Since 1948, Laradon has empowered children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can embrace possibility and reach their full potential.
How big of an impact did Laradon make in Fiscal Year 2025?
YOUTH PROGRAMS:
ADULT PROGRAMS:
“Because of Laradon, my son is home.” - Lisa, mother of Laradon Individual
“What makes Laradon special is it’s a family. There’s a sense of caring, everybody’s valued and everybody’s appreciated. Laradon is part of my family now and I hope more people have the opportunity to have a saint like JoAnn part of their life.” - Barbara, sister of Laradon Individual
“We know the Adult Day Program loves him just as much as we do, so we have very high hopes for his life after Laradon. Jared is truly such a joy and it’s been such an honor to be his teacher. I have valued every minute with him,” - Jenna, Classroom Eight Teacher
“Julie is incredibly caring, proactive, and always looking out for the interests of others. She has even helped advocate to bring more people from the IDD community onto our team.” - Sheila, Manager, of a Laradon Employment Individual
"I love school. I have friends. I get to do art and music. I like playing the drums." - Jannah, Laradon Student
Laradon’s mission is to empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives.
When Joseph and Elizabeth Calabrese's sons were denied admission to public school because of their developmental disabilities, Joe Calabrese said, "If no one will take my sons, by golly, I'll open my own school."
The Calabrese's invested their life savings into establishing the first school in the Rocky Mountain region for children with developmental disabilities. In 1948 Laradon, which is named after the Calabrese children, Larry and Donald, opened its doors to three enrollments in a renovated home on Federal Boulevard in Denver, Colorado.
The Calabrese's had a vision that that if people with disabilities were given the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as those without disabilities they could realize their full potential, contribute to their communities in their own unique ways, and become valued members of society.
In the 1940's, there were little, if any, services available to children with developmental disabilities and the news quickly spread that there was finally a place for special needs children to receive an education and training. For this reason, Laradon quickly outgrew the original home on Federal Boulevard. In 1951, Laradon moved to its current location at 5100 Lincoln Street in the abandoned Globeville school building.
In the beginning, Laradon only provided education and training to children, but as these children grew into adulthood, Laradon expanded its services to include adults with special needs.
The vision of the Calabrese's still drives Laradon's mission and goals today. We continue to grow and expand services and programs to reach as many people with special needs as possible, giving each individual the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as those without disabilities.
Laradon serves nearly 700 individuals throughout the spectrum of age and ability, in 5 unique programs. Laradon's comprehensive services and broad array of programs provide each participant with the highest caliber of training, therapy and support so that they can be successful in reaching their full potential and thrive in a dynamic world.
Organization name
Laradon Hall Society for Exceptional Children and Adults
other names
Laradon, Laradon Hall Society
1948
Tax id (EIN)
84-0412621
Category
Human Services
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
5100 Lincoln StreetDenver County, CO, US