September 2020 Newsletter
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Hello DDRC Community,
We all had hoped that by now there would be more certainty in our lives, but like the rest of the world, we are still figuring out how to navigate through the biggest pandemic in 100 years. Even with continuing new regulations and orders, our staff and people we serve have adapted well. Truly remarkable!
All DDRC staff have pulled together even closer than ever to ensure operations have continued seamlessly while implementing new protocols and service models in an environment in flux. Our goal is to best serve the needs of those with IDD and their families through many service options, while being innovative, effective and safe.
We are at the forefront in shaping future services here in Colorado with the help of a grant to implement and evaluate the use of telehealth and virtual services, both during and after the COVID crisis. We have implemented Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) systems to meet State and Federal requirements. EVV aims to verify that people receive the documented care they need.
With provider rate cuts and regulatory and eligibility changes due to COVID, this has been a challenging budget year. Due to a significant decrease in day program services and related revenue, we have modified Adult Vocational Services staffing and operations.
Our DDRC leadership and Board of Directors have endorsed efforts to examine and increase efforts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion particularly regarding race relations. Our commitment to these principles for everyone encompasses and goes beyond our work for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For the most updated information on services, communicate directly with your Resource/Service Coordinator and our direct services staff, check our website and newsletters, and see the section below.
Thank you for helping us keep you connected and for working together to keep our community healthy and safe.
Beverly Winters, Executive Director
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DDRC Operations Update
Adult Vocational Services (AVS) are gradually resuming with new approaches. One of the biggest changes over the last several weeks has been the work of our AVS staff in the implementation of various day program service models to best meet the needs of individuals we serve according to their needs, risks and preferences. These models, including serving smaller groups of individuals at our Walters and Weiland day program sites, are following all COVID guidance, risk assessments and precautions.
Our Quality Living Services (QLO) residential staff are to be commended in their ongoing success in keeping COVID at bay and keeping activity levels and spirits up in new creative ways.
Our Therapeutic Recreation Team has continued to provide services and have adjusted to a mix of virtual and in-person services to meet needs in innovative ways, giving individuals additional outlets for exercise and connections.
Our Service/Resource Coordination, Early Intervention, and Behavioral Health have kept services in place, occurring mainly through telehealth/virtual conferencing wherever allowed and viable to meet the needs of individuals and families. Early Intervention services are being allowed in an outdoor in-person format, in limited circumstances.
DDRC Central Office staff continue to work hard to keep all operations running smoothly whether working remotely or in the office, as necessary. All employees and essential visitors are required to complete a symptom screening and temperature check, and to wear a face covering while in the building. Non-essential visitors will be redirected to do business by phone, so please call before visiting.
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COVID-19 Resources
Colorado help lines: call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email [email protected], for answers in English and Spanish.
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Weecyle’s Impact Is More Than “Wee” |
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Being a parent of a baby or young child is a delight and a challenge. For parents of children with developmental disabilities the love, admiration for the child, and the challenges faced are perhaps magnified.
Now, one thing such families connected to DDRC can take off their “worry list” is how to afford diapers and wipes.
Weecycle, an area nonprofit that donates baby necessities, recently donated 1,986 infant and toddler diapers and 72 packages of wipes to DDRC for families we serve. They also made another donation earlier this year.
Many thanks to Weecycle!
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Recognizing and Showing Gratitude for Direct Support Professionals Sept. 13 – 19 |
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Each September DDRC joins other organizations across the country to recognize and celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) week as a way to honor the crucial role DSPs play in the lives of people with disabilities and within our organization.
DSPs often have to be multi-talented, as numerous skills are needed to fulfill the needs of the people they serve. DSPs may assist individuals with skill building for jobs, and developing social and life skills, such as doing a basic budget, shopping, and navigating a bus system or interactions with others. DSPs help coordinate other daily living tasks and medications too. They plan and implement various day enrichment activities, provide transportation and so much more. They need to be patient and caring in the face of sometimes challenging behaviors, and to straddle being hands-on while also being forward-thinking to anticipate the needs of people for whom they work.
During this pandemic, many DSPs continued to work on the front lines, since remote services for people with significant disabilities often is not sufficient for their needs. DDRC Direct Support staff who work in our Quality Living Options residential services, A Better Choice services and Adult Vocational Services have been amazing in keeping people safe, healthy, active and content as much as possible in the COVID environment.
Our DDRC Board of Directors issued a proclamation recognizing the important role that DSPs play and expressing our gratitude for all that DSPs do and contribute every day to our organization! Please reach out to thank the DSPs that you know and tell them how appreciated they are.
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Virtual Legislative BBQ / Forum on Thursday, Oct. 8
from 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Register Today
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Each year, more than 250 community members have gathered for the Jeffco Indoor Legislative BBQ hosted by the four largest nonprofits in Jefferson County: Seniors Resource Center, DDRC, Family Tree and Jefferson Center. This is an important election year with the challenges we all currently face, and we won’t let COVID-19 hold us back, so we will be going virtual!
Participants will hear from elected officials and candidates about issues that are important to our community and our nonprofits, and how we can work with officials to improve the lives of the people that we serve. Candidates with jurisdictions in Jefferson County including Commissioners, the District Attorney, the Colorado State House and Senate, and U.S. Congress are invited to participate and speak.
Please join us for the Virtual 20th Annual Legislative BBQ on Thursday, October 8, 2020, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
While the event is free, advance registration is required by Oct 6th.
Early Bird Registration: Register by September 30 and be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to one of our amazing Jefferson County BBQ Restaurants. Must be present to win.
When registering, you will be asked to identify your Colorado State House of Representatives rep. You can find your legislator here.
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DDRC Behavioral Health Offers Free Virtual Webinar Oct. 7 and 8 |
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DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team (BHT) is hosting a free, online Zoom session, “Intro to Applied Behavior Analysis” to help attendees learn how to motivate positive behavior from family members, students and those they support. The concepts and examples are applicable to many ages and settings. Additionally, participants will have some opportunity to ask questions relevant to specific situations they may face.
Part 1 of the webinar will be held on Oct. 7, from 9 a.m.- noon and Part 2 on Oct. 8, from 9 a.m.- noon. Attendance in the first session is needed in order to enroll in the second session. Advance registration is required by emailing your name and phone number to [email protected].
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DDRC Annual Meeting – To Be Held Virtually Wednesday, October 28 |
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Please mark your calendars to join us virtually for DDRC’s Annual Meeting to be held the evening of October 28 from approximately 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. The exact start time will be announced in our next newsletter and via direct emails. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and Zoom link information will be provided.
Prior to the meeting, those who are eligible as “members of the corporation” will have the opportunity to vote for DDRC Board of Directors for open elected board positions. Those eligible to vote are individuals receiving services and their family or guardian.
DDRC will be emailing the names and background information of persons who are on the ballot for these board positions, along with other information on the election process, including when ballots should be returned prior to the Annual Meeting. Ballots will be emailed to those eligible and for whom we have an email on file, and they will also be made available by postal mail for those who request them by October 13.
During the annual meeting we will announce the board members who were elected. We will also honor individuals and staff with recognition awards and provide a brief overview of relevant news and a look-ahead for the organization.
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DDRC Online Summer Auction and Event - A Success! |
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Thank you to all who supported and joined us on August 14 for our online event, The 19th Hole: Together While Apart, held in lieu of our usual golf tournament. This was a truly unique event that brought together over 60 members of the DDRC community for our first ever online virtual fundraiser. Through sponsorships, auction purchases and donations made during the event, The 19th Hole raised approximately $27,000 to support Adult Vocational Services (AVS). Thank you to our sponsors, those who donated auction items and those who bid!
The event also offered a chance for us to showcase AVS, including aspects of our day program and employment support services for individuals with disabilities. This gave event viewers a glimpse into the ways that people we serve choose to find fulfillment through those services.
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Kristie Palermo, shown on the left in this picture, shared art she makes as part of DDRC’s day programing. She is shown along with Cori Buder, DDRC AVS Support Specialist.
Additionally, an individual receiving employment support services talked about the helpful and positive relationships he has with DDRC’s Employment Services team, his experience working for a local restaurant and what he finds rewarding about his work. Two members of that team, Heather Hagen, Assistant Director, and Douglas Love, Employment Specialist, also talked about how the program finds a “right fit” and successful match that works for the employee and employer. |
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We can’t wait to see you next year, at the Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen for our 2021 fundraiser tournament. Watch for more information in future communications.
Thank you again to the businesses, organizations and individuals who donated auction items and to our generous 2020 19th Hole Together While Apart event sponsors noted below.
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"19th Hole" Presenting Sponsors |
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19th Hole Partner Sponsor
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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 Cornavirus), 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. Instead, if you prefer not to receive e-newslettters, invitations or donor opportunities please use our “Online Form” to indicate that you do not want to receive such emails. However, please continue to select that you are open to receiving official notifications (i.e. notices of your services and supports ) via Constant Contact. Thank You!
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