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Regional Centers Community Partners
The Regional Centers’ goal is to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in acquiring the skills and abilities to reintegrate safely back into their communities. But it can’t happen without a willing and open community. To help foster that, the state encourages community partners to join IDD advisory boards. It also urges local businesses and organizations to consider hiring people with IDD.
Advisory boards
Colorado has several advisory boards and centers that support individuals with IDD, such as:
Collaborative support
The Regional Centers work closely with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and case management agencies to support individuals with IDD.
- Members of the Community Services Team serve on the Emergency Response in Communities (ERIC) Committee, Complex Services Solutions Council and work with multiple hospital and legal teams.
- Partnerships with Program Approved Service Agencies (PASA) provide residential, supported community connections, supported employment and behavior services for individuals in the Home and Community Based Services Developmental Disabilities Waiver (HCBS DD-Waiver).
Questions about collaboration, Regional Center admission or DRC’s Community Services Team consultation?
Email us at cdhs_drcinquiries@state.co.us.
Additional resources
Colorado has many additional programs and resources for individuals with IDD:
How to get involved
“Employment First” is a policy approach and philosophy that prioritizes and promotes the idea that individuals with disabilities should have opportunities for integrated, competitive employment. It emphasizes the importance of inclusion, equal opportunities and providing the necessary support and accommodations for individuals with disabilities to succeed in the workforce. This approach aims to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where people with disabilities can participate in the workforce alongside their non-disabled peers.
DRC is determined to translate the principle and concept of Employment First into reality in the three Regional Centers and is actively working in-house with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to make this happen. The Regional Centers have a large number of job seekers with a variety of backgrounds and skills. And all of them are eager to work. The Regional Centers are here to collaborate with businesses and organizations across all industry types to meet the specific needs and goals of that business or organization.
Previous partners include:
| Christ Life Ministries | Hotsy Car Wash |
| Coorstek | King Soopers Reclamation Center |
| Emporium Pet Supplies | Pueblo West Metro pool |
| Federal Center Station | Randi’s Pizza |
| HOA Lawn Services |
Benefits for employers
- Hiring individuals with disabilities contributes to a diverse workforce.
- Studies show that employees with disabilities exhibit strong loyalty to their employers.
- Providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities can enhance a company's reputation in the eyes of the public, customers and potential partners.
- Hiring individuals with disabilities can drive a company to create more accessible workplaces, products and services.
- Studies show that employees with disabilities often have lower absenteeism rates, contributing to a more stable, reliable workforce.
- Colorado offers tax incentives and benefits to employers who hire individuals with disabilities, helping to offset some costs associated with accommodation and training.
More Employment First resources
Contact us
If your business or organization is interested in Employment First, reach out to one of our Regional Center contacts below.
Grand Junction Regional Center
Loni Kirk, Community Integration and Engagement Director
970.250.2097
loni.kirk@state.co.us
Pueblo Regional Center
Savannah Salas, BRIDGES Program Director
719.412.0774
savannah.salas@state.co.us
Wheat Ridge Regional Center
Debra Wiita, Day Program Director
303.594.8932
debbie.wiita@state.co.us