This week’s Bulletin features an update on HB26-1109, details for an upcoming Disability Pride Celebration, the release of our new Wildfire Safety Preparedness Resources InfoGuide, and a guide to accessing Colorado's Summer EBT grocery benefits.
 Update on HB26-1109: As noted in our June 12, 2026, Bulletin, Governor Polis signed House Bill 26-1109, authorizing our division to conduct a study on the use of sign language interpreters in Colorado. We want to provide a quick update regarding the project’s timeline.
The project is tied to a specific funding cycle. Because our current budget (fiscal year 2027) does not include funding for this study, we are unable to establish a contract until new funding becomes available on July 1, 2027.
We know the community is eager to see this research begin – and we share that excitement. To ensure we are ready to launch as soon as the new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2027, we plan to start identifying potential contractors in the spring of 2027 provided that there is sufficient funding for this study.
Thrive Together: Come celebrate Disability Pride Month with the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) and the community at Atlantis! This family-friendly festival features local food trucks, games, poetry, book readings, flash tattoos, and an incredible lineup of events:
- Live performances: Hazel Miller & The Collective, the Phamaly Theater Company, Wheelchair Sports Camp, and the Rolling DJ.
- Special highlights: a statement from Lieutenant Governor Diane Primavera and an exclusive screening of the documentary “A Colorado For All: A Legacy of Accessibility”.
Event Details
- When: Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Where: Atlantis, 201 S. Cherokee St., Unit 100, Denver, CO 80223
- On Site-Accessibility: American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, CART captioning, and AIRA visual interpreting services will be available. For other disability-related accommodations, please email cdle_cdoo@state.co.us.
- Parking and Transit: Accessible parking is available, and because street parking is limited, carpooling and public transportation are highly encouraged!
We hope to see everyone at the Disability Pride event on July 18, 2026!
 Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Resources InfoGuide: With multiple active wildfires burning across Colorado, conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Having real-time safety information and accessible resources is lifesaving. To help our communities stay prepared and informed, the Division has compiled a comprehensive, all-in-one resource package.
The Wildfire Safety Preparedness Resources InfoGuide (Google Doc) provides information and access to:
- Emergency Alerts & Updates: Links to register for your local county's evacuation texts, plus live fire updates from Governor Polis and state emergency managers.
- ASL Safety Videos: Accessible guides from the Red Cross, CDC, and READYColorado on building emergency Go-Kits, navigating public shelters, and recognizing evacuation triggers.
- Recovery & Relief Programs: Information on contacting 2-1-1 via text or Video Relay Service (VRS), reporting property damage, and finding face-to-face assistance.
- Mental Health Support: Specialized counseling resources and 24/7 crisis lines, including our community-focused Behavioral Health InfoGuide.
Pro-Tip: Don't wait for a mandatory evacuation notice to pack. Open the guide, register for your local alerts, and prep your emergency Go Bags today!
 Colorado Summer EBT Grocery Benefits: Colorado’s Summer EBT program is providing families with a one-time $120 grocery benefit for each eligible school-aged child to help cover food costs over the summer months. While most eligible children are automatically enrolled in the program, some families will need to submit an application to receive their 2026 benefits.
To help families navigate the program, the state has launched three helpful online resources:
Visit our Division's Event Calendar to find out where our staff will be and learn how you can attend one of our upcoming meetings or events.
Visit the CDHS' Event Calendar to find out about public meetings.
Due to a lack of demand, ASL and Spanish Translations for Division Bulletin are available upon request by contacting office.cddhhdb@state.co.us or 720-457-3679.
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