Our neighbors with disabilities enrich our community, enhance our diversity and strengthen our County. These community members and the organizations that provide support to them are recognized throughout the year and specifically in March as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – formally recognized by Douglas County Commissioners at their regular business meeting Tuesday, March 26.
Douglas County taxpayers have been supporting programs and resources for the I/DD community for more than two decades through the Developmental Disabilities Fund. Revenues in this fund are generated from a 2001 voter-approved 1.0 mill property tax. Through an interagency agreement, the County remits more than 90% of these funds to Developmental Pathways, Inc., Douglas County’s Community-Centered Board. These funds support programs and services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Douglas County.
This year, the fund has also helped contribute to new independent housing opportunities for adults with I/DD in our community. Watch this video from 2023’s State of the County presentation to learn more about the construction of Unity on Park in Castle Rock expected to welcome residents in the fall of 2024.