May/June 2019 Newsletter
Upcoming Events Calendar
Events at DDRC are at
11177 W. 8th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 unless otherwise noted.
May 18
Sat. (8:30 a.m.) Come cheer-on DDRC participants who will be partnering with the Ability Experience to do the Colfax Marathon 5k starting in City Park (near the Denver Museum of Nature and Science).
Ability Experience shares race proceeds to benefit the DDRC’s Therapeutic Learning Center
programs.
May 30
Thurs. (9 a.m.- 3 p.m.) Introduction to Applied Behavioral Analysis (i.e. motivating behavior). A valuable free class for parents, teachers and others hosted by and at DDRC. Registration required.
Flyer.
June 8
Sat
.
(5 - 7 p.m.) Rockin’ The Runway Together at Belmar Plaza (Upham St. & W. Alaska Dr.) in Lakewood. A free event featuring people of all abilities coming together to promote inclusion, enjoy fashion and have fun.
June 24 – Aug. 7
DDRC’s Art & Soul program Art Show at Apex Rec Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Art viewing Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 am to 7:00 pm and Fri.8:30 am
to 4:00 pm.
Aug. 8
Thurs. (7:30 a.m.) Luau on the Links 27
th
Annual Golf Tournament at Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen organized by DDRC/Developmental Disabilities Foundation.
More
More events hosted by other groups noted at the bottom of this enewsletter.
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Learn Ways to Encourage Positive Behavior
Class May 30
Caregivers, family, and staff - learn how human behavior is created, maintained and improved, how to make decisions for behavior motivation, gain an understanding of behavior plans and more.
Join us for the free DDRC Behavioral Health Team Training
– “Intro to Applied Behavior Analysis in the Home and Community”
on May 30 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (lunch not included).
Class held at DDRC, 11177 W. 8th Ave. Lakewood.
Advance registration required. Call 303-462-6503
or email zachary.maple@ddrcco.com
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Saturday, June 8
5 - 7 p.m.
Belmar Plaza - Lakewood
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Join us for Rockin’ the Runway Together, a free, uplifting event happening on Saturday, June 8th from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Belmar Plaza in Lakewood (Upham St. & Alaska Dr.—across from Target). The event will bring people together over fashion, music, food trucks, and fun!
Those walking the runway include people of ALL abilities to show that people with disabilities belong alongside their fellow community members—not on the sidelines! Individuals from area businesses, nonprofits, local government and neighbors will model along with those from DDRC, The Arc Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties, and Colorado Miss Amazing.
The Arc Thrift Stores, Belmar Management, Paul Mitchell (Salon) -The School, the Colorado Media School, and Party Pro DJs are partnering to lend or donate resources and talents to the event. In the process, they are getting acquainted with the individuals we serve, showing their commitment to inclusion and helping to create the fun!
Food trucks will offer a variety of tasty fare, including a vegan option and a snow cone truck. There will even be a fashion trailer! So, stop by, applaud the models as they show their fashion sense, enjoy the music by Party Pro DJs, show appreciation to our event partners—and help us stand tall for this event! The event is outside in the plaza. In the event of rain, the show may be delayed, but will continue when the weather clears. Mark your calendars now for June 8
th
(5-7 pm).
Rockin' The Runway Together Partners
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Porchlight Family Justice Center Luncheon June 26

For more than a year, DDRC staff have been working collaboratively with other nonprofits to help start the new Porchlight Family Justice Center, which will serve victims and survivors of violence in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. Those efforts will come to a culmination with the opening of the new center later this year. In the meantime, Porchlight is inviting people to learn about the partners who are making all this possible, and to give their support by attending a fundraising lunch on June 26 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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More than 75 area entities, including DDRC, will help to provide services at Porchlight. DDRC’s Quality Assurance Investigator, Nancy Bostron, has been involved with the strategic planning sessions to develop the Porchlight Center and the Center’s volunteer program, its volunteer handbook, volunteer application, and identifying necessary volunteer trainings.
More about Porchlight.
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Act Now to Participate in
DDRC’s Employment Gateway
DDRC’s Employment Gateway pilot program aims to help connect job seekers to community integrated employment—and there is still room for a few more participants. The pilot is open to DDRC participants. The pilot is made possible with the support of the Developmental Disabilities Foundation and is coordinated with the CU Evaluation Center.
Each participant will create individualized multimedia portfolios they can share with potential employers, including a video resume with testimonials from people in the job-seeker’s life, a traditional written resume, and a profile highlighting their interests, abilities, and experience.
Take a look at this example
.

It’s not too late to participate if you act soon. Contact your Resource Coordinator or Kelly King at
Kelly.king@ddrcco.com
or 303-462-6528.
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DDRC Art & Soul Exhibit
and Sale
June 24 -
August 7
Participants of the DDRC Art and Soul program will display their talents and artwork in a mixed media show from June 24 through August 7 at the APEX Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd (across from Arvada Center). Some artwork will be available for sale. The show is available for viewing Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 p.m.
Art & Soul, a program of DDRC’s Volunteer Services collaborates with artists and others who volunteer with individuals with developmental disabilities wanting to develop their artistic talents. Art mentors from the community volunteer one-on-one with DDRC artists to explore a wide variety of artistic expressions in mixed media, including oils, water color, pastels, and more. Pictured here is Art & Soul participant Jorge Astacio with two pieces he created through the Art & Soul program, working with his art mentor, Ruth Eitel.
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Don't Miss Luau on the Links
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Proceeds to benefit Children and Family Services Unmet Needs Fund
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Use King Soopers Community Rewards to Benefit DDRC!
The King Soopers Community Rewards Program helps organizations raise funds made possible by your shopping and support. It’s easier than ever to give to DDRC using a registered King Soopers or City Market loyalty card to earn funds for DDRC. Read our helpful
guide on how to sign up
, then start giving to DDRC with each shopping trip!
Share this information with your friends and family and ask them to join the community fundraising program to benefit DDRC and the people we serve. Need help signing up or have questions? Please call DDRC’s Lisa Strachan at (303) 462-6584.
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DDRC Friends Recognized
Jefferson County Good News Breakfast recently honored outstanding representatives of our community who are performing incredible acts of kindness. Among the distinguished pool of 42 nominees were two associated with DDRC, including Heidi Markley and the Weiland Community Support Group.
Heidi started a dog walking service and encourages pet owners to “pay” her by donating to DDRC to support our services and particularly helping those who need respite from their caregiving responsibilities. Heidi started this effort to honor her late daughter who received services from DDRC, and her late husband, and to lift up the families she recognizes as so deserving of support.
The Weiland group raised funds, planned, designed and implemented construction of a large pavilion, picnic tables, benches and walkways at the Weiland Center that are enjoyed by day program participants throughout the year.
This year’s Good News breakfast theme was “Unsung Heroes… Not All Heroes Wear Capes.” Heidi Markley and the Weiland Community Support group prove that point. You are heroes in our eyes!
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Heidi Markley standing with Beverly Winters, DDRC Executive Director
Members of the Weiland Community Support Group with Diana Holland, DDRC Director of Adult Vocational Services
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Navigating the World of IDD Services
In April, DDRC held a Navigating the World of IDD Services event attended by more than 110 people. The sessions included a panel discussion on living independently, a presentation on Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) and various support stations staffed by DDRC and others.
Liz Pahr, Director of Resource Coordination for DDRC provided an introduction and context for the session on CDASS and Kady Predota, State Director for
Consumer Direct Care Network
of Colorado, gave a thorough presentation on CDASS. Our thanks to both. CDASS is a Colorado Medicaid Waiver option that allows participants flexibility and control over their homemaker, personal care and health maintenance services, including the option of hiring family, friends and attendants of their choosing to complete their care.
Watch for additional Navigation 101 sessions focusing on basic information as well as more targeted topics.
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Pat Jefferson, DDRC Director of Access & Community, facilitates the Living Independently panel.
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Kady Predota speaks at the CDASS presentation.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - Grand Opening Acknowledges DDRC
DDRC participated in and was recognized at the grand opening of the new
Fairfield by Marriott
at 140 Union Boulevard in Lakewood, the site of the old DDRC “Bruno Building.” Employees of Fairfield by Marriott showed their community engagement by committing to do employee volunteer days of service with DDRC, pledging to participate in DDRC fundraising efforts, and exploring internships and hiring of people with IDD. The company placed a permanent sign at the Fairfield entrance acknowledging the history of the site, DDRC’s mission and Fairfield’s commitment to community and customers.
DDRC and DD Foundation Board members, Beverly Winters, DDRC Executive Director and DDRC staff were on hand for the ribbon cutting event, along with West Metro Chamber business, City of Lakewood officials and the proud Fairfield/Lodging Dynamics team.
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Ribbon cutting at Fairfield by Marriott (140 Union Blvd., in Lakewood)
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DDRC and DD Foundation Board members and DDRC staff gather at the sign commemorating DDRC.
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More from Our Friends and Partners in the Community
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Arts and Crafts Club Sale
Saturday, May 11
The Arts and Crafts Club, originally begun as a DDRC initiative several years ago, has grown into its own. The club serves as a place where artists and crafters with and without disabilities find common ground to learn entrepreneurial skills and a create a platform to sell their creations.
The club will have an arts and crafts show on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Holy Shepard Lutheran Church, 920 Kipling Street, Lakewood CO 80215. It’s open to the public and free to browse. There will be more than 18 tables with items of woodworking, crocheting, painting, leather working, drawing, notecards and more. Club contact: Falon Simmons at falon.ss@gmail.com.
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Guardianship and Alternatives
Free Informational Class Tuesday, May 14
There can be a lot of questions when a person with I/DD officially becomes an adult. As a parent or legal guardian, you may be asking yourself... Are there more appropriate alternatives to guardianship? Should I apply for guardianship? What would be my responsibilities?
The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties invites you to a free informational class that addresses these topics and more on Tuesday, May 14 from 4-6 p.m. at The Arc - JCC&GC offices, 13949 W Colfax Ave, Bldg. 1, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80401.
Space is limited. Register by
clicking here
then going to May 2019 Guardianship Training or call 303-232-1338. Download
Class Flyer.
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The Incredible Years - Free Parenting Series May 14- July 16
A free parenting series for babies up to 6 months old and their parents/kinship providers is being offered in Lakewood starting May 14. Gain knowledge, tools and confidence in a fun and helpful setting while meeting other parents. The group consists of discussions, watching video clips, and practicing activities with your baby during group time and at home. The program is presented through Launch Together, a collaboration of Colorado-based foundations that includes many Jefferson County community partners.
May 14- July 16. Classes held on Mondays 9 - 11:00 a.m.
at 1470 South Yarrow St., Lakewood 80226
Register in advance by contacting:
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Launch Together Survey
Launch Together, an initiative to improve the social and emotional health of young children and families, is conducting a survey and would appreciate your input. The survey will ask about services and referrals.
Take the Survey. Read
more.
Susan Johnson, DDRC’s Director of Children and Family Services is the DDRC representative on Launch Together - Jeffco Partners. For information and resources from this Jeffco group click on
www.jeffcofamilies.org
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Learn How College for Students with IDD is Possible
with Free IN! Webinars
May 16, June 11 and July 10
Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are attending college in Colorado! They're proving that reaching your dreams
can
be possible.
Read more about inclusive higher education
here.
In Colorado, three institutes of higher education offer inclusive supports on campus for students with I/DD (GOAL at University of Northern Colorado, the Office of Inclusive Services at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, and Elevate at Arapahoe Community College).
Each school is taking steps to further inclusion in our state. Read about their latest developments
here
!
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The Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education (IN!) is a non-profit that promotes college access for students with I/DD and provides resources for families and educators.
Sign up for IN! free webinars to get inspired and get going!
Webinars May 16, June 11 and July 10
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DDRC Community Interest Newsletter Readers:
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If you prefer, use our “
Online Form
” to indicate that you do not want to receive this comprehensive "DD Community Interest" e-newsletter, but are open to receiving special waiver service notices via Constant Contact. Thank You!
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