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While stretching, balancing, and breathing-in the spring air, the DDRC Therapeutic Recreation participants cajoled and cheered each other on during their team practice for the upcoming 5K in the Colfax Marathon.
Maybe it was the beauty of the sun glistening on the lake at Crown Hill Park in Lakewood that made the practice group especially happy, or maybe it was because the event is less than a month away, but everyone seemed excited to chat and share. And DDRC’s Recreation Specialists, Jack, Jordan, and Rick were expert in striking just the right cord to make sure each person engaged as they kept spirits high and guided everyone through the late afternoon practice.
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Tami, who was there with her husband Mike, said they have done the Colfax event five times already. “Oh we walk, but fast if we can, she said. "It’s a really great event!” One of the two men named Eric who were participating shared that he was excited about “everything” for the event. He proudly says he’s enjoyed being at his job at King Soopers for a while now, where he is a courtesy clerk, bags groceries and wrangles-up the carts for customers. He says this team has been another way to be with people, and “it’s fun.” Beth was all smiles through the warmup and says another benefit of the team and event is the exercise and working for a healthy weight. Janet shared that her beau is glad she is doing the event.
Jimmy, who displays an exuberant competitive streak, says with a mischievous smile that he wants to beat Recreation Specialist Jordan in the event. Jordan previously coached Jimmy with hockey and shooting hoops, as Jimmy honed his strength, skill, and confidence. Jimmy now has a job with Arc Thrift organizing knick-knacks, toys and other merchandise.
All in all, the group was full of camaraderie and energy as they set out for their 35-40 minutes of walking and jogging around the lake.
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DDRC is partnering with Ability Experience to participate in the event on May 20. Volunteers with Ability Experience are assisting and running with the DDRC team, and we are so grateful for their support! The Colfax Marathon event, held over two days with different races and courses, attracts many hundreds, if not thousands of people, and the DDRC Therapeutic Recreation participants are truly excited to be a part of it all. Go Team! | |
Get Ready to Get Your Swing On! | |
Do you participate in charity golf tournaments to “play for good?” Would you like to golf on a beautiful course where you’re not a member? You’re in luck! DDRC’s annual golf tournament on Monday, August 14th is at the Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen, offering a challenging course and sweeping views! The tournament is a cherished tradition where we unite to raise funds for resources that benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. | |
The day includes 18 holes of golf with a golf cart, complimentary breakfast, competitive on-the-green games, a delicious golfer snack pack, a rewarding post-tournament meal and more! This year’s theme is “Swingin’ With School Pride,” so wear your favorite school colors or school apparel if you’d like.
Registration opens soon! We have opportunities for volunteers and tournament sponsors too. See more here.
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Bright Futures Roadmap Community Event on May 11 | |
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Please plan to join us on May 11 for a community conversation focused on the Bright Futures Roadmap and efforts to advance early childhood collaboration in Jefferson County. Partners and families from Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties are also invited as they consider how to design Roadmap strategies for mountain communities.
ALL ARE WELCOME: families, childcare providers, organizational partners, and county leaders!
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Bright Futures Roadmap Kickoff Event
Thursday, May 11 from 11:30 am – 2 pm
Community First Foundation, 5855 Wadsworth Bypass, Unit A
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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Schedule:
· 11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Networking and Lunch
· 12:00 – 12:30 pm: Speakers - Celebrating Progress on the Roadmap
· 12:30 – 1:30 pm: Small-Group Discussions (on the four Roadmap cornerstones)
· 1:30 – 2:00 pm: Sharing and Next Steps
To learn more about the May 11 event, please click here.
We hope to see you there!
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Families, Don't Wait to Apply for FSSP Funds | |
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Time is running out! If you need help with expenses related to a child or adult child with
a disability living in your home that are above and beyond typical child rearing or daily living expenses, then consider applying for DDRC’s Family Support Services Program (FSSP) funds. FSSP funds may be used for things such as respite care, assistive technology, home modifications, transportation/mileage to access disability services, counseling, therapies and more.
To be considered, submit your Most-In-Need Assessment and Service Request forms available through our web site by or before May 31. Don’t wait!
For more information about FSSP and what funds can be used for, please refer to "Service Limits and Exclusions.” (En Español ). Find information and the application forms here.
To have the forms and guide sent to you please contact your Service or Resource Coordinator, or Christina Smith as soon as possible at 303-462-6576 or christina.smith@ddrcco.com
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Free Training for Parents, Providers and Others - May 31 | |
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DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team Manager, Zachary Maple, is leading a free training to help parents, providers, and others learn ways to achieve more satisfying, cooperative and positive interactions with someone they care for and support. The training is applicable to different ages and settings and uses real life examples to make the concepts more understandable and meaningful to participants. Zach is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Professional Counselor with many years of experience.
The class will be held in-person on Wednesday, May 31 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., at the DDRC offices at 11177 W. 8th Ave., Lakewood 80215. Advance registration is required by emailing your name and phone number to Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com. Please register by May 25th.
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Attention: Scammers are targeting Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+ members through text messages and phone calls, trying to trick members by telling them they must pay to keep or renew their health coverage. This is untrue! Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) never asks members or applicants for money, bank account or credit card information, social security numbers, or any other financial information through text or over the phone. Don’t fall for it!
Please report any suspected scam activity to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit.
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Case Management Redesign Status | |
Case Management Redesign (CMRD), a required statewide initiative that may change where and from whom individuals/families receive case management services, continues to progress. It will create one place to go in each catchment area for case management services for all Health First Colorado Members accessing Long Term Support and Services (LTSS), including all Medicaid waivers. These places will be called Case Management Agencies (CMA). CMRD is intended to simplify access and remove silos so individuals and families will be able to more easily navigate and find the right programs and services that work for them. CMRD will help the Department of Health Care Policy (HCPF) achieve greater consistency, accountability, and stability of case management services across the state. | |
Jefferson County Human Services (JCHS), with support from DDRC, submitted a request for proposal (RFP) to become the CMA for Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties, the new catchment area. The results of the RFP will be released by HCPF in late May or early June of this year. The transition of case management functions is planned to occur between November 2023 and June 2024, and includes DDRC’s Resource Coordination, Quality Assurance and Family Support functions. The State is required to be in compliance with CMRD by July 1, 2024.
Health First Colorado members accessing long term supports and services, including Medicaid waivers, will receive case management services in the future from the CMA in their catchment area. To stay up to date on HCPF rule changes that may impact these services , as well as other aspects of the future of case management, please visit HCPF's CMRD website and follow CMRD Rules Revision, Case Management Redesign | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.
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DDRC Staff - Striving to Make a Difference | |
It’s no secret that working in the field of human services is difficult on many fronts, and the pandemic and the economy have made it more difficult. So, when we see that our teammates are making a positive difference, we feel renewed and grateful. At DDRC, we take time to recognize the staff who are making a difference in small and big ways. We truly value the positive feedback we receive and have a few examples to share. | |
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A few months ago, a mother emailed a DDRC supervisor to compliment the Resource Coordinator who served her daughter, saying: “Throughout our years of service given to my daughter and me by DDRC, I have been very grateful and pleased with our Resource Coordinators. Recently, my daughter came under the care of Monica and her extraordinary and excellent care given to us prompted me to write you this email. Monica has truly stood out in her level of assistance, support and kindness. She has been incredibly responsive and helpful in the months she has been serving us…I am so impressed…”
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DDRC’s A Better Choice (ABC) supports a married couple through the supported living program, and their adult son is a DDRC Direct Support Professional, providing supports for his parents.
Last summer the son was involved in an accident and was severely injured, requiring long term care and advocacy himself too. ABC’s Program Manager, Bob stepped up to the plate during this family's extensive time of need and worry. Bob frequently visited the hospital following the accident, coordinated increased care from ABC staff for the couple, and became the advocate and communication point person not just for the couple, but for their son too. The couple's son was able to return to the home, but required ongoing care and monitoring, and Bob helped the couple with that new reality.
These efforts are what we know make a difference and we are gratified that our staff rises to the occasion!
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Getting to the Heart of DSP Work Really Counts | |
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DDRC is proud to join the many agencies nationwide that have become members of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). Working directly with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), direct support professionals (DSPs) help people engage with their community, support them in advocating for their wants and needs, develop independence, and perform caregiving duties. The NADSP will help elevate the status of DSPs, and further our mission to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the community.
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By embracing NADSP professional development, DSPs can further cultivate their skills in a variety of areas, and use a nationally validated Code of Ethics that prioritizes supporting personal autonomy, informed choices, and accessing integrated settings - all of which underpin leading a self-directed life. | |
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Being a part of one's community is an important aspect of each of our lives, and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) Rule requires it. The rule requires that people with I/DD have access to the same resources and opportunities as their non-disabled peers.
Community integration can benefit both individuals with disabilities and their communities. For individuals, it can lead to greater social connections, increased self-esteem, and improved quality of life. For communities, it can lead to increased diversity, greater understanding and acceptance of differences, and a stronger sense of social cohesion. Increasing community integration requires the involvement of a range of stakeholders. Everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and welcoming community!
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Here are some questions you can ask to help increase inclusion and belonging in your community:
· How can we create more opportunities for participation in community activities and events for people with disabilities?
· How can we ensure that community spaces and resources are accessible to all individuals?
· What steps can we take to promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities in our community?
For example, businesses can answer these questions and be more inclusive by offering training and education to staff and community members, creating inclusive events, activities, and communications, and by partnering with disability organizations to create meaningful job opportunities.
By working together, individuals, families, service providers, and community members can create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.
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For detailed information on the HCBS Settings Rule in Colorado, click here.
To submit general questions about the HCBS Settings Rule, click here.
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Library for All
Interactive Programs for Teens and Adults with Disabilities
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In case you hadn’t heard, or as a reminder, Library for All, offered monthly at five Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) branch locations, provides an interactive program for adults with disabilities who attend along with caregivers or day service support staff. Participants can choose what they want to do to make each activity or experience uniquely their own. They create, craft, share, explore alongside others, meet someone new, and socialize in a safe and welcoming space.
All this shows that the library is more than a collection of books; it's a place where everyone can learn, create, connect, and play. Library for All requires registration but no fee. The five sites and cadence of these JCPL programs are listed below:
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Columbine Library - every 1st Thursday, 1:00-2:00
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Edgewater Library - every 2nd Thursday, 11:30-12:30
- Golden Library - last Thursday of every month, 11:30AM – 1:00PM
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Lakewood Library - every 3rd Wednesday, 1:00-2:00
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Standley Lake Library - every 2nd Tuesday, 12:00-1:0
Library locations, phone, and hours are found at this link:
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/locations
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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
People served by DDRC and their families:
If you have already indicated that you wish to only receive official notifications, we ask for your patience as we work to coordinate and update those preferences in the database. Thank you!
DDRC sends important information via this “Constant Contact" email platform, including information about DDRC services and supports, announcements of emergencies, etc. 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. Official notifications about services and supports may then still be sent via Constant Contact, unless you contact us to indicate otherwise. Thank You.
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