What does it mean to you to defy your limitations?

As The Arc Pikes Peak Region (The Arc PPR) prepares to open our newly-renovated Inclusive Personal Development Center, Building for Change to the public, we are dreaming up a myriad of ways to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) do just that — defy limitations.

The Arc PPR staff member Amanda Blakely knows a thing or two about overcoming limitations.

Because Amanda isn’t defined by her limitations, she is able to achieve the things that are important to her, like holding a consistent job. Amanda has been an integral part of The Arc PPR’s staff for more than a decade – and – she also happens to have a developmental disability.

In addition to creating guardianship packets, Amanda also does clerical work like answering the phones and making copies. Her presence is a joy in the office.

“I like working at The Arc, because my coworkers are kind, and I make friends through the sisterhood meetings and karaoke meetings,” Amanda said.

Making success a reality is often a matter of finding the right supports.

Amanda’s job coach, Donna Sambora-Byouse, of Common Roots, works alongside Amanda throughout her weekly shifts. “As a job coach, I assist my clients with necessary job skills, occasionally accompanying my clients to work,” Donna explained. “It’s important to me that my clients are working jobs that challenge and inspire them.”

You can hear from Amanda by watching the video below.

As The Arc PPR lives out its mission of promoting and protecting the human rights of people with I/DD, the organization continues to redefine cultural norms for people with I/DD, helping them to achieve their goals and dreams while changing the culture for the better.

You can join us in this mission by donating to The Arc PPR through Indy Give!, a local year-end giving campaign that gives back to worthy nonprofits in our community! You can give through 12/31/21 here, or by visiting: www.indygive.com/arc.

Proceeds from this year’s Indy Give! Campaign will help The Arc PPR to create life skills programs for people with I/DD, such as job skills, healthy nutrition, budgeting, and more, to be offered through our Building for Change Inclusive Personal Development Center.

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