American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) – AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Phone: (202) 387-1968

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado – Catholic Charities engages with families experiencing poverty, social isolation, and housing instability in a strength-based relational model to help them with their unique needs and goals. We walk with clients from crisis and vulnerability to safe, stable, and thriving families. Catholic Charities offers resources such as pantry referrals, clothing closet, essential baby needs, laundry, shower and computer access, bus passes, family life coaching and more! 

Phone: (719) 475-7314

Colorado Department of Education: Office of Special Education – This office administers both the state’s Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for children with disabilities. This website is a resource for teachers, administrators, and parents of students with exceptional educational needs due to disability, or learners who are culturally and/or linguistically diverse or have some other special need. The Office of Special Education is one of three offices within the Exceptional Student Services Unit.

Cool C.A.T.S. (Children of All Types Succeeding) Club – The Cool C.A.T.S. (Children of All Types Succeeding) Club is an inclusive and adaptive program that hosts social events for families who have a loved one living with a disability. Some of these events include a cooking group, bowling, adapted movie theater groups, Mom and Dad’s group and more!!

Phone: 719-434-4115

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing – The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and  Financing oversees and operate Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus and other public health care programs for Coloradans who qualify.  Their mission is to improve health care equity, access and outcomes for the people we serve while saving Coloradans money on health care and driving value for Colorado.  

Help Autism Center – Help Autism Center supports families in finding resources such as autism diagnosis, therapy, and independent housing options. Additionally, they also raise awareness about the needs of people with autism and other disabilities and provide therapy dogs to individuals with special needs. 

Phone: (719) 301-6507

Mercy’s Gate – Mercy’s Gate provides crucial assistance to individuals and families experiencing crisis in El Paso County. Mercy’s Gate offers a food pantry and a variety of direct services to El Paso County residents—including rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, medical assistance, transportation assistance and clothing/household assistance.

Phone: (719) 277-7470

Personal Assistance Services of Colorado (PASCO) – PASCO helps clients live independently within their own homes and community with the caregiver of their choice.  PASCO provides extensive resources, educational seminars for family and caregivers as well as community events for clients and caregivers alike.

Phone: (719) 960-4995

The Independence Center – The Independence Center believes that each individual knows their own needs and what is best for them.  We walk alongside our consumers, offering support and resources while they create the lives they want.  These services include information and referral, skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, transition services and more!

Phone: (719) 471-8181

Autism Society of Colorado – Autism Society of Colorado connects people with Autism to the resources they need to live full, vibrant, self-actualized lives. We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.  

Phone: (720) 214-0794

Centro de la Familia – Welcome to Centro, a beacon of support and advocacy for the Spanish-speaking community. For over 30 years, we have dedicated ourselves to bridging the service gaps for the non-English speaking population, overcoming barriers rooted in language and culture. Centro de la Familia offers English classes as well.

Phone: (719) 227-9170

Colorado Shines – The State of Colorado offers a free search tool to help you find and research licensed child care programs in your community. We show you each program’s quality rating, licensing history, and monitoring reports to help you make the best decision for your family.  You can also contact the Colorado Shines Child Care Resource and Referral phone line  for free, personalized support with your child care search. 

Phone: (877) 338-2273

Crossfire Ministries – Crossfire is a no-cost grocery warehouse that reflects God’s love amid life’s tight places. You shop for the food, clothing and toiletries your family needs. Enjoy the freedom of shopping and the dignity of choice in our expanded no-cost shopping facility. And most of all, be welcomed as our guest. If interested, go to the website listed below and pre-register.  If you qualify, you will need to take them a photo ID and piece of mail with an address showing that you live in El Paso County.  

Phone: (719) 447-1806

Financial Resources and Discounts for Students with Disabilities – Coupon Follow carefully crafted this helpful guide to various financial resources, discounts and savings opportunities, and travel tips for students with disabilities. 

Maternal Child Health Program at El Paso County – The Maternal Child Health Program provides free resource navigation for children and young adults in El Paso County from birth to 21 and there are no eligibility requirements. They want every child to get the right services to meet their physical, behavioral, and mental health needs. The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program is committed to improving the health, development and well-being of children and youth with special health care needs through advocacy, education, and information resources.

Phone: (719) 578-3199

Mobile Food Pantry: Pikes Peak United Way – Come get food for you and your whole family at this drive-up style food pantry.  Thank you to Care and Share Food Bank for partnering with the Pikes Peak United Way! This happens every first and third Thursday of the month starting at 10:30 a.m. until the food runs out.  This takes place at Mitchell High School. 

Phone: (719) 632-1543

Special Kids, Special Families (SKSF) – The programs SKSF offer include children and family services which includes providing respite to families and daycare to children with disabilities and special needs, adult and senior services which includes a community day program and residential host home, and support and empowerment services which includes behavioral health, transportation, home care, Veterans support services and workforce development. 

Phone: (719) 447-8983

Dungarvin Colorado – Dungarvin provides a variety of individually tailored services and supports under the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver. Other services provided include day services, supported employment, case management, supported foster care, children’s services, respite care, host homes and support for persons with traumatic brain injury and mental health needs in several states.  Our quality services are flexible and responsive to individual needs and choices, while maintaining the fiscal integrity that ensures the long-term stability and security every person expects and deserves.

Phone: (719) 632-5205

Our House – Our House is a collaboration of supports that strives to give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to grow and express themselves as the unique individuals they are. The focus is to create an atmosphere of community while offering services that ensure safety, responsibility, and independence. Our House is a day habilitation program that centers around cultivating personal growth with daily living skills, social interaction, and community partnership.

Phone: (719) 477-0109

Mosaic – Mosaic recognizes that people with intellectual disabilities desire and deserve greater independence and closer ties to the community. By developing and expanding community connections, we create new social, volunteer and employment opportunities. Services include day services, employment skills, mental, behavioral health and autism services as well as supported living.

Phone: (719) 380-0451

Possibilities: Goodwill of Colorado – Goodwill’s Possibilities is a first-of-its-kind adult day program focused on person-centered skill development and community inclusion conducted in an innovative town setting. Possibilities recreates everyday living activities while encouraging safe and unlimited learning. 

Phone: (719) 635-4483

Early Intervention Colorado –The Early Intervention Colorado program through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood provides developmental support and services to families with children birth through 2 years of age who have developmental needs. Early Intervention (EI) services can help improve a child’s ability to develop and learn. The EI Colorado program provides services to help families support the developmental needs of their children.

Phone: (800) 799-5876

A Friend For Henry by Jenn Bailey – In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend—or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca – When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!

The Arc of Colorado Legislation Tracker – This link tracks all active legislation on the State level.

The Arc of the United States – The Arc of the United States leads the chapters of the Arc across the country. This is your hub for government and legislative updates, blogs, and resources.

Cedar Springs Hospital – Cedar Springs Hospital delivers services to individuals and families dealing with the ramifications of a psychiatric or substance use disorder.  Cedar Springs Hospital also has a program called, New Choices.  This program specializes in helping people recover from addiction, learn life skills, address substance abuse concerns, and co-occurring disorders. They also have child and adolescent programs as well as military programs. 

Phone: (719) 633-4114

Dental Lifeline Network – Dental Lifeline Network provides comprehensive dental care to adults with special needs across the United States. These patients receive care through the generosity of a network of volunteer dentists and laboratories.

Phone: (303) 524-5360

Health First Colorado – Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health care to eligible Colorado residents. You can apply for Health First Colorado at any time of the year.  

Phone: (800) 221-3943

Peak View Behavioral Health – Peak View Behavioral Health provides affordable and effective care for someone dealing with mental health or addiction issues.  They accept admissions 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  

Phone: 1-888-235-9475

Charlie Health – Charlie Health’s intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for those who need more than one-time-per-week therapy.  Our IOP consists of curated and customized groups, individualized therapy, and family therapy. Charlie Health provides services through a virtual and accessible platform. Charlie Health also consists of skills-based and creative arts therapy, trauma informed curriculum and free support groups. 

Phone: (719) 238-4225

Clinical Outreach Manager: daniel.burks@charliehealth.com

Diversus Health – Diversus Health is dedicated to providing counseling, behavioral health, mental health, and crisis support services in Colorado.  We serve communities in El Paso, Park, and Teller County, including Colorado Springs, Bailey and Woodland Park. 

Phone: (719) 572-6100

JFK Partners at CU Anschutz Medical Campus – JFK Partners mission is to lead the way in evidence-based interdisciplinary clinical care, education, research, and community partnerships to enrich the lives of children, youth, and adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and special health care needs.

Phone: (303) 724-5266

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) – At DVR, we believe that anyone with a disability who wants to work, can work, regardless of the type or severity of their disability. We provide a wide variety of individualized services for people with disabilities. These services may allow you to reach your employment goals and live independently. Services can include: benefits planning, vocational guidance and counseling, short or long term training, job seeking skills, job development and job coaching, assistive technology and needed accommodations to participate with DVR and on the job.

Phone: (719) 635-3585

School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) – The School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) is designed to provide employment-related assistance to youth and young adults with disabilities, who are experiencing mild to moderate barriers to employment. SWAP provides assistance that not only produces a desirable employment outcome, but also teaches appropriate job seeking and job retention skills that can be utilized throughout a lifetime. 

Phone: (719) 570-7474

Achilles Pikes Peak – Achilles Kids provides training and race opportunities for children with disabilities.  While their programs focus on running, the main objective has always been to bring hope, inspiration, and the joys of achievement to all.  Achilles Pikes Peak transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. If interested, they meet every Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Colorado Running Company for about an hour.  You can take a look at what they do by also looking at their Facebook page, Pikes Peak Non Profit Organization. 

Phone: 828-712-3737

Contact Brandon Stapanowich at achillespikespeak@gmail.com 

Phone: (719) 634-4173

Special Olympics – The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Phone: (719) 650-5918

Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP) – The Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP) provides opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to acquire skills that enable them to participate in leisure experiences of their choice and enhance their abilities to function within a community setting. It is the goal of the Therapeutic Recreation Program to provide a positive, safe, and fun recreation experience for all individuals. 

Phone: (719) 385-6953

Widefield Recreation Center – Widefield School District 3 residents receive a discount.  There are also daily admission rates for non members.  Membership/daily rate includes access to group fitness classes, indoor/outdoor track, gymnasium, training areas, fitness rooms, children’s center and open swim sessions.  

Phone: (719) 391-3515

CHS Martial Arts – This intro level of TaeKwondo will teach while training in balance: Training rules, home rules, counting to 10 in Korean, basic Korean martial arts terms for those on the Spectrum plus!  Class is every Wednesday and Friday 4:00-4:45 p.m. Punch card to participate is $75.00.

Email: master.chae@chsmartialarts.org

Fountain Parks and Recreation Department – The City of Fountain Parks and Recreation Department offers numerous youth sports including baseball, softball, tee-ball, soccer, flag football, basketball, and volleyball.  They also offer co-ed adult sports for ages 16 and older that include volleyball, kickball and softball.  

Phone: (719) 322-2026

PRIDE Panthers Top Soccer Program – TOPS Panthers is a program created by the Pride Soccer Club to teach athletes with Special Needs about the most popular sport in the world, SOCCER! Each practice is specifically designed for the enjoyment, safety, education, and success of Special Needs Athletes in Colorado Springs. Each session will introduce TOPS Panthers Soccer Players and UCCS Players from our community. Top Soccer is offered in the spring and fall of each year!

Phone: (719) 597-6700

The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department – The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department has many recreation programs and activities.  You can register for Active Adults (55+), Adaptive Recreation, Adult Sports, Arts, Culture and History, Camps, Health and Wellness, Youth and Teen Programs, and Youth Sports by going to the registration platform.

Phone: (719) 385-2489

We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym – We Rock the Spectrum provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. They offer classes that cater to children of all abilities.  They offer open play time as well as respite and break time care.  This is for children aged infant and up. 

YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region – We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable.  At the Y, we measure the success of our cause by how well we engage communities in our three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. There are 14 locations in the Pikes Peak Region. 

Phone: (719) 473-9622

Colorado Talking Book Library – Colorado Talking Book Library provides audio, Braille and large print books for people who can’t read standard print.  This helps people stay connected to reading, stories and adventure!

Phone: (303) 727-9277

Pikes Peak Library District – The Pikes Peak Library District cultivates spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities. They provide various programming and support for children ages 0-5, school aged children, teens & tweens and 18+ beyond! They strive to make their physical and digital spaces safe and respectful for diverse voices, perspectives, and pursuits; to foster community dialogue and connections; and help people achieve their goals and dreams in life. 

Phone: (719) 531-6333

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through Pikes Peak United Way –  Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five.This is a free book gifting program for young children. You can sign up by using the link below.  If there are questions, please use the phone number listed below.    

Phone: (719) 955-0768

The KENNA Foundation – The KENNA Foundation provides individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with access to vital healthcare and community resources and to eliminate health disparities, improve access to excellent, affordable healthcare and social services, and reduce burnout for individuals with developmental disabilities, their immediate caregivers, and siblings regardless of financial resources. The P.A.C.K.S. grant program through KENNA can fill gaps in care not covered by insurance or other government programs to enrich and transform lives of those living with developmental disabilities.  

Phone: (719) 639-8396

Good Health Will – Good Health Will has two Colorado locations in Loveland and Greeley that are open to the public.  Their mission is to provide the community with affordable healthcare equipment, while also helping our planet by recycling!  There is no application process, no referral, or appointment necessary. 

Phone: (970) 624-6002 (Loveland store) 

Numotion – Numotion is the nation’s largest and leading provider of products and services to help individuals with mobility limitations maximize their health, personal independence, and actively participate in everyday life. Numotion works with clinicians and health plans to serve people living with disabilities. 

Phone: (719) 520-5577

Army Community Services: Fort Carson – Regardless of what stage of life you and or your family are in, Army Community Service helps to make Army life successful. If you are new to the Fort Carson Colorado area, make sure to stop in and pick up a welcome packet, get maps and directions about the local area and meet our professional staff. ACS offers classes on parenting, finances, relationships, volunteerism, exceptional family members, and much more. Our programs and services are designed to improve your quality of life.

Phone: (719) 526-4590

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Fort Carson – The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides comprehensive support to Family members with special needs. An Exceptional Family Member is a Family member with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling, and meets the eligibility criteria. EFMP takes an all-inclusive approach to coordinating military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help Soldiers and their Families with special needs.

Phone: (719) 526-0452

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Peterson Air Force – EFMP assists families with special needs by helping them identify and navigate programs and services.  This includes but is not limited to: information and referral for military and community services, education and outreach, development of family service plans, referral to other military and family support providers, local school and early intervention services information, warm handoffs to EFMP at the next location and non-clinical case management. 

Phone: (719) 566-6141

Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs – The Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs is dedicated to providing resource assistance for individuals with cerebral palsy or other neuromotor disorders and their families. We offer assistance for both children and adults with cerebral palsy in the Pikes Peak region. Our services range from equipment loans and financial assistance to hosting community events. They have an equipment lending closet which is filled with donated equipment that they lend out to individuals and their families free of charge. These loans can be short-term or long-term depending on the unique situation and needs.

Phone: (719) 638-0808

Family Voices – Family Voices CO provides public awareness of challenges and barriers; helps families navigate healthcare systems and understand their rights and resources; and works to improve health equity, access, and quality of care.

Phone: (719) 886-1686

Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association – The Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association has a mission to inform and empower families while promoting community awareness of the dignity, promise, and potential of all people with Down syndrome. The CSDSA is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization serving Colorado Springs and its surrounding communities. They provide monthly events as well.  They also provide resources and information for new and expectant parents of a child with Down Syndrome. 

Phone: (719) 633-1133

The Resource Exchange (TRE) – The Resource Exchange (TRE) partners with children and adults who have a variety of disabilities, delays, mental health or long-term care needs.  They coordinate care and collaborate with community partners.  If you are not connected to TRE yet, please contact them to get connected and see what services they can offer. 

Phone: (719) 380-1100

Ability Connection Colorado: Parent to Parent – Parent to Parent of Colorado (P2P-CO) ignites hope and empowers caregivers by fostering peer support through an inclusive, parent-led community, enhancing the quality of life for themselves and for their loved ones with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Parent to Parent was launched to further connect families and provide a vast array of resources for parents and professionals

Phone: (877) 472-7201

Colorado Legal Services – If you qualify, and they have resources to help, you will receive free legal assistance.  This could include advice from an attorney about your problem, assistance filing your own case in court and full representation in your court case.  For a faster response, please call in using the phone number below or walk in during walk in hours.  

Phone: (719) 471-0380

Family Success Center: Pikes Peak United Way – The mission of the Pikes Peak United Way Family Success Center is to serve the entire family and empower community members to become financially stable, grow, and accomplish their goals.  Families can enroll at the website listed below.  They offer food pantries, classes to teach you tips and tricks for starting your own business, Operation School Bell, access to services provided by local, state and federal governments, financial coaches, free adult education classes, GED and literacy classes, free career counseling, skills training and resume prep services and parent empowerment sessions. 

Phone: (719) 632-1543

Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) – The Exceptional Student Services Unit at CDE plans conferences throughout the year that are family-centered and designed to offer support, information, and education to parents and professionals who are Colorado residents. Parents Encouraging Parents (abbreviated as PEP,) are non-specific disability conferences based on commonalities, not diagnoses. Get on the PEP mailing list by going to their website (see below).  Topics often discussed are parenting a child with a disability and rebuilding dreams, the law and the education of children with disabilities, living with a disability, early childhood supports and services, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the Transition IEP. 

Phone: (720) 237-4600

Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 –The Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 is a free, confidential and multilingual phone service that navigates the complex maze of health and human service providers.  A trained information specialist utilizes a database of thousands of resources including federal, state and local government agencies, private nonprofits, and faith and community-based organizations.  Services include food assistance, housing and shelter, health services, basic needs, crisis resources and more! 

Phone: (719) 632-1543

Colorado Council for Learning Disabilities – The Colorado Council for Learning Disabilities provides resources to support a collaborative effort between general education, special education, families, and related professionals. Their mission is to advocate for inclusive education and provide support for individuals with learning disabilities. 

DragonFly Landing Family Services – DragonFly Landing Family Services is a Human Services agency dedicated to shifting the model in which youth and families are receiving support services in El Paso County.  Far too many families are desperately attempting to navigate a multitude of varied services for their family members.  Parents and caregivers are left trying to integrate the plans for services without support or full understanding of the human services systems.  They offer employment assistance (interview prep, etc), housing assistance (application help, etc), navigating health systems, parenting classes, budgeting assistance and more!

Phone: (719) 660-5798

Labeled and Loved – Labeled and Loved’s mission is to embrace and strengthen families with disabilities by providing connective experiences and educational resources for the primary caretaker igniting personal growth and systemic change within our community. We have a goal to have no parent of a special needs child feel alone and isolated on their journey. 

PEAK Parent Center – PEAK Parent Center is an organization that has been serving families and self-advocates across the State of Colorado, and beyond, since 1986! PEAK Parent Center works every day to ensure that all people with disabilities are fully included in their neighborhood schools, communities, employment, and all walks of life. PEAK teaches parents, students, educators, and professionals the skills they need to successfully educate students with all types of disabilities and abilities. The topics include identifying collaboration approaches, learning strategies, and many other helpful tips!

Phone: (719) 531-9400

Your Future Matters – Your Future Matters is dedicated to empowering individuals through free community workshops focused on financial literacy and personal growth. Our mission is to educate and support participants in essential areas such as finances, real estate, insurance, investing, retirement planning, health, and wellness. We believe that informed communities lead to brighter futures, and we strive to provide valuable resources and knowledge that inspire confidence and informed decision-making for a prosperous life. Join us in taking charge of your future!

Phone: (719) 464-1278

Pikes Peak State College Accessibility Services – Pikes Peak State College Accessibility Services strongly believes in diversity as an integral part of society and our college community.  It is our mission and commitment to assist students with disabilities to self-advocate for equitable access to their academic environment. Accessibility services provide classroom and testing accommodations with both temporary and long term disabilities. 

Phone: (719) 502-3333

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) Disability Services – UCCS provides institution-wide advisement, consultation, and training on disability-related topics, including legal and regulatory compliance, universal design, and disability scholarship.  UCCS Disability Services collaborates with the campus community to identify and remove attitudinal, physical, and digital barriers to foster an all-inclusive campus.

Phone: (719) 255-3653

idilwood@uccs.edu Ida Dilwood, Director 

IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education – The mission of IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education is to create inclusive college opportunities in Colorado for students with intellectual disabilities to foster academic growth, social development, greater independence, and career advancement. 

Contact Elise: (720) 675-9139

UCCS: Office of Inclusive Services – The UCCS Office of Inclusive Services supports students with intellectual disabilities to attend college alongside their peers without disabilities. Students receiving services are working toward a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate and participate in internship and employment experiences.  Students will be included in clubs and participate in campus activities. 

Phone: (719) 255-4214

Adventures Out West Jeep Tour – Adventures Out West, a local adventure outfitter and guide company, now offers a wheelchair accessible Jeep.  Guests can experience tours through Garden Of the Gods without mobility barriers.  The ADA wheelchair accessible Jeep is equipped with state of the art suspension and ergonomic seating, as well as a lift up into the Jeep.  

Phone: (719) 578-0935

Bear Creek: Visually Impaired Persons Trail – Bear Creek Nature Center is also home to a V.I.P. (visually impaired persons) Trail that was unveiled in 2023. Visitors with varying visual impairments can now better experience nature and the existing Songbird Trail. The trail section is a flat, wide boardwalk with interpretive signs along the way with information about flora and fauna found along the trail. A braided rope guides users to interactive signs, prompting the use of a Pen Friend audio device that reads signs aloud to users. The V.I.P .trail is open to the public during park hours, is free and does not require reservations. However, the Pen Friends are only available during Bear Creek Nature Center hours.

Colorado Springs Airport/Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Organization – The Colorado Springs Airport has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization to bring its Sunflower Lanyard program to COS. (Watch this 45-second short video to learn more about the program. ) The program helps people with hidden disabilities discreetly inform others – through the use of a Sunflower printed lanyard – that they have a disability that may not be readily apparent. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower indicates to anyone approaching – especially those in customer service roles – a person wearing one of these items that the person may need more assistance and that their patience is appreciated.

Travelers may ask for a lanyard at the Airport’s Information Booth and determine for themselves when to wear them. Anyone who feels they have a hidden disability can request one. There are no prerequisites for asking for or wearing an item. When someone working at the airport sees someone wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower-branded lanyard, they will then know that this person may need extra assistance/patience.

Phone: (719) 550-1900

iFly Colorado Springs – iFLY’s All Abilities Program offers those with physical or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to indoor skydive. They offer proper accommodations for specific disabilities with a highly-trained, world-class iFLY instructor.

Safe Splash – At SafeSplash Colorado Springs, they believe every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and safety of swimming.  The Adaptive Aquatics Program in Colorado Springs is designed to meet the unique needs of swimmers with physical, sensory, or developmental challenges.   Through individualized lesson plans and compassionate instruction, they help children build water safety skills, confidence and strength all in a safe and supportive environment. 

Phone: (719) 900-2550

Air City 360 – Air City 360 is an award winning adventure park and indoor play area.  Every Monday from 3:00PM-8:00PM, along with the general public open jump, Air City 360 is offering the community with special needs children/young adults an opportunity to come and play at their pace. They also offer a room for needs and offer sensory items! There is an in person discount for these families so everyone can join in the fun! 

Phone: (719) 653-3176

CityROCK – CityROCK, an indoor rock-climbing gym in Downtown Colorado Springs, has an adaptive climbing team. The team is for people with physical, emotional, social and/or cognitive disabilities who are eager to try something new. Volunteers and coaches provide climbers with one-on-one time to promote skill development. This program requires registration in advance. You can find additional information, including costs and dates, here.

Phone: (729) 634-9099

El Paso Trailability Program –The Trailability Program at Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers utilizes “Terrain Hoppers” or off-road mobility vehicles that allow members of the El Paso County community and visiting guests with disabilities to experience trails previously inaccessible to them.

The 1-3-mile trails will take participants through the varying foothills and wetlands habitats, accompanied by their friends and family as well as a Nature Center volunteer or staff member. Participation in the Trailability Program is completely free! Reservations for 2025 will be offered May 1-October 31 at both Nature Centers, morning and afternoon.

Play Street Museum – Your kids will have a blast exploring the Great Outdoors through interactive exhibits and educational play space. Their awesome adventure begins with kid-themed activities where they can pretend and imagine endless adventures in our tree house & campsite. Adults are welcome to join in the fun or sit back and relax while their children discover a world that is just their size in the interactive children’s museum. Grab a spot and join us at Play Street Museum Colorado Springs for some sensory friendly playtime! During this time, sensory stimuli is limited so kiddos can enjoy the museum without feeling overwhelmed!  This time is offered on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30PM – 2:00PM. Maximum of 12 children.

Phone: (719) 377-9779

Chuck E. Cheese – Chuck E. Cheese is proud to support families who have children with autism and other special needs. Through our Sensory Sensitive Sundays program, they are able to offer families a quieter dining and entertainment environment, dimmed lighting and a sensory-friendly arcade experience. The sensory-friendly events also include a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled time! The restaurant will open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to offer a sensory-friendly experience for families. First Sunday of the month, 9AM – 11AM.

Phone: (719) 577-7403

Envida – Envida provides transportation and not just for medical appointments!  The first step is to complete the application process.  Applications can be found on the website. You will then receive a call to determine eligibility. There is a small fee for transportation. 

Phone: (719) 633-4677

Goodwheels – Goodwill of Colorado’s GoodWheels transportation service helps you get to places that are important to you, like medical appointments, to the pharmacy, to run errands, even to the airport. We transport anyone, anywhere, and we specialize in transporting clients who use bariatric wheelchairs. The dispatch line is open Monday-Saturday from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Phone: (719) 442-2077