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$10,000 Goal
Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms
DIRT trains, employs, and empowers neurodivergent individuals while advocating and working towards structural change in local workforce hiring practices. DIRT purposefully incorporates the term neurodivergent to represent an inclusive space that includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Intellectual Disabilities, Tourette Syndrome, and an acquired neurodiversity.
Commitment Towards Diversity, Justice, Equity, and BelongingÂ
DIRT is committed to working towards disability justice for all disabled folks while transforming current hiring practices and employment settings to provide equitable opportunities for all people within the workplace. As we continue to further disability justice within our community, we are committed to furthering our learning around marginalized experiences and centering the voices of those with lived experiences. We recognize there is always work to be done within ourselves and our organization, and we are committed to our continued learning.Â
"...I moved to Colorado this past summer seeking better opportunities after leaving my last job in California because it wasnât the right fit anymore. But donât worry, this is when it gets better! After settling down here in Colorado in search for work around Denver- I came across DIRT. They offered me an internship learning the ins and outs of working in a coffee shop environment. For the past 3 months Iâve had the chance to work in all the areas of operation at DIRT and itâs just been a wonderful experience, so I thank DIRT for that. My favorite position here at DIRT was to work as the cashier. I enjoyed working with the customers and I always hoped to make their experience a really good one. I know how much I myself like a good cup of coffee. And I like making all customers happy with their favorite morning coffee drink, if you know what I mean! Another great part of working at DIRT was always monthly intern nights where all past and present interns and coworkers would come together to party and socialize outside of work. At intern night, we would eat good food and play entertaining games, which was always fun. I always enjoyed socializing of course, there is that part too with anybody whenever I could, even at work. Eventually the people that I worked with became my new group of friends here in Colorado. Even though I finished my internship at DIRT, my coworkers will remain my friends and I will always visit DIRT for a nice cup of coffee.â - Alex, IEP Graduate
"...Jake's self confidence has skyrocketed since beginning the internship. He was on cloud 9 last night after completing the food handling training. He even let me take him out to dinner. Jake doesn't leave the house much so it was awesome that he went because he wanted to not as a compromise. Thank you all so much for helping him see himself as a capable employee. It's definitely spilling over into his daily life in a positive way." - Parent of IEP Graduate
"You know when you get that feeling that the place you're at is right for you, like you're right where you want to be? That's how I feel about DIRT. When I'm here it just feels right for me. I get an experience but I also get to be myself." - Austin Program Graduate and Dirt employee
DIRT's mission is to cultivate intentional workspaces for the neurodivergent population to gain meaningful, integrated, and equitable employment.
Our staff and interns have the opportunity to work in a neurodiverse, integrated and welcoming environment. We strive to build an environment for staff, interns, customers, and our community to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance by role-modeling inclusive employment and business practices with the hope that this example, along with our programming, will inspire other organizations to do the same. Our team is neurodiverse, socially and environmentally conscious, and craft a mighty good cup of coffee.
From passionate parents in a support group for their daughters with Autism, Roots Colorado dba DIRT started as an idea when our visionary founders set out to create a space where their children, and others, felt safe accessing job training. In 2013, DIRT was created to provide intentional workspaces for the neurodivergent population to gain meaningful and competitive employment. In our ten years of operating and cultivating workplace knowledge and experiences, DIRT has grown from a grassroots and community-led initiative to an organizations providing three unique and holistic programs to directly address the inequitable employment rate of neurodivergent individuals. By meeting individuals, employers, and communities where they're at to advocate for individual needs and provide individualized workforce development services through three programs, DIRT offers a comprehensive approach to providing equitable access to employment and dismantling Ableism across the Colorado Front Range area.
Organization name
Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms
other names
DIRT, Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms, Roots Colorado, Roots Colorado Inc.., Pinyon Ranch, Inc.
2013
Tax id (EIN)
26-2898336
Category
Human Services, Employment, Community Improvement & Capacity Building
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
5767 S. Rapp StArapahoe County, CO, US
Adams County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US
Douglas County, CO, US
Jefferson County, CO, US