Published: October 21, 2020
Creating Connection with Online Classes and Groups

When Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order in March due to the coronavirus, most of The IC’s staff had to figure out new ways of serving our consumers and clients. As the organization’s IL Skills Specialist, Edgar Morales was used to working in-person with consumers to help them develop the skills necessary to live more independently. Suddenly, he had to find ways of connecting through a virtual platform.

“With COVID, I said to myself, how can I be creative with my classes,” Edgar recalls. He decided if he was going to be teaching from his home, he would put it to work for his students. “I decided to make one-on-one workshops. So if, for example, someone wants to learn how to cook, I will go into my kitchen and I will go step-by-step teaching them how to cook virtually.” Edgar now offers one-hour, personalized workshops on everything from basic cleaning to simple budgeting. He also facilitates a youth support group and teaches a Daily Living Skills Workshop for Youth with The IC’s Youth Advocate, Nina Kamekona.

Edgar isn’t the only staff member who has adapted to a new socially-distanced reality. Lisa Gavel, Peer Support Coordinator, took her support groups online, allowing people with disabilities to continue to connect at a crucial time. She also facilitates a Healthy Living and Gardening Group and co-facilitates a Mindfulness Learning Group with Carrie Baatz, Community Training Coordinator.

See below for the complete list of online workshops, classes, and support groups currently offered. Call The Independence Center at 719-471-8181 to sign up and to request accommodations.

Independent Living Skills Training Workshops

For: All consumers of The IC
When: Call to schedule

Each one-hour, virtual workshop focuses on a single life skill that will help the consumer live independently. These are designed to be interactive with time to ask questions. Can be taught individually or to a group.

Topics (special requests welcome):
• Getting to Know Your Way Around the Kitchen
• How to Operate Kitchen Appliances
• How to Prepare a Simple Meal
• Basic House Cleaning/Tips to Keep Your House Clean
• How to Use a Vacuum Cleaner
• How to Clean Floors Using a Mop/Broom
• How to Do Laundry
• How to Clean a Bathroom
• Critical/Creative Thinking: How to Solve Problems Creatively
• Planning a Simple Budget

Healthy Community Living Class

For: Any consumer of The IC
When: Every Monday
Length of each class: 1.5 hours

This 10-week class will cover the following topics:

• Goal Setting
• Building Support
• Healthy Reactions
• Staying on Course
• Healthy Communication
• Seeking Information
• Eating Well
• Physical Activity
• Advocacy
• Maintenance

Daily Living Skills Workshops for Youth

For: Youth ages 14-24
When: Every Tuesday from 1pm – 2:30 pm
Length of Workshops: 1 – 2 hours depending on the topic

These highly interactive workshops are geared toward participants who are willing to participate, try new things, and have fun!

Topics:
• Disability Etiquette/Culture/History
• Knowing Your Disability
• Virtual Scavenger Hunt
• Art and Music
• Self-Care and Creating a Support Network
• And much more!

Support Groups*

Youth Support Group
Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Cross Disability Group
Fridays, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Mental Wellness Group
3rd Tuesday of the month, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Women’s Support Group
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Traumatic Brain Injury Group
2nd Wednesday of the month, 1:30-2:30 pm

Community Groups*

Healthy Food & Gardening Learning Group
4th Monday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Mindfulness Learning Group
1st Tuesday of the month, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

*Dates and times subject to change.