Communication. Participation. Belonging.
CommuniKeys creates supported opportunities for non-speaking autistic adults and other adults with complex communication needs to take part in community life in Northern Colorado.
We presume competence and recognize each person’s interests, ideas, preferences, and contributions. Communication access, sensory accessibility, adult dignity, and choice guide how we plan and support participation.
What participation looks like
Families and caregivers participate alongside the adults they support. Small groups, familiar routines, purposeful movement, appropriate equipment, and repeated experiences create room for different ways to engage, communicate, and contribute.
The support behind participation
Our Life Scaffolding approach brings together the practical supports that make participation possible: communication access, sensory preparation, skilled staff, caregiver involvement, community partnerships, and thoughtful planning. These supports help adults return to places, pursue interests, and build connections over time.
Help sustain year-round access
Our annual fundraising goal is $250,000 to sustain CommuniKeys’ programming and strengthen the skilled support behind participation.
A critical staffing priority is a full-time communication partner with occupational and/or physical therapy training. This person would support communication access during activities while bringing an understanding of sensory and movement needs that can affect participation.
We are also working toward a structured training pathway where additional communication partners can develop these specialized skills through instruction, guided practice, and experienced mentorship.
Your gift supports the people, preparation, and everyday resources that make consistent community participation possible.
Donated use of facilities and grounds, along with other in-kind contributions, provides substantial additional support. These contributions are part of the resources that sustain CommuniKeys.
Your gift helps keep this work consistent and accessible. You can support CommuniKeys through a one-time gift, recurring monthly giving, or a conversation about supporting a particular program.
Help create more opportunities for adults to communicate, participate, contribute, and belong.
CommuniKeys supports non-speaking autistic adults through communication access, purposeful movement, sensory-informed learning, and meaningful community participation.
CommuniKeys was created in response to a significant gap facing non-speaking autistic adults and adults with complex communication, sensory, motor, and participation support needs. After school-age services end, many adults have limited access to meaningful learning, recreation, relationships, and community participation. Families and caregivers are often left trying to build those opportunities without enough accessible programs, community partnerships, or practical support.
CommuniKeys began with a commitment to presume competence and recognize that communication is not limited to speech. The organization developed opportunities where adults could express preferences, explore interests, build relationships, and participate in ordinary community settings with the support needed to be successful.
As this work has grown, CommuniKeys has connected adults, families, caregivers, staff, and community partners across Northern Colorado. Together, we are building lasting pathways for adults to pursue their interests, contribute, and belong. Our Life Scaffolding approach grew from this practical work and continues to guide how we develop supported opportunities in community life.
Organization name
CommuniKeys
other names
CK
2024
Tax id (EIN)
85-0873510
Category
Human Services, Recreation & Sports, Education
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
584 W DOUGLAS RDFort Collins, CO, US
Loveland, CO, US
Windsor, CO, US
Greeley, CO, US
Longmont, CO, US