Disabled Resource Services

Background Statement

Disabled Resource Services (DRS) has a long and successful track record of working effectively with people who have disabilities in Larimer and Jackson counties. For 46 years we have partnered with many of our most vulnerable residents to increase their independent living skills and quality of life.

DRS is one of nine Colorado State certified Centers for Independent Living, and we work one-on-one with our clients to create goals and implement plans, so that they can have more control over their lives, more freedom to reach their full potential, and more opportunity to integrate with communities. Some examples of our work include:

• Increased independence for Selina, who has cerebral palsy, and her caretaker Tammy by helping them acquire a specialized lift chair.

• Partnering with Barbara, whose hearing loss was affecting her work and social life, with the support she needed to get hearing aids.

• Helping Rob, who has Mosaic Down Syndrome, with some car repairs so he can get to work and keep his job.

• Providing Sara, who was assaulted leaving her blind and paralyzed, guidance in navigating complex benefits systems

“Disabled Resource Services helped me get my life back together. I overflow with gratitude,” says Mindy, a cancer survivor.

DRS provided more than 2,700 services in 2023. Most people who come to DRS receive consultation and referral, without the need for cases to be opened. Currently, 231 consumers have open cases; these are consumers who have complex and on-going needs. Virtually all DRS consumers are living in poverty (97%), and many are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. In addition to housing instability, DRS consumers struggle with food insecurity, social isolation, mental and behavioral health, abuse, and transportation issues.

DRS has a staff of 16 (14 with their own disabilities) and offices in Fort Collins and Loveland. DRS does not charge consumers for the individualized services it provides, except for our low-cost medical equipment rental program. Instead, we rely on government grants and fundraising to keep our services available to people of all income levels, with a focus on those living in poverty.

Our five core services are: 1. Peer Support, 2. Independent Living Skills development, 3. Information and Referral, 4. Advocacy, and 5. Transitions. Other commonly provided services include giving assistive technology to people with vision and/or hearing loss, preventing/ending homelessness through one-time financial assistance, benefits application assistance, arranging volunteer assistance and facilitating access to transportation, employment, and educational opportunities.

DRS’ case managers truly understand the challenges of living with disabilities. They provide peer support to help people with disabilities realize that they, too, can integrate and participate in the Fort Collins community by working on their own unique short and long-term goals.

Our 2023 Consumer Satisfaction Survey shows 96% of people using our Fort Collins office were satisfied or very satisfied with the services received and 93% would recommend DRS to others.