Proud of Our Colorado APSE Award Winners! | |
We are extremely proud to share that two Employment Specialists with DDRC’s Adult Vocational Services, Malik Clark and Dezirae Gurule, recently received awards from the Colorado Association of People Supporting Employment First (CO APSE). APSE is a highly respected national membership organization focused on Employment First, to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the community and in the general workforce —at real jobs for real wages. | |
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Malik, winner of the 2023 Professional for Individual award from the CO APSE, takes pride in providing exceptional employment services that are rooted in the philosophy of Employment First.
Recently he worked with a man who has a goal of becoming a videographer and was funded for services through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Malik worked hard to help the DVR Counselor understand the steps that this person needed on his way to his career goal. Malik’s advocacy enabled this man work with a mentor in the videography field to further develop his skills while also securing employment that would allow him to save money to purchase video equipment. This helped the career seeker to pursue both his long-term career goal (videography) while also taking the steps to prepare himself through shorter-term strategies.
Malik is determined to be truly person-centered, and honor a person's career goals, while working to ensure that everything he does is in support of people's full and self-directed lives. Congratulations, Malik!
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Dezirae was honored with the CO APSE Wendy Wood Emerging Leader award. She demonstrates an unwavering commitment to ensure the career seekers she works with are at the heart of what she does, and asks challenging questions that make our approaches better.
Dezirae has been working with a career seeker who lost jobs due to inappropriate behavior when they didn’t feel they were receiving enough attention. Dezirae advocated to take things slow with this person's next job search, unlike the previous searches. Dezirae established a rapport with the career seeker to understand her feelings and motivations, and helped the career seeker understand them too. Together they explored how the career seeker would approach work differently. Dezirae has also been an excellent communicator with this person's team, and demonstrates how we can customize our support.
Dezirae exemplifies leadership by developing strong relationships with employers, helping them explore their business and hiring needs, and their diversity goals. With at least two large employers, she has become a go-to person to consult for qualified applicants and discuss diversity in the workplace. She was asked to speak to The Golden Hotel staff about diversity on their team and has also held an internal presentation for DDRC staff.
Dezirae has been impactful with career seekers, with DDRC’s Employment Services team, and with local employers. Congratulations Dezirae!
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Truly being attentive to a person’s needs, working as a team for best outcomes, and stepping way out of the usual routine—that’s what DDRC’s residential services staff did recently, exemplifying all that we strive to be as an organization. Employees of DDRC’s Belmar apartments and Forward House pulled together for the better when an issue arose. These residential sites offer people with disabilities a place to live in the community in conjunction with staff support, which fosters community integration, choice, and personal living spaces. | |
The staff at Belmar expressed concerns when a gentleman residing there started displaying odd behavior. After coordinating trips for medical assessments, it was determined that he desperately needed cataract surgery to restore his sight. Because he lives on the second floor at Belmar, he needed a safer living situation until surgery was completed. With support from both Belmar and Forward House staff, he moved to Forward House temporarily. Given the man’s other wants, needs and routines, he went back and forth between the sites throughout the day with staff support.
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All staff pulled together to meet his needs, made sure he felt comfortable and safe, and walked him through double cataract surgery and recovery. Because of everyone’s hard work, determination, and advocacy he is back at Belmar and can now see!
The teams were recognized with our “20/20 Award” for their efforts and for exemplifying the vision that “DDRC provides easy access to person-centered, quality services and supports.” Thank you Belmar team: Cathy, Elizabeth, Rita, Voni, Olusegun, and Wendy, and
thank you Forward House team: Ayodele, Lisa, Jamie, Ebenezer, Mamadou, Jessi and Jodi!
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If you’d like to make a difference for people – and to be alongside coworkers who take seriously their commitment to serve others, maybe you’d like to join our team at DDRC!
We are hiring, and even if the positions we currently have open are not a fit for you, please reach out as we’d like to know about your desire to work in our field. Email Heather.Schrock@ddrcco.com.
See current career openings here.
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Case Management Redesign Status | |
Putting “Professional” Front and Center in DSP | |
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One of the ways we can strengthen the intellectual and developmental disabilities field is by elevating Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and recently DDRC took significant leaps in that direction by organizing a three-day training program in collaboration with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).
We are proud to say that we are among the few organizations in Colorado, if not the only one, who are members of NADSP. The training focused on the NADSP's Code of Ethics, Core Competencies, and Frontline Supervisor training, empowering approximately 120 employees with essential skills and knowledge to elevate the status of direct support professionals (DSPs) in the field.
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The NADSP's Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical conduct and underscores the vital role DSPs play in the lives of individuals with IDD. By adhering to this code, DSPs demonstrate integrity, respect, and a commitment to person-centered support, promoting a culture of compassion and dignity. Through the training, DDRC employees were equipped with tools to navigate ethical challenges and foster strong relationships based on trust and empathy.
The Core Competencies training further solidified the importance of elevating DSPs, by virtue of the diverse skill set they must possess, encompassing communication, understanding individual rights promoting community inclusion, and providing quality care. By honing these competencies, DSPs can empower individuals with IDD to lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in their communities.
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This commitment to elevating DSPs aligns with the federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings rule, which emphasizes the importance of person-centered services and community integration for individuals with disabilities. By providing comprehensive training aligned with these principles, DDRC is actively contributing to the advancement of HCBS settings and empowering DSPs to be agents of change.
Frontline supervisor training was another crucial aspect of the training program, recognizing the pivotal role supervisors play in guiding and supporting DSPs. Effective leadership at the frontline is essential for creating a positive work environment, promoting professional growth, and ensuring consistent, high-quality care. By investing in the development of frontline supervisors, DDRC is fostering a culture of excellence that resonates throughout the organization.
The significance of elevating the status of DSPs cannot be overstated. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of the IDD field, providing essential care, support, and advocacy. Recognizing and investing in DSPs is crucial for ensuring the highest standards of service delivery and enriching the lives of individuals with IDD.
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Triad's Children's Champions Awards | |
Triad Early Childhood Council held their Annual Children's Champions Awards breakfast in June. Pat Bolton, who serves on DDRC’s Board of Directors and is the Executive Director for Triad, and Director of Child Care Innovations, gave thought-provoking comments, and exhorted everyone to make a difference in the life of a child. Dr. Maegan Lokteff, with the Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance was the featured speaker. Congratulations to award winners: Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (Colorado EPIC), Sweet Dream in a Bag, and Kelly Varney. | |
DDRC was proud to nominate our Early Intervention Assistive Technology (AT) Committee (Tiffany, Monica, Joy and Christina) made up of staff from our service coordination and direct services.
The committee plays a role in reviewing requests for Assistive Technology (AT), its appropriateness and efficacy for various situations. Members of the AT Committee, other DDRC staff and Pat Bolton (right) are pictured here.
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AT are items, devices or adaptations that enable a child with a disability to actively participate in their world. AT can help them play independently with toys or with other children, communicate their needs and ideas, make choices, and move around on their own. AT can be low-tech items such as tabs that are attached to pages to help a child be able to turn pages in a book or a picture schedule to help a child who has challenges transitioning from one routine to the next be able to recognize what to expect within the day. High-tech items could be an iPad with specific apps to help an autistic child who does not speak be able to communicate or an electronic device that helps a child with a significant muscle impairment be able to learn how to feed themself.
The impact of these adaptations is great and so is the work of DDRC's AT Committee!
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If you have a child or teen with special needs or a medically complex situation, join the fun on “Summer Swim Days” hosted by the Foothills Park and Recreation Department (FPRD). There will be extra space for pool goers with special needs and their families to feel like they have the pool to themselves for safe swimming and family bonding.
Kids and teens with special needs swim free, and with sponsorship from DDRC and CANOE, the caregiver may enter for free too! Regular pool rates apply for all other family members.
Swim Day: Sunday, July 16 (9 - 10:30 a.m.)
Deer Creek Outdoor Pool at 8637 S. Garrison Street, Littleton, CO 80128
For pool locations, rates and more, see here or
call 303-409-2520.
Visit CANOE: Community Aquatics n' Occupational Engagement (CANOE):
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Apply for Backup Power System Support | |
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Do you or a family member use life-sustaining equipment such as CPAP, ventilator, medication refrigeration, chair lift etc.. and you have Medicaid coverage? If so there is now an application to apply for a backup power supply.
HCPF has recognized the importance of being prepared for a power outage emergency for individuals utilizing life-sustaining medical devices. With funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and in collaboration with The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE), they will be distributing Battery Backup Power Supply Systems to eligible Health First Colorado members (Medicaid), assisting them in having the necessary equipment to be better prepared and in maintaining their health, safety and independence.
If you are interested in getting a Backup Power Supply System, complete the application. There is a limited supply and a final decision will be made on eligibility and the availability of devices. Applicants will be notified within two months of receipt of the application. Questions should be directed to Julia Beems at 303-315-1284 or julia.beems@ucdenver.edu. See more at the Surviving in Place webpage.
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Play & Participate for Good | |
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Create unforgettable memories, get outdoors, practice your backswing, and support DDRC on August 14 at the Hiwan Golf Club. Registration is open for Swingin' with School Pride Golf Tournament presented by BOK Financial.
This tournament sells outs, so don't delay your registration any longer! Whether you are registering as an individual or a foursome, you will surely have a swingin' good time! And your involvement and proceeds from the tournament and the associated auction will benefit DDRC’s Children and Family Services Program.
Tune into our social channels for the latest sneak peek auction updates from this year's tournament: @Facebook.com/DDRCCO and @instagram.com/ddrcco.
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Smooth Rolling with HBF Assistance | |
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DDRC and the Home Builders Foundation (HBF) have been in communication with each other regarding the foundation’s desire to continue to make a difference. They have been active in organizing volunteer days and helping to fund home modifications to assist people with disabilities. It is wonderful to see the HBF’s caring!
After discussions with DDRC they decided to pursue, and now have been successful in becoming a licensed Medicaid provider. Families with a member eligible for the Children's Extensive Supports (CES) Waiver may now apply for a HBF pilot program for help in modifications, particularly ramps for home access.
Those interested, should apply with the HBF and must note what waivers they currently have.
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Alliance Colorado Celebrates 50 Years | |
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Alliance Colorado, a statewide association, is celebrating 50 fabulous years of leading policy, advocacy, and support for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and the entities that serve them.
DDRC was at the Alliance anniversary celebration, and Rob DeHerrera, DDRC Executive Director, spoke briefly to share his reflections. DDRC was one the organizations who helped establish Alliance years ago – through the work of Peg Johnstone, Dr. Art Hogling, Don Munro, and Bob Arnold, among others in and outside of DDRC.
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DDRC has worked alongside Alliance on many issues as the world of IDD services and opportunities evolved from place where institutions and segregation of people with IDD still existed, to a world of greater inclusion and the funding to bring that closer to reality. Over the years, through their work on legislation, the IDD budget, rates/figure settings, briefings, hearings, task forces and more, Alliance has helped lead in this evolution. We look forward to continuing our involvement with Alliance.
In the spring of each year, Alliance hosts IDD Awareness Day at the Colorado State Capitol. The event provides an opportunity to meet legislators, and to be seen and heard. We encourage readers to participate in this event in 2024, learn more about Alliance’s work, and see how you can help by speaking up.
See: https://www.alliancecolorado.org/
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Sharing Our Story in the Community | DDRC participates in community events to share what we do with the community and to provide information and resources. | |
The Kiwanis Club of Columbine invited us to share a presentation with more than 50 club attendees at their June breakfast meeting,
We were at PASCO's Summer Picnic (pictured here) along with many other providers, agencies and a big crowd.
Our Pint Night at 6 and 40 Brewery, DDRC's wonderful Lakewood neighbor, proved a lovely night for making new connections, seeing old friends and colleagues, and raising funds.
In early June we participated in the West Metro Chamber's huge Taste of the West, with a chance to have some visibility with businesses and general attendees.
And we are tickled to be able to participate in the Arvada Chamber's upcoming "Taste of Arvada" on July 13 (6-8pm) at the Apex Center at 13150 72nd Ave. If you're able to attend, look for our DDRC table.
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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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