The Arc of Colorado COVID-19 Information and Resources

Due to COVID-19, The Arc of Colorado’s office will be closed to outside visitors until further notice. Our staff will be working in the office and/or remotely (as appropriate) and will be able to participate in meetings virtually. We recognize that there is still important work to do, and we’re striving to perform those vital services while helping stop the community spread of Coronavirus.

We have provided some additional information and resources for families below. Please note this is a rapidly changing situation. You can check back frequently to find updates.

COVID-19 vaccine updates:

The CDC has approved an additional booster dose for people who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. People over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster four months after their prior dose to increase their protection.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 31, 2022. The Moderna vaccine has been available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 18 years of age and older since Dec. 18, 2020.

The COVID-19 Pfizer booster is approved for anyone 12 and older. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment encourages all Coloradans age 12 and up to get a booster dose as soon as possible if it has been at least six months since they got their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or at least two months since they got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As a reminder, children ages 5-11 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines and boosters are common practice in routine childhood vaccination. Many vaccines require multiple doses at specific intervals to be most effective. Anyone with questions about boosters is encouraged to speak with their health care provider.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and where to find them. Anyone who needs help making a vaccine appointment should call 1-877-268-2926. Health First Colorado members who need help finding a ride to get to a vaccine appointment can use the Non-Emergent Medical Transportation benefit.
You can get a vaccine at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Cardinal, Costco, City Market, and King Soopers pharmacies. Most of these pharmacies take walk-ins and same-day appointments.

The Department of Health and Human Services has a text line that can help you find a pharmacy with vaccines. Text your zip code to 438829 to find a vaccine appointment in your neighborhood.

Rapid At-Home testing program | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

You can also visit vaccinefinder.org for a map of vaccine providers near you.

View a map of vaccine providers, including doctor’s offices, across Colorado.

List of vaccine providers in each county.

List of local public health agencies in Colorado. Many local public health agencies have vaccine clinics in their communities.

Schedule an in-home vaccination visit: You can call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) and an agent can help you register for an in-home vaccination. The call line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT and in multiple languages. If you are unable to make the call, a caregiver, family member, or friend can call on your behalf.

Need a ride to your vaccine appointment? Mile High United Way’s Ride United program is providing access to free rides (up to 25 miles each way) to vaccination sites across Colorado. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org to learn more.

National: Biden Administration launched covid.gov, a new website to help people access vaccines, tests, treatments, and high-quality masks. COVID.gov is available in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese and is accessible for those using assistive technologies.

For individuals with disabilities who may need additional support, the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to help at 1-888-677-1199 or via email at DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

Looking for Information on Rental Assistance?

As part of the American Rescue Plan, Congress authorized billions of dollars in federal rental assistance for renters behind on housing costs, as well as landlords who have struggled during the pandemic. This new tool will streamline a renter’s and/or landlord’s ability to determine if they are eligible for the assistance now available with rental payments, utilities, and other housing expenses.  consumerfinance.gov/renthelp

Help for Renters

English  | Spanish 

Help for landlords

English  | Spanish 

Looking for a Guide to Your Child’s Educational Rights During This Pandemic and Virtual Schooling?

A handbook was developed by the Colorado chapters of The Arc (AdvocacyDenver is the Denver chapter), Disability Law Colorado and the Native American Disability Law Center. It provides general information and steps you can take to preserve your child’s rights regardless of where they are being educated. In addition, it includes checklists, sample letters as tools when you work with your child’s school or district.

Considering Returning to Day Programs?

Please use our interactive tools to help you consider the options, risks, and benefits. We recommend opening these tools and converting them back to a word document in order to fill them out, or using an online fillable PDF tool.

Day Program Checklist

Day Program Person Centered Plan

Resources and Context- Day Program Return

Considering Returning to School?

Please use our checklist in your considerations. If you need assistance, reach out to your local chapter of The Arc.

Educational Program Checklist

REVISION DE PROGRAMAS EDUCACIÓN ESPECIAL

Need COVID-19 Testing?

Contact Stride:

STRIDE Customer Care Center: 303-360-6276

COVID-19 Resources by The Arc of Colorado and the Center for Dignity:

Information for self-advocates about Colorado’s rationing plan: Plain Language Document

Information for health-care workers on assisting people with disabilities: Center for Dignity in Health Care fact sheet on rights for people with disabilities

Information for First-Responders on assisting people with disabilities: COVID-19 Tips for First Responders

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Colorado HCPF Updates:

Please visit this page to see guidance from The Department of Health Care, Policy, and Financing about COVID-19 – https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/covid

Housing and Shelter Resources:

Rent Assistance/TRUA:

https://www.nedenverhousing.org/news-events/temporary-rental-utility-assistance-trua/

Energy Assistance – Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP):

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/leap

Respite Resources

https://www.coloradorespitecoalition.org/

Entertainment:

Short films featuring people with disabilities: http://sproutflix.org/virtual-sprout-film-festival/

Animal Live Streams: https://mashable.com/article/best-zoo-animal-livestreams/

Join  denveropenmedia.org and on facebook for some upcoming livestream events!

  • This Saturday, March 21st at 6:30 pm, comedians will perform live on the radio and Facebook as part of a fundraiser to support performers whose livelihood has been taken by the current epidemic.
  • Next Friday, March 27th at 6:30 pm, we’ll host an all-virtual Sacred Voices indigenous spoken word, poetry, and music performance.
  • Then, on the First Friday April 3rd at 8 pm, we’ll host our first ever virtual Open Music Sessions. Doors will be closed with no live audience, but you’ll still be able to watch and listen to comedy and music from Native Station.

A simple explanation of federal legislation: