Aspen Art Museum recently launched an educational program, Art Incorporated (or Art Inc.), that is geared toward elementary-aged children living with any sort of disability, with lessons and activities catered to each student. The initial session in February was coined “Sensory Explorers,” when participants were encouraged to dress to make a mess and created several […]
inclusion
Posted inNonprofits
Shining bright — Challenge Aspen celebrates 30 years of service
For the past three decades, Challenge Aspen has facilitated life-changing experiences and opportunities for individuals living with cognitive and/or physical disabilities, transcending limitations through their adaptive recreation and scholarship programs. From sit-skiing and snowboarding to paddleboarding, music and theater, the organization offers customized programming for individuals of all ages and abilities. On July 19, the […]
Posted inNonprofits
Best Buddies Friendship Walk returns to the Valley with about 300 participants
Best Buddies, an international nonprofit with a local chapter, welcomed in the month of June at Basalt River Park with its “Caminata de la Amistad,” aka Friendship Walk. It was an event for people of all abilities, full of friendship, fun and community spirit. This is the second year the walk has taken place in […]
Posted inNonprofits
Celebrating inclusion and hope in the Roaring Fork Valley
Editor’s note: This originally printed in our Spanish publication, Sol del Valle, and was translated for our English readers. On Saturday night, Nov. 9, TACAW (The Arts Center at Willits) was elegantly transformed to welcome more than 200 attendees at the much-anticipated “Boots & Buddies” dance. Best Buddies, a global nonprofit organization, has been operating […]
Posted inNonprofits
Regan Byrd teaches intersectionality at MANAUS Equity Symposium
When Regan Byrd was 8 years old, she wanted to be a lawyer. This came from growing up in Highlands Ranch, a conservative and predominantly white community — 80% of the population identifies as white according to 2023 census data — where Byrd learned to advocate for herself in response to directly experiencing racism. This […]
Posted inEducation
RFSD embarks on journey toward equity and diversity
The quest for equity and diversity has taken center stage in a pivotal moment for the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD). With a student body of 60% Latino students, the district confronts significant challenges in fostering an inclusive educational landscape. A resolution passed at the April 10 Board of Education meeting marks the beginning of […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
Colorado Extreme sets shining example for diversity, equity and inclusion
Colorado Extreme, a local youth hockey program, has taken the midValley (and beyond) by storm, exceeding expectations on and off of the ice. Specifically, the lack of diversity in hockey is a conversation that’s been percolating nationally, up to the National Hockey League (NHL). And, Colorado Extreme has been sought out for challenging that norm. […]
Posted inColumns, Opinion, Uncategorized
Opinion: Breaking ground on the rumor mill
I cover the school board beat for The Sopris Sun, and a couple of weeks ago, I started hearing some buzz coming through the community grapevine. As a reporter, if you cover any type of government entity, there is always speculation of some sort. That’s why you attend meetings, make requests for interviews and go […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
RFSD board approves support for LGBTQIA+ students
On Oct. 26, at a regular meeting of the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education, in a 5-0 vote, a resolution was approved supporting the district’s LGBTQIA+ students. Before the meeting, a group of parents and local LGBTQIA+ advocates held what was billed as a tailgate party on the lawn in front of the […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
‘Gender toolkit’ addresses inclusion confusion at RFSD
Rumors of an anti-LGBTQIA+ protest at the Sept. 28 Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) board meeting never came to fruition. What happened instead was a standing-room-only crowd, respectfully listening and contributing to public feedback on the district’s presentation of their “Toolkit for Supporting Transgender & Gender Expansive/Nonconforming Students.” Known informally as the gender toolkit, it […]