People with disabilities are a powerful force in our democratic system! And when government policies and systems impact daily living across the disability community, it is vital to exercise the right to vote. This storytelling TALKS series, The Power of the Disability Vote is a call to action from advocates with legal, government, and lived experiences.

As the world becomes more digital by the day, access to communities and resources expands—but only for those with the technology to reach them. Without internet access, many find themselves isolated from essential services. Digital equity ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully engage with digital content.

Elizabeth Moran, JD, from The Arc of Colorado, joins us in this episode of the THINK+change podcast/vodcast to discuss why accessible travel should really matter to everyone. With barriers to accessible transportation being a key focus in disability advocacy today, Elizabeth shares her valuable expertise on outstanding needs and paths towards progress in transportation!

“We haven’t been hearing a lot of disabled folks’ stories, and those are some of the most important, most interesting stories in the world,” says Ben Raanan, Artistic Director of Phamaly Theatre, a local Denver theatre for artists with disabilities, who joins THINK+change for this month’s podcast.   The stories we consume shape so much of our perception and narrative of the world around us, which makes representation so important. Ben Raanan knows this better than most, since he has been fostering stories of disability to the stage for years. For Ben, it’s about creating the best art possible, redefining artistic conventions, and in this episode, he shares the how and why of disability storytelling!

When law enforcement is called out to a crisis involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the situation is complicated. Communication challenges, a lack of training, and a misunderstanding of someone’s disability, can all lead to unfortunate challenging outcomes.   From THINK+change, Building Bridges: People with Disabilities and Law Enforcement is series of mini-documentaries diving into the IDD community’s experience with police. Each story highlights progress and the continued need for conversation and steps towards solutions. Solutions that prioritize both justice and compassion.

For so many, art is the opportunity for growth through expression, communication, and building confidence. It creates communities, jobs, and so much more. And yet the pathway to pursuing the arts is left out of the conversation for so many people with disabilities.  

We sat down with Jaime Lewis, RTD (Regional Transportation District) Director for District A in Denver, Transit Advisor for CCDC (Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition), and multi-disciplinary artist. From the stage to art galleries, Jaime has been breaking the barriers in the arts for years and wants to continue creating opportunities for more artists with disabilities.

It can be tough to find the right balance between respecting the rights and needs of people with IDD who commit sex offenses and keeping the community safe. But it is important to support them in a way that leads to growth, reduces risk, and improves their quality of life.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kyle Lucas, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping people with developmental disabilities. With years of experience in treating individuals with problematic sexual behavior, Dr. Lucas sits down with us to discuss the strategies and approaches to create lasting change.

Disabilities are not always going to be obvious to others! The decision to share one’s disability is also highly personal and it can be a difficult one as they may face skepticism, disbelief, or stigma from others who cannot understand the extent of their disability or needs.  

In this insightful podcast/vodcast episode, we sit down with a remarkable young adult, entrepreneur, and self-advocate, who explains the reality of growing up with an invisible disability. Even at a young age, he is determined to have a voice, as he speaks up for himself and others with disabilities. Join us for a story of resilience, creativity, and living life to the fullest!

The journey of raising a child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) may require unwavering support from parent advocates who champion their children’s rights, voices, inclusion, and overall needs. For parents of children, both adults and youth, navigating this advocacy path often becomes a lifelong commitment. In this THINK+change podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Cindy, a seasoned parent advocate in Colorado. With over 30 years of experience advocating for her son, Cindy shares invaluable insights for fellow parents on their own advocacy journeys.

A bonus episode within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode reviews Systemic Gaps and Policy Solutions with Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet.

• Treatment gaps for people with co-occurring disorders and disabilities
• Harm Reduction policy in Colorado
• Lived experiences and data needed to reduce stigma and improve policy
• Policy change needed to address barriers and discrimination in treatment services
• Reach out to your legislators to tell them the barriers you or someone you know is facing when it comes to substance use and having a disability.