Awareness Is A Step Towards Fuller Inclusion |
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was first proclaimed by President Ronald Regan in 1987 and calls upon all of us to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential. Deinstitutionalization in the prior decades paved the way for this proclamation and society’s growing understanding of its need.
Today, we continue to recognize this month and to highlight awareness of the needs, goals and dreams of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and their families. The awareness campaign also aims to show the importance of inclusion where people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities and lead fulfilling lives.
Visit our web site or see below to view our videos recognizing IDD Awareness Month. We invite you to wear orange during this month as a symbol of your support for the spirit and meaning of the month, and to share that spirit with coworkers, employers, friends, acquaintances - and on your social media. Feel free to tag us @ddrcco, or to email us a photo at [email protected].
During the month we will share other messaging though our DDRC Facebook, emails and website. We look forward to participating virtually in IDD Awareness Day with legislators, Alliance Colorado, self-advocates and others. That activity also spotlights Direct Service Professionals who are so instrumental in supporting individuals to achieve their dreams. DDRC is so grateful to have such wonderful staff serving in these roles.
Celebrate with us as we recognize the wonderful community we serve, and continue to work towards ever greater inclusion!
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Starting Now, More Individuals With IDD Are Eligible to Receive Vaccine |
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Beginning March 5, Colorado’s Phase 1B3 of vaccinations will begin allowing vaccines for people ages 16-59 with 2 or more high risk conditions, including but not limited to Down syndrome, individuals with disabilities who require direct care in their home, and people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks (previously eligible). Other conditions are also specified in this phase. Details are on the State’s website at: https://covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine/vaccine-for-coloradans.
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Additionally, DDRC is working collaboratively with Jefferson County Public Health; The Arc, Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin Counties, STRIDE and other partners to arrange for a “special vaccine clinic” in Jefferson County for individuals eligible for IDD services under phase 1B3. |
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Vaccine Hotline 1-877-268-2926
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Plain Language Guide to the Vaccine |
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Are you looking for a plain language guide about the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) has produced a guide that uses illustrations and pictures to help people easily understand more about the vaccine.
Find ASAN's COVID-19 Fact Guide here. |
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ReFund What Matters To You This Tax Season |
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Tax time is also time to help your favorite Colorado nonprofit thanks to ReFUND Colorado! With ReFUND Colorado, your state income tax refund can give DDRC and people we serve a big boost!
If you are due a Colorado state refund, this program gives you the opportunity donate some or all of it to directly support a local nonprofit that matters to you, like DDRC. Look for the “Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit” prompt when you file or give this information to your tax preparer. Find and select DDRC on your form by using our registration number: 2002 300 3423.
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Any amount helps! Donations allow us to provide supports beyond what is available to individuals with disabilities through traditional funding.
If you choose to direct your state tax refund to DDRC – thank you! If you’d like to be acknowledged for your donation call our Development Department at
(303) 462-6574.
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Learn how you can make a difference for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families this tax season with your refund here , read the background of this program and see the ReFund Colorado video.
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DDRC Services Going Increasingly Digital |
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DDRC is excited to continue moving to and improving our programs in telehealth models, always while maintaining a continuum of care and protecting the high-risk individuals we serve and the staff who work with them. We have found that these options can translate to a more person-centered experience for those we serve.
Thanks to a grant through the Colorado Office of eHealth Innovation, DDRC has been working closely with the Colorado Regional Health Information Organization ( CORHIO) to analyze our services and support movement to telehealth. DDRC was one of the few agencies to receive funding through this initiative. We have been evolving our telehealth capabilities and have transitioned over 105 providers to practicing telemedicine and supports.
Learnings from this initiative are contributing to Colorado’s Health IT Roadmap, furthering state-level telehealth evaluation and policies, and helping to make care more affordable and accessible. We are grateful for this opportunity to learn from this initiative and contribute to the model of telehealth services. Here’s to a bright digital future! |
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Get Help for a Young Child Through DDRC’s Early Intervention Services |
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If you have concerns about a young child’s development - yours or even someone you know- don't hesitate to reach out to get help, as anyone can make a referral for help. Early Intervention (EI) Colorado supports families of children from birth up to age 3 at no cost to families.
DDRC’s Early Intervention provides a wide variety of services, supports and therapies, working with the entire family so they can learn how to best support the child. EI providers work as a team, so that the whole needs of the child are always in view by the team, not just isolated areas of specialty. EI professionals also use parent coaching to deliver services in a way that is relevant to each family’s daily life.
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DDRC- Dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion |
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DDRC, along with many organizations, has embarked on our journey of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. This effort is a priority for the leadership of DDRC, the Board of Directors, our management and staff. We have undertaken various initiatives and these efforts are just part of our ongoing commitment to help create a more inclusive world.
We also recognize that DEI is vital to creating and maintaining a vibrant workplace and how we successfully interact the with individuals and families we serve, and our community.
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DDRC Funding Available for Disability Related Needs |
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DDRC’s Family Support Services Program (FSSP) has funding available now through June 30 for disability related needs. DDRC’s FSSP provides services and supports related to the person’s disability that are above and beyond typical child rearing or daily living expenses. Families are eligible for funds 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.
Request funding by completing a Most-In-Need Assessment (MIN) form: call
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PorchLight- A Family Justice Center Now Open |
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PorchLight- A Family Justice Center has officially opened! This important center provides a wide variety of supports for survivors of at-risk individual and elder abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, crimes against children and human trafficking in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. More than 70 partner nonprofit and local government agencies are working together to provide services at this site located at 11100 W. 8th Avenue, Suite 200, just across the street from DDRC.
The facility is beautiful and welcoming and has many features to address the unique needs of people seeking help. A great deal of planning, effort, fundraising and collaboration went into the creation of Porchlight. We congratulate all who were instrumental in bringing to fruition this incredibly crucial community resource! More about Porchlight or call 303-271-6100.
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UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS FROM THE COMMUNITY & DDRC |
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Step Up to Life After High School!
Register Soon!
Sessions by The Arc Arapahoe and Douglas Counties
Wednesdays, March 17, March 24 & March 31.
From 6:00 - 8:15 PM
This free, 3-part virtual seminar series on postsecondary transitions is for young adults IDD ages 15 +, parents, family, educators and care providers to learn about planning for life after high school. Registrants will be emailed a 13-part video series to watch prior to the series of panel discussions. Topics: Person-Centered Planning, Housing, Daily Life, Employment, Supported Decision Making, Waivers and more.
Registration requested by Tuesday, March 16
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Navigating Sexuality in Adolescents with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Session by JFK Partners/ CU Anschutz School of Medicine
Thursday, March 18 10:00-11:30 AM
Many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families have questions regarding gender identity, sexuality and intimacy. This free, virtual webinar provides strategies for caregivers and professionals to support teens in these areas with consideration of the unique learning needs of teens with ASD. The free webinar will explore core components of relationships and sexuality including gender identity, dating, social safety and sex education, and skill building strategies for adolescents with ASD. The intended audience includes families, caregivers, community care providers, and school-based providers. Contact:Christine [email protected]
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Learn How to Motivate Positive Behavior with DDRC
April 13 & 14 9 AM - Noon each day
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Getting cooperation from someone you care for, or work with, can sometimes be a struggle, but the right approach can help. DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team is hosting a free, online Zoom session to help attendees learn how to motivate positive behavior from family members, students and those they support. The concepts and examples are applicable to many ages and settings. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions relevant to situations they may face. The class is based on practices of Applied Behavior Analysis. Part 1, Tuesday, April 13, from 9 a.m.- noon and Part 2, Wednesday, April 14, from 9 a.m.- noon. Attendance in the first session is needed in order to enroll in the second session.
Advance registration required:
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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. 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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