Good News Friday!

This past Wednesday was Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the State Capitol. Representatives from Imagine! and dozens of other organizations that provide services for people with disabilities across the state assembled hundreds of individuals with disabilities, their families, and direct care professionals to rally state legislators.

The event, hosted by Alliance, was designed to highlight the issues facing people with developmental disabilities in Colorado.

The message of the event was a simple one: “we are contributing members of our communities.”

I believe that message was heard loud and clear. The many legislators who met with self-advocates and providers, or who attended the luncheon at the Denver Art Museum, listened intently to inspiring stories about just what individuals in services can bring to their communities if given the opportunity.

One of the highlights of the day was the announcement of the Alliance 2011 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year. Two of the nominees this year work for Imagine!: Matt Mock and Meagan Witt (pictured to the left). You can read more about them (and some other Imagine! Employees of Distinction) by clicking here. While neither Matt nor Meagan ended up taking home the award (that honor went to Melissa Rodriguez from Arkansas Valley Community Center), they share some qualities with Melissa and all of the nominees: a willingness to go above and beyond what is required of them, an ability to see solutions where others see only barriers, and most importantly, a deep and unyielding commitment to the individuals they serve.

So congratulations to Matt and Meagan and all the DSP of the Year nominees for being honored for their hard word and dedication, congratulations to Alliance for hosting another powerful and meaningful event, and most importantly, congratulations to all who attended DD Day at the Capitol. Your message is important and it deserves to be heard over and over again!