What is the Difference Between Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

The major differences are in the age of onset, the severity of limitations, and the fact that the developmental disability definitions do rely on an IQ requirement. Many individuals with an intellectual disability also fit in the developmental disability definition, however they will not meet the functional limitation requirement.

Can all families anticipate receiving fair and humane treatment?

Often the The Arc of Northeast Colorado will receive intakes or inquiries from families in the community when their child may not be eligible for our individual advocacy services. We strive to treat every individual with the highest level of respect and provide the best resources and referrals possible.

What We Do

Because this is where people with IDD find inclusion, acceptance, and belonging! We offer individual advocacy services, community outreach programs, and systems advocacy for people with IDD in Weld, Logan, Morgan, Washington, Sedgwick, Phillips, and Yuma counties.

Hope Happens Here!

Individual Advocacy Services

Creating a new normal for people with IDD and their families starts with individual advocacy services. Every day at The Arc of Northeast Colorado, people with IDD gain the skills, information, and access needed to be more independent and successful. Our services ensure they are able to advocate for their own educational, healthcare, residential, vocational, and lifestyle needs.

Need services?

For referrals or inquiries about advocacy services you can:

Contact Leticia Arguello, Advocacy Manager, by email (leticia@arcneco.org) or by phone (970.353.5219, ext. 1).

— or —

Complete our inquiry form, and we will follow up.

Advocacy Form

What is Individual Advocacy?

Individual advocacy focuses on the needs of an individual with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD). The goal is to change their situation in order to:

protect their rights
improve services received
ensure their right to freedom of choice, independence, and inclusion

When an advocate from The Arc of Northeast Colorado interacts with someone with IDD, they focus on ensuring that the individual’s rights are protected and empowering the individual and family to gain skills for greater independence and success when advocating for their needs.

Thanks to our generous and committed partners, all services are provided at no cost to people with IDD and their families.

Read our Advocacy Agreement

Individual Advocacy Services at The Arc of Northeast Colorado

Here’s how our trained professionals and lay advocates support people with IDD:

Systems navigation (i.e., waiver systems and case management transition/redesign)
IEP & 504 plan consultations and recommendations
Accessing information, resources, and partner agencies
Skills building for personal advocacy, problem solving and decision making, appropriate interactions/behaviors, conflict management, mediation, and negotiation

Our role is to provide guidance and support, which means we are not:

Case managers
Legal guardians or primary decision-makers
Police or criminal investigators
Educational or special education professionals
Therapists or mental health counselors
Attorneys or legal counsel
We do not complete applications for services
We do not participate in legal proceedings, provide legal financial support or decision making
Social service staff
Medical or nursing staff

Advocacy Agreement

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Creating a new normal for people with IDD and their families includes fostering their independence and inclusion. Every day at The Arc of Northeast Colorado, people with IDD enjoy group activities and interaction, training, community participation, and awareness-building. Our free programs bring people of all abilities together for a more inclusive community.

Check out the Summer Unified Basketball video below

Community Engagement at

The Arc of Northeast Colorado:

Unified Basketball Summer League Series
During this six-week program, participants have fun on the court while developing transferrable life and work skills rooted in teamwork, communication skills, work ethic, confidence, perseverance, and good judgment.

Testimonial for Unified Basketball:

Unified Basketball is so important to Tanner because it allows him to be included, build friendships, and be part of a team. He loves playing basketball, cheering on his teammates, and being involved in an activity where everyone is welcomed and valued.
Tiffany McCarty

Educational Trainings
Throughout the year we equip our community with strong advocates who push for the rights of their loved ones with IDD. Sessions focus on topics like guardianship, wills and trusts, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and Medicaid. Have an idea for a workshop or program? Let us know!

What some of our tech workshop participants had to say:

“At the technology workshop I learned how to put games on computer and internet safety… the teacher was really nice and helpful. I really liked it!” – Susan

“I just wanted to let you know that the class in Sterling was very informative. The instructors were very patient and took the time to explain everything clearly.

It was really neat learning how to use the puzzle pieces to create and generate games. I enjoyed the class and learned a lot.” Nydia

Annual Inclusive Pool Parties

Join us for a FREE inclusive pool party for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and community members of all ages. We'll have a DJ, dancing, pizza, drinks, swimming, and plenty of opportunities to build connections and create lasting memories. Come celebrate inclusion, friendship, and community with us for an evening of fun and belonging.

Film Festival
The Arc of Northeast Colorado Film Festival is a community event that celebrates inclusion, awareness, and advocacy through film. It showcases stories that highlight the lives, experiences, and achievements of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while bringing the community together to learn, connect, and be inspired.

Families in Action
The Families in Action Retreat, hosted by The Arc of Northeast Colorado, is a unique gathering designed to empower, educate, and uplift families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The retreat provides opportunities for families to connect with one another, learn from experts, and access valuable resources. Through workshops, group discussions, and fun activities, families gain tools to strengthen advocacy skills, build community, and create lasting support networks. The retreat is both a time of learning and a time of renewal—helping families feel encouraged, informed, and inspired.

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SYSTEMS ADVOCACY

The Arc of Northeast Colorado is dedicated to system advocacy, safeguarding the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Through education and promotion, we strive to enhance the delivery of high-quality supports for individuals with IDD, their families, and caregivers. We emphasize the importance of community education to protect the rights of this vulnerable population.

E -Newsletters to learn more and get involved.

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Intellectual disabilities typically manifest before the age of 18, impacting individuals in two primary areas: intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. These limitations significantly affect a person's day-to-day activities as well as their social and conceptual skills. Despite the challenges, many individuals with intellectual disabilities may appear mildly affected, making it difficult to discern the disability through visual cues alone. Diagnosis of intellectual disability involves standardized tests assessing both intelligence and adaptive behavior. Unfortunately, some children receive alternative diagnoses such as learning disabilities, developmental delays, behavior disorders, or autism, which can complicate the accurate determination of the prevalence of intellectual disabilities. Navigating these challenges becomes more feasible with the support of family, friends, and organizations like The Arc. Over time, with assistance from these sources, many adults with intellectual disabilities can lead independent and dynamic lives within their communities.

According to the Developmental Disabilities Act, a developmental disability is defined as a severe, chronic disability that: Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments. Occurs before the individual reaches the age of 22. Is likely to continue indefinitely. Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: (i) Self-care, (ii) Receptive and expressive language, (iii) Learning, (iv) Mobility, (v) Self-determination, (vi) Capacity for independent living, and (vii) Economic self-sufficiency. Reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are lifelong or of extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.

FAQs

The Arc Thrift Connection

When people hear “The Arc,” they often think of the arc Thrift Stores. While that name recognition is strong, it’s important to understand how local Arc chapters are connected to the thrift stores.

For arc Thrift store information or household item donations, visit 2401 27th St., Greeley, CO 80634, or call 970-330-7082.

Large furniture pick-ups are available; schedule at 800-283-2721 or click here.

Your past, present, and future donations support our services and programs!