Easterseals Colorado is thrilled to offer the Disability Inclusion Program (DIP) funded by Denver Human Services and the generosity of citizens of the city and county of Denver. As part of this program in partnership with Denver Human Services, Easterseals Colorado will offer the DIP into Disability Speaker Series and Disability Etiquette Trainings throughout the year. Based upon recommendations of a Needs Assessment, Easterseals Colorado has highlighted a desire among families to be more educated about supports and opportunities available for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as, having a better understanding of the disability system and encouraging disability etiquette training in the community.
DIP into Disability Speaker Series
A FREE Speaker Series that will help you navigate the disability system and provide education on supports available in the community. This Speaker Series will leverage the expertise of Easterseals Colorado's many programs and partners, to provide valuable information for individuals living with I/DD and their family members or caregivers, as well as Denver's teachers, service providers and other businesses.
*Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Speaker Series will now be posted as pre-recorded videos.
Please register and RSVP for beforehand online. We ask that you do not share the direct YouTube link as we are required to track attendance for reporting purposes however, please feel free to share this website with your networks.
Available Speaker Series Topics (Listed from newest to oldest. Click the links below to register and for more detailed information on each speaker series.):
"Therapeutic Recreation"- Part Twelve of this Speaker Series will address therapeutic recreation through camp and horsemanship for children and adults with I/DD.
"Arts and Culture" - Part Eleven of this Speaker Series will address various forms of art and cultural opportunities available to children and adults living with I/DD.
"Navigating Medicaid Waivers" - Part Ten of this Speaker Series will address Colorado's Medicaid Waiver system for children and adults living with I/DD.
"Benefits Counseling" - Part Eight of this Speaker Series will address the public benefits available to people living with I/DD once employed.
"Social Security - SSI/SSDI" - Part Seven of this Speaker Series will address filing for disability benefits and provide an overview of the SSA programs and process for children and adults, as well as three simple steps to filing an application.
"Caregiver Respite 101" - Part Six of this Speaker Series will address the challenges faced by caregivers of people living with I/DD and the need for respite, a break from continual caregiving.
"Adult Day Services" - Part Five of this Speaker Series will address "how to" get involved with a day program and the various learning and social opportunities a day program setting offers.
"IN! Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education" - Part Four of this Speaker Series will discuss college options in Colorado for students with I/DD as well as steps you can take at any age to start preparing for higher education.
"Transition Services" - Part Three of this Speaker Series will address opportunities for young adults living with I/DD who are transitioning from the school system into the workforce.
A FREE training funded through Denver Human Services for Denver-based businesses, clubs and organizations. In an effort to build awareness and reduce stigma of people with I/DD, Easterseals Colorado will work with Denver-based businesses, clubs and organizations on a variety of training options to encourage a more welcoming and inclusive culture and environment. Your location, we come to you.
Training Options:
Lunch & Learn - This introductory training, designed to be held over the lunch hour, will provide an overview of disability etiquette.
Half-Day & Full-Day - A more in-depth and interactive training tailored to meet the specific needs of your business, club or organization.
Planning Opportunities - This training will cover the value and benefits of hiring individuals with I/DD and address any concerns an employer may have.
Innovative Networking - An Easterseals Colorado facilitated opportunity for businesses to work together to share their experiences, successes, challenges and implement change.
Presenters:
Tanner Whittaker, Easterseals Colorado - Tanner got his start with Easterseals Colorado in 2007 as a camp counselor at Rocky Mountain Village Camp. He spent the following three summers at RMV. Following his completion of a Master's in Counselor Education from Penn State University, Tanner accepted employment with the State of Colorado as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. During the time with the State of Colorado, Tanner specialized in Supported Employment and Transition Services. After working for the state for 9 years the opportunity to join the ESC team presented itself. Tanner no oversees Transition Services and Special Programs for ESC Employment Department.
Jocelyn Roy, Artist at Access Gallery - Jocelyn's passion for disability inclusion began through supporting children with disabilities at a local elementary school. She impacts others by sharing her experiences living with a disability, sharing resources, and using her advocacy skills to educated others. Jocelyn landed at Access Gallery at age 17 where she follows her dream of being an abstract and mixed media artist.
Brittany Murdock, Artist at Access Gallery - Brittany is a self-taught artists who has been with Access Gallery since 2005, joining the gallery through an internship program at her high school. Smart and determined, Brittany is no stranger to adversity. Living with cerebral palsy and limited resources, Brittany created her own business, Brittany's Accessories, and sells a variety of mixed media art including her pony beads.
