The Arc of Denver shares its’ in-depth knowledge of issues faced by people with developmental disabilities. We work with governmental agencies and lobby the legislature to develop good public policy across the board, with a focus on the developmental disability system.

We are proud to announce that our Executive Director, Aileen McGinley will be serving on Governor Bill Ritter’s Transition Team for the Department of Health and Human Services. We are honored to have this opportunity to advocate the needs expressed by our constituents.

Our legislative success in 2006 was that we helped restore budgets to Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Health programs. These programs, special education and child care are all scheduled for increases in the upcoming budget.

In the agency area, we helped to change reporting requirements for long term care Medicaid services. Now families will be able to review expenditures for specific services, rather than a lump sum. This will assist people in choosing the best set of services.

We look forward to the spring 2007 legislative session, and to working with new and returning Representatives.