Author name: Mia Ries

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Policy Pulse: DP & Community Resources in a Time of Change

By Matt VanAuken, DP Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director In the previous Policy Pulse posts, we’ve shared updates about Colorado’s budget process, the federal government shutdown, and proposed changes to Medicaid. These policy conversations can feel confusing at times, and for individuals with disabilities and their families, they raise very real questions about services, […]

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Dr. Michaela McDonnell Honored with DP’s Board of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award

Developmental Pathways (DP) is honored to present Dr. Michaela McDonnell, departing board member, with the Developmental Pathways Board of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates a board member whose lifelong commitment has meaningfully supported people with disabilities through DP and the wider community. Dr. McDonnell served three full terms on the board from 2016

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Policy Pulse headline with Matt VanAukens photo and his title

Policy Pulse: Inside Colorado’s Budget Process for 2026

By Matt VanAuken, DP Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director   Each year, Colorado’s state budget shapes the essential services and supports that thousands of people rely on, from education and transportation to programs that support individuals with disabilities. On October 31, 2025, Governor Polis released his proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This

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Your Vote Matters 2025: Accessible Voting Resources for Coloradans with Disabilities

Did you know that if voters with disabilities cast ballots at the same rate as those without, 2 million more voices would help shape our democracy? Your voice has power — and your vote matters. “People with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by government decisions and continue to vote at lower rates,” said DP’s Associate

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Policy Pulse: Medicaid Basics & What HR 1 Means for Colorado

By Matt VanAuken, DP Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director   A lot is happening at the state and federal levels around disability policy. With this Policy Pulse series, our goal is to make sense of the noise, providing clarity, context, and resources for our community. This post focuses on two things: A quick primer

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Join us for the 2025 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo + Unbridled Rodeo

DP is thrilled to partner with Douglas County Fair & Rodeo to host the Unbridled Rodeo! Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds | 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock, CO 80104 The Unbridled Rodeo is a free, inclusive event for individuals with disabilities and their families! Doors open at 10:00 a.m., with an

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Join us for the 2025 Arapahoe County Fair + Exceptional Rodeo

DP is thrilled to partner with Arapahoe County Fair to host the Exceptional Rodeo! Date: Friday, July 25, 2025 Location: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center | 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora, CO 80016 DP members and their support staff and/or caregivers are invited to join us for the Exceptional Rodeo on Disability Awareness Day, a

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Michelle Bauman Promoted to Chief Program Officer

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for our organization. Michelle Bauman has been promoted to the role of Chief Program Officer (CPO) at Developmental Pathways, effective March 31, 2025. Reporting directly to our CEO, Matt VanAuken, Michelle’s promotion is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication over the past 12 years. Michelle’s

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Don’t Lose Your Medicaid: Return Your Renewal Packet!

Medicaid renewals are important and it’s essential to act now to maintain your coverage. If you’re enrolled in Health First Colorado Medicaid, you’ll need to complete your renewal packet by your renewal deadline. What You Need to Know: Renewal notices arrive two months before your renewal month via mail or on your Colorado PEAK account

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Nancy Sharpe Kennedy Honored with 2025 Developmental Pathways Board of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award

Developmental Pathways (DP) is honored to present Nancy Sharpe Kennedy, a departing board member, with the prestigious Developmental Pathways Board of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition demonstrates a board member’s significant, lifetime achievement of supporting people with disabilities through DP and the community. After nine years of dedication to our Board of Directors —culminating

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