Important News on Federal Funding | |
Following U.S. Presidential executive orders, on Jan. 27, the Office of Management and Budget instructed federal agencies to temporarily pause federal financial assistance to certain programs/initiatives. Medicaid is not included in the freeze, however, we have identified several funding sources potentially included that could impact DDRC as an agency and those we serve, including Part C for early intervention, HUD (housing), EEOC (changes to anti-discrimination classes), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), and more.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the funding freeze. We are working closely with Alliance and ANCOR, nonprofit state and federal disability advocacy associations, to keep abreast of this situation and understand its full impacts to DDRC services. We will communicate back to our community as the ramifications of the freeze become more certain, and as warranted.
In response to this freeze, Rob DeHerrera, Executive Director, DDRC shared, “We will be doing everything we can to continue our services to you and minimize any disruption for the people and families we serve, as we navigate this unprecedented and rapidly changing situation.”
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Among the many forms love takes, the love of parent and child is timeless. DDRC has played a role in supporting this special connection as demonstrated by the story of Amy Miller and her young son who received services from our Early Intervention (EI) program. | |
Amy, now a DDRC Board member, shared that her son received vital care and support from DDRC’s EI services, therapists, and connections to additional resources. She says that her family will rely on DDRC support throughout her son’s life.
During their journey, many dedicated care providers displayed excellent and genuine care for Amy's family. DDRC is proud to have made a positive impact on Amy and her family.
As Valentines Day approaches we are reminded of the many forms of love. Watch the video of Amy where the love that she and her husband have for their son, and the gratitude she expresses, shines brightly. See the video.
| On the Road to Independence | |
March is four weeks away, and visions of spring break adventures are emerging. Grace, a woman we support, has only traveled with family, but now she wants to try traveling without family, to feel the independence of being a young adult. It’s both a brave and scary step. | |
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Grace received Self-Determination Initiative (SDI) funding to launch herself toward that goal, which is available to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in Jefferson County. The SDI program is something unique to DDRC! See more about our SDI here.
Grace and her family found Wayfaring Band, a program that helps people experience and learn about the joys and responsibilities of travel. The group will be traveling to California and Grace says she is looking forward to “learning to make new friendships and have fun.”
When asked what worries she might have that the training will help her overcome, Grace says she is concerned about the fires, and hopes the program will help her to be brave, confident, and strong. Learning how to respond positively to the unexpected builds self-assurance. To anyone who might think that a person with IDD cannot travel without family, Grace says, “Wait, hold on, yes I can!” With this program, we are confident Grace will come away with a newfound sense of independence that many people take for granted.
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PossAbilities Expo This Saturday | |
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The PossAbilities Expo is happening this Saturday, Feb., 1 at the Whitlock Recreation Center (1555 Dover St., Lakewood) from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A special sensory-friendly session will be held at 10:30 am in advance of the general Expo.
DDRC will have a time in the spotlight at 12:15 pm in the Aerobics Room to briefly share about our services, and we’ll have a table in the main space too. Please come by! More about the Expo here.
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A Great Approach Cultivates Appreciation | |
A family recently reached out to DDRC for information about our family caregiver program, stating that DDRC's Admissions Manager, lxsa Shea, was highly recommended. | |
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Ixsa doesn't just explain DDRC services; she takes the time to connect the dots, helping families understand Medicaid and Medicaid waivers and how various resources work together. She cultivates a rapport with the people she serves, using her extensive experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field to explain the system and provide clear and compassionate explanations of DDRC's service options.
“Knowing that my efforts to connect people with resources, support, and services is making a meaningful difference in the quality of their lives is incredibly fulfilling,” Ixsa says.
We are truly thankful for Ixsa. She recently received DDRC’s Customer Service Award by our Recognition Team and our Board of Directors. If you would like to work for an organization where people like Ixsa are appreciated, visit DDRC's Careers page.
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Elevate Self-Advocacy in Relationships | |
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DDRC is thrilled to be offering a learning series called “Confident Connections” for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The series will explore topics of communication, relationships, consent, sexuality, social media, and LGBTQIA+ issues, in a safe and welcoming environment.
The seven-part, evidence-based lessons are led by Erlen Marsh, an Elevatus Training certified instructor. The series aims to foster open conversations to help people with disabilities understand and build self-advocacy, independence, personal safety, and healthy relationships.
To indicate your interest, register, and/or for questions, email employmentfirst@ddrcco.com or call (720) 544-8122. Series dates TBD. Participants are encouraged to reach out now to have time to plan accordingly. Download the flyer.
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Out in the Community - Contact Us to Connect
If you have a provider fair or community event where attendees may want to learn about DDRC, let us know, as we are pleased to connect. Call 303.233.3363 or email michele.majeune@ddrcco.com.
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Special Education Fair: DDRC was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with families at the Jefferson County Public Schools Special Education Resource Fair. There was considerable interest in our Pediatric Behavioral Health, opportunities for respite, other family support, and how high school students can begin getting employment supports.
Attendees also expressed appreciation to learn that DDRC continues to offer a wide array of program services serving people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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