The IC Blog
Autism Awareness Month: Holland’s Story
While many people with autism share similarities, each individual’s experience is unique and personal. Just ask Holland Pentz, Quality and Support Specialist for The Independence Center’s (The IC’s) Veteran in Charge (VIC) program. A thoughtful young woman with bright eyes and an inquisitive mind, she’s been with The IC seven years. Upon meeting her, one might notice that she’s a little shy or that...
Living with a Rare Disorder: Evelyn’s Story
February 28 is designated as Rare Disease Day, which raises awareness for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. One of those is 8-year-old Evelyn Langdon who was born with a rare chromosome disorder called 4q duplication. Does this slow Evelyn down? Not one bit!
Honoring the Stories of Black Americans with Disabilities
Celebrating International Day of People with Disabilities
Honoring Our Veterans
CEO Patricia Yeager to Retire; Indy Frazee Named as Successor
After 10 years as The Independence Center's (The IC's) chief executive officer, Patricia Yeager, Ph.D., has announced she will retire from the organization effective November 1, 2021. At that time, Indy Frazee, currently The IC’s home health administrator, will assume the role of CEO.
Amtrak Agrees to Settlement Over Alleged ADA Violations
Saying Thanks During National Nurse’s Week 2021
Day in and day out, nurses give their all to provide care and comfort as they protect and save lives. Nurses always work hard, but never has their impact been more apparent than over the last year. While they deserve more recognition than they get, National Nurse's Week is one small way to let them know they're appreciated.
Celebrating the Lasting Legacy of Black Disability Advocates
As Black History Month winds down, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the African-American civil rights movement and the impact that Black activists have made on the disability rights movement. Disability rights...
The IC Honored by Staff as a 2020 Best Workplace
We are excited to announce that The Independence Center was recently recognized as one of the Gazette's Best Workplaces for 2020. This award is special to us because, in order to be eligible, a business must be nominated by...
Practicing Self-Compassion: Tips for Health Care Workers and Caregivers
Written by Carrie Baatz, Community Training Coordinator for The IC Originally published by Colorado Community Health Alliance In this season of COVID-19, we are living in times of immense stress […]
10 Tips for Working with American Sign Language Interpreters Virtually
By Rebecca Hull, IL Specialist Outreach Almost overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we communicate. Everything from school classes to work meetings to religious services are now being held […]
Patricia Yeager, CEO, Honored as a 2020 Woman of Influence
Congratulations to The Independence Center’s CEO, Patricia Yeager, Ph.D., who was recently named as a 2020 Women of Influence award winner by the Colorado Springs Business Journal (CSBJ). She is […]
Accessible Voting at The IC
With the election just days away, the deadline has passed to return your ballot by mail. However, we invite you to join us here at The Independence Center, 729 S. Tejon […]
Survey Results: Addressing the Needs of Southern Colorado’s Disability Community
The Independence Center Recognized by the Aging and Disability Business Institute
The Aging and Disability Business Institute has presented The Independence Center with The John A. Hartford Foundation 2020 Business Innovation Award Honorable Mention. The Independence Center was recognized for its […]
Can you give us your thoughts?
The IC’s building reopens June 15
To our consumers, clients, and friends, It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three months since we closed our buildings to outside visitors. We made the decision to close even […]
From Our CEO: The IC Stands in Solidarity
Dear friends, Like so many others in our country and across the world, I am horrified by the murder of George Floyd. Even more horrific is that this is not […]
Caring for Your Dental Health During COVID-19
To help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the safety of both patients and providers, many dental practices are delaying routine procedures like cleanings. However, staying on […]
What Safer-at-Home Means for You and The IC
Dear friends, Starting this week, Colorado is transitioning from the stay-at-home order to the safer-at-home phase. Although residents are no longer ordered to stay at home, we are being strongly […]
A Note from Patricia: Know Your Health Care Rights During COVID
Dear friends, We all appreciate the heroes in the health care field who are putting themselves on the front lines for our safety. But unfortunately, some are being hampered by […]
A note from Patricia: How about some good news?
Dear friends, These days, it seems that everywhere we turn, there’s bad news. And because we’re all so connected through our computers, tablets, and phones, it can feel impossible to […]
A Note from Patricia: Creative Ways to Connect During COVID
Dear friends, This week, the governor extended the state’s Stay-at-Home order through April 26, 2020, which means at least a few more weeks of social distancing for most of us. […]
A Note from Patricia: Coping with Social Distancing & Isolation
Dear friends, Since Colorado governor Jared Polis issued the state’s Stay-at-Home Order, most of us are primarily confined in our home, only leaving for quick trips to gather essentials. While these […]
Edgar Morales: ¿Por qué el Censo 2020 es importante para usted y su comunidad?
Una vez cada 10 años, el gobierno federal exige que los residentes de los Estados Unidos sean contados a través del Censo de los Estados Unidos. En el video a […]
Patricia Yeager: Why Census 2020 Matters to You and Your Community
Once every 10 years, residents of the United States are required by the federal government to be counted through the U.S. Census. In the video below, Patricia Yeager, CEO of […]
Paul Spotts: The Census and Community Planning
For Paul Spotts, Assistive Technology Specialist for The IC, the Census is important because it affects planning and funding for our local communities. This includes infrastructure like transit, road construction, […]
Matthew Ruggles: How the Census Affects Education and Employment
The IC’s Matthew Ruggles is an IL Specialist with emphasis on Deaf and hard of hearing. In the video below, he explains some of the ways that an accurate Census […]
Daniel Ratcliff: Why the Census Matters to Me
Information about the 2020 Census is now being mailed out to every household in America. The U.S. Constitution mandates that every person living in the United States be counted every […]
A Note from Patricia: COVID Update and Available Resources
Dear friends, This week, Governor Polis issued a Stay-at-Home Order, mandating that residents must remain in their homes except to conduct essential business and activities, However, we want you to […]
COVID-19: A Message to Our Consumers, Clients, and Friends
COVID-19 – Our Staff Is Here for You To our consumers, clients, and friends, With the rise of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the U.S. and locally, we understand that these […]
Partnership Breaks Down Barriers to Safe Hospital Discharge
When a complex illness or injury occurs, individuals who don’t have the resources to recover in their homes may end up in the hospital for an extended time. This results […]
100-Year-Old Veteran Still Young at Heart
Retired Army Master Sergeant Albert C. Mosley beamed as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to him at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Colorado Springs. He had good reason to smile. […]
Vietnam Vet Maintains His Independence with VIC Program
Vincent Thoms is a Vietnam veteran who loves the A-frame home he has in Teller County. A widower who lives alone, Vincent requires the use of oxygen for a heart […]
VIC Program Helps Veteran Remain in Her Home
Marilyn is a local Veteran who became a person with a disability during her years of service in the Army. She suffered from several different service-related health issues, including spinal […]
Accessibility Done Right: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Just outside of the small town of Florissant, Colorado, lies one of the most diverse fossil deposits in the world. In 1969, the area was established as Florissant Fossil Beds […]
Understanding Physical Disabilities
A physical disability is one that either permanently or temporarily restricts movement in the upper or lower limbs, or limits physical functioning, dexterity, coordination, or stamina. Like most disabilities, anyone […]
Podcast: A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Weed
by Amber Carlton In Episode 9 of the Real Empowerment Podcast, Daniel Ratcliff and Rebecca Michael of The Independence Center sit down with Dr. Matthew A. Weed, a consumer […]
Understanding Mental Health Conditions
by Amber Carlton Mental health conditions are often invisible disabilities. In other words, it can be difficult to know that someone has a mental health condition just by looking […]
Staying Independent with Hospital to Home
by Amber Carlton Imagine being admitted to the hospital after becoming seriously injured or ill. Then imagine being told that you will be unable to return home any time […]
Understanding Cognitive Disabilities
by Amber Carlton “Cognitive disability” is a broad term that encompasses a variety of conditions and is not always well-defined. In general, however, it refers to individuals who have […]
Podcast: Creating Accessible Parking Lots
by Amber Carlton In Episode 7 of the Real Empowerment Podcast, Daniel Ratcliff of The Independence Center speaks with Pat Going and Teri Ulrich about their business, ADA Services […]
Understanding Disability: Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Understanding Disability: Blindness and Low Vision
by Amber Carlton When many of us think about blindness, we imagine someone who is totally without sight. So it may surprise you that only 15% of people with […]
Real Empowerment Podcast: Putting Veterans in Charge
by Amber Carlton In Episode 6 of the Real Empowerment Podcast, The Independence Center’s (The IC) Veteran in Charge (VIC) Manager Marsha Unruh and Veteran Coach Coordinator Ashley Billington […]
Know Your Rights With Your Service Animals – Part 4
by Nikki Stewart Air Carrier Access Act – Part 4 To round out the four part series on service animal laws we are concluding our “Know Your […]
Know Your Rights With Your Service Animals – Part 3
by Nikki Stewart Fair Housing Act- Part 3 In the third part of our “Know Your Rights With Your Service Animal” series we take a look at […]
Real Empowerment Podcast: Assistance Animals
by Amber Carlton Assistance Animals allow people with disabilities to access the world in new and exciting ways. But assistance animals also have been greatly debated in the public […]
Podcast: Disability Awareness and Community Interactions
by Amber Carlton In Episode 3 of the Real Empowerment Podcast, a panel of people with disabilities discusses funny, interesting, and head-scratching interactions they’ve had with the public. Hear […]
Know Your Rights With Your Service Animals – Part 2
by Nikki Stewart Colorado Assistance Animal Law- Part 2 In the second part of our “Know Your Rights With Your Service Animal” series we take a look […]
Know Your Rights With Your Service Animals – Part 1
by Nikki Stewart Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Part 1 In the state of Colorado, we have four laws which address service animals. We will cover […]
Innovative CNA Training Program Opens Doors for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
When it comes to employment opportunities for the d/Deaf/Hard of Hearing (d/D/HoH) community, breaking into the medical field can be tough. “But it’s actually a great fit,” says Rebecca Hull, […]
Podcast: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
In Episode Two of the Real Empowerment Podcast, The IC’s Daniel Ratcliff discussed inclusive emergency preparedness with Sadie Martinez, the Access and Functional Needs Coordinator for the Colorado Office of […]
Get Paid to Be Caregiver for Spouse or Family Member in Colorado
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need […]
Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) in Colorado
If you’ve read Stephen Ambrose’s book Band of Brothers or seen Steven Spielberg’s and Tom Hank’s HBO miniseries production of that story, you’re familiar with the person and character of Cpt. Herbert […]
In-Home Support Services (IHSS) in Colorado
I’m about to give you the good news about In-Home Support Services (IHSS) in Colorado. The good news is IHSS is available in Colorado if you’re on certain Medicaid Home and […]
Participant Directed Services for Home Health Care in Colorado
Long Term Care Changes Put the Power in Your Hands Once upon a time, being elderly or having a disability that affected your ability to care for yourself meant you […]
History of Long Term Services and Supports in Colorado
We have a lot going for us in Colorado when it comes to the quality and access of long term services and supports (LTSS). Colorado actually ranks eighth in the […]
Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and HCBS Waivers in Colorado – Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Jess Bolen Ever heard the term Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) as related to home health care, long term care, or Medicaid Waivers, but you are […]
Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and HCBS Waivers in Colorado – FAQ
Ever heard the term Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) as related to home health care, long term care, or Medicaid Waivers, but you are unsure what it really means? […]
Parents with Disabilities: Home Preparations to Make Before Baby Arrives
by Jenny Wise All parents go through a nesting period where they get their home ready for baby’s arrival. As a parent living with a disability, you want your nesting […]
What to Expect of the ULTC 100.2 in Colorado
After applying for an HCBS Waiver through one of Colorado’s contracted Case Management Agencies, the next step will be a Uniform Long Term Care or ULTC 100.2 Assessment. ULTC 100.2 in […]
How to Apply for HCBS Waivers in Colorado
In our last post we introduced Home and Community Based Services or HCBS Waivers in Colorado. In this post we’re going to cover how to apply for HCBS Waivers. HCBS Waivers […]
HCBS Waivers in Colorado: An Introduction
If you’ve heard the term ‘HCBS Waiver’, but you’re confused about what this means, this article is for you. We’ll break it down into plain language so you can understand […]
What to Expect from Home Health Care
Once you choose a home health agency, it’s time to get your care off to a good start. Do you know what to expect from home health care? Knowing your rights […]
Calming Colors, Restful Space: Designing a Bedroom for a Child with Autism
Parents are inclined to decorate a child’s bedroom with bright colors and lots of fun knick-knacks, creating an engaging, often whimsical environment designed to delight a child. For parents of […]
Home Health Caregiver Credentials: Does a Caregiver Need to be Certified?
If you hire a home health agency to handle your home health care services, they will handle staffing and making sure your home health caregiver credentials are valid. While they […]
How to Choose a Home Health Agency
What is Home Health Care? Home health care is a broad term that describes a variety of medical and assistive services provided in the home. About four million Americans require […]
Choose Senior Home Care Services with The Independence Center
We can provide peace of mind to loved ones with physician-directed senior home care services. Our team is adept in all areas of senior home care, whether it’s providing companionship at important times […]
“Just Like Everyone Else” – Life on the Autism Spectrum
by Deborah V A world of color, sound and social interactions surround us. However, what happens when your environment and your daily activities are strained due to the perceived normality’s in […]
Schedule Disability and Home Care from The Independence Center
Clients with disabilities require comfort within their own home, and our disability care services help support this required comfort level. Our team at The Independence Center is known for our […]
How to Apply for Medicaid
One of the most difficult challenges many clients face in achieving the level of care they require is that they must apply for Medicaid. This can be a complex process […]
Overcoming Challenges with Assistive Technology
The following is the text from a speech that The IC’s Tim Ashley gave last year at The Independence Center’s Annual ADA Celebration Luncheon about one of the consumers […]
Who is on your Health Care Team?
Contributing writer: Pam Burgoa, Individual Advocacy Specialist at The Independence Center Navigating the medical world can be overwhelming, especially if you aren’t familiar with the roles of everyone on your […]
How Trauma Changes the Brain
by Carrie Baatz Many of us experience trauma at some point in our lives. Traumas are deeply distressing events that threaten our life, safety and well-being. They can be terrible […]
Call to Action: Education and Reform Act of 2017
This Thursday, 2/15, the House of Representatives will vote on The ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (HR 620). HR 620 would change how architectural barriers are removed, making […]
Make Real Connections: Transforming Each Other in Community
by Carrie Baatz Author, Carrie Baatz If you asked Americans to tell you what their greatest health concern is, a growing number of people would say, “loneliness.” Human connection is […]
Home Health – A Path to a More Independent Life
by Gabe Taylor Home health care is a service for people requiring continuing medical care, which allows them to remain in their home, rather than in a hospital, nursing […]
A Caregiver’s Perspective – Working at The IC
by Gabe Taylor Working as a caregiver for The Independence Center can be a difficult but rewarding job for those who find joy in helping people with disabilities. […]
Assistive Technology – A Means to a More Independent Future
Written by Gabe Taylor Imagine how your life would change, if all of a sudden, you were to become a person with a disability. Whether its vision or hearing loss, […]
The Independence Center Brings Assistive Technology Home
The Independence Center is a great place to start if you or someone you know needs a home modification or assistive technology device. Paul Spotts, Independent Living Specialist (Assistive Technology […]
Spouse Hired as Caregiver for Husband After Stroke
Ralph Molinar was at work one morning in February 2015 when his right hand lost strength. He reached out to his wife. “He called me and said, ‘my right hand […]