28 JUN 2024 · When law enforcement is called out to a crisis involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the situation is complicated. Communication challenges, a lack of training, and a misunderstanding of someone’s disability, can all lead to unfortunate challenging outcomes.   From THINK+change, Building Bridges: People with Disabilities and Law Enforcement is series of mini-documentaries diving into the IDD community’s experience with police. Each story highlights progress and the continued need for conversation and steps towards solutions. Solutions that prioritize both justice and compassion.

1 JUN 2024 · For so many, art is the opportunity for growth through expression, communication, and building confidence. It creates communities, jobs, and so much more. And yet the pathway to pursuing the arts is left out of the conversation for so many people with disabilities.   We sat down with Jaime Lewis, RTD (Regional Transportation District) Director for District A in Denver, Transit Advisor for CCDC (Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition), and multi-disciplinary artist. From the stage to art galleries, Jaime has been breaking the barriers in the arts for years and wants to continue creating opportunities for more artists with disabilities.

24 APR 2024 · It can be tough to find the right balance between respecting the rights and needs of people with IDD who commit sex offenses and keeping the community safe. But it is important to support them in a way that leads to growth, reduces risk, and improves their quality of life. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kyle Lucas, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping people with developmental disabilities. With years of experience in treating individuals with problematic sexual behavior, Dr. Lucas sits down with us to discuss the strategies and approaches to create lasting change.

14 MAR 2024 · may face skepticism, disbelief, or stigma from others who cannot understand the extent of their disability or needs.   In this insightful podcast/vodcast episode, we sit down with a remarkable young adult, entrepreneur, and self-advocate, who explains the reality of growing up with an invisible disability. Even at a young age, he is determined to have a voice, as he speaks up for himself and others with disabilities. Join us for a story of resilience, creativity, and living life to the fullest!

26 FEB 2024 · The journey of raising a child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) may require unwavering support from parent advocates who champion their children’s rights, voices, inclusion, and overall needs. For parents of children, both adults and youth, navigating this advocacy path often becomes a lifelong commitment.

31 JAN 2024 · A bonus episode within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode reviews Systemic Gaps and Policy Solutions with Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet. - Treatment gaps for people with co-occurring disorders and disabilities - Harm Reduction policy in Colorado - Lived experiences and data needed to reduce stigma and improve policy - Policy change needed to address barriers and discrimination in treatment services - Reach out to your legislators to tell them the barriers you or someone you know is facing when it comes to substance use and having a disability.

19 DEC 2023 · The third epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode reviews Treatment, Recovery, and the Barriers Featuring Dr. Chad Johnston, MD, Medical Director of https://urbanpeaksrehab.com/ - The process of treatment and being in recovery; - Overview of harm reduction; - Communication between disability and addiction service systems; - Barriers to seeking treatment for people with IDD; and - Improving access to treatment.

19 DEC 2023 · The second epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode talks about the Prevalence of Substance Abuse among People with IDD Featuring Erika Spraker, LSW, ACA, Program Director of https://lifelonginc.com/ - Research around SUD and IDD; - Reasons for high prevalence; - Prescription medication management; and - Signs of SUD to look out for.

19 DEC 2023 · The first epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode offers a Primer on Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Featuring Ann C. Noonan MA, CAS, LPC, from https://noonanconsults.com/ - Spectrum of Substance Use Disorders; - Exposure and prevention; - Risk factors for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and - Treatment and intervention plans.

28 SEP 2023 · A place to call home, one that is truly safe and reliable, is the foundation of well-being. But, housing instability ripples out into every part of one’s life, from physical and mental health to financial growth. For people with developmental disabilities (DD), living independently can be the first step to a life of dignity and fulfillment. But, unfortunately the barriers to achieving stable housing can seem almost insurmountable when you have a DD. As a population that is already disproportionately low-income, the lack of affordable housing is just the start. Many options are not accessible and the path to housing support can be really confusing. Housing Challenges and People with Developmental Disabilities explores four perspectives in the largely untold story of the ongoing housing crisis in the United States, shedding light on the unique issues faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their advice on how to make meaningful change. Why you should listen •Hear first-hand accounts from people with DD and their struggle to find affordable, accessible housing in Colorado; •Gain insight into the significant barriers people with DD face in navigating the housing system; •Learn about the heightened effects that housing instability has on those with DDs; and •Understand the need for the disability perspective when it comes to the government’s response to the housing crisis. Who should listen •Advocates and activists fighting for accessible and affordable housing; •Policy-makers addressing the housing crisis; •Real-Estate and Housing Professionals endeavoring to create an equitable housing market; •Community members invested in equity work; and •Social workers and crisis response teams.