Local civil rights organization reaches 70-year milestone representing people with disabilities
Bradley Davis
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Arc Pikes Peak Region is hosting a free block party on Saturday to celebrate its 70th year providing guardianship and other services to people with disabilities in Colorado Springs.
The organization said it represents people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Its mission statement is “To promote and protect the human rights of people with IDD and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the communities of the Pikes Peak Region throughout their lifetimes.”
Employees at the Arc dug up some old history as they prepared for the 1950s-themed block party. It’s a nod to their 70-year tenure in Colorado Springs, but there is some history the organization is happy to leave in the past.
“It definitely was very shocking for me,” communications manager Morgan Weise said while reading old newspaper clippings. “I hear 70 years, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s a pretty long time.'” Then I’m looking at this stuff, and I’m like, ‘Wow.’”
The old articles have some jarring headlines. “Leave {explatives} at Home” in big bold letters on one page.
I am always amazed that it was only in the 90s that the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted,” Guardianship Coordinator Christina Butero said. “We’ve come a long way, but we have so far to go.”
The block party is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday outside of their office on N. Meade Avenue. Organizers said there will be carnival games, local vendors, prizes, food trucks and a live DJ.