Mission Statement

We believe that people with developmental disabilities belong in the community in natural proportions -- to live, to work, and to participate fully in all aspects of community life.  The ACL in Boulder County exists to ensure these rights by acting as a catalyst to promote attitudes, practices, programs and policies that result in full participation.

Summary

ACL staff have provided approximately 3,300 hours of advocacy services for 258 individuals and have provided activities at the ACL Learning Center for self-advocates and friends from the community totaling approximately 3,500 hours.

Membership has increased to 604 members, from 178 members, due to increased interest in the mission and work of the association and the importance of advocacy for the future of each person who has a developmental disability.

Outreach and collaboration have included approximately fifty other organizations and agencies, frequently in joint projects, and also in working out details in specific advocacy situations.

The Board of Trustees has met monthly and, through a planning retreat, has developed a three year set of goals. In 2010, the Board of Trustees will be comprised of 15 members, including a self-advocate, a number of parents of adults with developmental disabilities, two service providers and several other professionals in the community.

The Association is financially sound, operating as a 501(c) within the annual budget, while maintaining assets in excess of liabilities by $250,000. The Association is current in payments on the mortgage on the facility.

Highlights of 2009

• Recruited, employed and trained two new Senior Advocates and a Director of Activities

• Completed fifth year of training a total of over 450 local law enforcement officers on effective interactions with adults with developmental disabilities in our community through the Crisis Intervention Team program hosted by the Boulder County Sheriff

• Pursued engagement of self-advocates and mentors in a local volunteer time bank, to enable assisting others with needs in the community

• Made considerable progress in the development of a Spanish outreach program, to provide translation for Spanish speaking families using special education services for their children

• Enjoyed the volunteer and financial support of The Cornerstone Church in working on the ACL grounds, including ecological counsel with the group, on site, by a professor from the University of Colorado

• Hosted a Watermelon Social for approximately 65 participants

• Hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner (2 large turkeys) for 58 participants

• Hosted a Holiday Dinner on December 23^rd for 62 participants

• Sponsored a Christmas gift drive for those who would not otherwise receive a present, gifting 15 individuals and four families

• Expanded the variety and quality of activities offered at the ACL Learning Center to include ballet and acting, among others; lots of creativity and fun

It’s been a good year! Join us! We welcome your help in 2010.