| | Meghan Maxwell Is The First DDRC Staff Member to Earn DSP-I Certification! | At DDRC, we’re proud to be the only Colorado provider currently participating in the National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy—a national certification program designed to elevate and recognize the skills, values, and knowledge of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This innovative online platform allows DSPs to earn electronic badges that reflect their competency in core areas such as person-centered support, communication, and professional ethics. | | |
We’re especially excited to celebrate Meghan Maxwell, who recently earned her DSP-I Certificate through the E-Badge Academy! This national recognition highlights Meghan’s commitment to providing high-quality, person-centered care and exemplifies the values of leadership, integrity, and compassion that define our team.
At DDRC, we are actively investing in support and incentives to help more of our DSPs pursue this important certification. We believe that encouraging professional development through programs like the E-Badge Academy is just one of the many ways DDRC continues to lead as an organization rooted in excellence, support, and care.
Congratulations, Meghan—we are incredibly proud of your achievement and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
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“I am working on building a meaningful career by expanding my education and job knowledge as a DSP. I love making a difference in people’s lives by creating opportunities through persons centered supports.”
—Meghan Maxwell, DSP DDRC
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| Island Smash Pickleball Registration is Now Open! | | Registration is now open for DDRC’s Island Smash Pickleball Tournament on June 21 at the Walters Center in Arvada! Enjoy food, drinks, raffles, swag, sponsor booths, and an optional clinic—all while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leagues run from 8–11 a.m. for beginners and 12–4:20 p.m. for advanced players. Join the fun and play for a great cause! | | Registration for Our Golf Tournament is Open! | | | | |
Our annual golf tournament is back!
Mark your calendars for Monday, August 11th, at the Hiwan Golf Club (Evergreen), offering stunning views on a challenging course. This year's theme? Rockin’ the Fairways.
18 holes of golf, a golf cart, a delicious complimentary breakfast, fun on-the-green challenges, a post-tournament meal, and an exclusive golfer gift will all be included in your registration.
So grab your leather jacket, lace up your golf shoes, and get ready to rock and swing to help us raise vital funds to create opportunities and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
| | Whether you're aiming for an ace or simply enjoying the vibe, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable day of fun, community, and support for DDRC. | | |
 
Make a Meaningful Impact
Our Provider Support Funding Program is Open
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Are you a service provider supporting individuals with IDD or developmental delays in Jefferson County?
DDRC’s Provider Support Funding (PSF) Program is here to help you grow your impact. These funds must be used to serve individuals in Jefferson County with I/DD and can support initiatives like expanding programs, enhancing technology, offering new activities, or providing vital health, safety, or behavioral supports that aren't otherwise available.
Whether it’s helping a provider with camp scholarship supports or funding a capacity-building project, the possibilities are meaningful—and real.
Just ask one of our provider partners who received funding this year. Thanks to PSF, a family was able to participate in the Traveling Gnomes program, giving their loved one the opportunity to experience joyful travel and newfound independence—with all the necessary support in place. “These experiences gave him happy memories he conjures up frequently,” they shared. “Your generosity allowed him to live life in a way that feels uniquely empowering and fulfilling.”
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| Early Intervention Funding Update | | |
Colorado lawmakers, facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, have secured funding to avoid deep cuts to the Early Intervention (EI) program for the remainder of this fiscal year (FY24-25), which supports babies and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities from birth to age 3. The program is funded through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and is administered through DDRC as an EI Services Brocker. DDRC's EI program serves over 1,000 kiddos in Jefferson, Clear Creek, Summit and Gilpin Counties.
Earlier this year, proposed cuts included cost containment strategies that would directly affect those receiving services and how services would be provided, limiting families’ access to essential care. However, the Colorado legislature’s Joint Budget Committee (the JBC) recently agreed to sponsor a bill to transfer funds to support the program through the 2024-25 fiscal year. In addition to this, the JBC also approved funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The CDEC is currently working with stakeholders and EI Brokers to evaluate how to continue needed services with minimal impact to our community. This work will continue throughout this year and the JBC has requested a Request for Information (RFI) from the CDEC in June and December to closely monitor the EI state budget and any impact to those receiving services.
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Celebrating Inclusion and Community with Spring Into Awareness
We held our Spring Into Awareness event on April 8 to celebrate community and promote inclusion for all, including people with disabilities. The event marked the close of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March and welcomed Autism Acceptance Month in April, highlighting the many ways our community supports inclusion.
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Guests included businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, individuals, and families, —showing that when we come together, our community grows stronger. It was a joyful evening of connection, collaboration, and great food and drink.
The event was organized and cohosted by DDRC, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Denver West/Federal Centerr, and the West Metro Chamber, with food and drink generously provided by the hosts and in-kind sponsors Nicolo’s Pizza (Lakewood), Flights Wine Café (Arvada) and Ballmer Peak Distillery (Lakewood). The hosts and sponsors spoke briefly and Fairfield Inn and Nicolo’s Pizza were recognized for their inclusive hiring. They currently employ people served by DDRC along with their other teammates.
A big thank you to everyone who came and showed their commitment to inclusion!
| | Jefferson County Case Management Agency Resource Fair | | |
The recent Jefferson County Case Management Agency (CMA) Resource Fair had an excellent turnout, and DDRC was thrilled to participate! Pictured is Apryl Webb, who spearheaded organizing the event, visiting with DDRC staff.
Case Management for individuals and families in Jefferson County and Clear Creek is now coordinated by the CMA. Stay updated by visiting their website.
Meanwhile, DDRC continues to offer a range of direct services to support many aspects of people’s lives—check out all that we offer!
| | | Visit Us at These Upcoming Resource Fairs | | |
We’re excited to be participating in several free resource fairs for individuals with disabilities and their families. Please stop by DDRC’s table to talk with staff about our many programs for people of all ages, so you can learn about the different ways we can help you or a loved one lead their best life.
Tuesday, May 6
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Children’s Hospital Colorado Conference Center
13123 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045
Sunday, May 18
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Autism Community Store Autism Community Store*
14095 E. Exposition Ave. Aurora, CO 80012-2522.
*In addition to provider information booths, there will be a bouncy castle, games, a mini-train ride, and more.
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