In 1992, the United Nations started the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, furthering their commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible and sustainable society. It’s a day dedicated to optimism, looking towards the future and a world where a person isn’t characterized by their disability but by their ability.

At FirstBank, 5.19% of our employees self-identify as an individual with disability. As diversity in the workplace remains one of our top priorities, we continue to cultivate an inclusive community. In addition, we have a handful of Officers and Directors that dedicate their servitude to various local nonprofits focused on helping people with disabilities.

Here’s 8 nonprofits and entities dedicated to promoting the well-being of people with disabilities. These organizations are also accepting donations on Colorado Gives Day at coloradogives.org, scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, and on Arizona Gives Day at azgives.org, scheduled for Tuesday, April 4.

Dream on 3

Dream on 3 is an organization that supports kids aged 5-21 facing life-altering conditions, mental health, and intellectual disabilities. It helps create experiences of joy, hope, and encouragement through the world of sports. Whether they dream of attending a professional golf tournament or being VIP at a Denver Nuggets game, Dream On 3 makes their sports Dream a reality.

Check out the video below to see a dream come true for our Northern Colorado Officer, Jake Sorrentino’s brother. 👇

The Arc of Arapahoe and Douglas County

Since 1955, The Arc of Arapahoe and Douglas County have provided services that promote the general welfare of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community outreach, public awareness, advocacy, and more. This organization is a local chapter of The Arc of the United States, a nationwide organization of 140,000 parents, consumers, and professionals.

The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin Counties

Like the Arc of Arapahoe and Douglas County, the Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin County also helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the power to achieve their dreams.

Development Pathways

Development Pathways supports individuals with developmental disabilities from early intervention and case management to community engagement. This organization also serves as one of Colorado’s Community Centered Boards (CCB), connecting people to federal, state, county, and private funding in the City of Aurora, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties.

Development Disabilities Resource Center

Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) helps to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the community. This organization serves over 3,700 children and adults across Jefferson, Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Summit counties. Some of the services include case management, resource coordination, personal care, mentoring, transportation, and more.

Special Olympics Colorado

The Special Olympics was founded in 1969 on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, learn, enjoy and benefit from individual and team sports. This organization has over 15,000 athletes, over 9,000 volunteers, and over 400,000 youth positively impacted statewide.

GiGi’s Playhouse Denver

In 2021, GiGi’s Playhouse Denver opened its doors to offer free educational, therapeutic, and career-building programs to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. GiGi’s is research-based curricula work towards advancing literacy, math skills, and more to help build self-esteem and prepare recipients for the workforce.  

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

Founded in 1947, the Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is dedicated to ending poverty through the power of work. By empowering individuals, they are, in turn, strengthening families and building stronger communities. Goodwill also diverts millions of pounds of material from Arizona landfills, giving them a second life through reuse or recycling.

While the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a great way to promote an understanding of disability issues, it’s not limited to one day a year. At FirstBank, we have an in-house committee dedicated to conceptualizing, developing, and implementing strategies to help bolster diversity, equity, and inclusion year-round.

Learn more about diversity efforts at FirstBank.

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