History

Being a lifelong learner is an important part of being a well-rounded, successful person. It’s also an important part of building healthy families and communities. When families first learn of a child’s or loved one’s diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability, sifting through the information needed to make wise decisions can be incredibly overwhelming.

As part of The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s newly-renovated Building for Change Inclusive Campus, families, professionals, caregivers, and concerned citizens will have access to a comprehensive disability resource library. Library goers can check out educational resources, as well as various types of equipment to test out prior to purchasing their own equipment.

“The Arc Pikes Peak Region is partnering with The Resource Exchange to create a library that provides opportunities to learn about various types of equipment, and in many cases,  experience tools and equipment available for people to gain skills and independence without having to financially invest in the equipment prior to having experience with the equipment,” Abby Rodriguez, family resource specialist with The Arc PPR explained.

“The library will also house books on specialized topics concerning intellectual and developmental disabilities. My job as a Family Resource Specialist is to be able to assist patrons as they research problems related to intellectual and developmental disabilities,” she added.

More specifically, the disability resource library will make a positive impact in the lives of those with I/DD, like Andrew, who is looking forward to a place to both gather with friends while learning.

“If there’s anything that 2020 taught me, it’s the important of community, and that I matter to my friends and they matter to me,” Andrew said. “The Building for Change library will not only offer disability-related books and other resources, but it’s also a place where my friends and I can chat in comfy chairs and have a place to be together,” he added. “The library is also a great resource for families like mine, who can find info on many different disability-related topics.”

Do you want to help The Arc PPR provide excellent educational resources, to be distributed to individuals and families through our disability-resource library? You can partner with The Arc PPR through Indy Give, a local year-end giving campaign that gives back to worthy nonprofits in our community. Your donation will help families find the information they need to make great decisions, all in a welcoming and inclusive space, And, when you donate through Indy Give!, you can also qualify to earn amazing rewards!

You can give through 12/31/21 here: www.indygive.com/arc.