Ending the Wait for Many More |
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The waitlist for Developmental Disability services is finally moving towards meaningful reduction. The Colorado state legislature is proposing a budget which includes $15.5 million to end the wait for many individuals by funding 667 enrollments for Home & Community Based Services- Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Resources. The funding would not have happened without the commitment of our state legislators, led by the Joint Budget Committee, so we owe them a tremendous thanks for making this work in the state budget!
DDRC Board member Joni Krickbaum stepped up to talk about this in an interview with the Colorado Sun newspaper. Joni shared that her son had been waiting 20 years and will soon get a spot. She has been a strong advocate for people with IDD and their families through her tireless volunteer service as a board member with DDRC. Her interview illustrates how the uncertainty and wait for services is a difficult, significant worry, and that the resources offer not just relief but new possibilities for her son. With this article she has helped to be an ambassador for people with IDD and for DDRC.
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Warming Hearts, Warming Stomachs and Getting Connected |
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April was national volunteer month and DDRC is so fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers who have helped us and the people we serve in many ways through the years!
Did you know that individuals receiving DDRC services are also giving back? With support from DDRC’s day program, individuals choose to deliver Meals on Wheels to elderly residents. This April, they delivered more than 120 meals. It’s a way that individuals can connect to people in the broader community and help others. Joann Mascarenas, DDRC Support Specialist observed, “For some seniors who might be lonely, this is a bright spot to their day, and the individuals participating from the day program see that.”
Often, deliveries are to the same people week after week, so a casual friendship emerges as they chat at the door and greet each other by name. Stephanie is one of these volunteers. “Hello John,” she says to the man who takes the meals. He and his wife are somewhat acquainted with Stephanie from a time when she worked at King Soopers and stopped by the couple’s food truck outside the store. John and Stephanie exchanged warm pleasantries, and then Stephanie went to the window to wave hello to his wife who was waiting inside.
Stephanie also participates in DDRC’s Therapeutic Learning/Recreation. When asked why she liked delivering the Meals on Wheels, she said without hesitation, “It’s the people.”
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Joann Mascarenas (l) and Stephanie (r) |
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John (l) and Stephanie (r) |
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DDRC’s Self Determination Initiative (SDI) and Employment Gateway |
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Self Determination is a concept central to everything we do to support individuals and their families as they choose how to lead their lives. Additionally, DDRC’s Self Determination Initiative (SDI) provides support to help make aspirations a reality for people we serve. |
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DDRC’s new SDI Coordinator, Julia Panucza, who has worked in the IDD field and with DDRC’s Adult Vocational Services says, “I truly have a passion for what I do - to make goals and dreams a reality. I bring my dedication, experience and leadership to advocate for people with disabilities and help them achieve their goals.”
SDI is funded through the Jefferson County Mill Levy and funds are available to Jefferson County residents with developmental disabilities. Individuals work with DDRC’s SDI Coordinator to brainstorm ways to fulfill their goals and apply for and implement their award funding.
A variety of services, materials and supports arising from person-centered needs and goals may be considered for funding, such as coaching and technical support in using technology, or acquiring devices so people can stay connected, access email and have a tool for budgeting. We have funded bicycles and other equipment, as well as classes and support that can lead to entrepreneurship, employment, greater independence and personal growth.
Individuals have received SDI funding to underwrite their access to Employment Gateway, a tool created as the brainchild of DDRC’s SDI, in coordination with others. It’s a web portal where each person creates a profile of their interests, skills and experience, and it includes creation of a video resume, an especially powerful way for the individual to show who they are and what they can bring to a job.
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Misti, pictured here, receives services from DDRC, and is one of the individuals who obtained SDI funding to make her Employment Gateway profile and video. She is energetic, enthusiastic about a job, loves working with people and seeks a position with a restaurant or retail business. Her personality, interests and skills shine through on her video, which will surely help her in her search to find the right job fit.
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If you or someone you know would like to explore SDI funding, email [email protected] or call 303.462.6528. |
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Recognizing DDRC Employment Service Staff Chosen for Coveted Roles |
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Of all the Employment Service providers across Colorado and their staff, only 10 were chosen for Colorado’s first-ever Emerging Leaders Cohort to further Employment First. We are proud that DDRC’s Heather Hagen and Vikki Ortiz were among the few selected! The group will cultivate professional development and share ideas to advance Employment First. |
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Employment First is a belief put into practice that people of all abilities deserve the opportunity of real work for real pay—working in a competitive, integrated setting, where people with disabilities work alongside those without disabilities, and have the same opportunities for advancement as anyone else. To get to this goal, states, policy makers, providers, career seekers and others work together to change systems. DDRC’s Employment Services is tackling competitive integrated employment by supporting individuals in their career aspirations, connecting qualified career seekers with legitimate business workforce needs, and being a force for change. |
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Over the next 12 months the Emerging Leaders Cohort will have group meetings and individual mentoring with a facilitator from the Association of People for Supporting Employment First (APSE). “Vikki and I will use this opportunity to continue to develop and pursue our strategic plan, be a leader in Employment First practices in Colorado, and look for tangible ways to put these beliefs into practice,” Heather says. At the core of this effort is the deep respect they have for the unique interests and skills of each career seeker, and the belief that individuals, regardless of disability, make significant work contributions to employers. We are proud of DDRC’s entire Employment Services team - and a special congratulations to Heather and Vikki! See more about DDRC Employment Services.
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Do Good for DDRC and Refund What Matters to You |
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If you haven’t already filed your Colorado taxes, please consider donating any portion of your state income tax refund to DDRC. It’s easy to do. Just enter DDRC’s registration number on your state filing in the “Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit” field of your form. Use number 2002 300 3423 or look up our name in the system. The deadline to file is May 15.
Do good for developmental disabilities and DDRC - and Refund what matters to you.
Call Anna Bishop/Development at 303.462.6584 to let us know you donated.
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DDRC/Developmental Disabilities Foundation Golf Tournament |
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The ramp up to our annual summer golf tournament continues! Registration is OPEN NOW for the Showdown at the Hiwan, August 16, and spots are filling up quickly.
We hope you will join us for a fun-filled, sun-filled day on the course with family, friends and the DDRC community. Enjoying the beautiful course and meals outdoors all make physical distancing a breeze, while allowing us to flex our social muscles again. Sign up today as an individual golfer or bring your foursome and your best western wear to the Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen!
We are excited to see you there!
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2nd Dose Wraps-Up Disability Vaccine Event
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On April 21, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and caretakers received the second dose of their 2-part Moderna vaccine series in the event organized by DDRC, The Arc, Jefferson Clear Creek, Gilpin, STRIDE Community Health and Jefferson County Public Health.
Thank you to everyone who came and waited patiently for their turn to get the shot! Thank you to the STRIDE staff administering the vaccines and to the volunteers who helped that day, including all those from DDRC. Two of those helpers from DDRC, Bruce Fritz and Bob Adams, are shown below by the event signs, left to right respectively. Paul, who receives services from DDRC, is an artist and has shared his work for our DDRC Annual Awards, expressed what so many felt after getting the second shot. “I’m happy and I want to get back to my art classes!” he said, as he and his sister finished and pulled away in their car, flashing a thumbs-up.
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On a related note, DDRC’s vaccine clinics held earlier this year for residents and staff of our Group Residential Services and Supports were very successful. Please see our website for updates to COVID-related restrictions impacting our operations. |
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Deadline Looming for Disability Funding |
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DDRC’s Family Support Services Program (FSSP) has funding for disability-related needs beyond typical child rearing or daily living expenses for families in our service area, if they have a family member with a developmental delay or disability living in the family home - and based on their Most-In-Need Assessment. Potentially reimbursable items include respite, therapies, adaptive items, medical dental copay/ deductible costs, counseling, therapeutic recreation, camps, classes, mileage reimbursement, bus pass for medical trips, and more. Receipts are required and funding is not guaranteed. See details here.
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Deadline to apply is very soon! Request funding by completing a Most-In-Need Assessment (MIN) form, call 303-462-6576 for questions and forms or go to
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Watch for Our Input and Satisfaction Survey in June |
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In June, DDRC will be reaching out to individuals and families enrolled in waiver services to get feedback on their experience with DDRC’s Case Management/ Resource Coordination and with DDRC. The survey will be sent out by email. Individuals/primary contacts without emails on file with us will be mailed a survey, or you can complete it over the phone in June by calling 303.233.3363 and confirming your connection to DDRC.
Thank you in advance to all who take the time to help us learn how we can better serve you. We look forward to getting your feedback!
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Did you see our DDRC 2020 Annual Report?
Take a look at how we have adapted and persevered
during this pandemic to fulfill our mission and serve thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
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Vaccine Hotline 1-877-268-2926
Update relating to DDRC operations during the pandemic: here
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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 Coronavirus), 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. If you prefer not to receive e-newsletters, invitations or donor opportunities please use our “Online Form” to indicate that you do not want to receive such emails, but will accept 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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