Resources for Children with Special Needs

  • Where Do I Start?

    P2P: Parent to Parent of Colorado            

    1-877-476-7201                  www.p2p-co.org             

    • One to one parent matching
    • Listserv linking parents throughout the state
    • Up-to-date information and referral, a quarterly newsletter
    • A resource packed website including support group listing, parent wisdom

     

    The Arcs in Colorado       

    1-800-333-7690                 www.thearcofco.org

    • If you are looking for an advocate, start with your local Arc
    • The Arc of Colorado has a list of statewide Arcs on its website

     

    Assistive Technology Partners   

    1-800-255-3477                 www.uchsc.edu/atp

    • The device exchange program, a database of potential AT funding resources
    • Make and Take directions on various low-cost AT adaptations and devices
    • Community-based demonstrations, an annual conference

     

    CCA: Colorado Citizens for Accountability 

    303-226-5526  www.coloradocitizensforaccountability.org

    • Patient safety information and referral
    • Advocacy training for those who have family members in the hospital
    • Support for families/individuals dealing with legal issues in the medical system

     

    CCDC: Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition              

    303-839-1775     www.ccdconline.org

    • Information and assistance on disability rights issues for youth and adults
    • Advances in legislation and public policy impacting the disability community

     

    CDE –DSLU: Colorado Department of Education – Exceptional Student Leadership Unit

    303-866-6694     www.cde.state.co.us/index_special.htm

    • Website resources on special education law, school/district programs, etc.
    • FAST FACTS on a variety of topics
    • Information on educational specialists, parent-professional partnerships

     

    DDD: Division for Developmental Disabilities and CCBs: Community Centered Boards

     303-866-7450     www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd

    • Provides various services to individuals with developmental disabilities
    • Administers children and family programs, adult programs
    • Information on CCBs (designated as the single entry point into long-term service and support for persons with developmental disabilities)

     

    Easter Seals Colorado     

    303-233-1666 x237           www.eastersealscolorado.org

    • Respite, including Discovery Club, weekend programs, and summer camp
    • Warm water therapy and aquatic programs
    • Employment services/support, transition training, transportation assessments

     

    El Colroado: Early Intervention Colorado (Formerly ECC) 

    1-888-777-4041        www.eicolorado.org

    • Connects families with early intervention services to help infants and toddlers under age three grow and develop, and to help their families in this process

     

    El Grupo VIDA   

    303-904-6073     www.elfrupovida.org

    • Information, referrals, and support groups for Spanish speaking parents
    • Free annual fall conference in Denver

     

    EMPOWER Colorado       

    1-866-213-4631                 www.empowercolorado.com

    • Support, education, and advocacy for families of children and youth with mental health issues
    • Support groups throughout the state; statewide listserv connecting families
    • Education classes for families and professionals

     

    Family Voices     

    1-800-881-8272                 www.familyvoicesco.org

    • Advocacy for children with special health care needs
    • Assists families in navigating health systems including Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and private insurance
    • Training, information, referral, policy, parent-friendly website resources

     

    Guardianship Alliance of Colorado            

    303-228-5382     www.guardianshipallianceofcolorado.org

    • Information and referral on guardianship, including a volunteer guardianship matching program
    • Information and training for those wishing to become a guardian for a family member who is 18 or older

     

    HCP: Health care Program for Children with Special Needs                                                                                            

    303-692-2370              www.hcpcolorado.org

    • Information and referral to services and supports including Medical Home, screening, clinics, financial assistance
    • Regional offices throughout Colorado

     

    PEAK: Colorado’s Parent Training and Information Center  

    1-800-284-0251  www.peakparent.org

    • Statewide parent advisors who provide information about the special education process and parent’s rights
    • Training on a variety of topics including Understanding IEP’s
    • Inclusion resources and annual conference for parents and school personnel
    • Online calendar of events throughout the state

     

    PEP: Parents Encouraging Parents            

    303-866-6846     www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/PEP.asp

    • The free conference, lodging, and meals included, held twice per year at various statewide locations (apply early as waiting list occur frequently)
    • Brings together parents and professionals for education on supporting your child in school and community

     

    The Legal Center for People with Disabilities & Older People

    1-800-288-1376                 www.thelegalcenter.org

    • Advice on the legal rights of people with disabilities
    • Publishes Everyday Guide to Special Education Law

    Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
    Colorado Department of Human Services
    1575 Sherman, 4th Floor
    Denver, CO 80203
    (303) 866-4150
    www.cdhs.state.co.us/dvr 
    Local DVR locations can be found at www.cdhs.state.co.us/dvr/dvr_locations.htm

     

    Colorado Transition Services -Exceptional Student Leadership Unit
    Colorado Department of Education
    201 E. Colfax Avenue
    Denver, CO 80203
    (303) 866-6721
    www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd 
    www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/transresources.asp
    Transition Tool Kit: www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/TK.asp

    Division for Developmental Disabilities
    Colorado Department of Human Services
    3824 W. Princeton Circle
    Denver, CO 80236
    303) 866-7467
    www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd