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