DDRC Employment Services

DDRC Employment Services We are a leading provider of Employment First supports in Colorado and we believe employment is for EVERYONE. Connect with us today!

We support people with disabilities in achieving and advancing their employment goals. We Believe...

- in equality, that everyone should receive equal rights and have equal opportunity to experience life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

- in Employment First, because competitive, integrated employment is for everyone, without regard to a person’s disability.

- that the presence of a disa

bility is not the absence of competence.

- in real work for real pay, because contributions we make to the workforce should foster dignity and sustainability in life.

- in inclusion, because it makes us stronger.

- in loving what we do, that each person can find employment which nourishes their hopes and dreams.

- that everyone should have access to the good things in life, the pursuits that make us joyful and whole.

- in unflinching courage, because fearlessly setting bold goals and daring to ask for big change paves the way for progress.

- in steadfast commitment to what we know is virtuous, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.

- in leading change and being a driving force in exemplifying Employment First principles in Colorado.

- in cultivating growth by thinking critically, challenging the status quo, pivoting our mindset as we evolve, and encouraging others to do the same.

- in choice, that employment is a journey and everyone should be able to choose their own adventure. and that all of our convictions serve this one truth: EMPLOYMENT IS FOR EVERYONE, every human being, no exclusions. This is our anchor as we pursue the things that matter. It gives us purpose in the beautiful work we do every day.

“Medicaid HCBS programs are much more than supporting an individual with the daily and essential needs that many of us t...
04/20/2026

“Medicaid HCBS programs are much more than supporting an individual with the daily and essential needs that many of us take for granted, like getting dressed in the morning or traveling to a medical appointment. Indeed, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), these services support skill development towards greater independence, community integration, and employment that enable people with I/DD to forego expensive public institutions and live full lives in their homes and communities."

The undervaluing of HCBS demeans the very real, complex, and difficult work that caregivers—whether paid or unpaid—provide.

We're so excited about all things employment related in our most recent DDRC newsletter! We invite you to take a look an...
04/15/2026

We're so excited about all things employment related in our most recent DDRC newsletter! We invite you to take a look and see what we've been up to! 😊

Email from Developmental Disabilities Resource Center ANCOR Testimony, 2026 Golf Tournament, Kudos Kari, Spring into Awareness, and more! Celebrating Excellence: Amanda McConnell Named 2026 DSP of the

From The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties: Protect Voting Rights for People with DisabilitiesVoting is a basic ri...
03/24/2026

From The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas & Elbert Counties:

Protect Voting Rights for People with Disabilities

Voting is a basic right for U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, many voters with disabilities face barriers when trying to register and vote, such as:
• Polling places that are not fully accessible
• Lack of access to transportation
• Strict voter ID rule

People with disabilities have the right to vote and receive voter assistance.

But right now, Congress is considering several bills that would make it even harder for people to register and vote.

These decisions could affect millions of eligible voters. Congress should make sure voting laws protect access for people with disabilities, not limit them.

Act now and tell Congress to protect voting rights for people with disabilities.
https://act.thearc.org/campaign/158054/?utm_term=2026-0313&utm_campaign=advocacy&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--HQphARQKVrFCSOgYuUWhicwPeJEQ0AObFfEFv03_YCphtcOe5gs3wtvlhTAF50aueN1nSKnuHGduoaVMTTJEIaJOE6Q&_hsmi=408697101&utm_content=email-2026-0313&utm_source=hub

A vote may happen as early as next week, so every message we send today can make a big difference.

We are so excited to be part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Join us for a YouTube livestream to hear about leading ...
03/12/2026

We are so excited to be part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Join us for a YouTube livestream to hear about leading in 's space as neurodiverse professionals. We're happy to share our stories with you and open a space for attendee conversations and learning. See you on Monday!

https://www.youtube.com/

Vikki Ortiz of COEF and Heather Hagen (DDRC Employment Services) will be presenting during Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Join them on Monday at 3:00p for Invisible Leaders: Elevating the Employment First Movement to hear their stories about being neurodiverse leaders with invisible disabilities.

Invisible Leaders: Elevating the Employment First Movement
Monday, March 16th at 3:00p
https://www.youtube.com/

Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce

For far too long, conversations about disability and autonomy have focused almost exclusively on basic survival and medi...
03/10/2026

For far too long, conversations about disability and autonomy have focused almost exclusively on basic survival and medical necessity. Evan Sweeney, the 2026 Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellow, challenges this narrative by centering pleasure as a fundamental human right.

Join Evan and Rebecca Cokley for a conversation on April 28, 2026, at 1 PM ET, as Evan examines the systemic barriers that desexualize disabled bodies and explores the radical act of reclaiming intimacy.

Register here:

For far too long, the conversation around disability and autonomy has focused almost exclusively on basic survival and medical necessity. In this keynote lecture, writer and disability advocate Evan Sweeney challenges this "survival-only" paradigm by centering pleasure as a fundamental human right.....

NAMI Connecticut is hosting this free, live webinar TONIGHT at 5pm MST, with a 30 minute Q & A! Link to join is below!Wi...
02/09/2026

NAMI Connecticut is hosting this free, live webinar TONIGHT at 5pm MST, with a 30 minute Q & A! Link to join is below!

With lead Safetypowers trainers from Kidpower International, we’ll practice ways to:

• Set clear, respectful boundaries
• Advocate for yourself and others
• Deal with negative reactions – confidently!
• Manage emotional triggers to stay effective
• Stay emotionally safe in the face of hurtful or disrespectful behavior

This program is appropriate for family members, mental health practitioners, caregivers, and adults with lived experience in dealing with mental health issues.

Meet Michael!Michael works as a dishwasher at Nicola’s Pizza, and he wanted to help spread the word about some fun upcom...
02/06/2026

Meet Michael!

Michael works as a dishwasher at Nicola’s Pizza, and he wanted to help spread the word about some fun upcoming deals.

February 8 – Super Bowl Deal

Valentine’s Day – Dinner for 2 special

If you’re in the Lakewood area, stop by and support a local business and an awesome employee!

7847 W. Jewell Ave., Lakewood

DDRC's February e-news is out! 🤓 Click the link to read about our team's Customized Employment services!
02/05/2026

DDRC's February e-news is out! 🤓 Click the link to read about our team's Customized Employment services!

Email from Developmental Disabilities Resource Center See everything we've been up to so far in 2026! Can we ever thank you enough? To our incredible donors, volunteers, and supporters - thank you, th

Join us in congratulating Sunay on his nomination at the Omni Hotel! Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so...
01/28/2026

Join us in congratulating Sunay on his nomination at the Omni Hotel! Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so proud to celebrate this achievement.

Big congratulations to Annie!The Employment Team is so proud to celebrate Annie’s National Certification in Customized E...
01/13/2026

Big congratulations to Annie!

The Employment Team is so proud to celebrate Annie’s National Certification in Customized Employment! This is such an exciting next step and a true reflection of your passion, dedication, and commitment to creating meaningful, person-centered opportunities. We can’t wait to see the impact you continue to make—congrats on this amazing achievement!

Want to know more about the work that we do? Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that can help you determine ...
01/07/2026

Want to know more about the work that we do? Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that can help you determine if working with our team would propel your career goals forward!

Ready to get started? AWESOME! 😎

Contact us to get started:
employmentfirst@ddrcco.com
(720) 544-8122

Our friends at Guiding Bright Minds are hosting a free webinar for families and caregivers next Wednesday, 1/14/26. More...
01/06/2026

Our friends at Guiding Bright Minds are hosting a free webinar for families and caregivers next Wednesday, 1/14/26. More information and a link to register are below:

Our Choices Today Determine Our Tomorrow
What Will Happen to My Child When I Am No Longer Here?

One of the most difficult—and important—questions parents and caregivers ask is:

What will happen to my child when I am no longer able to care for them? This empowering and practical webinar is designed to help families begin answering that question with confidence and clarity.

What You’ll Learn:
• How to start creating a family lifecare plan
• Key components of estate planning from a disability perspective
• Financial strategies to help prepare for your loved one’s long-term future
• How to layer family and community support services into your plan

REGISTER TODAY!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978203685475?aff=oddtdtcreator

Address

12665 W 52nd Avenue
Arvada, CO
80002

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17205448122

Alerts

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