Hello DDRC Community,
DDRC, along with our community, has entered into our stabilization phase of adjusting to the COVID pandemic. DDRC has implemented many protocols and measures to keep people safe and healthy — and yet still thriving. We are supporting people in a wide variety of virtual and in-person services, based on needs, risk assessment and preferences. We continue to have a low incidence of COVID in our DDRC community, which is truly remarkable!
On another note, it is with many emotions that I share with you my plan to retire in early 2021. My career at DDRC of over 37 years has been more than I ever dreamed, and the last several years as Executive Director have been a true honor.
It has been incredibly gratifying to be a part of helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have greater access to services, a fuller array of supports that are person and family centered, a warmer welcome and inclusion into community life, and a stronger voice with funders and policy makers. Exponential strides have occurred since I began this extraordinary journey and I am delighted to have been involved in deinstitutionalization, the development of case management services, the Family Support Program, Behavioral Health Services, Host Homes, Family Caregiver options, supporting Employment First Initiatives and championing efforts to reduce the long waiting lists for services. Working with community leaders and officials in improving the quality of life in our communities has been a great highlight. Now after this fulfilling career, I am excited to pass the baton and spend more time with family and friends, traveling (when possible) and other pursuits and adventures. The time I have spent with all of you has been an amazing gift.
As I begin this transition, I could not be more confident that DDRC is in excellent hands and minds and I know this very important work will go on. The Board of Directors has been working on succession planning over the summer to ensure the ongoing success of this great organization. Please know that I appreciate the work and relationships I have had with you!
Wishing you the best,
Beverly Winters, Executive Director
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month |
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Now in its 75th year, and led by the U.S. Department of Labor, NDEAM seeks to educate people about disability employment issues, celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities, and foster a more inclusive workforce.
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Work gives individuals a sense of contributing, belonging and purpose while providing financial benefits. Individuals of every ability have the right to job opportunities they find to be meaningful — at fair pay. DDRC is here to advocate for and support that right every day!
DDRC works firsthand with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them explore their interests and job possibilities, develop job skills, and navigate finding and being successful in a job they want. Through our Employment Services and case managers, we are committed to help open employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. One way we do this is by connecting individuals to Employment Gateway, a tool that DDRC helped to develop, where jobseekers steer the creation of their own individualized multimedia portfolios they can share with potential employers. Each portfolio includes a video resume, written resume, testimonials and a profile highlighting the jobseeker’s interests, abilities, and experience. To view an engaging example firsthand, see Chris Wilburn’s Employment Gateway portfolio.
An individual with disabilities who is employed is not the only one reaping benefits. The employer may be eligible for tax benefits and also gains employees who are known to be dependable, engaged, and loyal—and hiring an individual with developmental disabilities creates an inclusive workforce attractive to today’s employees and potential hires. DDRC’s Employment Services has helped place and support individuals in more than 30 different companies currently— companies representing diverse sectors and industries.
This October think about how you can further the goals of employing people of all abilities, so that people with IDD have the opportunity for fulfillment and economic security that everyone deserves!
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Give Your Input to Colorado Association of People Supporting Employment First
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Discussion of employment disability awareness wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Colorado Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).
APSE is currently inviting individuals with disabilities, their families, employers, the business community and others to give input into the areas that APSE should focus upon in their strategic plan.
Input is due by 5 p.m. on October 6th so act soon to respond to their survey!
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Your “Yes” Vote is Needed on Amendment B |
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Wonder how you can make an impact in the community? Vote Yes to repeal Gallagher and protect Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), School, Fire and Social Services!
Your “yes” vote on Amendment B to repeal the Gallagher Amendment will help ensure we don’t further erode funding for IDD services, schools, social services, fire and other special districts.
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We need the Gallagher Amendment repealed with a “yes” vote. Left unchanged, or not repealed, the Gallagher Amendment would significantly reduce residential property tax assessments and community services that get support from mill levy funding, including DDRC. Without the repeal, the estimated statewide impact is a loss of $450 million in property taxes collected. For DDRC, the impact would be a loss of as much as $2.1 million.
The power of our collective property taxes makes the quality of life better, not just for individuals and families receiving services, but for the community as a whole! Please vote “yes” for Amendment B to repeal the Gallagher Amendment.
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Register by Oct. 6th for Our Virtual Legislative BBQ |
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Each year, more than 250 community members have gathered for the Jeffco Indoor Legislative BBQ hosted by four longstanding 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.
Join us for the Virtual 20th Annual Legislative BBQ on Thursday, October 8, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. The event is free, but advance registration is required by Oct. 6th.
When registering, you will be asked to identify your Colorado State House District number. You can find that here.
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Learn to Motivate Positive Behavior - Webinar Oct. 7 and 8 |
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Sometimes getting cooperation from someone can be a struggle, but the right approach can help. DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team (BHT) is hosting a free, online Zoom session 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. The class is based on practices of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Part 1 of the webinar will be held on Oct. 7, from 9 a.m.- noon and Part 2 will be held on 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 Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com.
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DDRC Annual Meeting to be Held Virtually Wed., Oct. 28 |
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Each year DDRC holds its Annual Meeting for members of the corporation, which includes individuals receiving services and their family or guardian. The meeting is a time for the election/announcement of the DDRC volunteer Board of Directors, business items, news and spotlighting people or groups with recognition or awards.
This year the voting for Board of Directors is being done electronically and a link to the ballot will be emailed to members on October 5. Additionally, a mail ballot will be available to members who request one before or by October 12 by calling Annette Rogers at 303-462-6508. Ballots are due October 21.
The 2020 DDRC Annual meeting is scheduled to be held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Individuals, families and guardians will be emailed an invitation and link for registration. Those who register will then be emailed the Zoom link for the Annual Meeting. Please watch for these emails.
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Be on the lookout for DDRC’s Annual Appeal in October. We are so grateful to have amazing supporters as we maneuver through the unknown and this unprecedented global pandemic, and we know that DDRC will emerge from this even stronger with your help! |
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Please consider making a gift to DDRC this fall and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. When you donate to DDRC, you become a vital part of the mission and impact of DDRC. Thank you. |
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Salute to Direct Support Professionals |
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In September, DDRC celebrated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Week to honor our DSP and Direct Care staff. These multi-talented staff must be attuned to person-centered approaches, advocate for people they serve and demonstrate heartfelt caring in their work. And they do it so well!
Although the smiles were hidden behind masks, it was wonderful to see the sparking eyes and thumbs up from DSP staff as we gave them a small gift to celebrate them during DSP Week– and doing it socially distanced of course!
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Colorado help lines: call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish.
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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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