About P2P-CO
We are families who support each other on the journey of parenting
individuals with special health care needs or disabilities.
It is our vision that parents and their sons and daughters are integrally valued members of society with a voice in shaping their chosen communities.
Our Mission
Parent to Parent of Colorado (P2P-CO) is a parent initiated, parent controlled, organized group that builds inclusive communities, takes effective and constructive group action and supports each other on the journey of parenting our sons and daughters with disabilities and/or special health care needs.
Our Services
We provide informational and emotional support through:
- Online Parent Support Groups (list serves) provide parent only discussion, support, and information for sharing.
- One-on-one Connection to a trained Support Parent
- Access to Resources through our website
- Toll free information and referral line in English and Spanish
- Referral to Parent Support Groups throughout Colorado
- Opportunities to get involved with Public Policy development
- Monthly Zoom support groups
Our History
In May of 1997, a group of parents gathered in Breckenridge to discuss the initiation of a new statewide network for parents of sons and daughters with disabilities. From this meeting emerged an action plan and a statewide steering committee that diligently developed the beginnings of Parent to Parent of Colorado (P2P-CO), including the Mission and Vision and a framework for an organization which would operate long-term and support the development of parent leadership. Three areas of focus for P2P-CO are: individual parent matching for support and information, building inclusive communities for our sons and daughters, and taking effective and constructive group action on public policy issues.
In 1998, P2P-CO found a home at CP of Colorado, becoming a program in Statewide Services. A shared grassroots beginning similar to CP of Colorado’s made this a natural relationship. Great things began to happen for P2P-CO due to the leadership of our founding parents sharing similar beliefs and values to improve the lives of others.
Starting with 120 families and two part-time staff, P2P-CO has grown to over 2800 parent members and four part-time staff. Our online parent support group (via Yahoo Groups List Serve) , has grown from eight families to over 1500 who “speak” daily to each other on issues of concern. P2P-CO is one of the largest yahoogroups in the category of Disabilities/Special Needs Families. This member only forum provides a way for parents to address concerns, provide and receive advice, and share celebrations in a safe and confidential environment.
In March 2001, the P2P-CO web site (www.abilityconnectioncolorado.org/newsite/p2p-co) was launched to further connect families and provide a vast array of resources for parents and professionals. Our reach in social media increased further with the addition of a Facebook page in 2010. Facebook allows both parents and professionals to connect to current information and trends in the disability community.
In 2010, Parent to Parent of Colorado became a charter member of Parent to Parent USA, a national network of state organizations which have a commitment to implementing evidence-based P2P USA endorsed practices.
Our most recent event occurred in September 2013 when CP of Colorado changed its name to Ability Connection Colorado. This change emphasizes the abilities of all of our sons and daughters as well as the myriad of connections that we promote at Parent to Parent of Colorado and with our partners in Statewide Services.
“A long time ago, I realized that I was running a sprint, trying to “rush” to take care of all my son’s medical appointment, therapies, etc, hoping to reach the finish line sooner. After many years, I realized that I was not running in a sprint! This was no 100 yard dash, but sadly, a marathon. This was an endurance and stamina test that I would not pass if I did not do things differently!This analogy helped me realize I had to change my strategy if I was going to survive. I was going to have to come up with a plan whereby I could last for the long haul, and that meant slowing the pace down.”
~ Mom to 5 kids: 3 adopted, 2 bio, eldest who is autistic
Parent to Parent of Colorado is a Member of P2PUSA
Parent to Parent USA (P2PUSA), a national non-profit organization committed to promoting access, quality and leadership in parent to parent support across the country. Parent to Parent of Colorado strives to follow the best practices in parent to parent support modeled by P2P USA and its members.
