Whether you’re a neighbor, teacher, business owner, or advocate, you play a role in building inclusive spaces for people with IDD. In cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, creating a culture of respect, access, and belonging is more possible than ever.

In this blog, we share practical ways you can support inclusion in your community—from accessible hiring practices and sensory-friendly events to the importance of using respectful language. Plus, learn how RiseUP is modeling inclusion through every program and partnership.

How to Support Inclusion for People with IDD in Your Colorado Community

Fostering inclusion means ensuring that people of all abilities are valued as equal members of the community and have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. It’s not just about physical accessibility – it’s about belonging. According to the Special Olympics, inclusion involves accepting all people as equals regardless of ability and making sure they can participate fully in school, work, and community life (specialolympics.org.) Inclusion benefits everyone: when individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are fully included, they form friendships, contribute their talents, and enrich the diversity of our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods (aaidd.orgaaidd.org.) In Colorado, we’ve made progress (for instance, nearly all students with disabilities now spend at least part of their day in general education classes), but true inclusion requires ongoing effort from all of us. Here are practical ways you can support inclusion of people with IDD in your community – whether you’re a neighbor, educator, employer, or just a caring citizen.

Educate Yourself and Spread Awareness

Start by learning about different intellectual and developmental disabilities and the challenges (and strengths) of those who have them. Understanding conditions like autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy helps dispel myths and reduce stigma. Many great resources exist – for example, The Arc and AAIDD have information on preferred language and disability etiquette. Remember that people-first language (e.g. saying “a person with an intellectual disability” rather than “an IDD person”) is often recommended in advocacy, though some individuals may prefer identity-first terms like “Autistic person.” When in doubt, ask respectfully about someone’s preference (health.harvard.edu.) By educating yourself, you’ll be prepared to kindly correct others if you hear hurtful stereotypes or jokes. You can also promote awareness by celebrating IDD inclusion days. Colorado communities often recognize events like World Down Syndrome Day in March or National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. Share information on social media, attend local disability pride parades or walks, and invite friends to join – making inclusion visible helps normalize it.

Engage and Include People with IDD in Everyday Life

One of the simplest but most meaningful actions is to include individuals with IDD in ordinary community activities. If you have a neighbor or family member with IDD, make an effort to involve them. For example, you might invite a group of neighbors including those with disabilities to a barbecue or to watch a local sports game. In schools, students and parents can encourage inclusive practices by setting up peer buddy programs or Best Buddies chapters where students with and without IDD pair up for friendship and social events. This can greatly reduce isolation and bullying. In Colorado Springs, some schools participate in Special Olympics Unified Sports programs, where students with IDD play on the same team alongside students without disabilities. These programs foster true camaraderie and break down barriers. You can support such efforts by volunteering as a coach or fan, or by encouraging your local school to start a Unified Sports team if they don’t have one. In the workplace, inclusion might mean inviting your coworker with an intellectual disability to join you for lunch or after-work activities, just as you would any other colleague. Small gestures to make someone feel welcome – a friendly hello, a birthday invitation – add up significantly.

Advocate for Accessibility and Accommodations

Inclusion isn’t possible if people can’t access the spaces and resources in a community. You can advocate for accessibility improvements in your area. For instance, if your town is renovating a playground, speak up to ensure it includes adaptive equipment so kids with physical or developmental disabilities can play (swings with harnesses, ramps up to structures, sensory play panels, etc.). When organizing events – whether a school fair, a neighborhood block party, or a church service – think about accommodations: Is there a quiet room for those who might get sensory overload? Are materials available in simple language or with pictures for those with cognitive disabilities? By asking these questions and planning ahead, you help create environments where everyone can participate comfortably. Businesses can also do their part. If you’re a business owner or employee, check that your location complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (e.g. ramps, accessible restrooms), and go beyond compliance to welcome customers with IDD. For example, a movie theater might offer a sensory-friendly screening with lower volume and flexible seating. A grocery store could train staff on assisting shoppers with disabilities or designate an “adaptive checkout lane” for those who need extra time. Encourage local businesses and public venues in Colorado to adopt such inclusion-friendly practices. Remember that people with disabilities have a right to access the community, as affirmed by laws like the ADA and Section 504 – but it often takes community advocacy to ensure those rights are realized in practice (aaidd.orged.gov).

Support Inclusive Education

Schools are the heart of our communities, so supporting inclusion in education is critical. If you’re a parent, get involved with your school’s special education advisory council or PTA and advocate for policies of inclusion. This can include pushing for co-teaching models (where a general ed and special ed teacher shares the classroom, benefiting all students), or asking the school to provide disability awareness programs for students. Encourage your child’s school to implement inclusive clubs and extracurriculars – for example, drama clubs that cast students with IDD in productions, or art classes that use adaptive tools so everyone can create together. Educators can seek out training on inclusive teaching strategies and Universal Design for Learning, which benefits diverse learners. Celebrate successes: if a student with IDD is elected to student council or makes honor roll with support, share that news! Highlighting positive stories of inclusion in school newsletters or local media reinforces that students with IDD are valued members of the school community.

Be an Employment Ally

Employment is an area where inclusion often lags, but community members can make a difference. If you’re an employer or hiring manager, consider developing an inclusive hiring initiative. Many major companies have seen great success tapping into neurodiverse talent by adjusting their hiring and onboarding processes (joveo.com.) You don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to do this. Start by reaching out to local agencies (like RiseUP’s supported employment program or the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) which can connect you with job candidates with IDD and provide job coaching support. Ensure your workplace is welcoming: provide disability awareness training for staff, emphasize a culture of respect and zero tolerance for harassment, and make sure reasonable accommodations are offered. Common workplace accommodations for employees with developmental disabilities include things like job coaching or mentoring, modified training materials (with visuals or simplified text), a consistent routine or checklist to aid memory, and adjustments for sensory needs (for example, noise-canceling headphones or a quiet workspace) (askjan.org.) Many accommodations are simple and inexpensive, and the ADA requires employers to provide necessary accommodations unless it causes undue hardship. As a coworker, you can be an ally by offering help if needed, being patient if communication styles differ, and focusing on what your colleague can do rather than what they can’t. If you frequent businesses, support those that employ people with disabilities – it shows they are committed to inclusion.

Get Involved with Local Organizations and Events

Colorado has numerous organizations championing inclusion. Volunteering or partnering with these groups amplifies your impact. For example, Special Olympics Colorado always welcomes volunteers for their sports events – you could help coach athletes with IDD or assist on event days, directly contributing to inclusion through sports. Organizations like The Arc (with chapters in Colorado Springs, Denver, etc.) often run buddy programs, advocacy trainings, and social events; joining their efforts is a great way to push inclusion at the grassroots level. Best Buddies Colorado facilitates one-to-one friendships and leadership development for people with and without IDD – you could sign up as a buddy or mentor. Keep an eye out for community events that celebrate diversity: many cities in Colorado hold an “Inclusion Day” or Disability Pride festival. Attending these events (and inviting friends) helps build a culture of inclusion. You can also encourage local event organizers (from holiday parades to summer camps) to actively invite and accommodate participants with IDD. Sometimes a gentle offer like “I know a group home nearby, could we invite them and maybe have volunteers to support if needed?” can open doors.

Finally, support families and caregivers of individuals with IDD. Inclusion is a team effort, and often parents or siblings are working hard to advocate for their loved one. By offering a helping hand – whether it’s tutoring a child with a developmental disability, or simply listening and including the family in community activities – you strengthen the circle of inclusion.

RiseUP’s Role in Building an Inclusive Community

In the Colorado Springs and Denver areas, RiseUP is actively leading community inclusion initiatives for people with IDD. RiseUP partners with numerous organizations to create integrated opportunities. For instance, RiseUP participants regularly engage in volunteer projects and social outings through collaborations with groups like the Special Olympics (joining local Unified sports teams) and Best Buddies (friendship programs). RiseUP also works with employers on inclusive hiring – through its Supported Employment program, RiseUP matches adults with IDD to jobs at partnering businesses, and provides job coaching to ensure success for both employee and employer. This has led to many local businesses hiring neurodivergent employees, enriching their workforce diversity. Additionally, RiseUP hosts community events such as holiday parties, talent shows, and educational workshops that bring together people with and without disabilities. These events, often open to the public, are a chance for everyone to interact, learn, and celebrate side by side. By demonstrating what inclusion looks like – whether it’s a person with Down syndrome serving customers at a café, or students with and without disabilities teaming up in a RiseUP art class – RiseUP helps the broader community see the ability in disability. The organization’s advocacy efforts (like participating in the Developmental Disabilities Council and speaking at city inclusion committees) also ensure that the voices of those with IDD are heard in decision-making. Supporting RiseUP (through volunteering, donations, or simply attending their events) is a tangible way for community members can further inclusion in Colorado. Together, by taking these actions, large and small, we can make our Colorado communities places where everyone is welcome and valued.

About RiseUP

 RiseUP is dedicated to the full inclusion and empowerment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through community-based adult programs, a K-12 inclusive school, employment services, and family support, RiseUP breaks down barriers for individuals with IDD across Colorado’s Front Range. Our partnerships with organizations like Special Olympics, The Arc, and local businesses help create a more inclusive community for all.