Center for People With Disabilities

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

12/23/2025

We know this time of year can hold both joy and challenge. In our latest blog article, CPWD shares resources, stories, and community support to help make the season more grounded and inclusive for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. From positive progress in disability access to thoughtful gift ideas and mental health resources, this piece is a reminder that you’re not alone this holiday season.

Read the article by following the link below.

As the holiday season approaches, we know this time of year can hold both joy and challenge. In our latest blog article, CPWD shares resources, stories, and community support to help make the season more grounded and inclusive for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. From positi

12/19/2025

Confidence. Awareness. Choice. 💪✨

CPWD was proud to partner with Thornton Parks and Recreation and the DeafBlind Action Team to offer One Touch Self-Defense classes created specifically for blind, low vision, and DeafBlind community members.

The One Touch program is a tactile-based self-defense approach that emphasizes body awareness, personal boundaries, verbal assertiveness, and simple, effective techniques for disengaging from unwanted contact. Participants learn skills that can be adapted to real-life situations — without relying on sight — and practiced in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Self-defense isn’t about fear. It’s about agency, preparedness, and knowing your options. When safety education is designed with disability access at the center, it creates stronger, more confident communities. 💛

Thank you to our partners and to everyone who showed up ready to learn, practice, and support one another.

CPWD partnered with Thornton Parks and Recreation and the DeafBlind Action Team to offer One Touch Self-Defense classes designed specifically for blind, low ...

12/17/2025

Preparing for High Winds & Possible Power Outages in the Front Range 🌬️⚡

Colorado is facing strong winds and potential power disruptions, and planning ahead is especially important for people with access and functional needs.

One helpful planning tool is CMIST, which focuses on five key areas of emergency readiness:

🗣️ Communication
❤️ Maintaining health
🧍 Independence
🤝 Support services & safety
🚗 Transportation

Thinking through these areas ahead of time can make emergencies safer and less stressful — especially for people who rely on medical equipment, mobility supports, caregivers, or accessible transportation.

A few simple prep reminders:
✔️ Sign up for local emergency alerts
✔️ Prepare an emergency kit (medications, water, backup power)
✔️ Check in with neighbors or loved ones who may need extra support
✔️ Make a plan for communication and transportation

For more information and resources from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:
🔗 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CODHSEM/bulletins/4003217

Prepared communities are safer communities. 💛

CMIST Resource Disruption Planning for Power Shut Off and High Winds Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management sent this bulletin at 12/16/2025 02:37 PM MST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. CMIST Resource Disruption Planning for Power Shut Off and High....

12/10/2025

💙 There’s Still Time: Your Gift Makes a Difference Before Midnight

As we enter the final hours of Colorado Gives Day, we want to share Sara’s story — a powerful reminder of what your support makes possible.

When Sara reached out to CPWD for help applying for SSI/SSDI, she was overwhelmed. Here’s what she shared:

“CPWD took something that could have been extremely hard and made it easier and seamless.
Getting my disability approved changed my whole life — now I have income, health insurance, and security.
I finally feel safe. The help I received was amazing.”

Because of donors like you, CPWD helps people navigate complex systems and access the benefits, stability, and independence they need to thrive.

🌟 Your gift supports:
✨ Benefits application help
✨ Housing support
✨ Independent Living skills
✨ Peer support and advocacy

⏰ And remember:
All donations made before midnight tonight boost CPWD through the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund, making your gift go even further.

💙 Donate before midnight:
https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/cpwd

12/09/2025

💙 It’s Colorado Gives Day — and today, every story matters.

This morning, we’re honored to share Cassidy’s story.
Cassidy (they/them) has been working with CPWD for over a year, building confidence, stability, and independence while navigating the realities of invisible disabilities.

In the video, Cassidy shares openly about living with bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and what it has meant to finally receive support that meets them with compassion, patience, and dignity.

Through CPWD’s Independent Living services, Cassidy has received:
✨ One-on-one employment support
✨ Help with job searching and applications
✨ Guidance in navigating phone calls and paperwork
✨ Consistent emotional support during a time of self-discovery
✨ Tools to build confidence and live independently

Cassidy shared that working with CPWD has helped them feel capable again — supported, understood, and empowered to build a future that fits their needs and dreams.

This is the heart of Independent Living.

And this is what your Colorado Gives Day donation makes possible.

When you give today, you ensure that people with disabilities — including those with invisible disabilities — can access the support, advocacy, and skills needed to live independently and with dignity.

💙 Create Access. Create Independence. Create Belonging.
Give today: https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/cpwd

12/08/2025

💙 Tomorrow is Colorado Gives Day, and today, we’re honoring the Veterans we serve.

In this video, Mark shares his experience in CPWD’s Veteran Independence Program (VIP), where Veterans with disabilities receive the support, resources, and advocacy they need to live independently at home and stay connected to their communities.

Through VIP, Veterans can access:
🇺🇸 Personalized, consumer-directed care
🏡 Support to remain in their homes, not institutions
🤝 Peer support and trusted relationships
🧭 Navigation of benefits, services, and community resources
💙 One-on-one coaching to maintain independence and wellbeing

This is one of the many services your Colorado Gives Day donation helps make possible.

And with the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund, every gift made before December 10th goes even further by increasing CPWD’s share of statewide giving and expanding programs like VIP.

✨ Help ensure Veterans like Mark can live with the independence they deserve.
https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/cpwd

12/06/2025

💙 Public Advocacy Is a Core Pillar of Independent Living
Public advocacy is one of the strongest ways CPWD advances equity, access, and independence — and it’s one of the essential services your Colorado Gives Day donation supports.

The short video below offers a glimpse into advocacy in action, filmed during Disability Rights Advocacy Day 2025. Events like this show what happens when people with disabilities, allies, and community leaders come together to raise their voices and push for meaningful change.

At CPWD, advocacy means standing with individuals and communities to address barriers in:
🏠 Accessible housing
🚍 Transportation and mobility
💼 Employment and workplace inclusion
🏥 Healthcare access
🏛️ Public policy and disability rights
🤝 Participation in community programs and services

We work at the local, state, and national levels to ensure people with disabilities are represented in the decisions that shape their lives, and that their voices are recognized as essential to building strong, inclusive communities.

Your Colorado Gives Day donation strengthens this advocacy work, helping us:
✨ Support individuals in self-advocacy
✨ Educate policymakers
✨ Advance accessible, inclusive legislation
✨ Build community power
✨ Create lasting, systemic change

When you give to CPWD, you are helping shape a future where everyone has access, independence, and belonging.

💙 Donate today:
https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/cpwd

12/04/2025

💙 About Colorado Gives Day

Colorado Gives Day is one of the largest 24-hour giving movements in the country, supporting nonprofits that are essential to the fabric of our communities. Donations made now through December 10th qualify for the Colorado Gives Incentive Fund, increasing the impact of every contribution.

A gift to CPWD directly supports our mission to ensure people with disabilities can live independently, with dignity and full participation. Your support helps fund:
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Peer Support & Community Groups
• Blind and Low-Vision Services
• Home-Based and Veteran Support
• Youth & Transition Services
• Information, Resources & Advocacy

Every contribution strengthens inclusion, access, and opportunity for individuals across Boulder and Weld counties.

💙 Support CPWD for Colorado Gives Day:
https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/cpwd

12/02/2025

💙 This Giving Tuesday, we’re celebrating community — one story at a time.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity — a moment when people everywhere come together to uplift their communities, support causes they believe in, and make a meaningful impact. It’s about connection, compassion, and choosing to give where it truly matters.

In this video, Marcy shares how CPWD has supported her journey as a blind community member: the skills she’s gained, the services she’s accessed, and the friendships that have become her foundation.

Her story is one of connection, independence, and belonging — all made possible by the power of community.

When you give to CPWD for Colorado Gives Day, you help ensure more people, like Marcy, have access to the tools, support, and relationships that make independent living possible.

✨ Create Access. Create Independence. Create Belonging.
💙 Give your Colorado Gives Day donation today.
https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/cpwd