2022 Grant Recipients
In our second grant cycle, we awarded $826,395 to 23 local non-profits who were granted funds because their requests prioritized the unmet needs of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) across our six funding areas. “Addressing the unmet needs of the physical and mental health of children and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in our community is our top priority. Ultimately, our organization wants to disable as many barriers as possible” (Christopher Robinson, Disabling Barriers President).
Local non-profits can learn more about our criteria, funding areas, and annual grant cycle details on the Grant Info page.
Mission Statement: Children’s Hospital Colorado’s mission is to improve the health of children through the provision of high-quality, coordinated programs of patient care, education, research, and advocacy. Children’s Colorado treats more & heals more kids than any other hospital in the region. Consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 children’s hospitals in the nation, we’ve been caring solely for kids for more than a century — the big things, the little things & everything in between.
DB Funding Area(s):
Medical Care & Case Management Awareness
Grant Description: DB awarded Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation $100,000 to help fund the expansion of their Developmental Pediatrics Program in Colorado Springs which “will support care for families in southern Colorado through evaluations & interventions for a variety of developmental, behavioral and learning differences” (James Bjorklund, Senior Director of Southern CO Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation).
Mission Statement: The Office of Inclusive Services at UCCS is committed to providing equitable and meaningful inclusive access to university life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The OIS works toward equal participation in academic, social, and career experiences on campus and in the surrounding community. As students with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate with equal access, the communities they engage in will transform to redefine inclusion.
DB Funding Area(s):
Coaching, Post-High School Education and Job Support
Grant Description: DB awarded UCCS $92,163 to support their Inclusive Services Summer Institute & Scholarship which will bring Highschool students with I/DD to UCCS for a week-long experience to gain an understanding of college and the supports available. Additionally, DB grant funds will provide four scholarships to students of underserved populations.
KOAA's News Story
The OIS at UCCS launches new summer program for students with I/DD with DB funds
Mission Statement: To promote access & support independent living with dignity via transportation and homecare services to more than 1000 clients & caregivers, mainly people with disabilities in geographic locations underserved by the for-profits in our industry. Our vision is to lead the nation in integrating services that connect people to community. We’ve proudly served the CO Springs community for over 50 years. Envida means together in life & reflects a commitment to our clients & their changing needs.
DB Funding Area(s):
Independent Living
Grant Description: DB awarded Envida $65,000 to purchase a vehicle to launch professional transport services for young adults with I/DD & other disabilities in Northern El Paso County, “allowing us to comply with requests for transport services, an especially critical need for children, young adults and adults with I/DD & other disabilities in this area” (Lawrence Frimpong, Transit Director of Envida).
Mission Statement: Firefly Autism is dedicated to celebrating the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum through learning, support & solutions. We achieve this by building innovative, individualized programs & cultivating meaningful, impactful relationships with the individuals, families & communities we serve. Our vision is a world where individuals on the autism spectrum, their families & communities have access to the support & solutions needed to maximize learning potential & individual success.
DB Funding Area(s):
Medical Care & Case Management Awareness
Assistive Technology
Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite
Grant Description: DB awarded Firefly Autism $60,000 to support their capacity expansion of Autism therapies in clinical and home-based settings in Colorado Springs. DB’s grant will support Firefly’s efforts in addressing the need for high-quality, individualized support for one-on-one care to those with I/DD, including ASD.
Mission Statement: To promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the communities of the Pikes Peak region throughout their lifetimes.
DB Funding Area(s):
Coaching, Post-High School Education, and Job Support
Independent Living
Assistive Technology
Grant Description: DB awarded The Arc Pikes Peak Region $54,750 to support their Succeeding in School & Life Program, which seeks to empower parents to become their child’s primary educator by proving the support, tools, equipment, and supplies needed to create a sound home learning environment for the whole family. With DB’s support, this program “will address economic and academic disparities, as well as civil rights issues pertaining to students with I/DD” (Wilfred Romero, Executive Director of Arc PPR).
Mission Statement: To enhance the happiness, confidence and health of people with disabilities living in Colorado. To provide services for people with disabilities so they can find support to become or maintain independence. Educate the community on removing or preventing barriers which obstruct the participation of people with disabilities. Stimulate a holistic-healthier-happier community of people with disabilities by utilizing and providing recreation, social events, life coaching and peer counseling.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Independent Living
Assistive Technology
Grant Description: DB awarded ARISE $53,565 to support their track-wheelchair program, Get Out and Hike (GOH!). With DB’s support, ARISE will purchase an adaptable truck, trailer, and two additional track wheelchairs. With DB’s support of a grant, ARISE’s program will enable young adults and youths with disabilities to utilize these adaptable chairs for climbing trails in the mountains which were inaccessible to them previously. “Our program is designed for children and young adults to enjoy the Colorado outdoors with their family and peers. Our services are only offered to those with disabilities and their family members. By purchasing a truck, smaller trailer, and track chairs, we can serve a broader area and more children.” (Tim Ashley, ARISE Program Director and CEO).
Mission Statement: Advocating for independence and inclusion, The Resource Exchange partners with children and adults who have a variety of disabilities, delays, mental health or long-term care needs. We do this using a person-centered approach in coordinating care, promoting choices, and collaborating with community partners.
DB Funding Area(s):
Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite
Grant Description: DB awarded TRE $50,000 to expand their Young Adult Respite Programs and to host an annual Family Fun Event. DB’s support will double the number of respite events for the year allowing more families in the community to be served.
KOAA's News Story
TRE's Respite Programs
Mission Statement: The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: DB awarded Special Olympics Colorado $50,000 to support their Developing and Supporting Athletes with I/DD program. With DB’s support of a grant, athletes with I/DD can engage in year-round sport training and competition opportunities throughout southern Colorado and targeted counties, to promote acceptance, inclusion, physical fitness, and overall well-being.
Mission Statement: Community Connections, Inc. (CCI) is dedicated to the mission of creating opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives within our community. Our vision is of a community where all people with disabilities have the same opportunities as other community members to live, learn, work and play.
DB Funding Area(s):
Independent Living
Assistive Technology
Coaching, Post-High School Education and Job Support
Grant Description: DB awarded CCI $36,080 to support their Southwest Colorado’s Transportation Access Program which connects adults living with I/DD to work, educational, recreational, and social opportunities within the cities of Durango and Cortez.
Mission Statement: NTSOC, a nonprofit organization, serves southern Colorado families of children and young adults with disabilities by providing compassionate quality home care, case management, CNA training, and outpatient therapy. We pursue the best possible outcome defined by the client, family members, and care team.
DB Funding Area(s):
Assistive Technology
Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: DB awarded NTSOC $35,000 to support their Rehab Enhancement Project which will provide their clinic with a variety of specialized therapy equipment to increase progression for all their clients.
Mission Statement: The mission of Ainsley’s Angels is to build awareness about the importance of inclusion, through action, while transforming populations into all-inclusive communities.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: DB awarded Ainsley’s Angels $30,000 to purchase 8 specialized racing wheelchairs and accessories, entry fees for 25 racers, marketing materials, and equipment maintenance. “This grant will support our efforts to meet the needs of children & young adults with I/DD in southern Colorado who wish to participate in recreational & sports opportunities such as endurance events; 5K’s, half and full marathons, etc.” (Jennifer Kent, Colorado Springs Ambassador of Ainsley’s Angels of America).
KRDO's News Story
Runners and riders fly with Ainsley's Angels
Mission Statement: IN!’s mission is to create inclusive college opportunities in Colorado for students with I/DD to foster academic growth, social development, and career advancement. IN!’s vision for its work is for students with I/DD to be welcomed on college campuses and allowed to continue their education and preparation for life, making inclusive pathways to higher education a part of the fabric of all colleges and universities statewide.
DB Funding Area(s):
Coaching, Post-High School Education, and Job Support
Independent Living
Grant Description: DB awarded IN! $28,950 to support and expand their services of inclusive higher education outreach and engagements to individuals with I/DD in southern CO. “Through this program, IN! will create inclusive college opportunities in southern Colorado for students with I/DD to foster academic growth, social development, and career advancement” (Tracy Murphy, Executive Director for IN!).
Mission Statement: The mission of the Spina Bifida Association of Colorado is to build a better and brighter future for all those impacted by Spina Bifida.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Coaching, Post-High School Education and Job Support
Independent Living
Grant Description: DB awarded Spina Bifida Association of Colorado $25,000 to support their efforts in serving individuals/families living with spina bifida in southern CO. With DB’s support, SBACO will provide educational and networking opportunities as well as emergency aid for individuals needing medical/therapy supplies, assistance with healthcare bills, and more in southern CO.
Mission Statement: To promote, strengthen, and support individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
DB Funding Area(s):
Medical Care & Case Management Awareness
Assistive Technology
Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite
Grant Description: DB awarded SKSF $25,000 to support Zach’s Place, their center for children ages 2.5-18 who have developmental disabilities and other high needs (behavioral, developmental, physical, and medical). DB’s support allows for the inclusion of children from low-income backgrounds who cannot afford the cost of specialized programming and services. SKSF’s clients have a range of diagnoses including autism, neurological disabilities, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental and medical issues.
Mission Statement: Working with individuals, their families, and the community, we create independence so that all may thrive.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Independent Living
Grant Description: DB awarded The Independence Center $25,000 for their Independent Living Fitness & Recreation Project which will help youth and adults with disabilities overcome feelings of isolation, develop strong relationships, and gain confidence. TIC’s clients will have the opportunity to regularly participate in recreational activities and adaptive fitness.
Mission Statement: The Arc of Southwest Colorado’s mission is to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We believe that all people deserve to love, work, play, and learn in the communities in which they choose to live, and that all people, with or without disabilities, have inherent value with innate abilities and strengths and are equal before the law.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Coaching, Post-High School Education and Job Support
Independent Living
Grant Description: DB awarded The Arc of Southwest Colorado $24,400 to support their Education Advocacy and Adult Social Activity efforts for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Colorado.
Mission Statement: Raise awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Assist public, private organizations, companies, to coordinate services and therapies. Refer resources to families with autism and special needs.
DB Funding Area(s):
Alternate Focus Area
Grant Description: DB awarded Help Autism $20,000 to launch their pilot program, Help Autism Service Dogs, where a family with autism or I/DD will receive a paired service dog trained based on the needs of the family.
Mission Statement: Goodwill of Colorado helps individuals achieve greater independence.
DB Funding Area(s):
Coaching, Post-High School Education and Job Support
Grant Description: DB awarded Goodwill of Colorado $17,987 for their Employment Transition Services program for students aged 18-21 with I/DD’s. “By utilizing evidence-based curriculum and hands-on learning, this program helps students prepare to transition from education to the work-force by teaching them the necessary pre-employment skills to be successful in the future” (Kirstin Howley, Grants Manager at Goodwill of Colorado).
Mission Statement: The Adaptive Sports Center enhances the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional outdoor adventure activities. The successful programs the ASC provides are inclusive to families and friends, empower our participants in their daily lives and have a positive enduring effect on self-efficacy, health, independence and overall well-being.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Independent Living
Grant Description: DB awarded ASC $10,000 to continue providing adaptive sports and other recreational opportunities to youth and young adults with I/DD in Gunnison and other southern CO counties. “The ASC’s programming increases independence, self-efficacy, and skills. For many youth and young adults in the Gunnison Valley, ASC’s programs promote inclusion by bridging the gap between adaptive sports and other recreation opportunities with peers” (Aimee Hoyt, Grants Coordinator at ASC).
Mission Statement: The primary mission of the Lockwood Foundation is to make adventure accessible for those who require adaptive means to engage in outdoor adventures. Individuals who suffer from mobility disabilities are given the life-changing opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors alongside their caregivers and family members. Secondary mission is to support caregivers and family members as well as educating the public on our participants abilities so that more opportunities are afforded to them.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Assistive Technology
Grant Description: DB awarded TLF $8,500 to support their Trails of Hope program to provide access for individuals who otherwise cannot engage in outdoor trail experiences. With DB’s support of a grant, TLF will be able to provide their services year-round to participants, purchase an additional trail rider (a lightweight mobility device that is environment friendly as it leaves no trace/trail markings), and expand their areas served to Fremont, Pueblo, and El Paso Counties.
Mission Statement: Providing opportunities and environments to build bright futures.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Independent Living
Grant Description: DB awarded Our House $5,000 for their Garden and Butterfly Experience program. This program will be used as an educational tool to learn about gardening and butterflies providing hands on experiences for their participants to grow vegetables, herbs, and other plants as well as care for larvae as they turn into butterflies.
Mission Statement: CPCD prepares children for success in school and in life by providing excellent comprehensive early childhood services in partnership with diverse families and the community.
DB Funding Area(s):
Assistive Technology
Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite
Grant Description: DB awarded CPCD $5,000 for Classroom Supports for Young Children with I/DD to help prepare them for kindergarten with class and sensory supplies.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Colorado Springs Conservatory: To inspire, challenge and motivate all students to aspire to their highest potential as artists and human beings through arts immersion studies and community arts advocacy.
DB Funding Area(s):
Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: DB awarded Colorado Springs Conservatory $5,000 to provide scholarships for 8 students for one semester (cutting their annual tuition in half), as well as purchasing programming, instruments, and other materials for their music making program, A Positive Note (APN). The APN program is designed for young adults with special needs and empowers all participants to access a sense of joy, self-discovery, belonging and accomplishment while developing important leadership and musical skills.
Local nonprofits can learn more about our criteria, funding areas, and annual grant cycle details on the Grant Info page.
*Disclaimer: The information provided by Disabling Barriers on this page is for general informational purposes only. All information and links to external sites (those of our grant recipients) are provided in good faith; however we make no representation, or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information within these sites.