Center for People With Disabilities

09/03/2026

Best of Boulder 2026 voting is open, and we would like your vote for CPWD in the Non-Profit category. It takes about a minute.

Since 1977, we have worked alongside people with disabilities in Boulder County to overcome barriers to independent living: advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, and employment assistance, all led by people who know disability from the inside. A vote tells Boulder that this work matters.

Vote here: https://vote.boulderweekly.com/custom_link/6a7c7c9206da260768912551 -1

Tap Continue, type "Center for People With Disabilities" in the write-in box under Non-Profit, and tap Vote.

08/21/2026

In April of 1977, more than 100 activists with disabilities occupied the federal building in San Francisco and refused to leave. They stayed 26 days, the longest occupation of a federal building in United States history. Deaf participants interpreted. The Black Panther Party brought hot meals every night. They did not go home until the Section 504 regulations were signed.

That same year, here in Boulder County, CPWD began.

Next year we both turn 50. This feels like the right moment to say plainly what Independent Living philosophy actually is, what it looks like in an ordinary week, how much ground we have gained in five decades, and where we are taking it next.

Read it here: www.cpwd.org/blog/nothing-about-us-without-us-what-independent-living-actually-means

Want to hear about bills and comment periods while there is still time to act? Sign up for advocacy updates at cpwd.org/advocacy-updates

In April 1977, more than 100 activists with disabilities occupied a San Francisco federal building for 26 days and would not leave until Section 504 was signed. That same year, CPWD began here in Boulder County. Next year, we both turn 50. Here is what Independent Living actually means.

08/14/2026

On August 12, 2026, Colorado's House Bill 26-1045 took effect. It writes assistance animal protections into the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, and it arrived just as the federal government narrowed the housing definition of "assistance animal" to exclude emotional support animals.

Under the state law, you cannot be denied housing because you have an assistance animal. The law covers both service animals and emotional support animals. A flat ban on live-in service animals is a discriminatory housing practice, and a housing provider cannot require proof of training, certification, or registration for your animal.

Our new article walks through what changed, what the law protects, and how to request a reasonable accommodation. If you are facing a housing or assistance animal problem, reach us at (303) 442-8662 or [email protected].

On August 12, 2026, Colorado's House Bill 26-1045 took effect, protecting the right to keep an assistance animal where you live. It arrived just as the federal government narrowed those protections and cut emotional support animals out of the housing definition. Here is what changed, what the state

08/05/2026

2026 brings real changes to the benefits and services our community counts on, and they are worth understanding one at a time.

Social Security raised benefits and raised how much you can earn from work before it counts against your check. ABLE savings accounts opened to an estimated six million more people. Medicaid added a work requirement for some adults, along with exemptions that protect many of us, but only if they are on record. Here in Colorado, personal care, homemaker services, meals, and more are moving into a new program called Community First Choice, and the legislature passed three new laws on disability funding, housing, and access.

The word to hold onto is "exempt." If you receive SSI or SSDI, the new Medicaid work requirement does not apply to you at all, and your coverage stays with nothing to report. If you have a disability but are not on SSI or SSDI, the state may not know you should be exempt, so the fix is to get your exemption on record before the rule takes effect. For many people, the exemption that fits is "medically frail," documented by your doctor.

If you are not sure whether you qualify or how to document it, CPWD's Benefits Counseling can help you find the exemption that fits and get it on record, before a missing exemption becomes a lost month of coverage. It is free. Reach a counselor at [email protected] or (303) 442-8662, ext. 233.

Read our full plain-language guide to every 2026 change here.

If you live with a disability, or you love someone who does, 2026 brings real changes to the benefits and services you count on. Social Security raised benefits, ABLE accounts opened to an estimated six million more people, Medicaid added a work requirement with exemptions that protect many of us, a

08/03/2026

We want our community to know about a great opportunity this week.

Boulder Road Runners is hosting an Adaptive Sports and Frame Running demonstration during their final All-Comers Track & Field Meet of the summer, on Thursday, August 6, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at CU Potts Field in Boulder.

Frame Running is an adaptive sport that lets children and adults with balance or mobility impairments experience the freedom, joy, and fitness of running, using a specially designed three-wheeled running frame. It is a recognized Para athletics event, open to recreation, fitness, and competition. This is one of the few chances in Colorado to see a live Frame Running demonstration and learn directly from adaptive sports professionals.

The demonstration will be led by Ariana Wilson, MS, CTRS, Adaptive Sports Coordinator with Adaptive Adventures (https://adaptiveadventures.org). She will demonstrate the RAD RaceRunner®, explain how to get involved, and share the many adaptive recreation and sports programs Adaptive Adventures offers across Colorado, including cycling, paddling, rock climbing, and skiing. Jacob Heilveil with Adaptive Sports for All (https://www.adaptivesportsforall.org) will also be there to share adaptive sports opportunities in our community.

We especially encourage people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, balance impairments, and other mobility disabilities to come, along with their families, caregivers, therapists, educators, and healthcare professionals. If equipment is available, you can try Frame Running yourself, with guidance from Adaptive Adventures staff.

After the demonstration, stay for the All-Comers Meet and watch athletes of all ages and abilities compete in sprinting, distance running, field events, and wheelchair racing.

Thursday, August 6, 2026, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
CU Potts Field, Boulder
More about the meet: https://boulderroadrunners.org/all-comers-track-and-field/

We hope to see you there.

07/31/2026

This July, the Americans with Disabilities Act turns 36, and we are looking ahead with real momentum.

The ADA is a living tool, and it is ours to use. It is the curb ramp, the kneeling bus, the captioned phone call, and your right to a reasonable accommodation at work. Every time we ask for what we need, request an accommodation, or speak up for access, we make the law stronger and show that it matters.

And the work is moving forward. New federal rules will bring state and local government websites and apps up to full accessibility by 2027 and 2028. More than two dozen states are moving to end subminimum wage. Communities are embracing universal design, because the curb cut first won by wheelchair users now serves every parent with a stroller and every traveler with a suitcase. Access built for some becomes a gift for all.

Our new blog post is a guide to the rights you already hold, how to put them to work with confidence, and how we keep building together.

This July marks 36 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. At CPWD, we hold two honest truths at once: much of what the ADA already guarantees goes unused, and much of what our community still needs remains unbuilt. This piece is a plain-language walk through the law, from the cu

07/29/2026

The outdoors belong to all of us, and Colorado has more accessible ways to get outside this summer than most people realize. Our 2026 Summer Edition of Accessible Colorado gathers them in one place.

A few of the highlights:

Wheelchair-accessible lake loops in Rocky Mountain National Park: Sprague Lake (0.8 mi), Lily Lake (0.8 mi), and Bear Lake (0.6 mi), each with packed-gravel paths, accessible parking, and fishing piers.

Free all-terrain track chairs for backcountry trails at Staunton State Park, Barr Lake, and Great Sand Dunes. They do require an advance reservation through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Flat, close-to-home routes in Boulder County, including Walden Ponds, Sawhill Ponds, and the Boulder Creek Path.

Free adaptive cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, and skiing through Adaptive Adventures.

And if you would rather go with company, join us for Walk, Talk, and Roll, the third Monday of every month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Denver metro area. The next one is August 17, 2026. Reach Betsabet at [email protected] or 720-310-0715.

Read the full guide, with all the links and details

The outdoors belong to everyone. Our updated 2026 guide to accessible recreation across Colorado gathers new places to explore, longtime favorites worth revisiting, and the practical resources, from track chairs to the Columbine Parks Pass, that make a day outside possible.

07/15/2026

Every July, Disability Pride Month arrives alongside the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This year's theme, chosen by the National Council of Self-Advocates, is "The World Works Better With Us," and the evidence behind it is stronger than most people realize.

Curb cuts, closed captions, voice control, and flexible work were all shaped by people with disabilities, and today they make life easier for everyone. Researchers call it the curb-cut effect. Our new article traces that history, and it explores research showing that disability pride protects self-esteem against the effects of stigma (Bogart, Oregon State University), and that pride is built in community through connection like our Peer Support groups.

Read it here: www.cpwd.org/blog/the-world-works-better-with-us-why-disability-pride-is-so-important

Every July, Disability Pride Month brings the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a theme to carry forward. This year it is "The World Works Better With Us," and the evidence behind it is stronger than most people realize. From the curb cuts under our feet to the caption

07/01/2026

Now Hiring: Youth Independent Living Advisor

CPWD is hiring a Youth Independent Living Advisor to work directly with youth ages 14 to 24 who have disabilities, helping them build skills, confidence, and a path toward employment and independence.
This is a full-time role (32 hrs/week, 4 days/week) based out of our Boulder or North Metro (Thornton) office, with travel across our service area.
Pay: $28–$32/hr

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, EAP, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
What you'll do:

Provide one-on-one Independent Living services: skills training, advocacy, information and referral, peer support, and youth transition planning
Manage a caseload of approximately 25–35 consumers
Support job readiness and help youth pursue and maintain employment
Facilitate peer groups, workshops, and CPWD's Youth Employment Program each summer
Build strong relationships with schools, families, and community partners

What we're looking for:

Associate's degree or equivalent experience
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Working knowledge of disability-related issues
Personal experience with a disability strongly preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

As a Center for Independent Living, CPWD especially encourages people with disabilities to apply.
Ready to join us? Send your résumé and a customized cover letter to [email protected], or read the full posting on our website: https://www.cpwd.org/jobs-volunteer

06/29/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Information & Referral & Outreach SpecialistBoulder | Full-Time

We’re looking for a motivated bilingual professional to join CPWD and play a key role in Information & Referral services and community outreach.

This position is often the first point of contact for individuals seeking support—helping identify needs, provide accurate information, and connect people to life-changing resources.

You’ll also:
• Lead outreach efforts in the community
• Build relationships with partner agencies
• Support accurate, effective referrals
• Collaborate with internal teams
• Help improve access for people with disabilities

- Must be fluent in English andSpanish
- Strong communication & people skills required

To apply: Please send an updated résumé and a customized cover letter to [email protected].

Learn more about us and view the full job post at: www.cpwd.org
Join us in making a real impact in the community!

Equal Employment Opportunity:
CPWD is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, color, national origin, religion, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, age (40+), genetic information, veteran status, marital/familial status, or any other protected status under law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified
individuals with disabilities.

Discover resources, advocacy, and support for individuals with disabilities in the Boulder-Denver area to promote independent living and community integration.