Federal Funding Developments and Taking Action | |
The budget resolution in the U.S. House passed on Feb. 25, directing Congress to find $880 billion worth of funding cuts, thereby placing Medicaid at significant risk. Now, choices on how Medicaid would be cut and what services may be affected will be decided by Congressional Committees in a “reconciliation” process. This is another opportunity for you to speak up to share why Medicaid funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays is so crucial.
This matter is moving at lightning speed, so, if you haven’t already, please reach out today to your U.S. House and Senate representatives to share your thoughts! Find your representatives here. You can also submit comments to the White House via: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.
| Early Intervention Funding Cuts by the State Paused | |
Last week DDRC received news from the CO Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) that they planned to implement Emergency Cost Containment Measures for Early Intervention (EI) Services effective March 3, 2025. However, at the end of last week, the CDEC announced that the cost savings cuts would be paused while the CDEC, the Joint Budget Committee, legislative staff and local partners and providers explore possible solutions. They hope to announce next steps in early March.
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DDRC has been doing all that we can to advocate for this crucial funding and minimize the disruption these measures may have on infants and families, our workforce, and our community. EI services are a critical service for infants at a crucial time in their human development while enhancing a family’s ability to support their well-being. EI services can help reduce, or in some cases eliminate the need for other services later in life.
| We will continue to provide timely updates to everyone impacted by these changes as soon as we receive more guidance. Please read our prior statement about this developing issue here. | DDRC Presentation at GiGi’s Playhouse March 5 | |
DDRC is excited to share information and tips with GiGi's Playhouse Denver, parents, and caregivers about our beneficial approach to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), behavioral health and our pediatric ABA clinic.
Join GiGi's and DDRC on March 5th 4:30-6:00pm, at GiGi's Playhouse in Lakewood for this presentation and discussion with Shana Little, DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team Manager and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This event is held at GiGi’s Playhouse, 610 Garrison St. Unit F, Lakewood, CO 80215.
Families, caregivers, teachers, daycare providers and others are welcome. Interested? Email Jenna Crowe at jcrowe@gigisplayhouse.org or Shana.Little@ddrcco.com.
| IDD Awareness Day at the State Capitol March 19 | |
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The Colorado Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Day is one of the biggest IDD events all year! It features in-person and virtual happenings to show support for people with IDD, the successes and challenges facing the IDD community, and the work we can do to make further progress.
You can visit the Colorado capitol, arrange to connect with your state legislators, join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance delivered by a person with IDD in the legislative chambers, hear legislators deliver the IDD Awareness Day Tribute, view committee hearings, tour the capitol, and more. Many of these activities are also available virtually.
The luncheon proceedings are a highlight of the day, and anyone can watch via the ‘live stream’ from Alliance’s Facebook page. The 2025 awardees will be announced, and last year’s awardees will be acknowledged, including DDRC’s Mamadou Ouattara- winner of the 2024 Direct Support Professional of the Year!
Further details and links to the virtual sessions are found here.
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Proud of Our Nominees for IDD Awareness Day Awards | We are proud to have nominated two incredible DDRC Direct Support Professionals (DSP) for the Colorado IDD Awareness Day DSP of the Year Award and want to share a few examples of what make them so terrific. | |
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Lemba Amboko is a DSP who has worked seven years with DDRC’s Residential Department, Quality Living Options (QLO). Lemba goes above an beyond to support the individuals in QLO, like recently, he went to a number of stores to try to find just the right fixture to meet the unique request of a person for their bedroom. He handles travel arrangements for people he supports, anticipating all the angles to keep the journey smooth as they visit out-of-state family. Lemba is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and figure out how to put together furniture for residents of the home. He takes on tasks even when he hasn’t been asked to do so, like finding staffing for the home when needed. Lemba comes to his job everyday with a spirit of determination, positivity and calmness!
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Dezirae Gurule has been an Employment Specialist with DDRC for seven-plus years. She cultivates ways for employees with IDD to use their natural supports (coworkers, supervisor, friends) to enable the employee to succeed in their job. She helped businesses such as The Golden Hotel, Burlington and others understand and embrace inclusive hiring. She worked with an employee who experiences extreme anxiety in meeting new managers or coworkers. She saw that his love of superheroes could be a tool to building relationships at work and helped him use that love as conversation starter in interacting with new coworkers. Dezirae thinks outside the box. She appreciates and recognizes each person’s uniqueness and uses that to help them achieve their goals! She is proactive in developing her professional growth and assists her teammates in their growth too.
“This nomination means so much to me, as it reflects the commitment and passion I bring to work every day. I appreciate the opportunity to make a difference and be part of such a meaningful team,” Dezirae said.
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You can watch the award finalist announcements at a live-streamed event on March 12, from 3:00- 4:00 p.m. WATCH VIA Alliance's Facebook Page.
DDRC will be hosting a celebration and watch party for our two nominees to celebrate their excellence, and our deep appreciation that they are part of the DDRC team!
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World Down Syndrome Day - March 21 | |
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World Down Syndrome Day is Friday, March 21, during IDD Awareness Month.
It's a long-standing tradition to wear mismatched socks to mark the day, so, we are inviting our DDRC staff to break out their socks and maybe you'll want to pull on some fun socks too! Be sure to tell everyone why you are wearing those socks - and help spread awareness and acceptance for people with Down Syndrome.
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Our friends at GiGi’s Playhouse Denver (610 Garrison St., Lakewood) are hosting a free celebration from 4:00- 6:30 p.m. DDRC is delighted to join in the celebration with our information-resource table, and we'll have a game and prizes to share too.
This event is for all ages. Registration via the QR code on GiGi’s flyer here.
| Tax Filing Resource for Families | |
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Here is information and links for families regarding free tax filing and tax credits as shared by Jefferson County (Public Health):
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Colorado’s Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) and the federal and state Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments provide parents with extra income.
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The federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) gives people who earn low to moderate incomes extra money back.
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People do not need to earn much to receive these credit payments, but they do need to file a federal and/or state tax return.
FATC flyer (Jeffco) links: English or Spanish
Get Ahead tax filing flyer links: English or Spanish
Get Ahead tax prep website links: English or Spanish
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Spring into Awareness April 8 - Register to Join Us | |
Spring into Awareness, on Tuesday, April 8, is hosted by DDRC, the West Metro Chamber, and Fairfield Inn/Denver West. It’s a lively gathering of friends, program participants, Chamber members, and all others who are interested. We’ll be recognizing the importance of inclusion for all people, and celebrating how business, nonprofits and individuals come together to make our community better. The event builds on March’s Intellectual and Development Disabilities Awareness Month by carrying awareness forward and creating a space for people to gain new perspectives and connections.
We’ll have light appetizers, door prizes, and comments from the hosts. Flights Wine Café (Arvada) and Ballmer Peak Distillery (Lakewood), our wonderful in-kind sponsors, are helping to make the night festive. The event is free! Registration is required.
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Rockin’ the Fairways - Save the Date August 11 | |
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Dust off your leather jackets, lace up those golf shoes, and turn the volume up—this year’s DDRC Golf Tournament is ready to rock! Join us at Hiwan Golf Club August 11 for Rockin’ the Fairways, where the greens meet the stage, and every swing is a hit. Whether you're aiming for an ace or just here for the encore, it’s sure to be a chart-topping day of fun, community, and support for DDRC’s incredible programs.
Mark your calendars for August 11th and stay tuned for more details.
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DDRC Provider Support Funding (PSF) Program | |
DDRC is pleased to offer a funding opportunity for providers serving Jefferson County individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or delays (I/DD) to support person-centered services and address barriers to unmet needs. Those receiving services must be Jefferson County residents. Providers include but are not limited to program approved service agencies (PASAs), community organizations, advocacy agencies, and schools.
Examples of potentially eligible PSF funding include expansion opportunities, new activities, technology, capacity building, fulfilling unmet needs, helping individuals connect to the I/DD system and more. For further information visit our web page and email with questions.
Apply here.
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Out in the Community - Contact Us to Connect | |
If you have a provider fair or community event where attendees may want to learn about DDRC, let us know, as we are pleased to connect. Call 303.233.3363 or email michele.majeune@ddrcco.com. | |
DDRC participated in two recent resource fairs: the Bridge Agency Fair with the Douglas County Schools Transitions program and the City of Lakewood’s PossAbilities Expo through their Recreation Department. It was great to be at both events to speak with new people and let them know all the ways we can help them meet their needs and goals. | |
PossAbilities Expo - CIty of Lakewood | |
Bridge Agency - Douglas County Schools | |
Bridge Agency - Douglas County Schools | |
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