Center for People With Disabilities

03/19/2026

Did you know more than 1 in 4 Americans has a disability? But when most of us picture disability, we picture only a fraction of what it really looks like. Disability includes chronic pain, PTSD, low vision, cerebral palsy, mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and so much more.

In our latest blog post, we're breaking down what disability really means — legally, medically, and personally — including the difference between having a disability and qualifying for benefits, why invisible disabilities are still disabilities, and why claiming your identity can be one of the most empowering things you do.

If you've ever wondered whether your experience "counts," this one's for you. 👇

Image: A group of CPWD community members gathered outdoors in a sunny garden, smiling and holding fresh-picked tomatoes from raised garden beds.

More than 1 in 4 Americans has a disability — but most of us picture only a fraction of what that really means. Disability includes chronic pain, PTSD, low vision, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and so much more. What is a disability, exactly? The answer is ...

03/13/2026

March is recognized as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month — a time to learn more about the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the systems that support independence, inclusion, and community life.

In our newest article, we take a closer look at what IDD means, how policies like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead decision reshaped opportunities for community living, and why self-advocacy continues to play such an important role in disability rights today.

We also explore the realities families face in navigating services, the importance of community-based supports, and the growing movement toward Supported Decision-Making as a way to protect autonomy and choice.

Understanding these issues helps build stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone.

Read the full article here: https://www.cpwd.org/blog/understanding-idd-in-2026-independence-self-advocacy-and-community-in-colorado

More than 7 million Americans live with intellectual or developmental disabilities, yet many still face barriers to independence and community inclusion. In recognition of IDD Awareness Month, this article explores what intellectual and developmental disabilities are, how policies like the ADA and O

03/04/2026

On February 12, advocates from across Colorado gathered at the State Capitol for Disability Rights Advocacy Day. This day celebrates the fact that disability rights are civil rights.

Members of the CPWD community joined community members with disabilities, family members, and advocates from across the state to meet with legislators, share lived experiences, and speak up for the policies that help make independent living possible. From accessible housing and transportation to community-based services and employment opportunities, these conversations help shape a more inclusive Colorado for everyone.

Advocacy is about building relationships, raising awareness, and ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities are heard in the decisions that affect their lives. Disability Rights Advocacy Day is an amazing opportunity to make lasting change in our communities.

Watch our recap video to see highlights from the day and the advocates who showed up to make a difference.

On February 12, 2026, advocates from across Colorado gathered at the State Capitol for Disability Rights Advocacy Day (D-RAD) — a powerful day of civic engag...

02/25/2026

Low Vision Awareness Month: Understanding Low Vision, the Numbers, and the Power of Community...https://www.cpwd.org/blog/low-vision-awareness-month

02/11/2026

Disability rights didn’t happen by accident — they happened because people showed up.

This February, advocates across Colorado are coming together to honor the history of the disability rights movement and take that work directly to the State Capitol through Disability Rights Advocacy Day (DRAD). It’s a day for people with disabilities, families, and allies to share real stories with lawmakers and remind them that policies around housing, healthcare, transportation, and community living affect real lives.

This year’s DRAD is happening Thursday, February 12, and we want your voice in the room.

You don’t need to be a policy expert — your lived experience is what matters most.

Read more about why this day matters and what to expect at DRAD by following the link in our bio, and register to join us at the Capitol.

Your story belongs at the table. Let’s show up together.

02/11/2026

Disability rights didn’t happen by accident — they happened because people showed up.

This February, advocates across Colorado are coming together to honor the history of the disability rights movement and take that work directly to the State Capitol through Disability Rights Advocacy Day (DRAD). It’s a day for people with disabilities, families, and allies to share real stories with lawmakers and remind them that policies around housing, healthcare, transportation, and community living affect real lives.

This year’s DRAD is happening on Thursday, February 12, and we want your voice in the room.

You don’t need to be a policy expert — your lived experience is what matters most.

Read more about why this day matters and what to expect at DRAD in our latest blog, and register to join us at the Capitol.

Your story belongs at the table. Let’s show up together.

Disability rights are civil rights — and they require ongoing advocacy to remain strong. This February, advocates across Colorado are gathering to honor the movement’s history and bring their voices directly to lawmakers through Disability Rights Advocacy Day (DRAD). This annual event turns awar...

02/09/2026

Last year, disability advocates from across Colorado came together at the Capitol to share stories, meet with lawmakers, and stand up for the right to live independently. 💬♿

Disability Rights Advocacy Day (DRAD) is a chance for people with disabilities, families, and allies to be heard where decisions are made. The conversations that happen in those hallways shape real policies that affect housing, healthcare, transportation, and community living.

This year, we’re heading back to the Capitol on Thursday, February 12 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM — and we want you there with us.

You don’t need to be a policy expert. You just need your experience, your voice, and your belief that people with disabilities belong in every part of community life.

Join Center for People With Disabilities and advocates from across the state for a day of connection, learning, and action.

📍 Colorado State Capitol
📅 Thursday, February 12
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Your story matters. Your voice belongs in the room. Let’s show up together.

Register to attend by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disability-rights-advocacy-day-2026-d-rad-tickets-1978999741500?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

01/29/2026

Grief. Anger. Fear. Love. Hope.
Right now, many of us are carrying all of it.

In the wake of the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Good, communities across the country are asking hard questions about justice, safety, and what kind of society we want to build. At CPWD, we’re reflecting on this moment through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community and how that vision connects deeply with the Independent Living Movement and disability justice.

His vision is a roadmap to navigate these divisive times and create a community founded in peace and dignity once again.

It’s about nonviolence as strength.
It’s about interdependence, not isolation.
It’s about building trust, dignity, and belonging across differences.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of this moment and wondering what comes next, this article is for you.

Read: www.cpwd.org/blog/from-grief-to-action-the-beloved-community-as-our-roadmap

As February is Black History Month, it is an opportune time to reflect on the tensions of today with the vision of one of history’s greatest Civil Right’s leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King held a vision of the Beloved Community , a society where justice is lived, not merely argued; where ...

01/23/2026

✨ New on the CPWD Blog! ✨

2025 was a year of connection, growth, and meaningful impact — and now we’re keeping the momentum going. In our latest article, 2026: Continuing the Work That Builds Independent Living, we share how CPWD is expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and advancing advocacy that supports people with disabilities in living with dignity, choice, and independence.

From core independent living supports to employment and benefits counseling, youth and older adult initiatives, and new collaborations for emergency preparedness — we’re excited to continue this work alongside our community in 2026. Dive into what’s ahead and how you can be part of this movement for inclusion and equity. 💪📘

👉 Read the full article: https://www.cpwd.org/blog/2026-continuing-the-work-that-builds-independent-living

In this article, we want to share what CPWD is working on in 2026, where we are focusing our energy, the partnerships we are building, and the policy and service priorities guiding our work.

01/16/2026

2025 was a year of connection, collaboration, and real progress for people with disabilities in Colorado. 💛

We served more than 2,200 individuals through Independent Living Services, listened deeply in community trainings and listening sessions, and brought the disability community’s voice directly to policymakers, planners, and decision-makers.

From Disability Rights Advocacy Day at the State Capitol, to policy wins that expanded access and strengthened civil rights, to partnerships and programs that foster connection — this year showed what happens when community shows up together.

We’re proud of what was accomplished — and even more energized to continue this work in 2026.

👉 Read our full 2025 recap here: https://www.cpwd.org/blog/2025-community-advocacy-and-hard-won-progress

In this article, we want to share with you the work CPWD accomplished in 2025, highlighting outcomes from important conversations and connections, and our community efforts in the areas ofadvocacy, education, and partnerships. We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to continuing this

01/14/2026

When your vision changes, your life doesn’t have to shrink.

Linda lives with macular degeneration — and in this video, she shares how assistive technology supports her independence, safety, and daily freedom.

From Meta smart glasses and the OKO app for crossing streets, to Aira for on-demand visual support, Bard audiobooks, Hadley learning programs, and Access-A-Ride transportation — Linda walks us through the tools that help her stay connected to her world.

Her story is a reminder that access to the right technology can change what’s possible — not in theory, but in everyday life.

🎥 Watch: How Assistive Technology Supports Linda’s Independence

01/13/2026

When your vision changes, your life doesn’t have to shrink.

Linda lives with macular degeneration — and in this video, she shares how assistive technology supports her independence, safety, and daily freedom.

From Meta smart glasses and the OKO app for crossing streets, to Aira for on-demand visual support, Bard audiobooks, Hadley learning programs, and Access-A-Ride transportation — Linda walks us through the tools that help her stay connected to her world.

Her story is a reminder that access to the right technology can change what’s possible — not in theory, but in everyday life.

🎥 Watch: How Assistive Technology Supports Linda’s Independence