July Newsletter: Building Inclusive Futures for IDD Individuals

Summer is here, and at DDRC (Developmental Disabilities Resource Center), July is buzzing with activity as we continue our mission to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to participate fully in the community. This month’s highlights showcase our dedication to inclusion, empowerment, and fostering stronger communities throughout Colorado.

From exciting fundraising events that fuel our vital disability services to inspiring stories of individual growth and meaningful community conversations, there’s a lot happening. Get ready to dive into the impactful work that makes DDRC a leader in developmental disability support in our July newsletter.

Here’s a Recap of Our July Newsletter:

Celebrating Community & Connection: Our Island Smash Pickleball Tournament

What a “smash” it was! Our inaugural Island Smash Pickleball Tournament on June 21st was a triumph of inclusive sports for disabilities. Held at DDRC’s new indoor courts at our Walters Center in Arvada, this sold-out event brought together 16 diverse teams, including dedicated Special Olympics participants from DDRC. It was a true celebration of adaptive sports in Colorado, fostering fun, competition, and an incredible sense of belonging. The success of this fundraiser for disabilities highlights the power of the community coming together to support vital DDRC programs.

IDD people playing pickleball

Shaping the Future of Care: Behavioral Health Community Conversations

This summer, the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is engaging directly with communities to discuss building a stronger statewide behavioral health system. These Behavioral Health Community Conversations are a crucial opportunity for residents to provide feedback and learn about initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health support in Colorado. We encourage you to attend one of the upcoming Denver-Metro behavioral health events, including Boulder on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and Denver on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Your voice helps shape more effective community mental health services for everyone.

A Foundation for Success: Impact of Early Intervention Services

Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and at DDRC, our Early Intervention program makes a profound difference. Providing crucial early support for developmental delays from birth to age three, this program empowers families and helps young children reach their full potential. We recently heard from Jessica, a grateful mom, who shared how our Early Intervention team, particularly Tiffany Sharp, helped her son develop stronger, more confident, and independent. Our comprehensive pediatric therapy services in Colorado offer evaluations, therapy, and strategies for children with developmental delays or disabilities, equipping both kids and caregivers with the tools for lifelong success. Discover how DDRC Early Intervention builds bright futures.

advertising the rockin the fairways golf tourney

Rockin’ the Fairways: Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year!

Get ready to tee off for a cause! Excitement is mounting for our annual charity golf tournament in Colorado, “Rockin’ the Fairways,” on Monday, August 11, at the picturesque Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen. This is our biggest fundraiser for IDD programs, directly supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you join as a golfer, bid on amazing items in our online silent auction for disabilities, or become a sponsor, your participation in this incredible community fundraising event makes a tangible impact. Let’s rock the fairways together!

Leading with Excellence: Chris Hansen Earns NADSP FLS E-Badge Certification

Our commitment to person-centered care for disabilities is embodied by our exceptional staff. We are immensely proud to announce that Chris Hansen, Day Program Manager at the DDRC Walters Center, is the first on our Frontline Supervisor (FLS) team to achieve the prestigious FLS E-Badge certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy. This achievement is a testament to Chris’s dedication to ethical direct support, positioning DDRC among leaders in providing quality disability support. We invest in DDRC staff training and professional development for DSPs to ensure the highest standards of care.

Achieving Independence: Todd’s Journey with Employment & Residential Services

Our July newsletter also details Todd’s story. This story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with the right support. As a dedicated Houseman at Home2Suites, Todd exemplifies a positive attitude and reliability, recently earning Employee of the Month. His success highlights the profound impact of DDRC Employment Supports and Residential Services. Through job coaching for individuals with disabilities, we empower them to secure fulfilling employment and achieve greater independence. Todd’s journey, supported by DDRC’s housing for people with disabilities and employment specialists, showcases how we foster independent living for adults with disabilities and promote truly inclusive workplaces.

A Powerful Voice: “The Ride Ahead” and Disability Pride Month

Mark your calendars for the powerful broadcast premiere of “The Ride Ahead” on Monday, July 21, at 9 PM MDT on Rocky Mountain PBS. This documentary provides a deeply personal glimpse into navigating adulthood with a disability. Airing during Disability Pride Month and near the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the film serves as a timely and emotional tribute to resilience and dignity. It’s an important documentary on disability that reinforces the ongoing fight for inclusion and disability awareness.

How DDRC Empowers Lives and Strengthens Our Community

At its core, DDRC exists to build a more inclusive and equitable world for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Every initiative, program, and service mentioned above directly contributes to this overarching goal:

  • Promoting Independence: Through DDRC Employment Supports and Residential Services, we equip individuals with the skills and opportunities to live and work independently, fostering self-reliance and dignity.
  • Fostering Development from the Start: Our Early Intervention program provides critical support during crucial developmental years, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and reducing the need for more intensive services later on.
  • Building Inclusive Communities: Events like our Island Smash Pickleball Tournament and our participation in Behavioral Health Community Conversations actively break down barriers, promoting understanding and creating spaces where people with disabilities are valued and included. Our Therapeutic Recreation (from the website) and Day Programs also offer enriching opportunities for social connection and skill-building.
  • Ensuring Quality Care: By prioritizing DDRC staff training through programs like the NADSP E-Badge Academy, we ensure that our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide the highest standard of person-centered care, respecting the dignity and choices of those we serve.
  • Advocating for Rights and Awareness: By highlighting documentaries like “The Ride Ahead” and participating in broader discussions, we raise disability awareness and advocate for the rights enshrined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), working towards a society where all individuals are respected and have equal opportunities.
  • Funding Essential Services: Our fundraising events, like “Rockin’ the Fairways,” are crucial. They directly fund the diverse array of DDRC services that empower individuals, families, and our wider community. Every dollar helps ensure that essential support for individuals with developmental disabilities is available to those who need it most in Colorado.

We invite you to learn more about how DDRC is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Your support enables us to continue creating opportunities and leading the way towards a truly inclusive Colorado. And again, check out our July newsletter here for more.