Resources

​Below is a list of web resources that may be helpful to families and participants in the community. FRIENDS resources contain links to external websites that are not maintained by or in any way affiliated with FRIENDS. Please note that FRIENDS does not render an opinion about, nor guarantees, the quality, accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites. 

Assisted Living in Colorado

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.
https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/colorado/ 

Down Syndrome & Dental Care - A Guide for Caregivers and Family Members

When it comes to heading to the dentist, there can be feelings of stress and anxiety. For patients with Down syndrome, these feelings can be much more intense. Our dental experts, Dr. Greg Grillo, and Dr. Andrew Jordan, have spent many years working with patients and caregivers on preparing for their dental visits and providing them with tips and care for instilling good oral hygiene habits.
https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/down-syndrome-and-dental-care/

How to Support Students with Autism Spectrum 

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that impacts how a student responds to an environment behaviorally, socially and communicatively. No matter where a child falls on the spectrum, however, parents must work with schools to ensure students receive the education they deserve. This guide discusses the unique difficulties autistic students face and how educators and parents can support them.
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/support-students-with-autism/

Assisted Living Research Institute

Assisted Living Research Institute is an industry-leading research organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults by compiling comprehensive research, the latest studies, and real-world insight from experts, caregivers, and seniors into easy-to-understand, actionable guides, and resources. 
https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-options-for-people-with-disabilities

Autistic Fusion
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AutisticFusion is a nonprofit organization working for transition aged to adults on the spectrum, their family members, friends and professionals who are touched by autism or other developmental disabilities. AutisticFusion is a quickly growing collective of people on and off the spectrum from all around the world. We foster and encourage positivity in all of our member interactions, a forgiving mentality towards others with varying perspectives, and can we all laugh just a little bit together without any guilt please?!?! Autism is amazing and logically fun!! https://autisticfusion.org/ ​

Division for Developmental Disabilities
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The State’s office that oversees the state’s 64 county departments of social/human services, the state’s public mental health system, and Colorado’s system of services for people with developmental disabilities.
www.cdhs.state.co.us

Community Centered Boards (CCBs)
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Are private non-profit organizations designated in statute as the single entry point into the long-term service and support system for persons with developmental disabilities. The State contracts with twenty Community Centered Boards to deliver community-based services. Each CCB has a non-overlapping geographic service region of one to ten counties serving from 70 to 1,600 individuals each. CCBs are responsible for intake, eligibility determination, service plan development, arrangement for services, delivery of services (either directly and/or through purchase), monitoring, and many other functions. Additionally, CCBs are responsible for assessing needs and developing plans to meet those needs of their local service area. CCBs play a vital role in managing limited resources at the local level to meet the individual needs of its citizens and to address the overall needs of the local service area.
www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd/ccb_main.htm

Imagine!
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Provides support services to more than 2500 people of all ages with developmental delays and cognitive disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and mental retardation. Imagine! is one of 20 Community Centered Boards in Colorado dedicated to serving this population.
www.imaginecolorado.org

North Metro Community Services
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Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for persons of all ages who are developmentally disabled or delayed and who live in Adams County, Colorado, excluding the City of Aurora. North Metro is one of 20 Community Centered Boards in Colorado dedicated to serving this population.
www.nmcommserv.com

Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC)
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Located in Lakewood, Colorado; We provide leading-edge services that create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the community.. DDRC is one of 20 Community Centered Boards in Colorado dedicated to serving this population.
www.ddrcco.com

Mile High Down Syndrome Association
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Mile High Down Syndrome Association (MHDSA) Denver, Colorado CO. Information for new parents of babies with Down Syndrome & expectant parents with Down’s Syndrome.
http://www.mhdsa.org

Autism Society of America: Colorado
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Autism Society chapters are your best source of information and support.
http://autism-society.org

Center for People With Disabilities

Mission: To provide resources, information, and advocacy to assist people with disabilities in overcoming barriers
http://www.cpwd-ilc.org

Broomfield Health and Human Services – City & County of Broomfield
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MISSION STATEMENT: We exist in partnership with the community, to recognize, develop and promote opportunities that encourage personal, social and environmental responsibility. We value the health and safety of our citizens and are dedicated to serve Broomfield with integrity, creativity, dignity and respect.
www.ci.broomfield.co.us/hhs

Benefits for People with Disabilities
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The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs.
www.ssa.gov/disability/

HCPF: Medicaid Eligibility
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Colorado Medicaid is public health insurance for families, children, pregnant women, persons who are blind or persons with disabilities and the elderly for Colorado residents.
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/HCPF/HCPF/1197969485591591

Therapeutic Recreation
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The Therapeutic Recreation program is designed to provide and enhance recreation opportunities for people of all ability levels and ages to participate in leisure services. We offer both specialized classes and mainstreaming / inclusion opportunities.
www.broomfield.org