List of Colorado Disability Programs & Resources
Colorado disability programs and other resources can provide invaluable assistance to disabled people all over the state, including practical assistance as well as social and community-based services. Whether you or a loved one suffers from physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, Colorado disability services may be able to help.
Financial Assistance
Several state initiatives support adults with disabilities who are unable to work because of their condition. These include:
Aid to the Needy Disabled: Aid to the Needy Disabled offers cash assistance to residents in Colorado whose condition precludes them from working. It also provides temporary financial assistance while the claimant applies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Supplement to Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This initiative offers financial assistance to disabled people who receive SSI by providing additional funds to assist with living expenses. Financial assistance is one of the most important services for the 23% of Coloradans living with a disability.
Services for People With Physical Disabilities
Several organizations in Colorado help disabled people and their families manage the physical challenges posed by disabilities. These include:
Developmental Disabilities Resource Center: This organization provides developmental disabilities services ranging from an adult day center to family and employment support. The center currently serves 3700 people with disabilities and their families across Colorado.
Assistive Technology Partners: Disabled people can often reach their full potential with assistive technology. This organization facilitates the use of assistive technology in the disabled community.
Early Intervention Colorado: This service connects families with early intervention services like occupational, speech, or physical therapy for children up to the age of three.
Health
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. HFC connects members with a qualifying disability with regional organizations to ensure they get access to the health care and services they require. The program also facilitates meetings between specialists and people in need. This includes professionals in physical and behavioral health as well as assistance with transportation, food, and social services.
A range of different people could be eligible for health services through Health First Colorado, including people with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities and their parents or caregivers.
Employment
Ability Connection Colorado: Ability Connection Colorado gives adults and young people with disabilities access to job placement services, giving them a path toward employment.
Education
The ARC of Colorado: The ARC of Colorado works with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to improve their experiences in school, work, and the community.
Colorado Council for Learning Disabilities (CCLD): CCLD promotes higher-level learning for young people with learning disabilities.
Social
There are many summer camps designed for children and young people with disabilities that take advantage of the stunning landscapes around Denver, Colorado. Specialized camps offer programs for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, children with motor or physical disabilities, and children with cognitive challenges.
These camps provide an excellent way for young people with different physical and mental obstacles to relax, have fun, and get out of their comfort zone while socializing with other young people with similar challenges. For more information about social opportunities for young people with disabilities, be sure to check out our article on charities for disabled young adults in Colorado.
Free Legal Assistance
Many organizations provide free legal assistance to people with disabilities and cover topics as wide-ranging as access to public housing, state benefits, health coverage, and social security to ADA disputes. The main organizations associated with free legal assistance in Colorado are Colorado Legal Services and Disability Law Colorado.
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling services are available for people who need someone to talk to. These services are available for people with disabilities and their families and can help with a wide range of concerns. Some options in Colorado include:
You Don't Have to Face Your Disability Alone
The organizations on this list offer a great range of support for disabled people and their families. Colorado is also home to many other organizations ready to help you when you need it.
Whether you need physical, financial, or practical help—or just someone to talk to—there are many options open to you in Colorado. Families facing challenges should remember they're not alone and take advantage of these wonderful resources.