Anything that requires reading, writing or other communication skills may be a barrier for someone with a developmental disability. You can help remove these barriers in your church, school, or organization by having materials with simple text, large print and pictures available for people with disabilities.

Answer: Developmental disabilities are disabilities of a person which are attributed to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairment or autism that originate before the 22nd birthday, has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely and constitutes a substantial handicap to such person's ability to function normally in society.

The term developmental disabilities refers to a variety of conditions that become apparent during childhood and cause mental or physical limitations. These conditions include autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and other impairments. Developmental disabilities have a variety of causes, which can occur before, during, or after birth. Early Intervention Services are available for qualifying children from birth through age two.

You need to realize that people with developmental disabilities are just like everyone else, just with more specific needs. There are many ways to include someone who has a developmental disability in your life. You can invite someone with disabilities to join your group, class, or social hour; sit next to them in church; or volunteer to do arts and crafts or a recreational activity at a local service organization.

People who have developmental disabilities, like all people, deserve our respect and care. They have the right to live as they want to live and to take advantage of all of the opportunities of our free society. They may use support to participate fully in our community. You can help by treating people with disabilities as individuals and welcoming each person’s participation and unique contributions.

Yes. These courses are intended ONLY for people with developmental disabilities, family members or caregivers. Theses courses provide first hand perspectives of how services and supports should be delivered. Staff members that are accompanied by the people that they serve are welcome to attend.

Yes. Heritage Christian Services provides service coordination for more than 600 individuals and their family members. This program connects people with special needs with services in their community. For example, Heritage service coordinators enhance accessibility to respite services, day program, even funding for environmental modifications to make their homes wheelchair accessible.

a) physical concerns - umbilical cord around neck, breech delivery, large baby, sexually transmitted infections

The stigma of addiction can be a substantial barrier for individuals who need treatment. Addicts may feel a sense of shame or humiliation at what they perceive as their own failing, and many may fear ostracism by family and friends. One of the first barriers encountered by many addicts is the paucity of screenings for addiction. Few providers are trained to screen for addiction. In some cases, however, state law serves as a barrier to screening.

People with developmental disabilities are capable of holding jobs in the community. Many people with disabilities work at grocery stores or convenience stores, on assembly lines in factories and in the restaurant and hotel industries. There are also opportunities at job-training workshops for individuals who are focusing on gaining vocational skills that will prepare them for a job in the community.

Community-living refers to programs, services and other supports that enable children and adults with developmental disabilities to live much the same way that people without disabilities live. For children, this usually means living with their family in their own home and attending schools in their own communities.

Community developmental disabilities services are provided in Colorado through a system of 20 community centered boards. The boards (CCB) are the Single Entry Point to provide intake and Resource Coordination (Case Management) services and may either purchase from numerous other service providers, or provide services themselves. DDRC is the Community Centered Board responsible to Colorado Developmental Disabilities Services for residents of Jefferson, Summit, Clear Creek or Gilpin counties.

The definition of learning disabilities varies and may include not only reading disabilities and dyslexia, but also problems with spoken language, writing, or reasoning ability.

Someone else can fill out the registration form for you and you can simply sign it or make your mark. When you go to vote, explain that you need help; you may be helped by anyone you choose except your employer or union officer or a candidate, or you can be helped by two election workers of different political parties. It is your choice.

There are many useful Web sites with information about developmental disabilities. [Developmental Disability Web Sites] You can also request information about developmental disabilities from Bethesda's National Christian Resource Center (NCRC), dedicated to providing resources worldwide to families and friends of people with developmental disabilities, pastors, volunteers, teachers and professionals in the field of developmental disabilities.

We are happy to speak to individual parents, assess situations, and offer recommendations as to whether we can accommodate a particular child. Please contact the Camp Director at jerdaycamp@yahoo.com.