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2025/2026 Grant Recipients
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In our fifth grant cycle, we awarded $9,298,740 to 40 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. Learn more about our incredible recipients, their missions, and grant details below!
Local non-profits can learn more about our criteria, funding areas, and annual grant cycle details on the Grant Info page.
Counties Across Southern Colorado Impacted by our 2025/2026 Grant Cycle Funding:
El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, Douglas, Fremont, Park, Montrose, Delta, San Miguel, Ouray, Hinsdale, Gunnison, Mesa, Alamosa, Kiowa, Costilla, Archuleta, Montezuma, Montrose, Kit Carson, Otero, Las Animas, Saguache, Bent, Chaffee, Pitkin, Rio Grande, Huerfano, Lincoln, La Plata, Lake, Dolores, Prowers, Custer, Conejos, Mineral
Tip: Click the Awardee’s logo to visit their site!
Grant Description: With $7,900,000 in support from Disabling Barriers, NTSOC will continue expanding access to therapeutic and developmental resources that help children and young adults with I/DD across Southern Colorado thrive, grow, and reach their highest potential throughout every stage of life.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite; Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology; Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: Disabling Barriers awarded Cheyenne Village $145,230 to support their program, Apartment Living Support for Adults with I/DD. “Many individuals who gain life skills through our PCA Homes are able to move into their own apartments with minimal support. They are thriving in their own apartments, but HUD doesn’t cover the full rent. This grant from Disabling Barriers will help cover that disparity.”—Elissa LaVoie, Development Coordinator at Cheyenne Village
DB Funding Area: Independent Living
Grant Description: Students with I/DD in El Paso County are gaining access to college experiences that were previously out of reach.
Through a $122,160 grant from Disabling Barriers, Pikes Peak State College is expanding its ASPIRE Scholars Program—offering concurrent enrollment opportunities for transition-age students, including those without a high school diploma.
This funding ensures that all enrolled scholars can participate regardless of financial barriers by covering program scholarships. It also strengthens the program’s ability to provide individualized academic planning, life-skills development, and real-world transition support.
As the first program of its kind in Colorado, ASPIRE is opening new pathways to education, independence, and long-term success for students with I/DD.
DB Funding Areas: Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: Adults with I/DD in Southern Colorado are gaining access to stable, supported housing through Wellspring Community’s Independent Living program. A $100,020 grant from Disabling Barriers will expand the program to serve up to 30 residents—eliminating the organization’s internal waitlist for residential services from Southern Colorado.
This funding supports 24/7 on-site care, life-skills training, and essential residential needs, including staffing, housing stability, and community-building activities. By removing barriers to entry, the program enables individuals to live more independently while building social connection and daily living skills.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology; Independent Living
Grant Description: Disabling Barriers invested $100,000 in The Lockwood Foundation to develop a more functional, affordable, and inclusive adaptive trail wheelchair. This Adaptive Trail Wheelchair Redesign project will expand outdoor access for youth and young adults with I/DD in Southern Colorado, enabling life-changing experiences in nature.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology
Grant Description: Through a grant of $61,925, Disabling Barriers is helping Center for Independence update their new building in Montrose to be ADA-compliant by installing a ramp, wheelchair-accessible doors, and creating a low- to no-cost community room for trainings, meetings, and peer support groups.
DB Funding Areas: Assistive Technology; Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: With support from Disabling Barriers, Reigning Hope Therapy Services received a $60,000 grant to help expand access to hippotherapy and Adaptive Riding for individuals whose insurance coverage does not include these specialized therapeutic services.
For many children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, limited insurance coverage creates a significant barrier to receiving therapies that can meaningfully support physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. As a result, families are often left navigating substantial out-of-pocket costs or going without services altogether.
This funding helps bridge that gap by improving access to therapeutic opportunities that promote confidence, independence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. By helping reduce financial barriers, the grant supports more equitable access to life-changing therapies for individuals and families across Southern Colorado.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: A $60,000 grant from Disabling Barriers is helping Trent’s Team Transitions in expanding transportation access and community inclusion opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Reliable transportation remains a significant barrier for many individuals with I/DD and physical disabilities living in underserved rural communities across Eastern Colorado, often limiting access to programs, social opportunities, and meaningful community engagement. Without accessible transportation options, many families face challenges participating in services and activities that promote independence, inclusion, and overall quality of life.
This grant is strengthening community connection services up to four days per week by providing transportation directly from participants’ homes to inclusive outings and activities alongside non-disabled peers. By reducing transportation barriers and increasing access to community-based experiences, the project helps create greater opportunities for connection, participation, and belonging for individuals with disabilities across Eastern Colorado.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: With support from Disabling Barriers, The Resource Exchange is continuing to provide respite programming that offers meaningful relief for caregivers while creating safe, inclusive opportunities for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Pikes Peak region and Pueblo counties.
Caring for individuals with I/DD often places significant emotional, physical, and financial strain on families, yet accessible respite services remain limited throughout Southern Colorado. Through this $55,848 grant, The Resource Exchange is helping families access affordable respite opportunities that support caregiver well-being, reduce stress and burnout, and strengthen overall family stability.
The programming also creates enriching experiences for individuals with I/DD by fostering social connection, skill development, confidence, and community engagement in welcoming and supportive environments. By helping maintain low-cost and accessible services for families in need, the project continues expanding equitable access to critical caregiver support resources across the region.
DB Funding Areas: Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite; Independent Living
Grant Description: A $50,025 grant from Disabling Barriers is helping Harmony Acres expand access to Animal-Assisted Therapeutic Services for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in rural Western Colorado.
The funding helps address the significant shortage of specialized mental health services, therapeutic riding opportunities, peer support, psychotherapy, and case management resources available to individuals with I/DD in Mesa County. Through animal-assisted programming and therapeutic engagement, the project promotes emotional well-being, social connection, confidence, and personal growth for youth and young adults ages 3–25.
By increasing access to specialized therapeutic services in an underserved rural community, the program creates greater opportunities for healing, inclusion, and long-term support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite; Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: Youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in El Paso County are gaining expanded access to adaptive dance and fitness opportunities through a $50,000 grant awarded to Feel the Beat by Disabling Barriers.
Funding supports adaptive dance and fitness classes designed to promote confidence, self-expression, physical activity, and social connection in welcoming and supportive environments. Through partnerships with local organizations and schools serving individuals with disabilities, Feel the Beat is increasing access to arts and recreational opportunities for participants who may otherwise face barriers to inclusive programming.
By expanding adaptive movement programming across multiple community partner sites, the project helps create greater opportunities for engagement, inclusion, and personal growth for children and young adults with I/DD across the region.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology
Grant Description: A $49,000 investment in Special Kids Special Families is helping Zach’s Place continue providing specialized care and respite services. Zach’s Place is the only licensed 24/7 childcare facility in Colorado dedicated to serving youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Serving families across Pueblo, El Paso, and Teller Counties, Zach’s Place provides holistic, accessible support for children and teens with developmental disabilities and complex behavioral, physical, and medical needs. Through a reduced-cost model, the program helps ensure families facing financial hardship can still access high-quality specialized care and supportive services.
The program offers life skills education, adaptive recreation, therapeutic horticulture, and integrated wrap-around behavioral, medical, and therapy services in a safe and inclusive environment. In addition to supporting youth with I/DD, Zach’s Place also provides critical respite opportunities that help reduce caregiver stress, strengthen family stability, and improve overall well-being for families who often have limited care options available.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite; Assistive Technology
Grant Description: Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Southern Colorado are gaining greater access to inclusive postsecondary education opportunities through the Office of Inclusive Services at UCCS.
A $48,000 grant from Disabling Barriers is funding twelve $4,000 scholarships that help reduce financial barriers for students enrolled in the university’s Comprehensive Transition Program, one of only four such programs in Colorado focused on supporting students with I/DD through inclusive higher education experiences. Through academic, social, and vocational opportunities, students gain greater independence, confidence, and workforce readiness in an inclusive campus environment.
By expanding access to postsecondary education and career development resources, the program helps empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build life skills, strengthen self-advocacy, and pursue meaningful long-term goals within their communities.
DB Funding Areas: Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: Adaptive Sports Association is expanding access to year-round adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals with I/DD across Southern Colorado through a $45,000 grant from Disabling Barriers.
The funding supports 119 full scholarships—or additional partial scholarships—to help ensure cost is never a barrier to participation in adaptive recreation programming. As demand for accessible outdoor experiences continues to grow, the grant also helps support specialized adaptive equipment and staff training needed for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, rafting, and climbing.
Through inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities, participants are able to build confidence, independence, social connection, and physical well-being while experiencing activities that may otherwise be inaccessible. By reducing financial barriers and strengthening adaptive programming, the project helps create more equitable access to outdoor adventure and community engagement for individuals with disabilities throughout the region.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Independent Living
Grant Description: Through a $40,000 award from Disabling Barriers, Friends of Club 21 is expanding access to inclusive performing arts opportunities through its inaugural Spring Musical program, which celebrates the talents, creativity, and self-expression of individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
The funding helps address the limited availability of inclusive, year-round performance opportunities for individuals with disabilities by supporting essential production costs, including venue access, staffing, equipment, and accessibility services. The grant also helps ensure equitable participation by providing full or partial scholarships for low-income families requesting financial assistance.
By creating welcoming and high-quality artistic experiences, the program promotes confidence, social connection, skill development, and community inclusion while empowering participants to share their talents on stage in an encouraging and supportive environment.
DB Funding Area: Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: Disabling Barriers provided $35,000 to Children’s Hospital Colorado to enhance their multidisciplinary clinics serving rural counties of Southern Colorado by procuring four powered exam tables for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The adjustable exam tables help create safer and more accessible clinical environments for children with mobility challenges by improving transfer access and reducing physical strain for both patients and caregivers. The equipment also promotes greater independence and dignity during medical visits by allowing many patients to transfer with reduced lifting assistance, helping foster comfort, confidence, and a greater sense of autonomy throughout their care experience.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Assistive Technology
Grant Description: Expanding accessibility and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and sensory sensitivities is at the heart of a major initiative underway at Museums of Western Colorado. A $34,785 grant from Disabling Barriers is helping the museum enhance sensory-friendly experiences and create more welcoming environments for visitors of all abilities.
The funding supports expanded sensory-friendly programming, the creation of a permanent sensory room at Dinosaur Journey, accessible emergency upgrades, and the installation of LOOP systems to better serve deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. These improvements help ensure individuals and families can participate more comfortably, confidently, and safely in educational and recreational experiences throughout the museum’s facilities.
By increasing accessibility and removing barriers to participation, the project creates greater opportunities for learning, exploration, and community engagement while fostering a more inclusive experience for visitors across Western Colorado.
DB Funding Areas: Assistive Technology; Independent Living
Grant Description: Children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are continuing to enjoy a week of friendship, recreation, and personal growth through Camp Peak Energy, a longstanding summer program operated by The Arc of Southwest Colorado. A $33,745 grant from Disabling Barriers is helping sustain and expand the camp’s fourth year of programming while ensuring interested participants can attend without being placed on a waitlist.
Designed for individuals ages 6–21, the week-long day camp pairs each camper with a dedicated volunteer buddy and provides engaging activities in a safe, supportive environment. The program is intentionally structured to welcome individuals with a wide range of support needs, helping create opportunities for participation, social connection, confidence-building, and fun that may not otherwise be available.
Beyond its impact on campers, Camp Peak Energy also provides valuable respite for caregivers and families while fostering greater understanding and inclusion within the broader community. Volunteers gain firsthand experience working alongside individuals with I/DD, helping build awareness, empathy, and appreciation for the unique strengths and abilities of those they serve.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology
Grant Description: Meaningful employment opportunities are helping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build greater independence and community connection through the work of Six Points Evaluation & Training. A $25,100 grant from Disabling Barriers is supporting vocational training, employment services, and life skills development for individuals with I/DD in Gunnison County.
For many individuals with disabilities, barriers to employment can limit opportunities for financial independence, social engagement, and long-term success. Through individualized support, job training, and community-based experiences, the program helps participants develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful employment and become active members of their communities.
By expanding access to workforce development and community integration services, the project empowers young adults with I/DD to achieve greater independence, strengthen social connections, and build pathways toward long-term personal and professional success.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite; Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: A Down syndrome diagnosis can bring a wave of questions, uncertainty, and emotional challenges for families navigating an unfamiliar path. Through its First Call program, Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association provides timely, compassionate support that helps families find answers, build connections, and access critical resources when they need them most.
A $25,000 grant from Disabling Barriers is helping sustain and expand First Call’s reach to families in Southern Colorado, including underserved communities in Pueblo and Mesa Counties. The program connects families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis with trained parent volunteers who offer guidance, emotional support, and connections to educational resources, community networks, and specialized services.
By bridging gaps in healthcare and support systems, First Call helps reduce feelings of isolation and empowers families to navigate their child’s journey with greater confidence and hope. The funding also supports resources that ease immediate challenges for families while strengthening access to a caring community dedicated to helping children with Down syndrome thrive from the very beginning.
DB Funding Area: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness
Grant Description: Behavioral health needs do not pause when Medicaid funding runs out or while families wait for services to begin. For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, interruptions in support can increase the risk of crisis situations, caregiver burnout, and disruptions to home and community life.
To help address these critical gaps, a $25,000 grant from Disabling Barriers is enabling STRiVE to provide continuous behavioral support for individuals with I/DD in Mesa County. The funding allows qualified behavioral staff to respond flexibly to the needs of individuals who have exhausted their authorized Medicaid waiver services, are awaiting waiver enrollment, or require additional support to maintain stability and progress.
By providing preventative, person-centered interventions before challenges escalate, the program helps individuals remain connected to their families, schools, workplaces, and communities. The support also offers peace of mind to caregivers while reducing the likelihood of crisis interventions, hospitalizations, and placement disruptions that can have lasting impacts on both individuals and families.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite
Grant Description: A river that once felt inaccessible. A trail that seemed out of reach. A challenge that transforms into a personal achievement. These are the experiences that define the work of Colorado Discover Ability, which helps children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover the confidence, freedom, and joy that come from outdoor adventure.
Through adaptive sports, adventure camps, and inclusive recreation experiences, participants are encouraged to step beyond perceived limitations, explore new environments, and build skills that extend far beyond the outdoors. Whether navigating Western Colorado’s trails, rivers, or desert landscapes, individuals gain opportunities to strengthen self-confidence, develop resilience, form meaningful social connections, and experience the satisfaction of accomplishing goals they may have once thought impossible.
This work is being bolstered by a $25,000 grant from Disabling Barriers, which helps provide adaptive equipment, specialized training, and individualized support that make these life-changing experiences possible for youth and young adults with I/DD throughout the Mesa County region. By removing barriers to participation, Colorado Discover Ability empowers individuals to embrace adventure, discover new abilities, and engage more fully with the world around them.
DB Funding Area: Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: Supporting a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities often requires more than a single service—it takes a network of resources that empowers children, caregivers, educators, and communities to grow together. That holistic approach is the foundation of the wraparound services provided by Community Connections, Inc. for families across rural Southwest Colorado.
By combining early childhood communication supports, educator training, flexible family assistance, and peer connection opportunities, the organization helps address barriers that frequently fall outside traditional funding sources. From adaptive equipment and sensory tools to caregiver support and professional development for educators, these services strengthen the environments where children learn, play, and thrive.
A $25,000 grant from Disabling Barriers is helping expand these wraparound supports for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan Counties. By reducing service gaps, strengthening caregiver resilience, and improving access to inclusive resources, the project helps create stronger foundations for children with I/DD to reach their fullest potential at home, in school, and throughout their communities.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Assistive Technology; Independent Living
Grant Description: Access to healthcare, education, employment, and community life often begins with something many people take for granted: reliable transportation. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the lack of accessible transportation can become one of the greatest barriers to independence and participation in everyday activities.
Through its specialized door-through-door transportation services, Envida helps individuals with I/DD, their families, and caregivers reach medical appointments, schools, workplaces, day programs, grocery stores, and community activities safely and reliably. The service provides more than a ride—it creates opportunities for greater independence, stronger community connections, and improved quality of life.
A $20,000 grant from Disabling Barriers is helping sustain ADA-accessible transportation throughout El Paso and Pueblo Counties while strengthening partnerships with Harrison School District 2 and The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region, including transportation supporting The Arc’s Empower U self-advocacy program. By reducing transportation barriers, the project helps ensure individuals with I/DD can more fully participate in their communities and access the programs, services, and opportunities that support lifelong independence.
DB Funding Area: Independent Living
Grant Description: Meaningful friendships, community connections, and opportunities for personal growth are essential to living an independent and fulfilling life. For many young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, however, social isolation and limited access to inclusive experiences remain significant barriers to achieving those goals.
Through its Possibilities program, Goodwill of Colorado creates opportunities for young adults with I/DD to build life skills, strengthen social networks, and actively participate in their communities. Participants engage in community outings, educational activities, recreation, independent living instruction, and reverse integration experiences that bring community partners together in inclusive learning environments.
The organization received a $20,000 grant from Disabling Barriers to help cover direct program costs for young adults with low incomes in the Pikes Peak region, including transportation, community activity fees, classroom learning materials, and other resources that make meaningful participation possible. By reducing financial barriers and expanding opportunities for learning, connection, and community engagement, the Possibilities program empowers participants to build confidence, increase independence, and develop relationships that enrich their lives.
DB Funding Areas: Assistive Technology; Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support: Independent Living
Grant Description: Talent and potential exist in every corner of Southern Colorado. Access to higher education should, too. Across Southern Colorado, Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education (IN!) is helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities navigate the path from high school to college while creating stronger pathways to employment, independence, and community inclusion.
Support from Disabling Barriers includes a $19,550 investment that expands scholarships for students preparing for or enrolled at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak State College, and Lamar Community College. The funding also strengthens individualized mentoring, college advising, and educator training that help students overcome barriers to higher education and prepare for long-term success.
Through this investment, Disabling Barriers is helping expand inclusive higher education opportunities for students with I/DD across Southern Colorado, with grant-funded services reaching Archuleta, Elbert, Fremont, Kiowa, La Plata, Mesa, Montrose, Prowers, and Pueblo Counties, as well as Douglas County. By investing in students, families, educators, and institutions, the organization is helping ensure more young adults with I/DD can pursue meaningful careers, greater independence, and active participation in their communities.
DB Funding Areas: Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: Helping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build meaningful careers requires more than finding a job—it requires preparing individuals, supporting employers, and creating opportunities for long-term success. A $19,400 investment from Disabling Barriers is helping Tall Tales Ranch expand its Community Employment Program to do just that.
Designed for young adults ages 18–30 transitioning out of high school, the program combines job readiness training, individualized job placement, and on-the-job coaching to help participants develop workplace skills and achieve sustainable employment. By working alongside local employers, Tall Tales Ranch also helps foster more inclusive workplaces while creating employment opportunities that extend beyond traditional vocational settings.
For many individuals with I/DD, the transition from school to adulthood can bring uncertainty as structured supports come to an end. Through personalized coaching and meaningful employment opportunities across Douglas, El Paso, and surrounding counties, participants gain confidence, strengthen their independence, and build lasting connections within their communities.
DB Funding Areas: Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: For many families, caring for a child with I/DD is a rewarding but around-the-clock responsibility. Having a trusted place where children can learn, play, and build friendships gives caregivers something equally important—the opportunity to rest, recharge, and care for themselves.
Through its Discovery Club program, Easterseals Colorado provides enriching recreational experiences for children and youth with I/DD while offering parents and caregivers meaningful respite. Activities are delivered in a safe, supportive environment with specialized staffing that meets the unique needs of each participant.
Helping sustain this vital program, funding from Disabling Barriers includes a $12,000 award supporting direct program costs, including the specialized 1:1 and 2:1 staffing provided by registered nurses and nursing students. Serving families in Douglas County, the program helps reduce caregiver stress and burnout while ensuring children and youth ages 6–18 continue to have opportunities for recreation, social connection, and personal growth.
DB Funding Area: Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite
Grant Description: Every individual deserves the opportunity to feel confident, capable, and included when pursuing an active lifestyle. Through a new partnership between A Safe Place in Pagosa, Inc., Aspen Services, and CrossFit Pagosa, young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are gaining access to adaptive fitness training in a welcoming environment designed to meet their unique strengths and abilities.
Participants learn adaptive exercise techniques, build physical strength, and develop confidence while training alongside peers and preparing for activities such as Special Olympics competition. Beyond improving physical health, the program encourages greater self-esteem, social connection, and lifelong healthy habits by creating a space where every individual is supported to reach their personal goals.
To launch this collaboration, Disabling Barriers provided $10,800 to help establish adaptive fitness and sports training opportunities for young adults with I/DD in Archuleta County. By removing financial barriers to participation and introducing inclusive fitness opportunities that were previously unavailable, the project is helping more individuals discover the confidence that comes from challenging themselves, celebrating their achievements, and belonging within their community.
DB Funding Areas: Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: Graduating from high school shouldn’t mean losing the support needed to build a successful future. In rural Colorado, Achieve, Inc. is helping teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue developing the skills, confidence, and relationships needed to transition into adulthood with greater independence.
The Rural Youth Transition Program is expanding that support through year-round job coaching, mentorship, employment preparation, and inclusive social opportunities. Recognizing the importance of consistent services in rural communities, Disabling Barriers awarded $10,000 to help launch a community coffee shop that serves as a hands-on job training site while also supporting individualized coaching and mentorship for participants.
Serving young adults with I/DD in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties, the program provides a safe and welcoming environment where participants strengthen workplace readiness, communication, customer service, and independent living skills. By extending support beyond the school years and creating opportunities to learn through real-world experiences, the program helps young adults build confidence, pursue meaningful employment, and establish lasting connections within their communities.
DB Funding Areas: Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: Finding the right resources shouldn’t take years, and families shouldn’t have to choose between staying home and participating in their community. Need Project, Inc. is helping families of individuals with disabilities navigate services, build connections, and access their communities with greater confidence and dignity.
From an online resource database and educational podcast to the Parent Project video series, the organization equips families with practical information and shared experiences that reduce isolation and make it easier to find trusted support. Disabling Barriers committed $10,000 toward sustaining these initiatives, including continued support for the mobile Dignity Care trailer, which brings an adult-sized changing table and calming sensory space to community events so families can participate with greater comfort, dignity, and inclusion.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite; Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology; Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Independent Living
Grant Description: Made possible in part through a $10,000 award from Disabling Barriers, Night Lights, Inc. is expanding free, high-quality respite opportunities for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Colorado Springs and Grand Junction.
Every Night Lights event is offered at no cost to families, creating welcoming experiences for children with I/DD and their neurotypical siblings while giving parents and caregivers the opportunity to rest, attend to personal responsibilities, or simply reconnect with one another. By removing financial barriers to respite care, the program helps strengthen family well-being and reduce the stress that often accompanies around-the-clock caregiving.
Supporting families across El Paso and Mesa Counties, the program provides safe, engaging experiences for children while helping caregivers recharge and return to their families with renewed energy. By investing in the well-being of the entire family, Night Lights helps foster stronger family relationships, healthier outcomes, and a greater sense of community for those navigating the challenges of raising a child with disabilities.
DB Funding Areas: Skilled & Non-Skilled Home Care & Respite; Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: A day on the water can create lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and open the outdoors to individuals who too often face barriers to recreation. Fishing Has No Boundaries is helping make those experiences possible by providing fully accessible fishing opportunities for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Backed by a $9,580 award from Disabling Barriers, the organization is expanding its accessible fishing program beyond its annual weekend event at Lake Pueblo to offer inclusive experiences throughout the spring and fall. The funding supports adaptive fishing equipment, an accessible fishing pontoon, and the resources needed to welcome more participants into safe, enjoyable outdoor recreation.
By expanding opportunities for families in El Paso and Pueblo Counties to spend time together outdoors, the program helps reduce barriers to recreation while fostering connection, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for nature. More than a day of fishing, these experiences create moments of inclusion, belonging, and joy that families can share together.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology
Grant Description: Access to specialized autism services shouldn’t depend on a family’s ZIP code. Through its telehealth model, Firefly Autism is ensuring children and youth with autism across Southern Colorado can continue receiving individualized support regardless of where they live.
Following the transition from an in-person clinic to a fully remote service model, Firefly Autism continues to provide evidence-based therapy, caregiver coaching, and individualized programming that supports communication, behavior regulation, and daily living skills. The virtual approach also helps reduce barriers created by provider shortages, long waitlists, travel demands, and geographic isolation—making specialized care more accessible for underserved families.
Supporting the long-term success of this model, funding provided through Disabling Barriers includes a $9,372 award to help sustain the secure technology and clinical infrastructure that make remote care possible. By strengthening telehealth services, the project helps ensure children and adolescents throughout Southern Colorado—including those in rural communities—can continue receiving consistent, high-quality autism services while empowering families with the tools and guidance needed to reinforce progress at home.
DB Funding Areas: Medical Care & Case Management Awareness; Assistive Technology
Grant Description: Meaningful connections can make a lasting difference for both children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the people who care for them. Ability Connection Colorado is creating welcoming opportunities for families to connect, share experiences, and build supportive relationships through free meetups at The Third Place for Kids.
Disabling Barriers provided $6,700 to help bring these gatherings to families across Douglas, Elbert, and El Paso Counties. The funding supports sensory-friendly, inclusive play opportunities for children ages 12 and under with I/DD while creating space for caregivers to exchange resources, encourage one another, and reduce the isolation that many families experience.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Independent Living
Grant Description: Purpose can be found in the everyday moments of caring for animals, completing meaningful work, and sharing experiences with others. Disabling Barriers awarded $6,335 to The Mane Mission to help expand its ranch-based I/DD Day Program, creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build life skills, strengthen confidence, and develop lasting connections in a supportive outdoor environment.
The funding supports therapeutic ranch experiences that combine equine interaction, outdoor activities, and experiential learning with guidance from licensed mental health professionals, creating an environment where participants can grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
As demand continues to increase among young adults transitioning out of school-based services, the program offers a place to continue learning, stay active, and engage with peers while building the skills and confidence needed for greater independence in Douglas and Elbert Counties.
DB Funding Area: Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: A child’s first classroom lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning. At CPCD, giving children a head start, young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn alongside their peers in inclusive classrooms designed to support every stage of early development.
Helping strengthen these learning environments, Disabling Barriers provided $5,400 to purchase specialized classroom furniture and adaptive learning materials that enhance early childhood instruction and therapeutic services. Items such as ergonomically supportive seating, balance equipment, and sensory tables create spaces where children can build motor skills, communication, confidence, and school readiness through everyday learning experiences.
Working in partnership with local school districts, CPCD prepares hundreds of children with I/DD for a successful transition to kindergarten by integrating speech, occupational, and physical therapy directly into the classroom. By ensuring children have access to supportive learning environments from the very beginning, the program helps build a strong foundation for future academic success and lifelong independence.
DB Funding Area: Assistive Technology
Grant Description: Families living with spina bifida often travel long distances to access specialized services, camps, and support programs. Spina Bifida Association of Colorado is working to bring more of those resources within reach for families throughout Southern Colorado.
Helping expand this outreach, a $5,000 award from Disabling Barriers supports direct assistance for medical, mobility, and community needs, including E-stim devices, driving evaluations for teens, travel assistance, and local family events. By reducing financial and geographic barriers, the project helps more families connect with the specialized resources and supportive community they need to thrive.
DB Funding Areas: Sports & Recreation; Assistive Technology; Independent Living
Grant Description: Play should be accessible to every child. Widefield School District 3 is creating more inclusive opportunities for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mobility challenges to participate alongside their peers in safe, welcoming community spaces.
Helping advance this work, Disabling Barriers awarded $5,000 to expand inclusive recreation opportunities by purchasing adaptive playground equipment and other accessibility enhancements at Pinello Elementary School. The improvements will benefit both students and families while creating a more welcoming environment for children who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Designed to serve students within the school and the surrounding community, the project reflects a broader vision of making inclusive play and community participation more accessible for children of all abilities.
DB Funding Area: Sports & Recreation
Grant Description: Music has a unique ability to connect people, build confidence, and create opportunities for self-expression that extend beyond words. Through its A Positive Note program, Colorado Springs Conservatory brings young adults with special needs together to explore creativity, develop relationships, and experience the joy of making music in an inclusive environment.
To help sustain and expand the program, Disabling Barriers awarded $3,765.42 to purchase adaptive instruments and equipment while increasing instructional support for participants ages 14–21 throughout the Pikes Peak region. These resources help ensure every student can fully participate, regardless of ability.
By fostering collaboration, confidence, and meaningful social connection through music, A Positive Note fills an important gap in traditional support services while empowering participants to discover new strengths and share their unique voices.
DB Funding Areas: Coaching, Post-High School Education & Job Support; Assistive Technology
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