DDRC Employment Services

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.

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

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.....

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

12/21/2025

A great opportunity to let your voice be heard about Provider Fee Rates!

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) in Colorado is inviting people to apply for its new Interested Parties Advisory Group (IPAG). This group was created under a new federal rule (Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services final rule [(FFS) 42 CFR 447.203] to advise and consult on provider Fee-For-Service (FFS) payment rates for direct care services like: Personal care, Home health aide services, Health maintenance activities, and Homemaker services. Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members, Direct care workers, Guardians or legally authorized representatives, or Anyone with a strong interest in this work can apply. If you're interested, see link below!

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is looking for people to join the Interested Parties Advisory Group (IPAG). We welcome direct care workers serving Health First Colorado members, Health First Colorado members, guardians/legally authorized representatives, and other others wi...

12/09/2025

Have you heard about "Nothing About Us, Without Us"?

Check out this video from CoorDown, which highlights the heart of this message from the disability community.🧡

Inclusion will never be possible if the decisions that shape the world are made only by a few, for a few. From having a say in everyday personal choices to b...