Disability services in Colorado are designed to support individuals with disabilities in leading fulfilling and independent lives. Colorado offers a broad spectrum of services that cater to the diverse needs of its residents, ensuring that everyone has access to essential resources such as healthcare, education, employment, and housing. These services are vital for enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, allowing them to participate fully in the community and live with dignity.
According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2024 1,063,940 adults in Colorado have a disability. This is equal to 24% or nearly 1 in 4 adults in Colorado. These numbers highlight the importance of the various programs and services available to support those with disabilities in the state. Whether it’s through specialized healthcare programs, adaptive technology, or vocational training, Colorado is committed to providing comprehensive support to its residents with disabilities.
The state also focuses on fostering an inclusive environment where people with disabilities can access the same opportunities as everyone else. This includes ensuring that public spaces are accessible, promoting disability awareness and education, and offering financial assistance to those in need. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to empower individuals with disabilities to lead as independent and productive lives as possible.
The following disability agencies and service organizations in Colorado play a crucial role in delivering these services. These organizations are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities navigate the complexities of available resources, advocating for their rights, and offering personalized support tailored to their unique needs.
Colorado Disability Employment Services
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides comprehensive vocational guidance, job placement, and training services tailored to individuals with disabilities. DVR’s goal is to help people with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment, supporting them in achieving independence.
Ability Connection Colorado offers a variety of employment services through its Employment Works program, which includes job placement, supported employment, and work incentive planning. This program serves both individuals with disabilities and businesses, promoting inclusive employment practices.
Colorado Office of Employment First implements the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, an evidence-based approach that integrates mental health services with employment support. The program is designed to help people with significant disabilities secure and maintain competitive employment.
Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP) is a collaboration of state agencies and organizations that focuses on increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. EFAP works to implement the Employment First philosophy, which prioritizes competitive, integrated employment for all.
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) administers a Disability Hiring Preference Pilot Program aimed at increasing employment opportunities within state government for individuals with disabilities. This program offers a hiring preference similar to veterans’ preferences, encouraging more inclusive recruitment and hiring practices.
These organizations and programs play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities in Colorado, helping them navigate the challenges of employment and achieve their career goals.
Colorado Independent Living Services
The Independence Center in Colorado Springs offers a range of services to support independent living, including skills classes, peer support, and transition services. They also assist individuals in navigating daily tasks and provide resources for veterans and those with disabilities in surrounding counties.
Center for People with Disabilities, based in Boulder, provides independent living services across several counties. They offer resources such as advocacy, peer support, and skills training to help individuals with disabilities live independently within their communities.
Connections for Independent Living in Greeley offers both independent living services and housing assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers. They provide support with applications, budgeting, and navigating the housing market, particularly for individuals in Weld County.
Southwest Center for Independence serves individuals in the southwestern part of the state, offering assistance with housing applications, landlord-tenant issues, and housing vouchers for people with disabilities. They also provide educational programs on housing rights and responsibilities.
North West Colorado Center for Independence, based in Steamboat Springs, offers services to support independent living, including housing assistance and resources across several counties in northwest Colorado.
Center for Independence, located in Grand Junction, provides a variety of independent living services across several counties. They focus on helping individuals with disabilities live independently through advocacy, skills training, and support services.
These organizations play a vital role in supporting the independence and housing needs of people with disabilities across Colorado.
Colorado Rehabilitation Services
Colorado Department of Human Services provides a variety of rehabilitation services across the state, including through its Regional Centers in Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Wheat Ridge. These centers offer specialized support for individuals with developmental disabilities, including therapy, vocational training, and residential services.
AllHealth Network in Littleton offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for mental health and substance abuse disorders. They provide intensive outpatient programs, dual diagnosis treatment, and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Crossroads Turning Points, based in Pueblo, is one of the largest providers of substance abuse treatment in southern Colorado. Their services include residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and specialized care for women and children.
Centennial Peaks Hospital in Louisville offers a range of mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation services, including inpatient treatment, detoxification, and outpatient programs. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Ability Connection Colorado offers the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program, which helps Social Security Disability beneficiaries navigate employment opportunities while maintaining their benefits. Their services include counseling and planning assistance to promote self-sufficiency.
These organizations are instrumental in providing rehabilitation services that help individuals with disabilities in Colorado achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life.
Colorado Assistive Technology Services
Assistive Technology Program of Colorado, managed by the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) at the University of Colorado Denver, offers a wide range of assistive technology services, including device demonstrations, assessments, and loans. They also provide professional development and training on assistive technology for individuals and organizations.
SWAAAC (Statewide Assistive Technology, Augmentative, and Alternative Communication) supports assistive technology in Colorado schools by offering multidisciplinary services. SWAAAC teams work across 60 school districts to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the necessary technology to participate fully in their education.
Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) at Colorado State University provides assessments, consultations, and training on assistive technology. ATRC works to enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities through personalized technology solutions.
Ensight Skills Center in Fort Collins and Greeley specializes in low vision services, including evaluations, visual rehabilitation, and assistive technology training. They offer both in-person and remote services to help individuals with visual impairments live more independently.
JFK Partners, affiliated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, provides assistive technology services as part of its broader mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Their services include evaluations, training, and resource referrals.
These organizations play a crucial role in providing access to assistive technology, helping individuals with disabilities in Colorado lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Colorado Disability Financial Assistance Services
The Social Security Administration offers comprehensive information on disability benefits, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and the types of benefits available. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Use the Social Security Field Office locator to find a location near you or call toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment, you can call their TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
The Colorado Disability Determination Services, part of the Colorado Department of Human Services, evaluates medical eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. Their office can be reached at 1-800-711-9993.
Colorado Disability Funding Committee provides grants to organizations that assist individuals with disabilities in applying for disability benefits, such as SSI and SSDI, and supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Colorado ABLE offers tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to save money without affecting their eligibility for public benefits.
Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) provides cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents who have disabilities that preclude them from working, offering interim support while they apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities is a nonprofit organization that offers financial management services, including pooled trusts, for individuals with disabilities, helping them maintain financial stability while preserving their eligibility for government benefits.
Colorado Disability Transportation Services
Disability Transportation Services in Colorado provide accessible and convenient transportation options for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can travel independently for daily activities, medical appointments, and other essential needs. Here is a list of some in the state:
Mountain Metro Mobility in Colorado Springs offers paratransit services that provide door-to-door transportation for individuals who cannot use the regular bus service due to their disability.
Via Mobility Services is a nonprofit organization that provides accessible transportation to older adults and people with disabilities across several counties in Colorado, helping them maintain independence and access community services.
SAINT Volunteer Transportation offers free door-to-door transportation services in Fort Collins and Loveland for seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot drive.
Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Mobility Services focuses on making transportation more accessible and efficient for underserved populations, including those with disabilities, by integrating emerging technologies and improving transportation infrastructure.
Colorado Disability Childcare Services
Disability Childcare Services in Colorado offer specialized support to families with children who have disabilities, ensuring that these children receive appropriate care and developmental opportunities. Here is a list of some in the state:
Megan’s Place provides center-based and in-home care for children with special needs, accepting CES Waiver funding or private pay.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) offers financial assistance to low-income families, including those with children who have disabilities, to help them afford quality child care.
Colorado Respite Coalition advocates for a statewide system of respite care, offering a Respite Locator to help families find care options for children with special needs.
KidStreet at Children’s Hospital Colorado is uniquely designed to care for infants and children with complex medical needs, providing specialized care in a nurturing environment.
Colorado Shines connects families with licensed childcare programs and provides information on choosing quality care, including options for children with disabilities.
These services are integral to supporting the unique needs of children with disabilities and their families, ensuring access to quality care and developmental resources across Colorado.
Colorado Disability Recreational Services
Disability Recreational Services in Colorado offer adaptive sports and recreational activities to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage in physical activities, socialize, and improve their quality of life. Here is a list of some in the state:
National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) provides a wide range of adaptive outdoor experiences, including skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking, tailored for individuals of all abilities.
Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP) – Colorado Springs offers inclusive sports, fitness, and outdoor adventures designed for individuals with disabilities, fostering social integration and physical well-being.
Adaptive Sports Program – University of Colorado Boulder supports students with physical disabilities by offering various adaptive sports and fitness programs, encouraging participation at all levels.
Adaptive Recreation – City and County of Denver provides therapeutic programs and inclusive activities for people with disabilities of all ages, including Special Olympics, horseback riding, and skiing.
These programs and services ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to recreational opportunities that enhance their physical health, social connections, and overall well-being across Colorado.
Colorado Disability Rights & Legal Services
Disability Rights & Legal Services in Colorado offer essential legal support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their rights are protected and upheld across various aspects of life. Here is a list of some in the state:
Disability Law Colorado provides legal representation, advocacy, and education to individuals with disabilities, focusing on civil rights issues including housing, employment, and education.
Colorado Legal Services offers free legal assistance to low-income Coloradans, including those with disabilities, covering issues such as housing, consumer rights, and public benefits.
Civil Rights Legal Program – Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition focuses on enforcing civil rights laws like the ADA, through litigation and advocacy to ensure accessibility and fair treatment for people with disabilities.
Legal Assistance Program – Colorado Department of Human Services supports older adults and people with disabilities by providing legal help with issues such as housing, elder rights, and public benefits.
These organizations are vital resources for individuals with disabilities in Colorado, ensuring they have access to legal protection and advocacy when needed.
Colorado Support Groups for People with Disabilities
Connections for Independent Living offers various peer support groups, including those for brain injury, anxiety, chronic pain, and long-haul COVID. These groups are designed to help individuals manage the challenges of living with disabilities by providing socialization, education, and support.
Parent to Parent of Colorado connects families who have children with disabilities, offering a network of support, resources, and emotional assistance throughout the state. The program is run by parents who have firsthand experience in navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
El Grupo Vida is a support network for Spanish-speaking families of individuals with disabilities. The group provides mutual support, information, and resources to help families navigate the challenges of raising a child with disabilities.
Ability Connection Colorado offers various support programs, including those tailored for parents and families of children with developmental disabilities. These programs aim to provide assurance and guidance to families as they care for their loved ones.
The Arc of Colorado is a well-established organization that offers support and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc has multiple local chapters across Colorado that provide individualized support and connect families with necessary resources.
These support groups play a crucial role in providing emotional, social, and practical support to individuals with disabilities and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of daily life and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Colorado Disability Housing Assistance
Housing Access Program – Disability Law Colorado offers a Housing Access Program that provides support and resources to individuals with disabilities seeking accessible and affordable housing. They work with various communities to address the housing needs of people with disabilities across the state.
Colorado Housing Connects provides a hotline service that connects individuals with disabilities to housing assistance resources, including information on affordable housing options and tenant rights. This service helps navigate the complexities of housing for those in need.
Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) focuses on advocating for and improving housing accessibility for people with disabilities. They provide resources and referrals to individuals seeking affordable and accessible housing solutions.
Denver Housing Authority (DHA) offers various housing programs, including Section 8 vouchers and other assistance, specifically designed to help people with disabilities find and maintain affordable housing in the Denver area.
These organizations are crucial in providing the necessary support and resources to help individuals with disabilities secure safe, accessible, and affordable housing throughout Colorado.
Colorado Disability Education Services
Colorado Department of Education – Office of Special Education provides resources and support for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate educational services. The office oversees the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in Colorado, helping schools deliver specialized instruction and services.
University of Colorado Boulder – Disability Services offers comprehensive support to students with disabilities, including accommodations, assistive technology, and academic resources to ensure equal access to university programs and activities.
CU Denver Disability Resources & Services supports students with disabilities through accommodations, advocacy, and the removal of barriers to education, ensuring full participation in university life.
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) provides specialized education and support services for children from birth to age 21 who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired, helping them achieve educational success.
Early Intervention Colorado offers support and services to young children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families, from birth until the child’s third birthday, focusing on promoting development within everyday routines.
These organizations are dedicated to providing essential educational services and support to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the resources they need for academic success in Colorado.
Colorado Disability Healthcare Services
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) offers comprehensive healthcare services to individuals with disabilities, covering essential medical care, home modifications, and support through various waivers such as the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Waiver.
Community Mental Health Supports Waiver (CMHS) provides mental health services and support for individuals with major mental illnesses, offering alternatives to institutional care, including adult day services and non-medical transportation.
Mindsource Brain Injury Network , part of the Colorado Department of Human Services, offers support and resources to individuals with brain injuries, helping them live more independently and manage the effects of their injuries.
Regional Centers in Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Wheat Ridge provide specialized care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering residential services and therapeutic programs.
Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) provides discounted healthcare services to low-income individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid, ensuring access to essential medical care through participating hospitals and clinics.
These services play a crucial role in supporting the healthcare needs of individuals with disabilities across Colorado, ensuring they have access to the necessary care and resources to maintain their health and well-being.
Colorado Vocational Training for People with Disabilities
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides a variety of individualized services, including vocational training, job development, and job coaching, tailored to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals and live independently.
Colorado Office of Employment First offers ACRE Supported Employment Training, which equips Employment Support Professionals with the skills necessary to assist individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining competitive employment.
Employment Works – Ability Connection Colorado provides job placement and vocational training services through various programs, including the Ticket to Work and Colorado Work Incentive Counseling, helping individuals with disabilities explore career options and secure meaningful employment.
Disability Program Navigator – Colorado Department of Labor and Employment connects individuals with disabilities to workforce centers and vocational training programs, offering support in job search activities, resume writing, and interview preparation.
These programs are designed to provide the necessary support and training for individuals with disabilities, helping them to gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
Colorado Mental Health Services for People with Disabilities
Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) offers a comprehensive range of mental health services through various programs aimed at improving behavioral health outcomes for individuals with disabilities. BHA coordinates efforts across the state to ensure access to quality care, including crisis intervention, outpatient services, and specialized support.
Community Mental Health Supports Waiver (CMHS) provides long-term mental health support for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, helping them stay in community settings rather than institutions. Services include adult day programs, peer mentorship, and non-medical transportation.
Mental Health Colorado advocates for equitable access to mental health services for people with disabilities, providing resources, education, and support to ensure that everyone receives the care they need.
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing – Behavioral Health Services offers a wide range of behavioral health services through Health First Colorado, including therapy, medication management, and residential treatment, tailored specifically for individuals with mental health needs.
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) provides advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive appropriate care and services.
These services are essential in supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals with disabilities across Colorado, offering the necessary care and resources to improve their quality of life.
Colorado Vision Services for People with Disabilities
Blind and Low Vision Services – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides specialized services, including vocational rehab counseling, assistive technology, and personal adjustment training, aimed at helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired achieve independence in their homes, communities, and workplaces.
Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program offers independent living services and support to people aged 55 and older who are blind or visually impaired, including training in orientation and mobility, daily living skills, and access to assistive technology.
Beyond Vision Program – Center for People with Disabilities provides support and low-vision services, including individualized assistance and outreach, to residents of several Colorado counties, ensuring that people with vision impairments can live independently.
Disabled Resource Services (DRS) offers the Disability/Vision Matters program, which provides vision-related independent living skills training, consultation, and support for individuals who are blind or have low vision in the Fort Collins and Loveland areas.
Colorado Retina Associates provides low vision services across Colorado, including specialized care for individuals with visual impairments, helping them manage their condition and maintain their independence.
These services offer critical support to individuals with vision impairments in Colorado, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Colorado Hearing Services for People with Disabilities
Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind offers a wide range of services, including telecommunication equipment distribution, sign language interpreting, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and legal communication access services for state courts. They also provide resources and support services for individuals who are deaf-blind.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provides vocational rehabilitation services, including career counseling and advanced communication technology, to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing achieve their employment goals.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services – City and County of Denver offers sign language interpreting and CART services for Denver government agencies, ensuring that residents who are deaf or hard of hearing have equal access to all city programs and services.
AdvocacyDenver – Colorado Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides resources, referrals, and services such as sign language interpreting and telecommunications equipment distribution, supporting the communication needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community across the state.
These services are designed to support individuals with hearing disabilities in accessing necessary resources and achieving their personal and professional goals in Colorado.
Colorado Speech & Language Services for People with Disabilities
Health First Colorado – Outpatient Speech Therapy Benefit offers speech therapy services for both rehabilitative and habilitative needs, helping individuals improve or maintain their communication skills. The program covers therapy sessions provided by licensed speech therapists in various settings, including offices, hospitals, and homes.
University of Colorado Boulder – Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic (SLHC) provides comprehensive speech, language, and audiology services to both children and adults. Services are delivered by graduate students under the supervision of certified professionals, offering a wide range of evaluations and treatments.
Relay Colorado – Speech Disability Service offers Speech-to-Speech (STS) relay services that allow individuals with speech disabilities to make and receive phone calls with the assistance of a communications assistant. This service ensures that people with speech disabilities can communicate effectively over the phone.
Adult Habilitative Services – Speech Therapy expands speech therapy coverage for adults with disabilities under Medicaid, providing services that help individuals retain or improve skills needed for daily living.
These services provide essential support for individuals with speech and language disabilities in Colorado, helping them to communicate more effectively and improve their quality of life.
Colorado Autism Services
Autism Society of Colorado provides a wide range of services, including peer support groups, social gatherings, and educational resources for individuals with autism and their families. They focus on creating a connected community where everyone on the autism spectrum can access the resources they need.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program offers resources and information on early diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing support for individuals with autism. Their program is aimed at improving public awareness and providing families with the tools they need to manage ASD effectively.
Colorado Department of Education – Autism Education Network supports school teams by offering training and resources to help them provide effective educational services for students with autism. The network is designed to enhance the learning experiences of students with autism through evidence-based practices.
Alpine Autism Center in Colorado Springs provides individualized, evidence-based therapy using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The center focuses on comprehensive care that covers various developmental domains, including behavior, communication, and social skills.
Colorado Autism Consultants offers specialized services for children with autism, focusing on early intervention and school-based support. They provide personalized consulting services to help families and schools create effective educational plans for children with ASD.
These organizations are dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families in Colorado, offering a range of services from early intervention to ongoing education and community support.
Colorado Early Intervention Services
Early Intervention Colorado provides support and services to children from birth to three years of age who have developmental delays or disabilities. They work with families to create individualized plans to enhance the child’s development across various domains.
Community Connections, Inc. offers a comprehensive early intervention program that includes developmental evaluations, service coordination, and therapy services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Their approach focuses on using play as a tool to support children’s learning and development.
The Resource Exchange (TRE) provides early intervention services that include developmental intervention, autism supports, and early childhood mental health services. They partner with local school districts and deliver services in-home to ensure children and their families receive the support they need.
Colorado Office of Early Childhood manages the state’s early intervention program, which offers a wide range of services to help children with developmental delays reach their full potential. They provide resources and support to families to enhance their child’s growth and development.
These organizations are dedicated to providing essential early intervention services, ensuring that children in Colorado with developmental needs receive the care and support they require during their critical early years.