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A few extras Additional Resources Crisis Resource Guide A starting place for families of children and youth with disabilities who are worried about housing, food, money, transportation, or other financial needs. Dispute Resolution Process For families and members when there is a disagreement with the case manager about a member’s service authorization.

Quick Guides Fast Facts Information Sheets Fast Facts: Health first Colorado (Medicaid), CHP+, & Children's buy-in income limits View Download Fast Facts: Resources: Colorado Educational and Disability Specific View Download Fast Facts: Resources: State, County, and Disability Organizations View Download

Community First Choice And other upcoming Changes Community First Choice Toolkit View Download CFC for Waiver Members Info Sheets Children's Waivers Adult Waivers Recorded Q&A Sessions View Download Slides

VOIX DE FAMILLE COLORADO Parlant au nom des enfants et des jeunes ayant des besoins spéciaux en matière de soins de santé NOTRE MISSION Faire du Colorado un meilleur endroit pour les enfants ayant des besoins spéciaux en matière de soins de santé. SUR Voix de la famille Colorado Family Voices Colorado est une organisation de base dirigée par des parents d'enfants ayant des besoins de santé spéciaux. Chaque jour, nous donnons aux parents les informations et les connaissances dont ils ont besoin pour naviguer dans des systèmes de soins de santé complexes afin d'obtenir des choses comme des fauteuils roulants, de l'oxygène ou une chirurgie pour leurs enfants. Avec notre aide, les parents peuvent être les héros sur lesquels comptent leurs enfants ! Vous voulez en savoir plus sur la façon dont Family Voices Colorado peut vous aider, vous et votre famille ? Apprendre encore plus CE QUE NOUS FAISONS Family Voices offre de nombreux services de soutien aux jeunes ayant des besoins médicaux spéciaux et à leurs familles. Lisez ci-dessous certains des services que nous offrons aux familles Voir les services La navigation Family Voices Colorado comprend à la fois les systèmes de soins de santé et d'invalidité privés et publics.Et nous reconnaissons leur complexité. Nous aidons les famillesnaviguer assurance maladie publique ou privée, soins primaires ou spécialistes médicaux, dérogations HCBS (services à domicile et communautaires), intervention précoce, services en milieu scolaire, conseils communautaires, problèmes de tutelle, transition des services de soins pédiatriques aux services de soins pour adultes ou autres systèmes connexes Apprendre encore plus Éducation et ressources Nous proposons des formations pour les familles, les professionnels et autres sur une gamme de sujets, notamment : Aide médicale 101 (HCBS) Dérogations aux services à domicile et communautaires - Enfants et adultes Appels des assurances privées et publiques Modèle de soins en maison médicale Mobilisation familiale Financement Naviguer dans les systèmes de soins Et beaucoup plus... Learn More Plaidoyer Family Voices CO écoute les familles et comprend les défis auxquels elles sont confrontées. Nous recueillons des histoires de famille à partager avec les législateurs des États et d'autres décideurs sur la manière dont les lois ou réglementations proposées sont susceptibles d'affecter les jeunes et les familles que nous servons, et nous collaborons avec d'autres organisations de défense des droits pour informer et mobiliser le public. Learn More Politique Nous collaborons régulièrement avec les ARC, le Colorado Center on Law and Policy, la Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, la Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved, la Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, les Community Centered Boards, Covering Kids & Les familles et les agents de liaison des départements de la politique et du financement des soins de santé et de la santé publique et du département de la santé et de l'environnement du Colorado, pour travailler à des changements de politique visant à améliorer les systèmes et les services pour les enfants et les jeunes ayant des besoins spéciaux en matière de soins de santé. Learn More COMMENT VOUS POUVEZ AIDER Family Voices offre gratuitement des services d'information et d'orientation. Nous ne refusons jamais quelqu'un qui a besoin de notre aide. Les familles et les prestataires comptent sur nous pour être là pour eux. Nous comptons sur VOUS pour nous aider à continuer à rendre nos services accessibles à tous ceux qui en ont besoin. DONATE Contact LETS CHAT Contact Us info@familyvoicesco.org 303-877-1747 Fill out our New Client Intake Form General Inquiries First name* Last name Email* Phone Write a message File upload Upload File Submit

Find more help Agencies & Resource Organizations Ability Connection Colorado Service Name Service Name Service Name Service Name Service Name

A webinar Series Caregiver Conversations join our upcoming sessions June 4th, 2026 Direct Care Services Calculator August 6th, 2026 CDASS Register Catch-up on previous sessions on our Youtube Channel YouTube Playlist January 2025 - Summer Programs February 2025 - Adult Medicaid Programs March 2025 - IEP Process and Rights April 2025 - Earning Money May 2025 - Saving Money June 2025 - Community First Choice August 2025 - CDASS vs IHSS vs Agency October 2025 - Succession Planning November 2025 - HCBS Waivers December 2025 - Guardianship & Supported Decision Making February 2026 - Medicaid Rule Making Process March 2026 - Medicaid Changes

Family Coalition Better Together The Family Coalition is a new entity in the policy arena, representing Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) and disabilities. The Family Coalition is made up of five grassroots organizations who focus on the rights of families and their beloved family members with disabilities. We all share a common vision and values. This coalition strives to be the “go to” for policy makers and families with children and youth with disabilities in the State of Colorado. Coloado Agencies & Resources Disabiliy spcific Org What we can do for you: We are a resource We can provide testimony on the State Level and the Federal Level We can organize studies and research, related to CYSHCN. Our policy focus is ages 0-26 If we cannot help you, we will aim you the right direction to get a resource and/or an organization that can provide help Our Vision: The voices of families and individuals with disabilities are heard, valued, and respected. Our Values: Family-led Authentic Partnership Shared Knowledge The Family Coalition strives to be the “go to” for families with Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and disabilities, throughout the state of Colorado. Who We Are: El Grupo Vida El Grupo Vida empowers Spanish speaking families, including immigrants with disabilities and their families, with information, training, and direct advocacy to help become more self-sufficient and give that community a voice, raising awareness about their rights. Resource Center and Training Community Navigation Support Groups and Conferences Family Voices Colorado Family Voice CO works to improve health care access and equity for children and youth with special health care needs. 1:1 Systems Navigation for Families and Professionals Education and Training on Healthcare and Disability Systems Policy Work to Improve the Systems that Serve CYSHCN Parent to Parent Colorado Parent to Parent of Colorado works to connect families of individuals with disabilities to peer support. One-to-one Trained Support Parent Matching Private Online Discussion Group for Caregivers Virtual Support groups & Books Clubs Peak Parent Center As a result of PEAK’s services to families and professionals, children and adults with disabilities will live rich, active lives participating as full members of their schools and communities. Parent Training & Information Center/Parent Advising & Support Personal Networks for Transition Through Education Building Inclusive Schools & Communities for Families Show and Tell Show and Tell informs and empowers ALL families particularly BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) families to speak on behalf of their children who have disabilities so they can become contributing members of their community. One-to-One Parent Advising Workshops and Trainings Informative Bi-weekly Newsletter

Next: Preparing for CFC

We grow with you Life Stage Transition Resources Background Transition Guide by Life Stage Transition Checklist PDF Transition Guide by Age Backgroud Navigating Health Care Transitions Background: A New Challenge Over the last 30 years, the transition from pediatric to adult health care providers and systems has become a pressing issue for families of young people with special health care needs. Thanks to advances in medical treatment, the survival rate for youth with special health care needs has improved tremendously, and life expectancy continues to rise. While all this is good news, it poses new challenges for the healthcare system, as well as school systems and other services. Finding adult health care providers who are experienced and willing to accept emerging youth with complex needs can be difficult, and youth are often unprepared to manage their health care and gain increased independence. Advance preparation and partnering with your healthcare providers can assist in a successful pediatric to adult health care transition. Transition Guide by Life Stage Life Skills for Emerging Adults Family Involvement School Career Planning Health & Health Coverage Life Skills for Emerging Adults Age 10-14: Order meals at restaurants independently Pay for items at the store independently Learn how to use a cell phone and carry one, if applicable Find adult mentor/role model with similar disability Talk about your dreams for the future with the people you care about and ask for their help Increase independence of Activities of Daily Living (ex: dressing, feeding, bathing, toileting, etc.) Age 15-17: Arrive on time to appointments, work, & activities Carry state ID card or driver’s license and a copy of health insurance card Schedule your own appointments Think about future living arrangements Carry a cell phone, if applicable Work on self-advocacy in meetings and appointments Seek care from adults other than parents so that you learn to interact with new people and communicate needs to others Attend a sleep-away camp to foster independence Teach teen how to handle emergency vs. non-emergency medical situations Discuss vocational training vs. post-secondary education Special Needs Trust, if applicable Age 18: Register to vote Males: Must register for draft Plan future living arrangements Carry a cell phone, if applicable Prepare your “elevator speech” about your diagnosis for providers, therapists, teachers, etc. Obtain a passport, if desired Work on self-advocacy in meetings and appointments Seek care from adults other than parents so that you learn to interact with new people and communicate needs to others Age 19-21: Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Carry a cell phone, if applicable Bring together people you care about to plan with you and help you reach your goals (Person-Centered Planning) Practice self-advocacy in interactions with doctors and professionals Seek care from adults other than parents so that you learn to interact with new people and communicate needs to others Talk about your dreams for the future with the people you care about and ask for their help Age 22-26: Take on as many independent living responsibilities as able Maintain friendships & social life Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Create list of necessities for emergency preparedness (medication, equipment, supplies, etc.) Carry a cell phone, if applicable Bring together people you care about to plan with you and help you reach your goals Practice self-advocacy in interactions with doctors and professionals Talk about your dreams for the future with the people you care about and ask for their help Family Involvement Age 10-14: Discuss child’s hopes & dreams Have child help with chores to teach living skills Discuss sexuality & family planning issues Open bank account for child and discuss money and budgeting Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Develop family plan of what to do in case of emergency Set up a Special Needs Trust, if applicable Talk about end-of-life plans with family Facilitate opportunities for your child to make his or her own choices and decisions Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) Age 15-17: Create opportunities to test independence of youth in a safe environment Explore public transportation together or use a community resource to learn about transportation to increase independence Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) Assist youth in connecting with an adult mentor/role model with a similar disability Age 18: Discuss representative payee & guardianship Assist teen with living options Discuss vocational training vs. post-secondary education Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Determine guardianship, Medical Durable Power of Attorney, or conservatorship Explore Special Needs Trust, if applicable Facilitate opportunities for your child to make his or her own choices and decisions Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) Assist youth in connecting with an adult mentor/role model with a similar disability Age 19-21: Plan future living arrangements Develop a long-term financial plan Discuss vocational training vs. post-secondary education Determine guardianship, Medical Durable Power of Attorney, or conservatorship Explore/set up Special Needs Trust, if applicable Support independent choices Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) Age 22-26: Determine guardianship, Medical Durable Power of Attorney, or conservatorship Establish Special Needs Trust, if applicable Encourage increased & ongoing independence Discuss “End of Life” planning for all family members Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) School Age 10-14: Incorporate transition planning into last middle school IEP because it will follow student to high school Update IEP as often as necessary, at least once per school year All IEP requests should be in writing to the school district and special educationdepartment Support student to engage in middle school and high school classes and extra-curricular activities related to their interests and strengths If assistive technology (AT) device is needed at school, make sure it is written into IEP Parents: get involved in child’s school to create partnerships and build relationships Age 15-17: At 15, incorporate first transition goal into IEP Update IEP/ transition goals as often as necessary, at least once per school year Student attends own IEP meeting to work on self-advocacy Transition goals should be individualized to student’s interests Decide on transition program with vocational training vs. graduation and higher education Support student to engage in classes and extra-curricular activities related to their interests and strengths Age 18: Update IEP/ transition goals as often as necessary, at least once per school year Attend your own IEP and work on self-advocacy All IEP requests should be in writing to the school district and special education department Transition goals should be individualized to student’s interests Can walk at graduation with high school class if graduating or if utilizing school transition services Age 19-21: Update IEP/ transition goals as often as necessary, at least once per school year Attend your own IEP and work on self-advocacy Transition goals should be individualized to student’s interests At 21, complete school transition services Begin post-secondary education, if desired Utilize 504 Plan (ADA) to receive accommodations in college and work Age 22-26: Continue in post-secondary school, if desired 504 Plan can be utilized in college to receive accommodations Stay involved with continuing education or certificate programs, if applicable to career path Career Planning Age 10-14: Start thinking about & researching possible career interests: take advantage of career fairs, job shadowing opportunities Volunteer in a variety of environments Age 15-17: Begin job shadowing Practice completing job applications Develop a résumé or video résumé Work summer job, if applicable Volunteer in a variety of environments Learn about a variety of career opportunities based on your interests and strengths Remember to think outside the box! Age 18: Continue job exploration/ job training Work summer job, if applicable Volunteer in a variety of environments Complete résumé and/or video résumé Find opportunities to connect with career interests Age 19-21: Determine vocational direction & apply to job postings Continue volunteering to learn about opportunities and to network Learn to self-advocate for accommodations in the work environment Look into work incentive programs through SSA Age 22-26: Continue work or apply for jobs matching interests & skills Volunteer, if time permits Learn to self-advocate for accommodations in the work environment Apply for jobs If not able to work, make plans for daily activities & community involvement Health/Health Coverage Age 10-14: Ask questions at doctor appointments Obtain EPSDT services from Healthy Communities, if on Medicaid Build relationships with your medical providers Create a list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Ask for care coordinator through insurance to help with services and needs Learn more about your health & health care needs Develop a portable medical summary including medications Develop a family medical history Age 15-17: Establish plan for adult medical services & obtain referrals Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity for use with insurance, therapies, SSA, and other systems Learn more about your medical background Schedule medical appointments independently Learn to refill prescriptions independently Age 18: Switch to adult medical providers Obtain EPSDT services through age 20, if on Medicaid Apply for adult SSI in order to keep Medicaid, if applicable Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Have an understanding of medical background & needs Update Letter of Medical Necessity with current abilities and needs Update portable medical summary Age 19-21: Build relationships with adult medical providers EPSDT services through age 20 (dental & vision coverage ends at 18 if on Medicaid) Dental and vision care can be written into DD service plans Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Assume responsibility for health care needs (make appointments, fill prescriptions, manage medication) Update Letter of Medical Necessity with current abilities and needs Age 22-26: At 26 yrs old, adult is no longer eligible for parent’s health insurance (unless negotiated with private carrier) Build relationships with adult medical providers Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Obtain updated Letter of Medical Necessity with current abilities and needs, as needed Lif SKills forEmerging Adults Career Plannig Health and Health Coverae Transito by life School Family Involvement Transition Guide by Age Age 10-14: Awareness Age 15-17: Exploration Age 18: Preparation Age 19-21: Education/Training Age 22-26: Career Transiton by Ag Age 10-14: Awareness Start Transition! Life Skills for Emerging Adults Order meals at restaurants independently Pay for items at the store independently Learn how to use a cell phone and carry one, if applicable Find adult mentor/role model with similar disability Talk about your dreams for the future with the people you care about and ask for their help Increase independence of Activities of Daily Living (ex: dressing, feeding, bathing, toileting, etc.) Family Involvement Discuss child’s hopes & dreams Have child help with chores to teach living skills Discuss sexuality & family planning issues Open bank account for child and discuss money and budgeting Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Develop family plan of what to do in case of emergency Set up a Special Needs Trust, if applicable Talk about end-of-life plans with family Facilitate opportunities for your child to make his or her own choices and decisions Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) School Incorporate transition planning into last middle school IEP because it will follow student to high school Update IEP as often as necessary, at least once per school year All IEP requests should be in writing to the school district and special education department Support student to engage in middle school and high school classes and extra-curricular activities related to their interests and strengths If assistive technology (AT) device is needed at school, make sure it is written into IEP Parents: get involved in child’s school to create partnerships and build relationships Career Planning Start thinking about & researching possible career interests: take advantage of career fairs, job shadowing opportunities Volunteer in a variety of environments Health/ Health Coverage Ask questions at doctor appointments Obtain EPSDT services from Healthy Communities, if on Medicaid Build relationships with your medical providers Create a list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Ask for care coordinator through insurance to help with services and needs Learn more about your health & health care needs Develop a portable medical summary including medications Develop a family medical history Age 15-17: Exploration Explore Interests and Talents! Life Skills for Emerging Adults Arrive on time to appointments, work, & activities Carry state ID card or driver’s license and a copy of health insurance card Schedule your own appointments Think about future living arrangements Carry a cell phone, if applicable Work on self-advocacy in meetings and appointments Seek care from adults other than parents so that you learn to interact with new people and communicate needs to others Attend a sleep-away camp to foster independence Teach teen how to handle emergency vs. non-emergency medical situations Discuss vocational training vs. post-secondary education Special Needs Trust, if applicable Family Involvement Create opportunities to test independence of youth in a safe environment Explore public transportation together or use a community resource to learn about transportation to increase independence Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) Assist youth in connecting with an adult mentor/role model with a similar disability School At 15, incorporate first transition goal into IEP Update IEP/ transition goals as often as necessary, at least once per school year Student attends own IEP meeting to work on self-advocacy Transition goals should be individualized to student’s interests Decide on transition program with vocational training vs. graduation and higher education Support student to engage in classes and extra-curricular activities related to their interests and strengths Career Planning Begin job shadowing Practice completing job applications Develop a résumé or video résumé Work summer job, if applicable Volunteer in a variety of environments Learn about a variety of career opportunities based on your interests and strengths Remember to think outside the box! Health/ Health Coverage Establish plan for adult medical services & obtain referrals Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity for use with insurance, therapies, SSA, and other systems Learn more about your medical background Schedule medical appointments independently Learn to refill prescriptions independently Age 18: Preparation Welcome to Adulthood! Life Skills for Emerging Adults Register to vote Males: Must register for draft Plan future living arrangements Carry a cell phone, if applicable Prepare your “elevator speech” about your diagnosis for providers, therapists, teachers, etc. Obtain a passport, if desired Work on self-advocacy in meetings and appointments Seek care from adults other than parents so that you learn to interact with new people and communicate needs to others Family Involvement Discuss representative payee & guardianship Assist teen with living options Discuss vocational training vs. post-secondary education Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Determine guardianship, Medical Durable Power of Attorney, or conservatorship Explore Special Needs Trust, if applicable Facilitate opportunities for your child to make his or her own choices and decisions Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) Assist youth in connecting with an adult mentor/role model with a similar disability School Update IEP/ transition goals as often as necessary, at least once per school year Attend your own IEP and work on self-advocacy All IEP requests should be in writing to the school district and special education department Transition goals should be individualized to student’s interests Can walk at graduation with high school class if graduating or if utilizing school transition services Career Planning Continue job exploration/ job training Work summer job, if applicable Volunteer in a variety of environments Complete résumé and/or video résumé Find opportunities to connect with career interests Health/Health Coverage Switch to adult medical providers Obtain EPSDT services through age 20, if on Medicaid Apply for adult SSI in order to keep Medicaid, if applicable Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Have an understanding of medical background & needs Update Letter of Medical Necessity with current abilities and needs Update portable medical summary Age 19-21: Education/Training Focus on Job Skills and Life Skills! Life Skills for Emerging Adults Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Carry a cell phone, if applicable Bring together people you care about to plan with you and help you reach your goals (Person-Centered Planning) Practice self-advocacy in interactions with doctors and professionals Seek care from adults other than parents so that you learn to interact with new people and communicate needs to others Talk about your dreams for the future with the people you care about and ask for their help Family Involvement Plan future living arrangements Develop a long-term financial plan Discuss vocational training vs. post-secondary education Determine guardianship, Medical Durable Power of Attorney, or conservatorship Explore/set up Special Needs Trust, if applicable Support independent choices Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) School Update IEP/ transition goals as often as necessary, at least once per school year Attend your own IEP and work on self-advocacy Transition goals should be individualized to student’s interests At 21, complete school transition services Begin post-secondary education, if desired Utilize 504 Plan (ADA) to receive accommodations in college and work C areer Planning Determine vocational direction & apply to job postings Continue volunteering to learn about opportunities and to network Learn to self-advocate for accommodations in the work environment Look into work incentive programs through SSA Health/Health Coverage Build relationships with adult medical providers EPSDT services through age 20 (dental & vision coverage ends at 18 if on Medicaid) Dental and vision care can be written into DD service plans Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Assume responsibility for health care needs (make appointments, fill prescriptions, manage medication) Update Letter of Medical Necessity with current abilities and needs Age 22-26: Career Explore Life! Put Talents and Skills to Use! Life Skills for Emerging Adults Take on as many independent living responsibilities as able Maintain friendships & social life Inform local fire department of necessary accommodations for emergency preparedness Create list of necessities for emergency preparedness (medication, equipment, supplies, etc.) Carry a cell phone, if applicable Bring together people you care about to plan with you and help you reach your goals Practice self-advocacy in interactions with doctors and professionals Talk about your dreams for the future with the people you care about and ask for their help Family Involvement Determine guardianship, Medical Durable Power of Attorney, or conservatorship Establish Special Needs Trust, if applicable Encourage increased & ongoing independence Discuss “End of Life” planning for all family members Find or create a safe place to talk about experiences with the disability (family discussions, support groups, counseling) School Continue in post-secondary school, if desired 504 Plan can be utilized in college to receive accommodations Stay involved with continuing education or certificate programs, if applicable to career path Career Planning Continue work or apply for jobs matching interests & skills Volunteer, if time permits Learn to self-advocate for accommodations in the work environment Apply for jobs If not able to work, make plans for daily activities & community involvement Health/ Health Coverage At 26 yrs old, adult is no longer eligible for parent’s health insurance (unless negotiated with private carrier) Build relationships with adult medical providers Update list of contacts for doctors, therapists, equipment vendors, etc., in case of emergency Obtain updated Letter of Medical Necessity with current abilities and needs, as needed Age 10-14 Ag 19-21 Age 22-26 Age 15-17 Age 18

CFC and Waiver Members Children's HCBS Waivers Confused at how the new CFC program will impact your child who is currently on an HCBS waiver? Find your info sheet below to learn what details are most relevant to you. CFC for CES Members CFC for CHRP Members CFC for CHCBS Members CFC for CLLI Members CFC for CwCHN Members