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March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

Ronald Reagan declared March the month for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness in 1987 after the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1970’s and 1980’s.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

Throughout the campaign, individuals with and without disabilities will share their experiences through stories, photos and videos. This year’s campaign also highlights artwork created by individuals with disabilities and is featured in the Developmental Disabilities Awareness campaign imagery. For more information on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, visit https://nacdd.org/ddam/

This year, Colorado’s IDD Awareness Day at the capitol will be held virtually on March 23rd. The IDD policy webinar will be from 10am – 11am and IDD awareness day virtual luncheon from 12pm-1pm. If you missed this live event, check out Alliance’s posts throughout the day here.

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COVID-19 Communication

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this COVID-19 communication we will cover the following:

Support, Inc. Offices, and Hybrid Work Environment

More and more we are hearing medical experts talk about COVID-19 moving from a pandemic to an endemic. While there’s not a specific cut-off to determine the end of a pandemic, there are some broader general markers and the current data on transmission shows we are likely on the road to endemic. This leaves us all with a lot of thoughts and questions about what life after the COVID-19 pandemic will look like. Will we need to continue to get an annual vaccine like the influenza vaccine? Could COVID-19 spike again next fall/winter? Is it safe for me to return to activities I enjoyed before the pandemic? While we don’t know the answer to many of these questions, it’s safe to say we are all looking forward to returning to some ‘life as normal’.

As we look forward to returning to activities and social behaviors we have before the pandemic we have learned a lot over the last 2 years that we can carry with us into the future. One big thing we as a company and IDD services in general learned was how to utilize virtual technologies. While there were many pain points in this process, and at times there still are, this is a tool to have in our tool belt as we move forward. For many individuals in services the use of virtual technology meant they could continue to socialize with friends and family, get access to medical care and call a team meeting quickly while remaining safe at home. We learned how to hold meetings through various virtual platforms and adapted to working from home and setting up a home office.

Support, Inc. is looking forward to utilizing what we learned over the last two years as we move forward. We will continue to offer virtual and/or in-person clinical behavioral services to ensure we can meet each individuals needs and preferences. Our administrative staff will continue to have the ability to work from home. Utilizing virtual technology has allowed to build and maintain connections across our ever-growing geographical catchment area.

While utilizing virtual technology has been highly beneficial, we also recognize the importance and benefit of gathering in-person. Over the next couple months, we will begin having in-person meeting across teams and departments.  We will be working to redesign our administrative offices in Aurora to offer a comfortable place for people to work, host meetings and provide in-person trainings. Finally, we look forward to planning a ‘welcome back’ event to bring all our staff, contractors, families, and individuals together sometime this summer.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

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Support, Inc. Hosts Third Vaccine Clinic to Distribute Initial and Booster Doses

On Wednesday, Support, Inc. was thrilled to host a third vaccine clinic for individuals in our services. From People Receiving Services to Family Caregivers, Home Home Providers and Employees, we welcomed anyone associated with Support, Inc. to schedule a time to meet us to receive their shot.

With this being our third clinic, the set up was easier to navigate this time. We also had a better understanding of how to contract with the state, to bring in nursing staff to administer the vaccines. One of the main reasons we love hosting the clinic on site is because it makes our individuals in services more comfortable when they enter a familiar setting to receive their shot. It’s also great for staff to catch up with families and providers in person. Ultimately, we support having individuals that qualify receive their third dose, and we couldn’t be more happy to help connect families to these state and federal resources. We also helped a few folks receive their first and second doses, as well.

Below, we have a few recent photos from the clinic. If you have any questions regarding our vaccine clinics or would like to join us for future clinics when we have them, please email Cathy at Cathy.Kellogg@supportinc.com


Our vaccine clinic kicked off to a great start! We have our awesome Day Services staff on site to provide support as needed!! Left to right- Andre, Kurt, Emily and Miles

Nancy signed Anthony up for his booster, because she has three kiddos with special needs in her home. 
Our registration staff were great! Things ran smoothly with their assistance, and we also had water and snacks available for those that needed it.

Jerry said he’s getting his booster because COVID sucks! We totally agree and appreciate Jerry coming to see us !!

Austynn got his booster to protect himself and those around him- way to go Austynn!

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COVID-19 Communication

January 7, 2022

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this COVID-19 communication we will cover the following:

  1. COVID-19 variant updates
  2. Support, Inc. vaccine clinic
  3. COVID-19 Operating protocol update
  1. COVID-19 variant updates

As of December 2021, the Omicron variant is the main variant spreading in Colorado. This variant likely spreads more easily than the original COVID-19 virus. Data is showing that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. The COVID-19 vaccine decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated and getting boosted is the best way to protect yourself, the individuals we support and our community.

2. Vaccine updates & vaccine clinic

Support, Inc. recognizes the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for the individuals we serve, providers, families, and employees to ensure we have access to all the tools to protect ourselves throughout the pandemic. Last year we hosted two vaccine clinics at our Aurora office. We are excited to announce we will be hosting another clinic on Wednesday January 26th. This clinic will offer first, second and booster dose appointments of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine. The clinic will be by appointment only. Your Residential Program Coordinator or supervisor will contact you over the next week to two weeks to provide you more details and schedule appointments for those who are interested.

3. COVID-19 Operating protocol update

The CDC updated their COVID-19 exposure and isolation guidance this week. We will be updating our operating protocol and procedures accordingly and will communicate these changes within the next week.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

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Family Caregiver of the Month

Please join us in congratulating our most recent Family Caregiver of the Month, Roxie! The following write-up is provided by Kali, Residential Program Coordinator with the Loveland Team.

I started working with Roxie in August of this year. In the short time we have worked together, Roxie has shown the highest level of patience, empathy, and compassion for J and the willingness to learn. During our second meeting, I went over the file review with Roxie and showed her some areas in which we were lagging with compliance. Roxie assured me that she would try to do her part to increase our next file review score, which she has. Roxie is also very swift when notifying me about consult visits, as well as turning in consult notes in a timely manner. At each visit, J does not miss an opportunity to let me know how much of a positive influence Roxie has been in his life and I can see why. Roxie truly embodies many of the characteristics of a great Host Home Provider.

Thanks for all that you do Roxie-we are happy to have you here at Support Inc. Congratulations for being Family Caregiver of the month!

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COVID-19 Communication

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this COVID-19 communication we will cover the following:

  1. Omicron variant
  2. Vaccine updates & booster dose clinic
  3. COVID-19 Operating protocol update

COVID-19 Omicron variant

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. The first case of the Omicron variant was detected in the United States on December 1st.  The individual, who is fully vaccinated, recently traveled internationally. The developed mild symptoms that are improving and has been in self-quarantine since symptoms developed. The WHO is working with researchers around the world to conduct studies to better understand the Omicron variant.

In previous communications we discussed that all viruses are continually changing through mutations. A variant has one or more mutations that are different from other variants in circulation. As expected, multiple variants of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) have been documented across the globe. Scientists compare the genetic differences between viruses to identify variants and how they relate to each other. Variants are labeled using the Greek alphabet (i.e. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.) as way to identify and discuss variants by non-scientific audiences. The CDC classifies variants into three classifications, variant of interest (VOI), variant of concern (VOC) and variant of high consequence (VOHC). The CDC has classified the Omicron variant as a variant of concern (VOC).

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and prevention strategies to protect against COVID19.

Vaccine updates & booster dose clinic

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends all adults aged 18 and over get a COVID-19 booster shot. Individuals who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine should get a booster dose 6 months or more following their second dose. Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose 2 months or more following the initial vaccine. 

Individual’s may choose which vaccine they receive for their booster dose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) allow for ‘mixing and matching’ the booster dose vaccine type. Side effects of the booster shot are similar to the side effects after the second dose series. The most common side effects are fatigue and pain at the injection site. Most side effects are mild to moderate. To relieve side effects, use or exercise the arm you got the shot in, drink plenty of fluids and apply a cool washcloth to the injection site.

We have contacted our partners at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to request support to host a booster dose clinic. We hope to offer a booster dose clinic at our Aurora office after the new year. As we work with CDPHE to plan the clinic we will provide on-going updates.

COVID-19 Operating protocol update

We have updated our operating protocol and COVID-19 procedure to reflect the current guidance from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding the testing window following a known exposure. Individuals who are unvaccinated should quarantine following a known exposure to COVID-19 and get tested 5-7 days after the last date of exposure. Individuals who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic following a known exposure do not need to quarantine but should wear a mask in public and get tested 5-7 days after the last known exposure.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

Thank you,

Laura Viers
Associate Director of Quality Assurance
T :: 970-667-7424 ext. 200

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COVID-19 Communication

October 27, 2021

To Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families

In this communication we will cover the following:

  1. COVID-19 vaccine updates
  2. Preparing for flu season during COVID-19

COVID-19 operating protocol updates

1. COVID-19 vaccine updates

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends certain people to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose including those who received Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen COVID-19 vaccines.

Individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine: the following groups are eligible and recommended to get a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial vaccine series.

  • People aged 65 and older
  • People aged 18-64 at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • Medical conditions that may put people at higher risk of severe COVID-19
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • Chronic lung disease including COPD, asthma (moderate to severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
      • Dementia
      • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
      • Down syndrome
      • Heart conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension)
      • HIV infection
      • Immunocompromised state
      • Liver disease
      • Overweight or obesity (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2)
      • Pregnancy
      • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
      • Smoking, current or former
      • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
      • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease which affects blood flow to the brain
      • Substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids cocaine use disorders)
  • People aged 18-64 whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19 puts them at high risk. Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers
    • Since risk can vary across settings and based on how COVID-19 is spreading in a community, people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot.


Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: anyone over the age of 18 who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is recommended to get a booster dose two months or more following the initial vaccine.

Individual’s may choose which vaccine they receive for their booster dose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) allow for ‘mixing and matching’ the booster dose vaccine type. Side effects of the booster shot are similar to the side effects after the second dose series. The most common side effects are fatigue and pain at the injection site. Most side effects are mild to moderate. To relieve side effects, use or exercise the arm you got the shot in, drink plenty of fluids and apply a cool washcloth to the injection site.

If you or someone you support is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster, speak with the primary care physician to determine when and where the person can receive their booster dose.

2. Preparing for flu season during COVID-19

It is important to get a flu vaccine because COVID-19 and the flu may be circulating at the same time, and they cause similar symptoms. You can get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, during the same visit.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

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COVID-19 Communication

To Support, Inc. staff, providers and families

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to allow for a single booster to select populations. The booster dose is to be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary two dose series. The following individuals, if they were initially vaccinated with Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, may get a booster shot at this time.

  • People aged 65 and older
  • People aged 18-64 at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • Medical conditions that may put people at higher risk of severe COVID-19
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • Chronic lung disease including COPD, asthma (moderate to severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
      • Dementia
      • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
      • Down syndrome
      • Heart conditions (heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension)
      • HIV infection
      • Immunocompromised state
      • Liver disease
      • Overweight or obesity (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2)
      • Pregnancy
      • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
      • Smoking, current or former
      • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
      • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease which affects blood flow to the brain
      • Substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids cocaine use disorders)
  • People aged 18-64 whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19 puts them at high risk for serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19.
    • Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers in the following positions:
      • First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
      • Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
      • Food and agriculture workers
      • Manufacturing workers
      • Corrections workers
      • U.S. postal service workers
      • Public transit workers
      • Grocery store workers

At this time only the above individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine are eligible for a booster dose. The decision to get a booster dose should be made between the individual and their primary care physician. Over time, we may see additional populations being recommended to receive a booster dose as more data becomes available. People in the recommended groups above who received Johnson & Johnson or Moderna may need a booster in the future, more data on the effectiveness of booster doses with these manufactures is being conducted. The need for a booster dose doesn’t mean the COVID-19 vaccines aren’t working. Current data continues to show all three COVID-19 vaccines are working to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death even against the Delta variant. However, public health experts have started seeing a reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild to moderate disease. 

If you or someone you support received the initial two dose series of the Pfizer vaccine AND meet the criteria for a booster above, please contact their primary care physician to discuss eligibility criteria and to schedule a booster dose.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

Thank you, Laura Viers
Associate Director of Quality Assurance

Laura.Viers@supportinc.com

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COVID-19 Communication

August 16, 2021

To all Support, Inc. Staff, Providers and Families:

We continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, in our communities. We have updated our operating protocol to require all employees, providers, and participants to wear a mask or face covering. Please continue reading for more information.

In this communication we will cover the following:

  1. COVID-19 Delta variant, what we know
  2. Support, Inc.’s COVID-19 Operating Protocol Updated 8/16/21

COVID-19 Delta variant, what we know

The Delta variant is the predominate strain of the COVID-19 virus circulating in the United States. This prompted the CDC to give updated recommendations regarding mask wearing for all people, regardless of vaccination status, in areas where there is substantial to high transmission rates.  The CDC was prompted to make these changes as the United States 7-day moving average went from 12,000 reported cases in late June to 60,000 reported cases the week of July 27th. Additionally, new data began to come out showing the Delta variant is more infectious which leads to increased transmissibility even among those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Delta variant is spreading faster and more easily between people than the variants we have seen thus far throughout the pandemic.  This variant is nearly twice as contagious as previous variants of COVID-19. Early data suggests the Delta variant causes more severe illness than other variants of COVID-19 in those who are unvaccinated.  As we have discussed in previous communications, most vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States, are not 100% effective. This means even a fully vaccinated person can contract COVID-19, including the Delta variant, these are called break through infections. However, evidence continues to show the COVID-19 vaccine to be highly effective, , in preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19 including the Delta variant. Breakthrough cases in fully vaccinated people happen much less frequently than infections in unvaccinated people. Unvaccinated people are far more likely to contract and spread COVID-19 including the Delta variant. Fully vaccinated people are likely less infectious for less time than unvaccinated people.

Previous variants of COVID-19 produced less virus (or a lower viral load) in the body of infected people who have been fully vaccinated. In contrast the Delta variant seems to produce the same high amount of virus in both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people. However, the viral load produced by Delta breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people also goes down much faster than infections in unvaccinated people. Individuals infected with the Delta variant including fully vaccinated people with symptoms can transmit to others. The CDC is working to assess if fully vaccinated people who are asymptomatic are able to transmit the Delta variant to others. The greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people who are much more likely to contract COVID-19 including the Delta variant and therefore are more likely to transmit the virus as well as experience severe illness and hospitalization.

The COVID-19 vaccine continues to provide the strongest protection against serious illness and death. Vaccines have played a crucial role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and minimizing severe disease and strain on hospital systems. Low vaccination rates in some communities have caused rapid surges in cases associated with the Delta variant. This also increases the chances that new and even more concerning variants could emerge.

If you haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to do so. There are many opportunities across the state to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you need assistance finding or scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine, please reach out to your supervisor or residential program coordinator to help.

Support, Inc.’s COVID-19 Operating Protocol Updated 8/16/21

Beginning Monday August 16th our updated COVID-19 operating protocol goes into effect. Masks or face coverings are required by all employee’s, contractors, and individuals in our office, during in-person visits and during day services. Administrative office staff will continue to work from home when possible. We will continue to do symptom screening prior to service delivery or in-person contact.

This update will allow us to continue to operate and provide our essential services including day program, in-person home visits and pother in-person contacts while ensuring the health and safety of our employees, individuals served and providers.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your supervisor. We will continue to provide updates through email, our website and our Facebook page.

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Clinical and Day Services COVD-19 Updates

Hi Everyone!  Our Day and Clinical Services Team wanted to send out a quick message say thank you for allowing us to continue to serve you throughout the pandemic.  Although our operational capacity has been limited, we’ve been fortunate to have been able to support many people through both our Day Services (on-site, virtually and in-home) and our Clinical services (both virtually and limited in-person).  As you may have seen, Support, Inc. has updated operating protocols, following the most recent Colorado Public Health and Colorado Medicaid regulatory and licensing guidelines.  In accordance with that, we want to let everyone know that we are thoughtfully opening up our Day Services to greater capacities and options.

First, with increased capacity, we are able to offer additional spots to anyone interested in attending our site-based services at our Aurora location.  We understand that it can be an important decision to make, and encourage you to talk with any of our team members,  or your Residential Program Coordinator to have an IDT to discuss coming back.  If you’re interested, we would love to talk through our safety protocols, infection control measures, and fun things we have planned!

Second, with the warmer weather we will be planning, announcing and offering more outdoor events.  All our events will be announced via email or our website and will have an RSVP contact.  This will allow us to approach each event and each person who would like to attend individually to ensure an optimal experience for all involved.  Group sizes will be kept relatively small and appropriate for the activity and the location to allow for social distancing.  If you’re interested in any events we have to offer, please let us know via RSVP. 

Third, for those who are interested and more comfortable with 1:1 services with a Direct Support Professional, we would love to hear from you!  There are so many options of activities that our DSPs can support to help people get out of the being cooped up inside and experience the community once again. 

Some things that we have been doing won’t change.  You’ll still see our staff wearing masks and we will continue to encourage everyone to wear a mask or face covering, even though many of our staff are fully vaccinated.  We’ll still do symptom screenings prior to in-person contact and we will continue to be mindful of social distancing as we plan out activities. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Gwen Bonilla, your RPC, or one of our staff directly. 

Curt Mower, MS, BCBA

Director of Clinical and Day Services