Serving People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
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Theatrical Performances Dec 2, 3 and 4 |
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It’s always great to have something to smile about and the Special Needs Actors Program at Colorado Acts is bringing that in their upcoming performances. On December 2, 3 and 4 at 7:00 p.m., they are performing “Castle Tales,” a humorous retelling of the Beauty and the Beast and Snow White fairy tales, done in a unique and delightful style.
Among the faces you’ll see on stage are people served by DDRC, including some veterans of the past DDRC Players. For a sure to please evening, and to applaud all the actors, join them for one of these performances.
The Colorado Acts theatre is located at 11455 W I-70 Frontage Road North (off Ward Rd) in Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.
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Noodles and Company (Arvada) Fundraiser Night This Thursday, Dec 2 from 4-8 p.m. |
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Tired of leftover turkey? Looking for an easy, delicious dinner after holiday shopping? Visit Noodles & Company at 6408 Yank Way Ste A, Arvada, CO 80004 on Dec. 2 or go online to purchase a delicious meal or gift card and support an adult with disabilities or caregiver at the same time.
For every purchase made between 4:00 – 8:00 pm on December 2nd, Noodles will donate 25% in support of the DDRC Holiday Open House gift drive – a giving drive put on by members of our community to support adults in DDRC services and their caregivers.
Be sure to mention DDRC before you checkout! Online and Noodles Rewards app purchases made during this event also qualify for the donation – just apply code “GIVING25” in the Coupon Code line at checkout.
We thank the hostesses of the annual Holiday Open House for initiating this fundraiser and many thanks to Noodles & Company, Arvada (Yank Way).
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From Faraway Roots: A Spirit We Can All Admire |
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Some people are extra special by virtue of their compassion, patience, protectiveness and drive to do what’s best. For Joana Appiah, Direct Service Provider in our DDRC Individual Residential Support Services (IRSS), those attributes spring from a childhood experience that helped shape her spirit and values, and have benefitted the people she has served through DDRC for more than 10 years.
Joana grew up in Ghana, Africa. When she was barely a teen, her younger sister contracted a disease that left her deaf. Classmates teased or bullied her sister, and early on Joana was struck by this insensitivity and saw the importance of sticking up for people and helping them be accepted and fit in.
Joana’s family was unable to afford her dream of an education to be a nurse after high school, but she parlayed a gift of a sewing machine to sew thigs to make money, and even helped other graduates learn the trade too. Eventually, Joana immigrated to America, taking her hardworking and kind spirit with her.
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Over the years, often while working several jobs to help provide for her family, Joana focused on working in the caregiving field for people with disabilities. She is now part of a DDRC team helping people live as independently as they can in their own apartments with DDRC support for their health, hygiene, nutrition, housekeeping and excursions in the community.
“I want people to be comfortable, to be ready to go out in the community, be met with smiles, and not be left out,” Joana says, explaining that helping people meet the world with dignity is important. She also helps them find joy in daily living by doing activities like lunch at a park, going grocery shopping, going to a movie or doing some hobby or art at home. “I love to cook and try new recipes too, so residents can discover what they enjoy” she says.
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Joana lovingly accepts that each person has their own interests, abilities and challenges. She has developed close relationships to the people she supports and to their family members too, which is comforting for family that does not live close by. Recently, Joana and Donna, a woman residing in an apartment and receiving supports, enjoyed putting up a holiday tree and decorations sent by Donna’s sister.
Joana has saved and paid to build a house in Ghana where one day she will semi-retire and help her elderly mother. She envisions starting a small business there, employing people to make water bags for homes in a community where the water supply isn’t reliable.
“Family is everything,” Joana is often heard to say, and she brings that outlook to her role at the DDRC apartment residences. She also brings that outlook to her interactions and warm encouragement to the newer DDRC IRSS staff who she describes in glowing terms. No doubt she serves as a positive example: “This job is not just because you need money. This is a job where you enjoy helping people. You need to have heart,” she says.
We are so fortunate that we have people like Joana Appiah whose amazing heart helps us achieve our mission!
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Colorado Gives Day is December 7th
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Every gift to DDRC creates much-needed opportunities for people with disabilities and their families, making an impact that can literally last a lifetime. This December, your gift goes even further when you schedule a donation or give on Colorado Gives Day on December 7th.
If DDRC has been on your year-end giving list, Colorado Gives Day is the perfect time to make an even bigger impact with your support – each donation gets DDRC a bigger portion of the $1 million+ incentive fund, powered by Community First Foundation, FirstBank and other amazing community partners.
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And if you miss us on Colorado Gives Day, don’t worry! Your support through the end of the year (or any time!) makes a difference and helps support quality, dignity and choice for all.
Scheduling your Colorado Gives Day donation is easy, but more than that – it provides life-changing resources and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
To schedule your donation:
· Enter the amount you would like to donate.
· Click the green “SCHEDULE FOR GIVES DAY” button.
· Select whether to schedule a one-time donation to process on December 7th, or you can make sure you never miss another Gives Day by selecting “Every Year” to schedule an annual recurring donation.
· Click “Continue”, then “Add to Basket.”
· When all of your scheduled donations are in your basket, click “VIEW BASKET.”
· Checkout and submit your scheduled donations.
And…. that’s it! It’s that easy.
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A Step Closer to Web Accessibility |
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DDRC is pleased to be able to offer a new tool on our website as a step towards greater web accessibility for people with disabilities or who are challenged in navigating typical websites. The tool, accessiBe, offers people options to customize their experience in navigating our website.
The accessibility tool is denoted by an image of a stick figure with arms outstretched, to signify “all encompassing.” By clicking this accessibility icon on the bottom left of our page you’ll find a pop-up box with various choices to adjust the look, feel and navigation of the web page. This includes screen readers or keyboard navigation to help people with visual or motor challenges. If you want to go back to the original format, you just click “Reset Settings” at the top of the pop-up box.
When it comes to web accessibility, there are different tools and approaches, and few cover every user’s challenges in a perfect way. It’s an evolving field and this is one tool. We hope it is helpful- and expect that it will be!
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New Jefferson County Public Health Order in Place at DDRC |
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DDRC truly appreciates your support and the support we have received from the community, especially over these last 19 months and as we continue to navigate the changing COVID-19 environment.
DDRC was informed that we fall under Jefferson County Public Health’s Public Heath Order (PHO) 21-005, issued in November. This PHO requires that all DDRC employees either provide proof of full vaccination or submit a negative COVID test weekly. The order also covers volunteers in some settings.
We are working with DDRC staff, Jefferson County and Jefferson County Public Health to minimize the impact on DDRC services, and we will provide relevant updates as needed.
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DDRC appreciates the work of Jefferson County Public Health and their intent to keep the COVID-19 virus in check. Thank you for your support and understanding as we all work together to keep everyone safe. |
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Jefferson County Public Health Mask Mandates for
Indoor Public Spaces
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Health officials in several counties in the metro Denver area have adopted public health orders (PHO) to require face coverings in indoor public spaces. The Jefferson County Board of Health adopted a public health order mandating masks for indoor public spaces effective November 24, 2021. The order applies to everyone over the age of 3, unless they cannot medically tolerate a face covering or are engaged in certain activities that are specified in the order. Details of the order can be found at https://www.jeffco.us/4056/Mask-Guidance.
DDRC has already been requiring face covering for all indoor settings for a number of months, so we do not expect the new PHO to have significant implications to our operations. We will be reviewing the PHO in detail and will provide additional updates as needed. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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COVID Vaccines in Jefferson County |
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Are you, a family member, or someone you know interested in a vaccine, booster or getting tested if you have possibly been exposed to COVID-19? Places where you can schedule your vaccine or a vaccine booster shot in Jefferson County include:
o The pharmacy where you received your initial vaccine
For documentation of or a replacement card for your prior COVID vaccine go to:
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COVID Testing and Vaccines in Various Counties
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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 that you are open to r eceiving official notifications (i.e. notices of your services and supports ) via Constant Contact. Thank You!
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