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“Nothing About Us Without Us.”
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Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) is the premier organization in Colorado advocating for disability rights. Our mission is to advocate for social justice for people with all types of disabilities (what we call cross-disability). We work with individuals, service providers, businesses, and government agencies to ensure that people with what we call cross-disability have equal rights and equal access. Cross-Disability means we all work together regardless of what our individual disabilities may be. We are run by and for people with all types of disabilities: from Down Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Autism, people with brain injuries, people with mental illness, those who are blind or deaf, and much more. Our arms, our hearts, and our services are open wide. We know those of us with disabilities have a lot to offer.
CONSUMER-DIRECTED ATTENDANT SUPPORT SERVICES (CDASS)
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is committed to providing service delivery options that empower Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) members and their families to direct and manage the long-term care services and supports they need to live at home.
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Consumer Directed Attendant Support
Services (CDASS) lets you direct and manage the attendants who provide your personal
care, homemaker and health maintenance
services, rather than working through an
agency. Through CDASS, you are empowered to hire, train and manage attendants of your
choice to best fit your unique needs or you
may delegate these responsibilities to an
Authorized Representative.
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CDASS is available in the following Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers:
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Brain Injury(BI) waiver
Community Mental Health Supports
(CMHS) waiver
Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) waiver
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) waiver
Supported Living Services (SLS) waiver
Who Qualifies?
Health First Colorado members who qualify for one of the HCBS waivers in which CDASS is an approved service delivery option. You must demonstrate a need for personal care, homemaker or health maintenance services. You must be in stable health and able to direct your own services or assign an Authorized Representative
Benefits and Services
You work closely with your case manager to determine what services you need. You are able to use Health First Colorado dollars to pay the attendant of your choice rather than a home health agency or personal care agency. You manage your own Health First Colorado funds, giving you increased choice and control. This flexibility enables you to manage the services you need to live independently and to more fully participate in your community.
Personal Care includes assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing or eating.
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Health Maintenance includes assistance with health related activities that are typically provided by a certified or licensed attendant, such as a CNA, LPN or RN. In CDASS, the Nurse Practice Act has been waived so that members have the flexibility to hire and train staff without certifications or licensure.
Homemaker Services include assistance with general household activities needed to maintain a healthy and safe living environment, such as housekeeping, meal preparation and laundry.
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HOW TO APPLY
If you are already enrolled in Health First Colorado, contact your local Single Entry Point (SEP) or Community Centered Board (CCB) which specializes in determining eligibility, planning care, and providing referrals.
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If you are NOT yet enrolled in Health First Colorado Apply Now.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO UTILIZE CCDC’S SUPPORT PROGRAMS?
Sometimes people with disabilities need a reasonable accommodation at work or need a reasonable modification of a policy, practice, or procedure when using governmental or non-governmental services. People with disabilities may also need reasonable accommodations in other situations. CCDC helps to educate people on what the law requires and sometimes may be able to help people make these requests. For help with an individual situation, contact CCDC by filling out our Request for Help
Form here. You may also call us at
303-839-1775 (voice) and press #1 for Advocacy help.
For education and trainings in your office or
organization, contact CCDC Executive Director, Julie Reiskin at jreiskin@ccdcon
line.org or by calling 303-839-1775.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO CALL CCDC?
CCDC is the go-to organization for people to learn how to advocate for themselves and others. CCDC is also the go-to organization for many policy makers in the state who want to involve the disability community, need accurate information or assistance with community outreach.
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Advocacy can take many forms. We do not guarantee we can help with all issues. When needed, we may refer you to another organization or agency if we believe they can be of assistance. Below are just a few of the ways CCDC helps people with disabilities to help themselves:
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When you need assistance regarding access to healthcare, we may be able to help you figure out what programs you qualify for and help you navigate the system.
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When you need assistance regarding a reasonable accommodation in order to access services in the most integrated setting or at a job, we are able to give you information about your rights, and in some cases can even help you draft a written request.
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When you witness something involving disability which just seems wrong, we may be able to help you understand if a law or rule was broken and what can be done to solve the problem.
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When you are denied access to services or facilities in violation of the ADA, our legal program may be able to help enforce your rights. However, when we cannot help, we may refer you to government oversight agencies.
​When you want to become active on behalf of the disability community we can provide you training and help you find out what type of work feeds your passion.
Let’s Work Together
Please contact me with any questions or to get assistance with signing up for the program or other questions about assistance. SNAP, Medicaid, Disability.