You Can Do It - And We Can Help! | |
Technology is such a central part of our lives today. This is as true for people with disabilities as it is for anybody.
Recently, Erlen Marsh, DDRC’s Instructional Technology Specialist, received a call from a woman who Erlen worked with to provide training and support on her devices and apps. That woman, Brigid, shared that she was proud to have learned so much from Erlen and that she was able to help guide a friend through some tech challenges and sign-up processes. Brigid was so pleased that she could help someone else!
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Erlen not only strives to equip people with concrete skills, but also works to instill a feeling of confidence that each person can and will become comfortable with applying technology in their lives.
“I feel gratified knowing that the skills I teach, and the self-confidence I help people discover, really make a difference! I look forward to more people, and new people, reaching out to me and our DDRC Technology Services,” Erlen said.
Erlen is part of the DDRC Employment Services Team. Contact her at erlen.marsh@ddrcco.com.
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Self-Determination Initiative Funding Benefits 2-Legged & 4-Legged Friends | |
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Adam is a man on the go! He’s active in the community, pursuing his many interests and activities, often by bike, which gives him great independence. Who doesn’t love to feel the wind in your face as you pedal along!
Adam is also a loving pet-parent to two pups that need and want to be with Adam when he is out and about for hours at a time. Problem: how do you keep two pups leashed and running beside the bicycle without crossing in front of you or other walkers or tangling up their leashes. It isn't easy, and frequently doesn't work well.
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Adam was determined to continue his independence and activities while still being a responsible pet-parent. He applied for modest funding through DDRC’s Self-Determination Initiative to get a carrier that can be attached to his bike and carry his dogs or pulled along like a wagon. It’s been a great solution and Adam is looking forward to all his continued adventures. He is so grateful for the funding, and proud for advocating for himself!
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DDRC’s Self-Determination Initiative funding is available to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who reside in Jefferson County. This year we have approved 52 funding requests for a variety of things to help people meet their personal goals, things like a recreation pass or gym membership, driving classes/sessions, music therapy/lessons, camps, ski lessons, or devices like laptops, or tablets.
If you or someone you know has a goal to advance in some way in their life, and could use some funding assistance, then the DDRC Self-Determination Initiative (SDI) funding application process is something to consider.
Please reach out to Julia.Panucza@ddrcco.com, Community Funding Coordinator.
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Awesome Online Auction! Get in the Action | |
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Attention auction enthusiasts! The online auction tied to the DDRC/Developmental Disabilities Foundation Sunrise Safari Golf Tournament opened August 1. Every bid you make supports our mission and empowers individuals with IDD to participate fully in our community.
Imagine pampering yourself with a luxurious spa package from Breckenridge Grand Vacations, embarking on thrilling winter activities with Copper Mountain lift tickets, scoring a professional photo shoot, treating your sweetheart to an elegant statement piece from Kendra Scott jewelry, and so much more!
The auction runs for twelve exciting days as you plan your choices, place and watch your bids, and eye the competition. Bidding closes August 12, so don’t miss your chance to secure amazing items for yourself, a family member or friend, all while contributing directly to DDRC’s mission and impact.
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DDRC Staff Recognized by Statewide Association | |
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DDRC is proud to have two of our staff recognized with awards by the Colorado Association of People Supporting Employment First (CO APSE)!
CO APSE, part of national APSE, focuses on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community. DDRC is a member of CO APSE and steadfastly recognizes that everyone has abilities to contribute, and their work should be recognized with fair pay. Our Employment Services Team works hard to put this into practice and that’s why we are so proud of the recognition from CO APSE.
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Amanda McConnell, a DDRC Employment Specialist, was awarded the Professional for Individual Award from CO APSE. Always using her critical thinking skills, she has demonstrated a commitment to high-quality services and continuous improvement.
Amanda has high expectations for the people she supports. She knows that employment enriches and adds meaning to every life, and she is helping to make that a reality for the people she supports and as an example of Employment First for everyone! We are grateful to have Amanda on our team.
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Lee Sylvester, DDRC’s Employment Services Administrator and Benefits Planner received the Excellence in Benefits Planning Award from CO APSE. DDRC’s Benefits Planning is a relatively new service that we offer. Lee built this service for DDRC and the people we serve, understanding that many people with disabilities need greater understanding of how benefits and employment may work together, so that people can be confident in pursuing a job and gaining all the rewards that work has to offer.
Lee’s initiative in developing this new direct service within DDRC, and his collaboration with our state partners is certainly most commendable! We are so appreciative of his vision and expertise.
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To learn more about DDRC’s Employment Services: call (720) 544-8122 or email EmploymentFirst@ddrcco.com. | |
Leaders in Learning, Informing and Advancing Opportunity | |
DDRC seeks to be a leader in educating ourselves and others to advance the values and mission of inclusion for people of all abilities.
To that end, we are honored and pleased to say that two of our staff have been invited to present at the statewide Alliance Colorado Summit conference being held this August for professionals in the field of IDD services.
Heather Hagen, Assistant Director of DDRC Employment Services, will share innovative approaches that DDRC has undertaken to link day program/community connections and career/industry exploration. This combined approach of bridging day program and employment services gives participants an exciting and rewarding way to learn and explore.
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Lee Sylvester, DDRC’s Employment Services Administrator, will present information on Benefits Planning for people with disabilities, in collaboration with other CO APSE members: the Colorado Office of Employment First (COEF), the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
Benefits Planning (aka Benefits Counseling) is a relatively new service that is provided by a certified individual and is available to people with DVR funding or enrolled in the Developmental Disabilities (DD) or Supported Living Services (SLS) waivers. It can help relieve someone's fears about the impact that current or future work may have on their benefits, while providing a clear plan to balance those needs and a high quality of life, including the rewards that can come with a job.
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DDRC is proud to be among the first providers in Colorado offering Benefits Planning. So far, DDRC Benefits Planning has directly helped more than 30 individuals with career interests. | Advocate, Connect and Enjoy the Legislative BBQ | |
DDRC Friends, and advocates for the important services represented by DDRC, The Seniors Resource Center, Jefferson Center, The Action Center, and Family Tree: Save the date to join us for our Legislative BBQ on the evening of Tuesday, September 24 (starting 4:30 p.m.).
This is a time when our stakeholders can come to meet candidates for county commissioner, state, and federal offices, and to let them know what is important to you. Help guide our policymakers and candidates by making your needs and views known and sharing your experience – while getting to know candidates too! And of course we'll be serving some great BBQ.
Watch for an invitation to register and more details to come. In the meantime, be sure to mark your calendars for September 24.
| DDRC's Community Outreach | |
DDRC staff met with an excited crowd of families during the late July Back-to-School event with event hosts The Sensory Club Denver and Community Aquatics n' Occupational Engagement – CANOE, and other providers.
DDRC helped sponsor the gathering and shared information about our many services that support kids and adults with disabilities and delays, and their families. There was great interest in our Pediatric Behavioral Health services and clinic, and our Support Services, particularly for kids with the CES Waiver.
Backpack giveaways, a chance to use the sensory gym, games, snacks, Dirt Coffee, wonderful volunteers, and more, made it fun too! We are thankful to the event hosts for including DDRC, so we can keep making a difference for kids, adults, and families!
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We’re committed to meeting the highest standards for charitable operations
and giving, and are proud of the ratings we've achieved!
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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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