Bringing Awareness and Art Enjoyment to Library Visitors | |
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Libraries are a hub, drawing in people of many different interests. Because of that community connectedness, DDRC is grateful that we had the opportunity to partner with Jefferson County Public Library for an art class hosted at the Columbine Library’s makerspace. The class, open to any interested adult, focused on the theme of self-advocacy, which is meaningful for everyone to lead a fulfilling life, and particularly for people with developmental disabilities.
Through this partnership and the library’s promotion of the class in their flyers, electronic displays and web site, people learned about DDRC and our mission, and had the opportunity to participate. And now, furthering that awareness, a description of the class and the art creations are on display at Columbine Library through May.
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Using ink paint, rollers, stencils, sponges, and markers, the artists created their pieces on canvas, using hair dryers to dry the ink in between layers of their work. People participating in DDRC’s Weiland and Walters programs created pieces and several of them are pictured here.
See the art display through May at the Columbine Library, 7706 W. Bowles Ave Littleton, CO 80123. Thank you to Jefferson County Public Library for their collaboration and commitment to inclusion, and for the help of the wonderful staff at Columbine Library.
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See more about the Jefferson County Public Library, their programs, and how you can get a free library card, by visiting them here.
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When the same group steps forward many times to give their time and physical effort to help make things better, you know their values go deeper than words. We are blessed and grateful that the Masons’ friendship includes DDRC and helping to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
In late April, Masons from the Marquis de Lafayette Lodge #41 and Denver Lodge #5 spent two entire Saturdays cleaning and sprucing up the backyard of the DDRC “Lamar” residential group home in Lakewood. The property is home to about 8 people served by DDRC’s Quality Living Options program.
|  | The Masons efforts were transformational! Wielding rakes, trimmers, clippers and paint brushes they got to work. They gave tall deck pillars a fresh coat of protective paint. They cut and cleared away debris from many overgrown and dead bushes. They raked up remnants of winter leaves and fallen twigs to reveal emerging spring grass, and they trimmed-up tree limbs to provide a space underneath to enjoy a spot of shade. Moving all that debris was no easy task as the yard is on a steep slope, so it was a lot of climbing up and down the hill. The final stack of branches stood more than 7 feet high and was at least twice as wide. | |
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Steve Jimenez, DDRC’s Facilities Director was there to help and provide tools and direction for the project. Upon its completion he said, “This was incredible and such a huge help!” “It was our pleasure,” the Masons responded, demonstrating their gracious and humble character.
Our sincere thanks to Mason Grant Sanders, who spearheaded the effort, along with his fellow Masons, Bill Busby, Bryan Kemper, Lawrence Laurent, Johann Ortner, Jon Vande Riet and Justin Washnieksi, all of the Marquis de Lafayette Lodge #41, and Conner Gould of Denver Lodge #5.
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Golf for Good in Our DDRC/DDF Golf Tournament | |
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Golf for Good in "Groovy on the Green,” our DDRC/Developmental Disabilities Foundation Golf Tournament on August 15 at the beautiful Hiwan Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament will go towards our 25th Hour Fund to help people and families served by DDRC with one-time support for emergency, immediate or unmet needs.
Come enjoy comradery on the golf course and at our tournament lunch, all while knowing you’re making a difference and golfing for good.
See more and register.
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Culture Change, Case Management Redesign and You | |
Important 3-Part Webinar Series | |
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Changes are coming in the Colorado Case Management system in 2024, including to Community Centered Boards, as part of Case Management Redesign (CMRD). These changes will have implications for how, where and what entities people access case management.
Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) wants to hear from our community about what is most important to know about the culture of the community and of members. What is important to you and what should new or transitioning agencies know about your needs and priorities?
All interested stakeholders are welcome to a 3-part webinar series where information will be shared and stakeholder input will be invited. The “Culture Change” webinar series will be held from 1:00- 2:30 pm on Tuesday, May 10, Tuesday, June 7 and Tuesday, July 26.
All interested stakeholders are welcome. Please register.
REGISTER
Join by Zoom Join by Phone: (Toll-free) 877 853 5257
Webinar ID: 960 6715 2467, Passcode: 677352
Meeting and background information is on HCPF Case Management Redesign webpage.
Download the Flyer for the 1st Webinar on May 10.
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DDRC Family Support Services Program Feedback Needed Mid-May. | |
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Attention, please. We ask that families who are receiving or are eligible for DDRC’s Family Support Services please share their feedback and ideas about services through a survey we are now sending out to eligible individuals or representatives.
Please check your email for the invitation and link to complete the online survey which includes eight questions and an opportunity to write in comments and suggestions.
We are asking for responses by mid-May. Thank you for watching for the survey and for your time and input.
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Families: Don’t Wait to Seek Funding Help. Get it Before it’s Gone! | |
DDRC’s Family Support Services Program (FSSP) has funds to help families in Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin and Summit Counties with a child or adult family member with developmental disabilities or delays living at home. But to get the funding you need to act - so apply today!
Funding helps with out-of-pocket expenses for disability related services not covered by insurance or another program. A few examples of services or items that may be reimbursed include respite, therapies, adaptive items, medical and dental copay/ deductible costs, counseling, therapeutic recreation, camps, classes, mileage reimbursement, bus passes for medical trips, and more.
DDRC can reimburse you for covered disability services provided on or after 7/1/2021, or advance funds for the purchase of covered services or items prior to 6/30/2022. Receipts are absolutely required, and funding is not guaranteed.
| To apply, complete a "Most in Need Assessment" Form, at https://ddrcco.com/accessing-services/family-support-services (look toward the bottom of the page) or call your Resource/Service Coordinator or 303.462.6576 to have forms mailed to you. If DDRC has not already determined that your family member has a developmental disability, then ask to speak with an Intake Coordinator by calling 303.233.3363. | |
Virtual Case Management Survey | |
Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) Office of Community Living is conducting a survey on Virtual Case Management and wants feedback by May 15.
The survey seeks feedback from people receiving services, family members and stakeholders on their experiences with receiving virtual case management. Virtual case management has been used during the Public Health Emergency for assessments, support planning and monitoring contacts using telephone, facetime, Zoom, Google meet, etc. The survey is open through May 15.
Take the Survey
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Employment Mixer and Happy Hour - May 18 | |
Are you a self-advocate looking for a job, or maybe just starting to consider it? Are you an employer focused on inclusive hiring? If so, then come to an Employment Mixer and Happy Hour for self-advocates, employers and others who value employment for individuals with disabilities. The event is organized by our friends at the Arc Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin Counties along with others, and will be held on Wednesday, May 18th from 4- 6 p.m. at Brewability Labs, 3445 South Broadway in Englewood.
The mixer will begin with a short presentation, followed by food, drink and socializing. Then guests are invited to join a roundtable to share their employment story or join a discussion from arc Thrift on the positive outcomes of hiring people with IDD. After the discussions guests can enjoy pizza and drinks by Brewability, a company providing a model of employment for people with disabilities.
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Motivate Positive Behavior - Free Class June 15 | |
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Attention parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches and others: are you looking for a more effective way to motive positive behavior or promote cooperation from someone you care for or work with? This class and approach can help!
DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team is hosting a free training to help attendees learn how to motivate positive behavior, applicable to different ages and settings. The goal with this approach is to help the individual in your care feel their needs and wants are being addressed in a predicable way, while respecting their personal values. The class is based on Applied Behavior Analysis concepts and is conducted by DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team Manager, Zach Maple, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in this field since 2008.
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The class will be held in-person on Wednesday, June 15 from 9 am- 3 pm, at the DDRC offices at 11177 W. 8th Ave., Lakewood 80215. Due to Health Department COVID requirements for our sites, participants need to wear masks. If circumstances change, registrants will be notified.
Advance registration is required by emailing your name and phone number to Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com.
Download the class flyer.
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We’re Hiring! Various Opportunities | |
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Would you like a rewarding career helping people to lead their best lives? Come to DDRC! Work with team members who care, with inclusive and diverse values, a flexible 36-hour work week, remote work opportunities, superior benefits, and the chance to be part of an organization committed to you and to an important mission!
We have various positions that might just be a great fit for you. Maybe you want to make an impact in our Early Intervention services to help babies, or as a Direct Support Professional or in another capacity.
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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
People served by DDRC and their families:
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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