IDD Awareness Day at the Colorado Capitol typically takes place every February or March, and on this day, we work to create awareness amongst legislators about the challenges and opportunities facing people with IDD in Colorado and the community-based system that supports them. We also honor Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) around the state at our IDD Awareness Day luncheon. This event typically draws over 500 people, including more than half of the general assembly. We also have keynote speakers including IDD advocates, parents, DSPs, and legislators.
March 29, 2023
Virtual Option
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9:00am: Pledge of Allegiance and IDD Day Tributes
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Colorado House Gallery (Click HERE to watch live)
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Colorado Senate Gallery (Click HERE to watch live)
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10:00am: IDD Policy Overview and Advocacy Training (Watch live on Alliance’s Facebook Page HERE)
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10:30am: Choose your Own Advocacy Adventure
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Listen to a committee hearing HERE
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12:00pm: IDD Awareness Day Luncheon (Watch live on Alliance’s Facebook Page HERE)
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Speeches include:
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Rep Mary Young, 2022 IDD Legislator of the Year
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Deborah Rose, 2022 DSP of the Year
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Parent Advocate: TBA
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IDD Advocate: TBA
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2023 DSP of the Year Award (Appx. 1:00pm)
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Hosted by
In-Person Option
Capitol Security Protocol & Entrance Info
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7:45-9:00am: Choose Your Own Advocacy Adventure
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Pick up talking points and informational materials (Old Supreme Court Chambers)
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Take pictures on our IDD Day Red Carpet (Old Supreme Court Chambers)
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Schedule a time to meet with your legislators or ask them to join you for pictures on the red carpet
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Schedule a tour of the Capitol
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Purchase breakfast or coffee in the basement cafeteria
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Participate in our Photo Scavenger Hunt
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8:00am: IDD Policy Overview and Advocacy Training (Old Supreme Court Chambers)
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9:00am: Pledge of Allegiance and IDD Day Tributes
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Colorado House Gallery (3rd Floor)
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Colorado Senate Gallery (3rd Floor)
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10:30am: Choose your Own Advocacy Adventure
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Schedule time to meet with your legislators or their staff
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Watch a committee hearing
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Schedule a tour of the Capitol
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Purchase breakfast or coffee in the basement cafeteria
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Participate in our Photo Scavenger Hunt
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Meet the 2023 IDD Awareness Day Luncheon Speakers
Representative Mary Young
2022 Alliance Legislator of the Year
Rep Mary Young in the State Representative of House District 50. As a life-long public servant, she spent her career as an educator working in public schools, primarily working with students with behavioral health issues, developmental disabilities, and other learning problems. She has been passionate about focusing on those issues while in the State House. In addition, Rep Young's steadfast support for Envision, the CCB serving Weld County, has been monumental. She has a thorough understanding of the needs of and services required for people with IDD, and even participates in their annual events, including the H’Art of Envision Art Show, 5K in My Shoes, and Rose Reception.
Deborah Rose
2022 Direct Support Professional of the Year
Deborah Rose is the proud recipient of the “2022 Alliance Direct Support Professional of the Year” award.
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IDD Advocate
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Parent
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Years as a DSP: TBA
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Years as a DSP: TBA
Meet the 2023 Direct Support Professional of the Year Finalists
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Congratulations to all our 2023 DSP of the Year Nominees
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