in the elevator I explained to the clerk that Aaron had a cognitive, as well as, a physical disability, I had guardianship and was his assistant for the day. I said he was willing to serve but would need my help and she said she would notify the judge. I figured we would never even make it into the court room.
Imagine my surprise when we were all up there and they lined him up, with me behind Aaron!
The clerk informed me that I would sit in the chair at the end of the jury box and that Aaron would sit in his wheelchair right next to me! (By the way, the jury box is NOT wheelchair accessible).
He was pretty nervous but was taking his potential responsibility very seriously. I tried to explain to him that we would still probably be excused but I would assist him with whatever was necessary. He said it felt like he was going to jail. I can understand that, but did my best to keep him calm. We were seated and the judge gave explanations, introduced the lawyers and defendant then explained different reasons people might not feel they could in good conscience serve.
When asked if we had been involved in a similar situation to the charges involved (this was a criminal trial, not a civil one) one person answered yes and was dismissed. Then a woman went up to the bench white noise began so we could not hear what was being said as lawyers from both sides discussed with her and the judge. Then she was excused and left. Next a man who works in the jail as a deputy was excused. They asked if anyone had ever testified in a trial, criminal or civil proceeding so I leaned over to Aaron and told him he needed to raise his hand to tell that he had spoken at his guardianship hearing. The judge asked him if his guardian was there with him and he said yes, his mom and pointed to me. So she asked my name, confirmed that I had guardianship and asked me to come forward with the counsels.
I was very impressed at how respectful they all were. They asked me if Aaron could understand what was being presented and listen to the witnesses. I said that if I were to translate into very simple terms that yes, he would be able to get the gist of what was going on, but that it would take time and I would have to be able to speak with him as the trial was progressing. They asked if I could be fair and non-prejudiced as I did that. I said yes, I thought that I could. He votes every year and I take the time to read through the blue book with him, giving plain English, simple translations of the various candidates and issues being voted on. The fact that he doesn’t always vote the same way as I do I think is testimony to my being fair and unbiased in those explanation.
The defense attorney asked if he could participate in jury deliberations without my participation. I said I didn’t think he would be able to grasp the possible discussions that would take place and if there was a particularly strong minded juror he could either be persuaded or bullied or he could dig his heals in and be oppositional. But that if we explained to him the significance of the deliberation process he would try his hardest to understand and come to a conclusion based upon what he heard.
I did say I thought the time needed for him to process information and his cognitive disabilities would make it a very difficult situation. Because he couldn’t do the private jury deliberations without my assistance both the defense and the prosecutor felt that was sufficient cause to excuse him. The judge agreed and everyone thanked our son and myself for being responsible and offering our service.
It was really quite an amazing experience. I was glad that two others had been excused before him so Aaron didn’t feel like he was being singled out for his disability. Ultimately he was very glad not to have to serve and we went off to a lovely lunch and I walked away marveling at how far we have come as a society that he would get
that far into the process before being dismissed.
Never miss a chance to let our sons and daughters rise to the occasion! We talked at length about our rights, our responsibilities, and our privileges as citizens and our chances to serve. I was so delighted that Aaron and I had this experience in civic responsibility!
Want to know what it is like to serve on a jury? Watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNqt5NStkTY
How would you support your son or daughter if they are called to Jury Duty? Share your ideas with us by emailing: Parents@P2P-CO.groups.io
All services at Parent to Parent are provided free to families. However, we rely on donations of generous supporters like you to keep our programs going strong! Donate today at coloradogives.org/P2PCO
HS/EHS FY 2018 Annual Report
HS/EHS FY 2018 Annual Report in Spanish