Hello DDRC Community,
We hope this message finds you well during this ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. DDRC continues to work to make prudent decisions in the face of uncertainty, and rapidly evolving information and directives from local, state and federal authorities. Additionally, a
s you are likely aware, Colorado’s budget faces extreme shortfalls resulting from the pandemic. The Joint Budget Committee has been more than courageous and diligent in the face of this unprecedented challenge. Their recommendations to the legislature largely spared the IDD community from the most draconian cuts, but some cuts are inevitable. The legislature and the Governor now have the hard work of coming to consensus on the entire budget by June 30. We will provide updates regarding the ramifications of the budget later in the summer and as it is determined. In the meantime, we would like to share updates of our operations.
Our DDRC service delivery approach continues to be guided by health, safety and regulatory requirements. Most DDRC operations will continue “as is,” being delivered primarily though virtual telehealth/telecommunications until further notice.
Adult Vocational Services will gradually begin to reopen in a limited capacity.
Initial services will all be virtual and will include community activities, educational/skill building activities and communication/connections access. We will also begin some limited activities outside of the family home, such as walks or in-home support.
Quality Living Options (QLO), our DDRC residential services, are ongoing
. QLO staff continue to provide great support to residents and to implement the mandates, screenings, and precautions required by state agencies to help keep COVID-19 at bay. Residential settings still have mandated restrictions regarding outings and visitation. We appreciate the work and relationship with all of our family caregivers. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is conducting Infection Control surveys of all licensed group homes, and no deficiencies were issued for DDRC-operated group homes.
The majority of our many other services are and will continue to be delivered via telehealth/teleconferencing
until further notice, per state and federal agencies. Discussions are taking place among these agencies and others regarding in-person services and the future role of telehealth.
Many DDRC office staff continue to work remotely, but we are carefully moving towards in-office staffing at 50% capacity with prudent safety measures.
Essential visitors are required to complete a symptom screening, temperature check, and to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while in the building. Non-essential visitors will be redirected to do business by phone.
Anyone planning to visit DDRC is asked to call ahead to determine if their needs can be met through conferring by phone with the appropriate DDRC staff.
Please check www.ddrcco.com for any updates to our operations prior to the next monthly enewsletter.
With gratitude for your trust and support,
Beverly Winters
Executive Director
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COVID-19 Resources
Colorado help lines
: call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish.
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COVID 19 put an end to the rallying cries of the End the Wait Campaign. The campaign called for funding to eliminate, over the next 5 years, the waiting list for Home and Community Based Services IDD (HCBS-IDD)/comprehensive waivers, as well as a provider rate increase to attract and retain provider staff.
The Colorado Joint Budget Committee (JBC) had supported the campaign after listening to and learning from the stories and testimony of the many individuals who shared their experience of waiting for services. Due to the budget crisis the JBC concluded, with sadness, that they had to eliminate the End the Wait funding proposal in their budget recommendations.
A deep thank you to the
JBC for their endorsement of the campaign earlier this year before the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, thank you to all who signed the campaign petition, who shared their personal stories, who reached out to legislators and who believed in this cause. We will rise again in a later year when circumstances are right.
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Employment Support Services Webinar –
Thursday,
June 4 at Noon. Free!
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Are you a person with IDD determined to find a fulfilling job? Want help identifying your strengths and skills? Interested in seeing how Employment Services serve as a bridge to your employer?
Join DDRC Employment Services for a live Webinar on
Thursday, June 4 at noon
. FREE. Hear from people with IDD who are receiving employment supports. Learn from Employment Specialists about how we can meet your needs and goals.
To register and receive the Zoom login information, email
Heather.Hagen@ddrcco.com
with your name and phone number by 9 AM, Thursday, June 4.
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FSSP Funding Available (Apply by June 30) and New Flexibility Too
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We still have funds available for disability and COVID related needs. Funds may be used for services or items received or purchased between July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. To be considered, submit a request by June 30. Receipts, service logs, or paid invoices are required for all funds received.
Additionally, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is allowing additional flexibility in the use of Family Support Services Program funds to help address unanticipated hardships arising from the COVID-19 emergency. DDRC must still oversee proper documentation, cost-effectiveness, no duplication in services and use of funds tied to the child with the disability. The funding flexibility is available for families enrolled in or on the waitlists for FSSP, and is considered for:
·
Additional respite for essential employees
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Assistive technology and sensory items
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Essential supplies if in quarantine
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Utility payments for demonstrated hardship
If you are experiencing hardships, please reach out to your DDRC Service Coordinator.
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Weiland Activity Bags Supply Opportunity for Renewed Engagement
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Weiland day program participants received a welcome surprise when special "activity bags" were dropped off at their doorsteps for a "no-contact" delivery in May. DDRC Adult Vocational Services (AVS) staff at Weiland created and assembled the bags for each of the 120 Weiland day program participants who have been under “safer at home” order. The materials will be used in upcoming virtual Zoom activities and future individual outdoor home visits, both of which are anticipated to begin in June.
One activity each participant received was a puzzle piece that each person will decorate.The pieces will be assembled into one, showing that even though we are apart as we reopen in a new way, we are still connected. In emails and calls with AVS, participants and families expressed excitement to get engaged again!
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Virtual Early Intervention Services Continue
EarIy Intervention (EI) Colorado, the state agency overseeing EI services recently issued a letter specifying that all EI services in Colorado will continue as virtual through at least June 30, and may extend beyond June 30 based on further guidance to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
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DDRC recently conducted a survey requesting feedback on Resource Coordination services and about DDRC. We want to recognize and thank those who took the time to complete it as it will help us in continuous improvement efforts.
Results showed that 94% of respondents are somewhat to highly satisfied with DDRC services. We received many positive responses regarding responsiveness, communication, help with accessing resources and choice of services and providers. Comments included, "They always respond to questions and are kind and compassionate.” We also received input on areas where we can improve, most notably regarding transitions during resource coordination staff changes. We take your feedback seriously and are already working on ways we can address this and improve our services.
Additionally, a priority area identified for DDRC to focus efforts on is continued work with state and federal governments to increase funding for people with developmental disabilities. Thank you again to those who gave feedback through the survey.
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WeeCycle Donations Keep Kiddos Dry and Parents Relieved
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Being stretched financially and knowing you still have to cover essential care for your small child is stressful. When you have a child with a developmental disability, the caretaking, worry and stress can increase. Thankfully, WeeCycle, an Aurora-based diaper bank, came to the rescue for many of our young DDRC families. They donated more than 3,000 baby diapers, sizes 0- 6, and over 50 packs of wipes to DDRC!
Lindsey Zaback, Diaper Bank Coordinator
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was happy to step up to fill the need. She and April Richey with DDRC (shown on the left) are pictured here at the WeeCycle warehouse getting the donation. Thank you
WeeCycle
!
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Download or Curbside Pickup: Watch These Movies About Inclusio
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Most people are practicing social distancing and are spending hours at home, so it’s a great time to read and watch movies.
DDRC collaborated with
Jefferson County Public Library
to curate movies that shine a light on the courage and stories of individuals with IDD. The movies are downloadable or on DVD through the library and are
free
to library card holders. Get your card online. And now the library has
curbside pickup
for books, DVDs and other material.
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DDRC Online Recreation Continues – On Saturdays Too
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Now you have an opportunity for socializing, learning and connecting virtually with others on Saturdays as well as several weekdays each week. Join DDRC for
free
online recreation
through our Therapeutic Learning Connections. Sessions are open to those 14 and older of any ability. A sampling of sessions include workouts, healthy food socializing, arts, and exploring science, nature and travel. Session topics reflect participant suggestions and change from week to week.
Email Kristina.Cripe@ddrcco.com or call Terri Hulstrom at 303-419-1920 to tell us about yourself, give your contact information and to receive details on how to participate via Zoom.
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From Partners and Others in the Community
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Have a Young Child with Special Needs?
Your Input is Needed by June 30!
Early Intervention (EI) Colorado recently mailed out a Family Outcomes Survey to families who have been receiving EI Services for at least six months. See these EI "
outcome
" factors as you consider your input. If you’re the caretaker of a child 0 - 3 years old and have been receiving EI services, please take the survey by June 30.
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Free Resources for Parents of Young Children
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Feeling overwhelmed by the flood of online resources for kids? That's why Jeffo Families Colorado created a list of the
best learning-at-home resources
to guide you directly to the good stuff. They are a one-stop resource for families and those who care for children age 0-8 years old. Their information is free and available online and over-the-phone. Parents across our DDRC service area can find helpful tips and resources by visiting
Jeffco Families Colorado
.
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Complete Your 2020 U.S. Census
– Be Counted
By now, you have likely received your 2020 Census in the mail. One person is required to respond on behalf of their household. Census counts and data determine the funding to pay for needed programs and services —many of which benefit people with disabilities.
Complete and mail your paper copy of the census or complete it online at
www.my2020census.gov
. You may also respond by phone by calling 1-844-330-2020.The Census Bureau does
not
ask for social security numbers, bank account information or money.
More about the Census.
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Creating opportunities for people of all ages with intellectual and
developmental disabilities to participate fully in the community.
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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
DDRC sends important information
via this “Constant Contact" email platform, including information
about your services and supports, announcements of emergencies (e.g. operations during Cornavirus), events, donor opportunities and more. Please
do not
unsubscribe from Constant Contact emails since our communications will be restricted to U.S. mail and will take longer to get to you. Instead, if
you prefer not to receive e-newslettters, invitations or donor opportunities please use our
“
Online Form
”
to indicate that you do not want to receive such emails.
However,
please continue to select that you are open to receiving official notifications
(i.e. notices of your services and supports ) via Constant Contact. Thank You!
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