Hello DDRC Community,
We are continuing to adapt and stay safe during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Things in Colorado seem to be stabilizing but we are not out of the woods. It is critical that we all stay vigilant in wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, limiting unnecessary exposure and practicing good hygiene. Our DDRC staff are proactive in following these guidelines, and temperature /health screenings are taken daily for each person at our facilities.
Our State Legislature and Governor Polis have passed the budget for the new fiscal year that begins in July. All Community Centered Boards and providers, including DDRC, have a 1% cut in state funding for services. Over the ensuing months of this summer, we, along with our Board of Directors, will be working carefully to determine how to implement the new budget reality. Additionally, temporary state reimbursement support offered through June could not be sustained, so the ramifications of how that rolls out across our services will also need to be addressed.
What is certain, however, is that our service delivery approach continues to be guided by health, safety and working to meet the needs of those we serve.
Thank you for your support,
Beverly Winters
Executive Director
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DDRC Operations Update
Adult Vocational Services will gradually resume in limited capacity and with new approaches.
Services are being offered virtually for community activities, educational/skill building activities and communication /connections access. We are also beginning limited activities outside of the family home, such as walks or in-home support. We are assessing our capabilities for using the Walters and Weiland sites for various activities and services, and how many people we may transport together in our vans, as these operations currently have ongoing regulatory restrictions. Service models in these areas are still evolving.
Quality Living Options (QLO), our DDRC residential services, are ongoing
. QLO staff continue to provide excellent activities and support to residents and are successfully implementing the mandates, screenings, and precautions required by state agencies to help keep COVID-19 at bay. While residential settings still have mandated restrictions regarding outings and visitation, new opportunities for outdoor visits are becoming available.
The majority of our other services are and will continue to be delivered via telehealth/ teleconferencing
until further notice, per state orders. Discussions are taking place among state agencies and others regarding in-person services and the future role of telehealth. Early Intervention Services will continue as telehealth at least until August 2, but some in-person outdoor visits will begin to be permitted in August after state regulators outline further guidance.
Many DDRC Central Office staff continue to work remotely.
Essential visitors are required to complete a symptom screening and 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, so please call before visiting.
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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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19
th
Hole - Virtual Auction
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Announcing The 19th Hole, DDRC's virtual fundraiser and online auction! T
he auction kicks off on Monday August 10 and culminates on August 14 to celebrate 28 years of summer fundraising success with a 2020 twist as we come together while staying apart to raise money for DDRC's Walters and Weiland day-programs. Save the dates. You won’t want to miss this auction as we have some incredible items to offer.
More details to come on the auction and “the 19th Hole” virtual event, so watch your email.
If you are interested in making a donation to this year's auction, please contact
lisa.strachan@ddrcco.com
.
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Happy 30
th
Anniversary ADA –
American With Disabilities Act
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This July, the American With Disabilities Act celebrates three decades of progress in inclusion and access since its signing in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA defines disability as a physical or mental impairment. Over the years, both prior to and after this legislation, lawmakers, the Supreme Court and advocates in turn, refined, limited and expanded the reach and interpretation of disability rights as noted in an article by
The Hill.
The law has opened doors to many areas of life, from transportation to employment, housing, schooling and more. To see how much things have changed, consider the
1951 letter
from a News Jersey school nurse who asks a parents group for intellectually disabled children for help to encourage a mother of children with disabilities to commit her children to an institution instead of believing they should attend school. The letter is among the artifacts in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History online exhibition on disability.
While we celebrate our progress, we are still not where we can be, so we commit to continuing to work for full inclusion and opportunity.
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Unique Opportunity Till July 6
th
— and Free
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See
Intelligent Lives
, a movie that is a “catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America,” (
intelligent lives.org
).
The movie is from award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib. It follows three young adults with intellectual disabilities as they navigate high school, college, the workforce and their interests in life, and challenges perceptions in the process.
This special viewing includes interviews and discussion during a recent reunion of the film stars, their families, the filmmaker and producers. The film and discussion is touching and compelling— and relevant to many issues of today.
See it for free now until July 6. After that date, the link will show just the movie trailer and the “reunion” discussion.
Watch the movie and hear the discussion
.
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Join DDRC’s Online Recreation throughout July for virtual socializing, learning, connecting and being healthy. Sessions are open to those 14 and older of any ability, and are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Activities include online workouts, discovering healthy food, socializing, arts and more. Friends and family are welcome too.
Recent creative endeavors included a session to gear up for July 4
th
celebrations, with participants making Independence Day wreaths, as pictured here. Friday “healthy food socializing” has been a chance to learn about the important things to look for in nutrition labeling and to explore making healthy lunches and snacks. One participant who has been enjoying the camaraderie of the “Workout Tuesdays” and healthy food socializing over the last two months excitedly shared, “I’ve lost almost 10 pounds.”
Participants can join by Zoom or phone. To get registration and other details of the sessions contact
Kristina.Cripe@ddrcco.com
or call Terri Hulstrom at 303.419.1920.
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Person-Centered Planning and the Pandemic
July 9 - Free
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into stark relief the critical importance of advance planning for both daily wellness and healthcare emergencies,” as the National Center for Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems reminds us. They are sponsoring a free interactive workshop on Thursday, July 9th at noon (MST), featuring people with lived experience and subject matter experts in the long-term services and supports field to offer strategies to cope during the pandemic and plan in the event of a COVID-related hospitalization.
NCAPPS is an initiative from the Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Register
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Gratitude to Global Down Syndrome Foundation and
Arc Thrift Stores!
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The combined efforts of GLOBAL and Arc Thrift Stores provided donations to Colorado’s other Community Centered Boards too. They provided an
astounding
31,700 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) across Colorado to aid in safeguarding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This PPE, which included masks, medical gowns, gloves and face shields will go a long way as we continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic across our great state.
Thank you GLOBAL and Arc Thrift Stores for making this important impact!
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Cloth and disposable mask donations from Global Down Syndrome Foundation and The Arc Thrift Stores
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Sporting GLOBAL / Arc Thrift Store donated masks while enjoying DDRC Therapeutic Recreation activities.
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Helping Us Protect Each Other — More Mask Donations
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An additional heartfelt appreciation goes to other companies, nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups who generously donated, and in some cases hand-sewed fabric face coverings for DDRC to be used by our staff of about 500. The masks are helping us safely return to and engage in our work, and to do our part to not unwittingly expose others to the virus, particularly people we serve. Many individuals with disabilities are especially vulnerable to the virus’ effects.
These donors represent groups in Jefferson County and in Colorado, as well as others across the country. We are all in this together, and their generosity is greatly appreciated!
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Beyond Yoga
Clements Center Sewing Volunteers (Lakewood)
Cover Up Colorado
Fidelity Demin
For Days
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J
kinis Swimwear
Katie May Bridal
Lakewood Heritage Center
Maceoo
Maison Modulare
Mother Bee Maternity
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New Republic
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum (Golden)
Sew Much Love
Sunspel
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Gratitude and Relief - Family Support Services Funding
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More than 600 families with children with developmental disabilities living at home applied, qualified for and received available funding through DDRC to directly aid the disability needs of their family member. This covered children of all ages including adult children living at home.
We worked diligently to encourage, review and approve applications by the deadline for the support awards, which was June 30, the end of our fiscal year. After being approved for funding one family shared, “It is with tears of gratitude and relief that I write this...This helps more than you know. Thank you.”
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Learn to Motivate Positive Behavior –
A Free DDRC Webinar Aug. 5 and 6
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Disrupted routines arising from COVID -19 can cause frustration as you juggle evolving circumstances or new care taking arrangements for family members with developmental disabilities. Gain the skill and emotional posture to motivate positive behavior from family members, students and those you support through DDRC’s free webinar, “Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis,” presented by DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team Manager, Zachary Maple.
This Zoom webinar will be held over two sessions: Part 1 on
Wednesday, Aug 5
, from 9 a.m.- noon and Part 2 on
Thursday Aug. 6,
from 9 a.m.- noon. On-line attendance in the first session is needed in order to enroll in the second session.
Advance registration is required. To register, email Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com with your phone, name and email.
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The primary election is over but the fall general election will be here before we know it. Early voting begins in October. If you’re eligible to vote but have not registered, or have moved and need to update your registration, go to
www.GoVoteColorado.gov
. Ballots will be mailed out and some in-person voting will be available. With COVID-19, registered Colorado voters are encouraged to vote by mail. Elected officials address many issues affecting the disability community, so make your voice heard.
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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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