Colorado Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Day brings together self-advocates, family members, researchers, educators, providers, case managers, and advocacy groups to highlight the inherent value and worth of people with IDD, the successes and challenges facing the IDD community, and the work we can do together to support people with IDD in Colorado. We also highlight the critical work of Direct Support Professionals, Case Managers, and Advocates and their roles in supporting people with IDD to live their fullest lives. This event is hosted by Alliance, The Arc of Colorado, and JFK Partners.

March 3, 2026

Below is information for those NOT attending the Luncheon In-Person.

Hosted by

COMING SOON: DATE TBA - Webinar Announcing the Finalists for Direct Support Professional, Case Manager, and Advocate of the Year Awards

MARCH 3rd VIRTUAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

DRAFT

9:00am: Pledge of Allegiance and IDD Awareness Day Tribute
- House Gallery (Click HERE to watch live)
  - Pledge of Allegiance by TBA from TBA
  - IDD Awareness Day House Tribute Sponsored by: Rep. TBA and Rep. TBA
- Senate Gallery (Click HERE to watch live)
  - Pledge of Allegiance by TBA from TBA
  - IDD Awareness Day Senate Tribute Sponsored by: Sen. TBA and Sen. TBA
After Tribute: Choose Your Own Advocacy Adventure
- Watch the above Webinar Recordings
- Watch a House or Senate Committee Hearing or a Joint Budget Committee Hearing. View Session Schedule >
- Share photos of your watch parties and join the conversation on social media using #COIDD

Watch the LUNCHEON EVENT Virtually!

12:00 - 1:15pm: Luncheon Presentations & Awards
- Watch live via Alliance's FACEBOOK page here >
- Keynote Speakers:
  - 2025 IDD Legislator of the Year: Senator Jeff Bridges
  - Parent TBA
  - 2025 Case Manager of the Year: TBA
  - 2025 Direct Support Professional of the Year: TBA
  - 2025 Advocate of the Year: TBA
- We will also present the 2026 Awards for:
  - Case Manager of the Year
  - Direct Support Professional of the Year
  - Advocate of the Year
Share photos of your watch parties and join the conversation on social media using #COIDD

MARCH 3rd IN-PERSON MORNING ONLY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

DRAFT

In-Person MORNING EVENTS are open to ANYONE:

Capitol Security Protocol
Entrance Info
Handicap Parking at the Capitol
VIEW MAPS OF THE CAPITOL
Street and metered parking spaces are located within walking distance of the museum. Parking is also available at several lots inthe area, including the Cultural Center Complex Garage at 12th Avenue and Broadway. The garage is open from 5 am-11 pm. Please note the garage is operated by Denver Public Works, not the museum.
- Find a map with nearby parking options on Parkopedia.
- Accessible parking spaces are available on 13th Avenue south of Broadway Street (in front of the Denver Public Library) and on the second level of the Cultural Center Complex Garage on12th Avenue and Broadway. Enter the garage from 12th and follow the signs to the northwest corner elevators.

8:00am: Coffee and Light Refreshments (Outside the Old Supreme Court Chamber - 2nd floor, north side)
8:15 - 8:45am: Bill and Budget Review (Old Supreme Court Chamber)
- Limited seating
- Optional: In advance of IDD Awareness Day, invite your legislator(s) to stop by (location TBA) for a cup of coffee and a photo. Find your legislator here >
9:00am: Pledge of Allegiance and IDD Awareness Day Tribute
- House Gallery (observe from 3rd floor, west side gallery)
  - Pledge of Allegiance by TBA from TBA
  - IDD Awareness Day House Tribute Sponsored by: Rep. TBA and Rep. TBA
- Senate Gallery (observe from 3rd floor south side gallery)
  - Pledge of Allegiance by TBA from TBA
  - IDD Awareness Day Senate Tribute Sponsored by: Sen. TBA and Sen. TBA
After Tribute: Choose Your Own Advocacy Adventure
- 10:30am SHARP - Group photo outside the Capitol on the WEST facing steps (for reference, the west side is along Lincoln Ave). Invite legislators to join us if they can!
- From approx. 10 - 11:15am you can:
  - Continue to watch the House or Senate from the Galleries
  - Visit with your legislator or their staff in their office (Make appointments in advance. Find your legislator here >).
  - Watch a House or Senate Committee Hearing or a Joint Budget Committee Hearing. View Session Schedule >
  - Take a tour of the Capitol. Public tours are offered hourly 10:00am-2:00pm. Self-guided tour materials are available at the tour desk on the north side, 1st floor.
  - Participate in our Photo Scavenger Hunt!
    - Join the conversation and share photos on social media using #COIDD