AdvocacyDenver

AdvocacyDenver promotes and protects the human rights of people with disabilities and supports their full inclusion in community life at every age. Founded in 1954 by parents fighting for their children's access to public education and in-home supports, it was one of the first chapters of The Arc in the country and was known as The Arc of Denver until 2009. It remains a local affiliate of The Arc of the United States.

Child and Family Advocates, including bilingual Spanish-speaking staff, work with parents of children from birth through age 21 who live in Denver or attend Denver Public Schools. They help families understand evaluations, secure the services in an IFSP, IEP or 504 plan, push for the least restrictive environment, and stand beside them in discipline hearings and juvenile justice matters. Adult Advocates support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in navigating Medicaid waivers, disability benefits, housing and employment, including workplace accommodations under the ADA, and make sure a person's disability is recognized in criminal justice settings.

The AdvocacyDenver Law Center offers legal representation to families who face barriers such as language, culture or poverty, handling special education disputes for Colorado families and Medicaid denials in the Denver metro counties. Policy staff brief lawmakers on public benefits, health care, education, immigration and criminal justice, and share news through the E-Voice and Policy Perspective newsletters. A searchable, confidential Immigrant Resource Guide in English and Spanish helps people with disabilities of any immigration status find services.

Denver residents can start with the referral and intake hotline at (303) 974-2530 or the online services form. Supporters can join as members, with a $5 rate for self-advocates, and vote at the annual meeting each October.