Family Resources
A curated directory of trusted community partners — therapies, healthcare, education, recreation, and support networks that Pikes Peak families actually use. Start here when you do not know where to start.
Please note that The Arc Pikes Peak Region does not guarantee the quality of services provided by these organizations. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement but a way to connect our community with available support. These resources are listed alphabetically in their respective categories, and do not reflect favoritism.
If you know of a resource that should be added, please reach out to Communications Manager, Morgan Wiese, at [email protected]
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The Arc Pikes Peak Region Programming
Programs and events hosted by The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region for individuals and families.
18+ Social Events
The Arc PPR hosts monthly 18+ events for our older participants. Guy's Night and Sisterhood of Empowered Women are our respective 18+ groups that meet monthly and participate in various events such as swimming, bowling, crafts, going to see a football/baseball game, etc. We also host a monthly Cooking and Nutrition Social for Adults with Disabilities.
Succeeding in School and Life: A Parent Empowerment Program
Empowers parents to become primary educators and advocates for children with IEPs or 504 Plans across all learning needs and school types. The program offers free parent education on special education processes, behavior understanding, self-advocacy, and related legislation. Individualized Navigation Services pair families with Educational Navigators.
Cool C.A.T.S. (Children of All Types Succeeding) Club
An inclusive and adaptive program that hosts social events for families who have a loved one living with a disability. Some of these events include a cooking group, bowling, adapted movie theater groups, Mom and Dad's group and more!
ABA Services / Speech / OT / PT
Applied behavior analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy providers serving the Pikes Peak region.
Alpaca Cares ABA
A network of independent clinicians providing personalized, high-quality ABA therapy for children and young adults from birth to age 21. In-home and in-center services with no waitlists, serving families across Colorado Springs, Fountain, Pueblo, and other parts of Colorado.
Family Support Center of Colorado
Dedicated to the treatment of children and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Provides ABA therapy as well as diagnostic evaluation. Locations in North Colorado Springs, Central Colorado Springs, South Colorado Springs and North Pueblo.
In Bloom Autism Services
Specializes in early intervention ABA therapy for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. They focus treatment on areas that have the most profound and immediate impact on quality of life, learning readiness, and daily living activities.
Woven Care
Provides center-based pediatric therapy services including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Pediatric Speech Therapy, Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT), and Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT) at over 10 convenient Colorado locations.
Attain ABA Therapy
A national provider of ABA therapy, Attain equips parents and therapists with every tool, resource, and advantage needed to help their children unlock their true potential — starting with the most powerful and effective clinical expertise and training.
Greenlight ABA Therapy
Offers in-home ABA therapy, customized treatment plans, parent education and training, and transition planning.
Illuminate ABA Therapy
Offers home-based, community-based, clinic-based and parent training ABA therapy services.
Well Care Pediatric Specialists
A group of passionate people who provide a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to ABA, occupational, physical and speech therapies. Helps improve the lives and daily function of children with unique challenges.
Positive Development
Relationship-based, developmental approach to autism care combining ABA, speech, and occupational therapy.
Children's Hospital Colorado — Colorado Springs
Pediatric specialty clinic with developmental-behavioral, speech, and therapy services.
Community Resources
A broad collection of local and statewide organizations providing support, information, and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
Engages with families experiencing poverty, social isolation, and housing instability. Offers pantry referrals, clothing closet, essential baby needs, laundry, shower and computer access, bus passes, family life coaching and more.
Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs
Dedicated to providing resource assistance for individuals with cerebral palsy or other neuromotor disorders and their families. Services range from equipment loans and financial assistance to hosting community events.
Colorado Department of Education: Office of Special Education
Administers both the state's Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for children with disabilities.
Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association
Informs and empowers families while promoting community awareness of the dignity, promise, and potential of all people with Down syndrome. Provides monthly events and resources for new and expectant parents.
Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing oversees Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus and other public health care programs for Coloradans who qualify.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. Free book gifting program for young children.
Family Voices Colorado
Provides public awareness of challenges and barriers; helps families navigate healthcare systems and understand their rights and resources; and works to improve health equity, access, and quality of care.
Financial Resources and Discounts for Students with Disabilities
A helpful guide to various financial resources, discounts and savings opportunities, and travel tips for students with disabilities.
Help Autism Center
Supports families in finding resources such as autism diagnosis, therapy, and independent housing options. Raises awareness about the needs of people with autism and provides therapy dogs to individuals with special needs.
The KENNA Foundation
Provides individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with access to vital healthcare and community resources. The P.A.C.K.S. grant program can fill gaps in care not covered by insurance or other government programs.
Mercy's Gate
Provides crucial assistance to individuals and families experiencing crisis in El Paso County — food pantry, rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, medical assistance, transportation assistance and clothing/household assistance.
Personal Assistance Services of Colorado (PASCO)
Helps clients live independently within their own homes and community with the caregiver of their choice. Provides resources, educational seminars for family and caregivers as well as community events.
Special Kids, Special Families (SKSF)
Programs include children and family services (respite and daycare for children with disabilities), adult and senior services (community day program and residential host home), and support and empowerment services (behavioral health, transportation, home care, Veterans support).
The Resource Exchange (TRE)
Partners with children and adults who have a variety of disabilities, delays, mental health or long-term care needs. They coordinate care and collaborate with community partners.
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
Focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. There are 14 locations in the Pikes Peak Region.
Autism Society of Colorado
Connects people with Autism to the resources they need to live full, vibrant, self-actualized lives. Creates connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community.
Centro de la Familia
A beacon of support and advocacy for the Spanish-speaking community. For over 30 years, dedicated to bridging the service gaps for the non-English speaking population. Offers English classes as well.
Colorado Legal Services
If you qualify and they have resources to help, you will receive free legal assistance including advice from an attorney, assistance filing your own case in court, and full representation.
Colorado Shines
The State of Colorado offers a free search tool to help you find and research licensed child care programs in your community — quality ratings, licensing history, and monitoring reports.
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Has many recreation programs and activities. Register for Active Adults (55+), Adaptive Recreation, Adult Sports, Arts, Culture and History, Camps, Health and Wellness, Youth and Teen Programs, and Youth Sports.
Colorado Respite Coalition
Curated lists of statewide, low-cost or free resources available to family members caring for older adults, adults with disabilities and kids with disabilities.
Crossfire Ministries
A no-cost grocery warehouse where you shop for the food, clothing and toiletries your family needs. Enjoy the freedom of shopping and the dignity of choice. Photo ID and proof of El Paso County residency required.
DragonFly Landing Family Services
A Human Services agency offering employment assistance (interview prep, etc), housing assistance (application help, etc), navigating health systems, parenting classes, budgeting assistance and more.
Family Success Center — Pikes Peak United Way
Serves the entire family and empowers community members to become financially stable. Offers food pantries, financial coaches, free adult education classes, GED and literacy classes, career counseling, and parent empowerment sessions.
Fountain Parks and Recreation Department
Offers numerous youth sports including baseball, softball, tee-ball, soccer, flag football, basketball, and volleyball. Also offers co-ed adult sports for ages 16 and older.
Maternal Child Health Program at El Paso County
Provides free resource navigation for children and young adults in El Paso County from birth to 21 with no eligibility requirements. Committed to improving health, development and well-being of children and youth with special health care needs.
Mobile Food Pantry: Pikes Peak United Way
Drive-up style food pantry in partnership with Care and Share Food Bank. Every first and third Thursday of the month starting at 10:30 a.m. until the food runs out at Mitchell High School.
Pikes Peak Library District
Cultivates spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities. Provides various programming and support for children ages 0-5, school aged children, teens & tweens and 18+ beyond.
The Independence Center
Believes that each individual knows their own needs and what is best for them. Services include information and referral, skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, transition services and more.
Widefield Recreation Center
Widefield School District 3 residents receive a discount. Daily admission rates for non members. Includes access to group fitness classes, indoor/outdoor track, gymnasium, training areas, fitness rooms, children's center and open swim sessions.
Day Programs / Respite Care
Adult day programs, respite care, and supported living services.
Dungarvin Colorado
Provides individually tailored services and supports under the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver. Services include day services, supported employment, case management, supported foster care, children's services, respite care, and host homes.
Our House
A collaboration of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A day habilitation program that centers around cultivating personal growth with daily living skills, social interaction, and community partnership.
Mosaic
Recognizes that people with intellectual disabilities desire and deserve greater independence and closer ties to the community. Services include day services, employment skills, mental, behavioral health and autism services as well as supported living.
Possibilities: Goodwill of Colorado
A first-of-its-kind adult day program focused on person-centered skill development and community inclusion conducted in an innovative town setting. Recreates everyday living activities while encouraging safe and unlimited learning.
Early Intervention
Services for children birth-to-three supporting early development milestones.
Early Intervention Colorado
The Early Intervention Colorado program through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood provides developmental support and services to families with children birth through 2 years of age who have developmental needs.
Colorado Shines
The quality rating and improvement system for all of Colorado's licensed early care and learning programs serving children ages 0-5. A free resource for programs, early childhood professionals and families.
The Resource Exchange (TRE)
El Paso County's Community Centered Board — primary point of entry for early intervention, developmental disabilities services, and case management.
Children's Books With Disability Topics
Books that celebrate neurodiversity and help children understand disability.
A Friend For Henry by Jenn Bailey
A heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum that celebrates the everyday magic of friendship. In Classroom Six, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend who shares, listens, and likes things to stay the same.
Sparkle by Alexandra Hoffman
An inclusive book celebrating a child with dyslexia and dysgraphia who thinks outside the box. Jasmine loves stories and wants to create her own — when it comes time to read and write, she struggles, but finds her own way to tell her story.
All My Stripes by Danielle Royer and Shaina Rudolph
Zane the zebra feels different from the rest of his classmates. He worries that all they notice about him is his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes — the unique strengths that make him who he is.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca
When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way.
Government / Legislative Updates
Track active legislation and advocacy efforts at the state and national level.
The Arc of Colorado Legislation Tracker
Tracks all active legislation on the State level affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc of the United States
The Arc of the United States leads the chapters of the Arc across the country. Your hub for government and legislative updates, blogs, and resources.
Healthcare
Clinics, specialists, hospitals, and programs familiar with developmental disability care.
Cedar Springs Hospital
Delivers services to individuals and families dealing with psychiatric or substance use disorders. Includes the New Choices program, child and adolescent programs, and military programs.
Dental Lifeline Network
Provides comprehensive dental care to adults with special needs across the United States through a network of volunteer dentists and laboratories.
Health First Colorado
Colorado's Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health care to eligible Colorado residents. You can apply at any time of the year.
The KENNA Foundation
Provides access to vital healthcare and community resources. The P.A.C.K.S. grant program can fill gaps in care not covered by insurance or other government programs.
Charlie Health
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) consisting of curated and customized groups, individualized therapy, and family therapy. Provides services through a virtual and accessible platform. Includes skills-based and creative arts therapy.
Diversus Health
Provides counseling, behavioral health, mental health, and crisis support services in Colorado. Serves communities in El Paso, Park, and Teller County.
JFK Partners at CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Leads the way in evidence-based interdisciplinary clinical care, education, research, and community partnerships to enrich the lives of children, youth, and adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
Peak View Behavioral Health
Provides affordable and effective care for someone dealing with mental health or addiction issues. Accepts admissions 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Peak Vista Community Health Centers
Federally-qualified health centers across the region — sliding-fee medical, dental, and behavioral health.
AspenPointe
Mental and behavioral health services including crisis response and long-term counseling for children and adults.
Job / Career Development
Supported employment, job coaching, and vocational rehabilitation.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Provides a wide variety of individualized services for people with disabilities including benefits planning, vocational guidance, short or long term training, job seeking skills, job development, job coaching, assistive technology and needed accommodations.
School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP)
Designed to provide employment-related assistance to youth and young adults with disabilities who are experiencing mild to moderate barriers to employment. Teaches job seeking and job retention skills.
Goodwill of Colorado — Career Services
Employment training, career counseling, and workforce programs.
Let's Get Active!
Adaptive sports, inclusive recreation, and summer programs.
Achilles Pikes Peak
Provides training and race opportunities for children with disabilities. Transforms lives through athletic programs and social connection. They meet every Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Colorado Running Company.
Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center
Offers equine-assisted therapy to people of all ages with special needs. Certified therapeutic riding instructors work one-on-one with riders, using the horse as the classroom.
Special Olympics Colorado
Year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP)
Provides opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to acquire skills that enable them to participate in leisure experiences of their choice and enhance their abilities to function within a community setting.
Widefield Recreation Center
Widefield School District 3 residents receive a discount. Includes access to group fitness classes, indoor/outdoor track, gymnasium, training areas, fitness rooms, children's center and open swim.
CHS Martial Arts
Intro level TaeKwondo training in balance for those on the Spectrum plus! Training rules, home rules, counting to 10 in Korean, basic Korean martial arts terms. Class every Wednesday and Friday 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Fountain Parks and Recreation Department
Offers numerous youth sports including baseball, softball, tee-ball, soccer, flag football, basketball, and volleyball. Co-ed adult sports for ages 16 and older.
PRIDE Panthers Top Soccer Program
Created by the Pride Soccer Club to teach athletes with Special Needs about soccer. Each practice is designed for the enjoyment, safety, education, and success of Special Needs Athletes. Offered in spring and fall.
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services — Adaptive Recreation
Inclusive recreation programs and classes across city facilities including Adaptive Recreation, Adult Sports, Arts, Culture and History, Camps, and more.
We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym
Provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, and social interactions. Offers open play time as well as respite and break time care. For children aged infant and up.
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
Focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 14 locations in the Pikes Peak Region.
Literacy
Reading programs, accessible books, and literacy resources.
Colorado Talking Book Library
Provides audio, Braille and large print books for people who can't read standard print. Helps people stay connected to reading, stories and adventure.
Pikes Peak Library District
Cultivates spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities. Various programming and support for children ages 0-5, school aged children, teens & tweens and 18+ beyond.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Free age-appropriate books mailed monthly to children birth to age five.
Medical Resources & Equipment
Medical advocacy, equipment lending, and healthcare navigation.
Family Voices Colorado
Provides public awareness of challenges and barriers; helps families navigate healthcare systems and understand their rights and resources; and works to improve health equity, access, and quality of care.
The KENNA Foundation
Provides individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with access to vital healthcare and community resources. The P.A.C.K.S. grant program can fill gaps in care not covered by insurance.
Good Health Will
Two Colorado locations in Loveland and Greeley open to the public. Provides the community with affordable healthcare equipment while recycling. No application process, no referral, or appointment necessary.
Numotion
The nation's largest and leading provider of products and services to help individuals with mobility limitations maximize their health, personal independence, and actively participate in everyday life.
Military Family Resources
Supports for families on Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, and Air Force Academy.
Army Community Services: Fort Carson
Helps make Army life successful. Offers classes on parenting, finances, relationships, volunteerism, exceptional family members, and much more. Programs and services designed to improve quality of life.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Fort Carson
Provides comprehensive support to Family members with special needs. Takes an all-inclusive approach to coordinating military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Peterson Air Force
Assists families with special needs by helping them identify and navigate programs and services. Includes information and referral, education and outreach, development of family service plans, and non-clinical case management.
Support Organizations for Parents/Guardians
Parent-to-parent networks, advocacy, and sibling support.
Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs
Provides resource assistance for individuals with cerebral palsy or other neuromotor disorders and their families. Services range from equipment loans and financial assistance to hosting community events.
Colorado Legal Services
Free legal assistance including advice from an attorney, assistance filing your own case in court, and full representation.
Family Voices Colorado
Helps families navigate healthcare systems and understand their rights and resources; works to improve health equity, access, and quality of care.
Labeled and Loved
Embraces and strengthens families with disabilities by providing connective experiences and educational resources for the primary caretaker, igniting personal growth and systemic change within our community.
Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association
Informs and empowers families while promoting community awareness of the dignity, promise, and potential of all people with Down syndrome. Provides monthly events and resources for new and expectant parents.
The Resource Exchange (TRE)
Partners with children and adults who have a variety of disabilities, delays, mental health or long-term care needs. Coordinates care and collaborates with community partners.
Treyboy Connections
A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and understanding to children and adults with neurodiverse needs. Donates sensory kits to first responders, educational settings, families with barriers to access, and community settings.
Autism Society of Colorado
Connects people with Autism to the resources they need to live full, vibrant, self-actualized lives.
Special Kids, Special Families (SKSF)
Respite care, neighborhood-based residential services, and family-to-family connections.
Parent/Guardian Training & Education
Workshops, peer support, and training programs that equip parents and guardians with knowledge and connections.
PEAK Parent Center
Colorado's federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center — serving families and self-advocates since 1986 with IEP advocacy, collaboration strategies, and learning resources.
Ability Connection Colorado: Parent to Parent (P2P-CO)
Peer support connecting caregivers of loved ones with disabilities to trained, experienced parent mentors.
Family Success Center — Pikes Peak United Way
Food pantries, financial coaching, GED and literacy classes, career counseling, and parent empowerment programs.
Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP)
Colorado Department of Education conferences on parenting, IEPs, early childhood supports, and family engagement.
Colorado Council for Learning Disabilities
Resources and support for inclusive education and individuals with learning disabilities throughout Colorado.
Labeled and Loved
Strengthening families with disabilities through connective experiences, educational resources, and community events.
Your Future Matters
Free community workshops on financial literacy, real estate, insurance, retirement planning, and health and wellness.
Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1
Free, confidential, multilingual referral service connecting families to health, housing, food, and crisis resources.
Education & IEP Support
School districts, advocacy services, and special-education resources.
The Arc PPR — Advocacy Team
Direct advocacy for IEP meetings, 504 plans, discipline matters, and special-education conflicts.
Colorado Department of Education — Exceptional Student Services
State guidance, procedural safeguards, and dispute-resolution options.
Post-Secondary Options
College accessibility services and inclusive higher education programs.
Pikes Peak State College Accessibility Services
Assists students with disabilities to self-advocate for equitable access to their academic environment. Provides classroom and testing accommodations with both temporary and long term disabilities.
UCCS Disability Services
Provides institution-wide advisement, consultation, and training on disability-related topics including legal and regulatory compliance, universal design, and disability scholarship.
IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education
Creates inclusive college opportunities in Colorado for students with intellectual disabilities to foster academic growth, social development, greater independence, and career advancement.
UCCS: Office of Inclusive Services
Supports students with intellectual disabilities to attend college alongside their peers without disabilities. Students work toward a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate and participate in internship and employment experiences.
Sensory Friendly Experiences
Sensory-friendly museums, adventures, restaurants, and experiences in the Pikes Peak region.
Adventures Out West Jeep Tour
Offers a wheelchair accessible Jeep for tours through Garden of the Gods without mobility barriers. Equipped with state of the art suspension, ergonomic seating, and a lift.
Bear Creek: Visually Impaired Persons Trail
A V.I.P. trail at Bear Creek Nature Center — a flat, wide boardwalk with interpretive signs and a braided rope guiding users to interactive signs read aloud via Pen Friend audio device. Free and open during park hours.
Colorado Springs Airport Sunflower Lanyard Program
Partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization. Travelers may ask for a lanyard at the Airport's Information Booth to discreetly indicate they may need extra assistance.
iFLY Colorado Springs
The All Abilities Program offers those with physical or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to indoor skydive with a highly-trained, world-class iFLY instructor.
SafeSplash Colorado Springs
Adaptive Aquatics Program designed to meet the unique needs of swimmers with physical, sensory, or developmental challenges. Individualized lesson plans in a safe and supportive environment.
Air City 360
An award-winning adventure park. Every Monday from 3:00PM-8:00PM, offers the community with special needs children/young adults an opportunity to play at their pace. Offers a sensory room and items, with in-person discounts for these families.
CityROCK
Indoor rock-climbing gym with an adaptive climbing team for people with physical, emotional, social and/or cognitive disabilities. Volunteers and coaches provide one-on-one time for skill development. Requires registration in advance.
El Paso Trailability Program
Utilizes "Terrain Hoppers" — off-road mobility vehicles that allow people with disabilities to experience trails at Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers. Free of charge, May–October.
Play Street Museum
Interactive exhibits and educational play space. Offers sensory friendly playtime on Wednesday afternoons 12:30PM – 2:00PM with limited sensory stimuli. Maximum of 12 children.
Chuck E. Cheese — Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Sensory Sensitive Sundays offer a quieter dining and entertainment environment, dimmed lighting, and a sensory-friendly arcade experience. First Sunday of the month, 9AM – 11AM.
Housing & Residential
Host-home, residential, and supported-living options.
The Resource Exchange — Residential Services
Entry point for residential supports funded through Medicaid waivers.
Colorado Housing Connects
Free statewide housing hotline for rental, homeownership, and landlord issues.
Transportation
Transportation services for individuals with disabilities.
Envida
Provides transportation, not just for medical appointments. Complete the application process on the website to determine eligibility. There is a small fee for transportation.
GoodWheels
Goodwill of Colorado's transportation service helps you get to medical appointments, the pharmacy, to run errands, and even to the airport. Specializes in transporting clients who use bariatric wheelchairs. Dispatch open Monday-Saturday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Can't find what you need?
Our Resource Navigators will help you find the right support for your family. There is no cost and no referral needed.