RBC | Since 1975, Horizons Specialized Services has been serving people with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Northwest Colorado. IDD affects an individual’s physical, intellectual and/or emotional development. These conditions happen prior to the age of 22 and last throughout a person’s life. Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.
We strive to work in partnership with families and communities to expand opportunities for individuals with, or at risk of, developmental disabilities. We are the only willing and qualified provider to offer services to this population and therefore have various programming for a wide range of ages and needs in Rio Blanco.
In recent years and particularly since COVID, Horizons has found that virtual visits can be as effective as in person visits. This is especially true in our Early Intervention Program. Every person is different and we are able to offer more of a variety of services tailored to the child’s needs by being able to offer virtual sessions.
FAST FACTS
WHO: Horizons
WHAT: Info Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 10, 4-6 p.m.
WHERE: Smoking River Brewing Co,
101 E. Market Street, Meeker
This has led to the decision to close Meeker’s physical office while ensuring that all comprehensive services for children and adults remain fully intact and thrive in Rio Blanco. Effective Aug. 1, our office on Main Street will be closed. All of our service programs will still be available for anyone who qualifies.
Our free Early Intervention services are for children 0-3 years old who are showing delays in learning to roll over, crawl, walk, feed themselves, or communicate. We offer various therapies and services tailored to the individual’s needs to help these kids reach their milestones. A majority of kids graduate from Early Intervention and are back on track with other kids their age.
Family Support Services Program (FSSP) caters to families that have a family member of any age with a developmental disability living at home. FSSP can offer reimbursements for expenses that are greater than average due to supporting a person with a disability living in the home. This financial support can cover but is not limited to medical expenses, respite care, adaptive equipment, professional therapies. This program can also offer parent and sibling support.
Families in FSSP can also request special funding allocations from Horizons’ Family Support Council. This council is made up of local families and is a key part of advising Horizons on how to use funds. We believe that it’s critical that the voice of those we serve is central in our decision making processes.
Supported Living Services, or SLS, is a program that supports adults (18+) living in their own
homes or with family in the community. Services include but are not limited to: personal assistance with daily living and homemaking skills, support in community through employment, professional services, and transportation.
Despite our physical office closing, Horizons will still be offering all of the above services. If you are in need of any of these services or interested in learning more about our programming, you can call our main office at 970-879-4466. Inquiries and mail can be sent to PO Box 1483 Craig, CO 81626. You can also visit our website at horizonsnwc.org and explore our “Services” and “Eligibility” pages for more detailed information.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the transition or the continuation of services, please do not hesitate to reach out.
It’s been an honor to serve in Rio Blanco for the last 48 years and we are committed to remaining part of the community for many more years to come. If you would like to learn more or simply connect with our team, we invite you to join us at Smoking River Brewery on Aug. 10 from 4-6 pm. Along with program information, we will have activities for young kids, prizes, snow cones, and live music by the 8th Street Pickers.
PRESS RELEASE
Submitted to the Herald Times
