SPEAKout Blog

The Path to Freedom and Possibility

By Leann Springer / October 16, 2020

“The function of freedom is to free someone else.” - Toni Morrison Beginning last spring and into the summer, PEAK Parent Center staff began the momentous task of writing grant proposal applications to continue our work for the Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center project and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Shift project. After a ton of work, It came down to the final hours and we rallied as a team to produce two proposals that met the stringent setRead more

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Advocacy

Collaboration

Disability Awareness

Diversity

The Changing Season: Transition at PEAK

By Leann Springer / September 21, 2020

A change of season is upon us. Crisp cool mornings have made their way into the forecast. One of the earliest snowstorms in state history has passed. The more tolerable temperatures of fall are finally here. Can you hear the aspen leaves quaking in the breeze? Can you see the magnificent autumnal palette that will soon adorn our colorful Colorado landscape? The season at PEAK Parent Center is also changing. Barbara Buswell, PEAK’s co-founder and longtime Executive Director, is takingRead more

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Reflections On My Summer At PEAK

By Anna Marcus / August 31, 2020

I never would’ve expected to be so deeply impacted by an organization for which I almost missed the interview. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it seems. First, let’s rewind to December of 2020: I applied to PEAK Parent Center through Colorado College’s Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP). Flash-forward two months, I was studying abroad in Granada, Spain. February 25, my interview day, did not go as planned, to say the least. I arrived at school that morning toRead more

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Advice From Myrna Martin, A PEAK Parent Advisor

By PEAK Parent Center / August 18, 2020

Today, we highlight the work of our newest Parent Advisor, Myrna Martin. Myrna joined the PEAK staff in May of 2019 as a Bilingual Parent Advisor so she’s worked pretty well to get her boots muddy in the march to give parents answers, resources, and more as they navigate their own advocacy journeys. Myrna first became involved with PEAK when she herself sought resources and advice from a Parent Advisor for her child. We recently interviewed Myrna about her journeyRead more

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Consejos de Myrna Martin, una Asesora de Padres de PEAK

By PEAK Parent Center / August 18, 2020

Hoy, destacamos el trabajo de nuestra nueva asesora de padres, Myrna Martin. Myrna se unió al equipo de PEAK en mayo de 2019 como Asesora Bilingüe de Padres, por lo que “arranco corriendo” en su misión de dar a los padres respuestas, recursos, y mas, para que ellos mismos naveguen su propio viaje de abogacía. Myrna se involucró por primera vez con PEAK cuando ella misma buscó recursos y consejos de un asesor de padres para su hijo. Recientemente entrevistamosRead more

Listening to Youth During COVID-19

By PEAK Parent Center / August 3, 2020

PEAK continues our series in response to COVID-19 and its impact on education. The pandemic has and will continue to have a remarkable effect on youth and adolescents. For today’s blog, we touch on the work of Sherrell Bethel. Sherrell joined the PEAK team in 2019 as the Assistant Director of the RSA Shift Transition project and as a Youth Trainer and Mentor. She is passionate about giving all people an opportunity to be the best version of themselves andRead more

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Talking to Your Teenager About COVID-19

By Anna Marcus / July 24, 2020

In an ideal world, teens would seek their parents’ advice and comfort during troubling times. But, we know that’s not always the case. Parents are often the last people teenagers want to talk to when they’re stressed. And, even if they appear to be adjusting well, teenagers are likely being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be the first substantial crisis of their lifetime, and it is altering typical adolescent experiences such as playing sports or attending group activities.Read more

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