Understanding Individual & Family Advocacy
We believe that every person with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered. Our Individual and Family Advocacy program exists to help people and their families understand their rights, explore opportunities, and build a life that reflects their personal goals and choices.
We work with people and their families to make sure they have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to speak up for themselves and make informed decisions.
Eligibility: Who We Support
We provide advocacy with and for people of all ages who:
- Have (or may have) an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD)
- Live in or receive services in Jefferson, Clear Creek, or Gilpin Counties
Our services center around the shared IDD experience, not a specific diagnosis. That means we support people with IDD, including a wide range of disabilities such as Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and others that affect development across the lifespan.
If someone contacts us and does not have an IDD, we’ll do our best to help them connect with other helpful resources.
Click here to learn more about intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What Individual & Family Advocacy Looks Like
Every person’s path is unique, which means advocacy will not look the same for everyone. That’s why we customize our support to each person’s situation, needs, and goals.
Our advocacy services typically fall into two categories:
Information & Referral
Sometimes, a phone call or email exchange is all it takes to get you the information and support you need. We can:
- Answer questions about rights, services, or systems
- Refer you to community programs or agencies
- Help you prepare for a meeting or decision
- Offer guidance specific to your situation
This kind of support is a quick way to help you and your loved one take the next steps with clarity and confidence.
Active Support
In some situations, a deeper level of support is needed. With your permission, an advocate may:
- Speak to professionals with you or on your behalf
- Review important documents
- Attend meetings with you
- Help problem-solve more complex issues
How It Works
When you reach out, an advocate will listen to your concerns and ask a few questions to better understand your situation. From there, we’ll figure out together what kind of support makes sense.
Because our team has limited time and resources, we may not be able to take on every request. If we’re not the best fit to support you right now, we’ll do our best to guide you to other helpful options. We also ask that individuals and families stay engaged with the advocacy plan we create together. Advocacy is a collaborative process! If things change or new issues come up, you can reach back out anytime.
Important: We are not attorneys and do not provide legal representation and/or legal advice. However, we may accompany people to legal settings and always do our best to help people understand their rights and options.
Things to Know
Our services are always free. We don’t want finances to create barriers to support. If you’d like to contribute, you’re welcome to make a donation to support our work.
Click here to make a donation!
We do not duplicate services. If you’re already working with a private advocate, another agency, or an attorney, we will clarify each of our roles and identify ways to work collaboratively to avoid confusion or overlap.
We do not serve as Representative Payees, Medical Proxy Decision-Makers, and/or take on new Legal Guardianships.
Learn More About Advocacy Across the Lifespan
We offer personalized support throughout all stages of life. Learn more about each area of advocacy by clicking on the type of advocacy below:
Child & Family Advocacy (Ages 0–13)
Teen & Young Adult Advocacy (Ages 15-34)
Adult Advocacy (Ages 35+)
Ready to Get Started? Advocacy Starts Here!
We’re here to listen, support, and advocate alongside you.
Click here to submit a request for Individual & Family Advocacy!
