Advocacy Services

What is Individual Advocacy?

Often, people with I/DD need help to access their community. This help can be an IEP in school, a job coach, or a host home provider. Accessing these supports can be complex and overwhelming. That’s where our advocates come in. Our individual advocates will meet with the person with I/DD and/or their family. During these meetings, we will talk through:

• What your goals are
• Identify barriers to those goals
• Find solutions

We have no age limit for who we will help. The advocate assigned to your case will have experience in the systems of support for that age group.

Our primary focus will be the wishes and desires of the person with I/DD. Parents, host home providers, guardians, case managers, etc may also be part of the advocacy process as appropriate.

How our advocates can help you:

Our advocacy will look different for each person. Depending on your request, your case may include:

• Support with the applying for various services. *Please note, we cannot fill out these applications for you, but can walk you through the basic process.*
• Attend relevant meetings.
• Help you understand your rights.
• Help to appeal certain eligibility decisions. Please note, an attorney may need to assist you in your appeal, depending on the facts and circumstances.

What our advocates are knowledgable in:

• Benefits Planning Services
• Developmental Disability Services
• Early Intervention
• Employment Supports
• Food stamps
• Guardianship and Less Restrictive Options
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
• Housing Supports for People with Disabilities
• Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Accommodations
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Long-term care of people with disabilities
• Respite Care
• Services through Foothills Gateway

    - CES (Children’s Extensive Support)  - Children with Autism  - Comprehensive Waivers  - DD (Developmental Disabilities)  - Medicaid Waivers  - Early Intervention  - EBD (Elder, Blind, and Disabled)  - Family Caregiver Act  - FSSP (Family Support Services)  - HCBS (Home and Community Based Services)

  • SLS Waivers (Supported Living Services)
• Special Education
• SSI and SSDI
• Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)