A Piece of the Puzzle

Our Mission is to create and maintain a web site where people with special needs and disabilities can access to have fun, meet others, chat, play games, and read articles. A Piece of the Puzzle is a social community dedicated to those with special needs and disabilities. We invite all children and young adults with special needs or a disability to join. Parents, educators, schools and organizations for special needs are always welcome to join as we have articles and a forum that may benefit all members.

Contact Name
A Piece of the Puzzle, LLC
Address
P.O. Box 1096
Cheshire, CT 06410
Website
www.apieceofthepuzzle.net

American Brain Tumor Association

The mission of the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. Founded in 1973 ABTA was the first national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to brain tumors. For 40+ years ABTA has provided critical funding to researchers working toward breakthroughs in brain tumor diagnosis, treatment and care, and is the only national organization providing comprehensive resources and serving the complex supportive care needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Explore their website to learn more about ABTA.

Contact Name
Vincent Rock
Address
8550 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Suite 550
Chicago, IL 60631
Telephone
800-886-2282
Email
info@abta.org
Website
www.abta.org

American Recall Center

The American Recall Center provides drug and medical device recall information alongside practical healthcare information and support. We aim to build the most comprehensive resource on the Internet for timely and trusted material regarding healthcare topics that matter to the consumer. The team at ARC is dedicated to helping consumers find accurate information with ease.

Website
recallcenter.com/

Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest national nonprofit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The Foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation offers information and tools to help people live a better life with arthritis. Whether it’s advice from medical experts to specialized arthritis self-management or exercise classes, the Arthritis Foundation has your solution.

Contact Name
Kathy Jensen
Address
2280 S. Albion Street
Denver, CO 80222
County
Denver
Telephone
303-756-8622 ext. 22
1-800-475-6447
Email
kjensen@arthritis.org
Website
arthritis.org

Brain Buddy

Brain Buddy uses applied technology and social interaction to help people with aphasia live more active and independent lives.

Contact Name
Paula
County
Denver
Telephone
720-272-0874
Email
info@brainbuddy.org
Website
brainbuddy.org

Brain Injury Chaplain

Free online and email support for caregivers, survivors, and families with a Catholic deacon who has TBI and understands the unique challenges and needs.

Contact Name
Deacon Patrick Jones
Address
Internet and email ministry
Colorado Springs, CO
Email
lamontglen@mac.com
Website
www.mindyourheadcoop.org

Brain Injury Partners: Navigating the School System

Brain Injury Partners: Navigating the School System is designed to give parents of school-aged children with a brain injury the skills they need to become successful advocates. The program was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and made in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of America. ORCAS combines scientific knowledge with technological innovation to create products that address real-world problems in public health and education.

Website
adult.braininjurypartners.com

Brain Injury Research Center at TIRR/Memorial Hermann

The Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC) at TIRR Memorial Hermann brings together world-renowned researchers to study the many complicated facets of recovery from brain injury. The BIRC has been able to leverage resources from the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and from the National Institutes of Health to conduct research in a manner that facilitates the greatest progress in identifying effective treatments. The BIRC at TIRR Memorial Hermann is funded by multiple grants from the NIDRR, including designation as a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Integration of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Contact Name
Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC)
Address
2323 S. Sherpherd, Suite 907
Houston, TX 77019
Telephone
(713)630-0526
Email
terri.hudler-hull@memorialhermann.org
Website
tbicommunity.org

Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights and Abuse Prevention (CCERAP)

CCERAP provides quarterly training for professionals who work with at-risk, vulnerable adults and their families. We provide e-newsletters on topics related to the challenges of aging. Our website provides information and links to other organizations providing up-to-date, relevant information and education dealing with elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Contact Name
Helen Davis
Address
1169 Bordeaux Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80526
County
Larimer
Email
ccerap@comcast.net
Website
ccerap.org

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center

We reach out to veterans to provide a range of services including but not limited to re-entry into the community.

Address
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C., DC 20307
Telephone
(800)870-9244
Email
info@dvbic.org
Website
dvbic.org

Denver Public Library

The Denver Public Library connects people to information, ideas and experiences. We have resources on all topics (including health) such as books, databases, medical journals, dvds, etc. We also provide access to computers with Internet, and have knowledgeable staff who can help customers with any information or learning need. Several of our locations have ADA computers which are loaded with adaptive software and hardware, as well as staff who can show people how to use these tools.

Contact Name
Elissa Hardy, LCSW
Address
10 W. 14th Avenue Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
County
Denver
Telephone
720.865.3443
Email
ehardy@denverlibrary.org
Website
https://www.denverlibrary.org/

Disability Benefits Help

We are an informational resource for individuals navigating the Social Security Disability application process. Our website offers FAQ's, a disability glossary, health resources, and an interactive disability forum where applicants can connect with one another. We also work with a network of attorneys across the country to offer a free disability evaluation to those who request this service.

Contact Name
Deanna Power
Address
326 A Street
Boston , MA 02210
Telephone
(857)366-7629
Email
drp@ssd-help.org
Website
disability-benefits-help.org/blog

Families First Colorado

The Support Line is a statewide resource for parents or primary caregivers with family concerns. Whatever the issue, we greet callers with compassionate listening and respect, offering practical answers and information on all aspects of family life and child development. We also make referrals to community resources. Whether one just needs to talk or is seeking specific information, trained volunteers are ready to assist. Callers may ask:
-what behaviors are typical for specific ages
-discipline methods that work how to find time for themselves while single parenting the trials and tribulations of living with teens or toddlers setting limits and sticking to them
-how to stop yelling or hitting
-how to become more involved in their children’s education.
Callers experience great comfort in being able to discuss problems that appear overwhelming.

Support Line: 877-695-7996

Bilingual Support Line: 866-Las Familias

Other services include parent education, parent support groups, and child support groups; some of which are offered in Spanish

Address
2163 S. Yosemite
Denver, CO 80231
County
Denver
Telephone
303-745-0327
Email
info@familiesfirstcolorado.org
Website
familiesfirstcolorado.org

Guardianship Alliance

The Guardianship Alliance of Colorado provides information, instruction, and guidance about guardianship of adults in Colorado. The Alliance has the following programs and services: -Volunteer Guardian Program -Guardian Training classes -Guardianship Petition Assistance classes -Information and Referral Services -Presentations and In-Service Training

Contact Name
Deanna Custer
Address
PO Box 740745
Arvada, CO 80006
County
Jefferson
Telephone
303-423-2898
Website
guardianshipallianceofcolorado.org

Harmony Design

Harmony Design, LLC is your full-service graphic design and web design partner working hard to make you and your company look its very best. With many years of designing high quality professional graphics and advertising material, we are the Denver area’s top source for all your creative print or web needs.

Contact Name
Annie Harmon
County
Arapahoe
Telephone
(720) 580-3555
Email
info@harmonyd.com
Website
harmonyd.com

JAN – Job Accommodation Network

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace.
JAN’s trusted consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. Those who can benefit from JAN’s services include private employers of all sizes, government agencies, employee representatives, and service providers, as well as people with disabilities and their families.

Telephone
(800)526-7234
Email
jan@askjan.org
Website
askjan.org/

Learning Disabilities Associates of CO

An online resource for ADHD information

Contact Name
Nina Healy / Kelly McMillan
Address
University of Denver / LEP 2050 E. Evans Ave.
Suite 30
Denver, CO 80230
County
Denver
Telephone
303-894-0992
Website
ldacolorado.com

LingoHut

LingoHut.com is a free language learning website. Come to LingoHut.com today and start learning Dutch, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian at no cost. All learning takes place online... Learn a new language while playing games such as: tic tac toe, concentration, side by side and more.
Case studies have shown that: Learning a second language after traumatic brain injury may positively influence emotional well-being, self-esteem, and, perhaps, recovery of quality of life.

Website
lingohut.com/

Mile High United Way 211 Search

Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 Search is a free and confidential community service that connects callers with resources which provide food, shelter, rent assistance, clothing, child care options and other types of community assistance. Trained referral specialists are multi-lingual and available to help individuals with real-time resources in our community.

Address
711 Park Ave W
Denver, CO 80205
County
Denver
Telephone
dial 2-1-1
1-866-760-6489
Email
211colorado@unitedwaydenver.org
Website
unitedwaydenver.org/2-1-1
Other Notes
Sliding Scale

Mind Your Head Co-op

Mind Your Head Co-op offers on-line collaboratin of stratigies for long-term recovery and healing from brain injury. Based on the experience of Deacon Patrick Jones' approach to healing by entering life as fully as possible, this website explores many alternative appraoches to feeding and healing your brain. In addition to the website, Deacon Patrick moderates two email support groups, availible through the "Support" tab on the website.

Contact Name
Deacon Patrick Jones
Address
Diocese of Colorado Springs
228 N. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
County
El Paso
Telephone
(719) 636-2345
Email
lamontglen@mac.com
Website
mindyourheadcoop.org

National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. We are a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. We bring together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. We work with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. Benefitscheckup.org-Resources for prescriptions and food resources throughout Colorado.

Contact Name
Caroline Pruce
Address
1901 L Street NW
4th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone
(202)479-1200
Email
Caroline.Pruce@ncoa.org
Website
https://www.benefitscheckup.org/

NeedyMeds.org

NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization that maintains a website of free information on programs that help people who can’t afford medications, medical supplies and healthcare costs. We also have a help line staff that can assist advocates and individuals looking for help who steak both english and spanish.

Contact Name
Robin Hoffman
Telephone
(800)503-6897
(978)281-6666
Email
info@needymeds.org
Website
needymeds.org

Parent to Parent of Colorado

Are You connected? Parent to Parent of Colorado connects families of sons and daughters with disabilities and/or special health care needs to information and emotional support. We offer a member only Online Parent Support group where parents can ask questions, give and receive advice, and find support 24/7! We also offer individual matching to a trained Support Parent, resource guides, referrals to resources including support groups, and a website with hundreds of parent recommended resources. Services available in English and Spanish. There is no cost for any of our services.

Contact Name
Lisa Franklin
Address
801 Yosemite Street
Denver, CO 80210
County
Denver
Telephone
(877)472-7201
Email
infop2p@abilityconnectioncolorado.org
Website
p2p-co.org

Post Concussion Inc

Post Concussion Inc is a new business set out to make a difference in the world of brain injuries. The combination of a blog, podcast, and store are the first steps to help create awareness about the invisible injury. The physical limitations of post-concussion syndrome can be daunting but the mental health aspect can be just as detrimental. By sharing the reality of what it's like to live post concussion we believe that we can help improve survivors and their families lives.

Contact Name
Bella Paige
Address
9301 Ryden Rd
Grand Portage, MN 55605
Telephone
(807) 630-6981
Email
post@concussionpod.com
Website
https://www.postconcussioninc.com/podcast

Rocky Mountain ADA Center

The Rocky Mountain ADA Center (RMADAC) provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) tailored to meet the needs of individuals and organizations in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Utah.

Our Vision: To bring the ADA to full implementation.

The five core services offered by the Rocky Mountain ADA Center are:

1. Answers to Questions - The ADA Center staffs a toll-free phone line, weekdays from 9 am - 4 pm MT. The Center's information specialists can answer most questions you have about the ADA immediately and will research more complex questions if necessary. Questions can also be submitted at www.RockyMountainADA.org(link is external).
2. Training - The ADA Center offers basic to advanced level seminars and workshops on the ADA and other related disability laws. All sessions can be tailored to the time constraints and needs of your group. In addition, the ADA Center offers several on line course that can be completed as your schedule allows.
3. Materials - The ADA Center stocks a selection of current information on the ADA. Many materials are free, while others are available for a nominal fee.
4. Referral to Experts - If your question involves additional information or services, the ADA Center maintains a list of experts in many disability-related fields located both regionally and nationally.
5. Research - The ADA Center conducts ongoing research focused on ADA implementation in our region. The research program is designed to enhance our services and make disability research practical and applicable to all.

In addition to its core services, the Center offers customized extended services, such as:

ADA policy and procedure reviews;
Transportation system accessibility consulting;
Facility accessibility audits;
Self-evaluations and transition plans;
Architectural plan reviews; and
Park and recreation accessibility assessments.
Additionally, the Center is involved with the ADA National Network and its projects.

Through all of these efforts, the Center strives to be the go-to regional source for ADA information, guidance and training for all ADA stakeholders.

Comprehensive Services
The Rocky Mountain ADA Center (RMADAC) is operated by Meeting the Challenge, Inc(link is external) (MTC), a small, for-profit accessibility consulting firm located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Contact Name
Emily Shuman
Address
3630 Sinton Road
Suite 103
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
County
El Paso
Telephone
719-444-0268
1-800-949-4232
Email
eshuman@cpyi.com
Website
www.rockymountainada.org

Senior Caring

SeniorCaring provides tools, resources, and most importantly, placement for those looking for senior living. Our memory care section provides guidance towards housing placement for those in need of memory care.

Contact Name
Troy Diffenderfer
Address
941 Wheatland Ave
Lancaster, PA 17603
Telephone
(877) 696-7482
(877) 696-7482
Email
troy@trackfive.com
Website
https://www.seniorcaring.com/memory-care-in-colorado
Other Notes
We accept Medicaid
Sliding Scale

SeniorHousingNet.com

At SeniorHousingNet, we aim to help older adults find housing that will meet their current and future care needs, while allowing the most active and social lifestyles possible. We believe that by helping seniors find the best communities with the appropriate level of care (such as home care, assisted living, or other types of care), they can continue to thrive – both mentally and physically.

No matter if you are searching for yourself or a loved one, we understand that finding the right type of senior housing and care is often an emotional, stressful, and confusing process – not to mention time-consuming. Our resources are here to help you along the way, whether that’s by contacting one of our Family Advisors, or using our directory of senior living communities to research care options and resident reviews.

To get started you can use our Senior Care Assessment Tool to help narrow down what types of housing or care are best for yourself or your loved one. Additionally, you can use the collection of helpful guides and articles that our editorial and writing team has created to assist you in your journey.

Contact Name
Charlie Bennet
Address
P.O. Box 32217
Charlotte, NC 28232
Telephone
855-999-4938
Email
charlie@seniorhousingnet.com
Website
https://www.seniorhousingnet.com/
Other Notes
We accept Medicaid
We accept Medicare
We accept private insurance
We accept Tricare
We accept worker's compensation
We accept out of pocket
Sliding Scale

The Brain Injury Hope Foundation

The Brain Injury Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to create a greater awareness of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and to provide emergency financial assistance to survivors during recovery.

Address
6732 West Coal Mine Avenue, Suite 227
Littleton, CO 80123
County
Jefferson
Telephone
(720) 389-0670
Email
info@braininjuryhopefoundation.org
Website
braininjuryhopefoundation.org

The Social Security and Disability Resource Center Website

Provides a detailed overview of how the federal disability system works (social security disability and SSI) and also provides answers to many questions that applicants typically have, but often have trouble finding answers to. For the most part, the site is based on the author's personal experience as a former disability-medicaid caseworker, and also as a former disability examiner for the social security administration.

County
Adams
Website
ssdrc.com

United Way of Larimer County

United Way helps local children and families succeed in school, work, and life by tackling the source of community challenges and driving change that lasts.

Address
525 West Oak Street
Suite 101
Fort Collins, CO 80521
County
Larimer
Telephone
970-407-7066
1-888-485-0211
Email
connect211@uwaylc.org
Website
uwaylc.org

We Connect Now

Our Mission – We Connect Now is dedicated to uniting people interested in rights and issues affecting people with disabilities, with particular emphasis on college students and access to higher education and employment issues.

One of the goals of this site is to help college students with disabilities to succeed in their studies by getting the information and support they need, both through resources, links, blogs latest news, studying existing laws and regulation and through personal contacts. Through this website people can also share and read other people’s stories as a source of support and comfort. We also want people using our webpage to take action by writing blogs, hosting an event or becoming involved in politics by knowing about upcoming legislation. Also, every month our webpage will focus on a particular disability or condition to bring our visitors more information and support related to our focus of the month. Through our jobs section, we also hope to help empower people with disabilities find employment through job posting and job searching tips, and if people have any questions we encourage them to contact us. The goal of this site is that people leave it having gained knowledge, a support system and having taken action.

Email
weconnectnow2008@gmail.com
Website
weconnectnow.wordpress.com/

Women and Brain Injury Blog

I’ve had 5 brain injuries including aneurysm brain surgery. My first two was when I was around 6 and 7 and the other 3 as an adult.
After my third TBI and continuing my work as a therapist did I finally understand why emotional trauma lingers on long after the initial injury. It didn’t matter how many times I was told me there’s nothing wrong with you, its all in your mind and given a script for an antidepressant telling me as they got up to say good-bye “you’ll be fine”.
Yet I knew there was something wrong with me and after being discarded and invalidated so many times not only did I have my work to do, but I believed I could help so many other women. And this has become my passion.
Education is so important for everyone and to understand what “Invisible Injury” means. If there is not a good support system from families, partners and friends fear, anger and isolation increase hugely.
I’ve worked with women for many years and knew I wanted to start a blog called… “Women and Brain Injury”. This blog is for women to have a voice, share our stories, be validated and to know we are not alone. And that we are not crazy.

Contact Name
Glenda Lynn
Email
glendalynn88@gmail.com
Website
womenandbraininjury.wordpress.com/

Women’s Resource Center

Our community has literally hundreds of resources to help women. We offer a supportive environment where you can find the resources you need to take care of yourself and your family. Whether you need food, shelter and clothing or help with a business plan, we’ll take the time to learn about the unique challenges you face and will help you develop a personalized plan of action to get you back on your feet and on your way to economic self-sufficiency.

Contact Name
Tammy Tyner
Address
679 E. 2nd Ave.
#6
Durango, CO 81301
County
La Plata
Telephone
970-247-1242
Email
programs@wrcdurango.org
Website
wrcdurango.org