(Image: Consumers and staff from the Beyond Vision program attend a ballet performance at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.)
CPWD is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently, build confidence, and have equal opportunities in our community. As a Center for Independent Living, CPWD is consumer-controlled, meaning that more than 50% of our staff and board are persons with disabilities (currently closer to 75%). In this way, not only are we experts in best practices and services, but also bring a lived experience to our programs and services. One of the key tenets of independent living is self-advocacy. As such, each service we offer is a carefully designed step toward helping individuals overcome challenges, gain essential skills, have access to services, and achieve their goals. We work with consumers to assist them in working towards and achieving their independent living goals, versus doing the work for them. This is how they increase independence, and also build confidence, skills, and the ability to live independently. The outcomes of this approach are powerful – people who once felt marginalized or disempowered rise to new levels of independence, confidence and power in their lives.
We want to share with you a few stories from this past year that demonstrate how these core services make a real difference to people with disabilities.
Supporting Our Youth
Image: McKenna smiles for the camera. She has short brown hair, glasses and is wearing a tan floral shirt.
McKenna, a bright and determined 20-year-old, is one such individual whose journey reflects the power of learning and support. As a participant in CPWD’s Youth Employment Program, McKenna was working toward her dream of becoming a childcare assistant for infants. She gained valuable skills to support her job search effort. She learned that she thrives with structured, step-by-step guidance and has made significant strides in developing her self-advocacy and task management skills. These skills are critical for independent living, as they enable individuals to navigate work environments, communicate their needs effectively, and manage responsibilities with confidence. By equipping young adults like McKenna with the tools they need to transition into the workforce, the Youth Employment Program empowers them to lead self-directed and fulfilling lives.
Beyond Vision
The journey to independence often involves building connections and finding creative outlets, and for individuals with vision loss, CPWD’s Beyond Vision program offers opportunities to explore both.
Image: Consumers that participate in Beyond Vision sit at a table, creating colorful works of art.
Recently, Beyond Vision participants had an unforgettable experience at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Colorado Ballet. They attended a performance of Coppélia with audio description and participated in a Touch Tour that included backstage access to meet the director, dancers, and audio describer. Participants explored costumes, props, and accessibility options, learning how to enjoy live performances confidently and independently. Events like this, along with regular programs such as Audio Described Movie Days and Creative Corner workshops, show individuals with vision loss that they can still pursue vibrant, fulfilling lives.
Beyond Vision also partnered with Art Garage for a tactile art workshop, where participants explored textures, colors, and 3D materials to create pieces that symbolized their journeys with vision loss. These artworks, now displayed in CPWD’s Assistive Technology Library, serve as a vibrant reminder of the resilience and creativity of those involved. Such activities not only build confidence but also reinforce the independent living philosophy by enabling individuals to express themselves and take pride in their accomplishments.
Peer Support and Skills Training
Peer groups play a crucial role in fostering connections and developing interpersonal skills essential for independent living. One consumer discovered this through Beyond Vision’s Coffee Talk program. Struggling with depression and isolation, she took the courageous step of attending her first session, where she found a welcoming and supportive environment. Over time, she built friendships, started a book club, and attended a transformative week-long program at the Colorado Center for the Blind. These experiences have not only enhanced her emotional well-being but also equipped her with mobility skills and community connections that are vital for living independently. With renewed confidence, she’s now participating in the Walk, Talk & Roll group that meets monthly in differing locations outdoors to explore accessible trails around the Boulder area, continuing her journey toward greater independence and connection.
Independence takes many forms, and for one participant in our Peer Skills Training Program, it emerged through a passion for cooking. Starting with one-on-one lessons for a fellow consumer, she quickly turned her efforts into monthly group cooking classes. Her sessions are inclusive and empowering, with recipes adapted for dietary needs and participants encouraged to actively engage in the process. Cooking is a fundamental skill for independent living, allowing individuals to manage their nutrition, make healthy choices, and care for themselves. Her mission has since expanded to creating a cookbook tailored specifically for people with disabilities, blending recipes with personal stories to inspire others to embrace self-sufficiency in the kitchen.
Advocacy Services
Image: A young woman is seen sitting in an electric wheelchair with her dog in her living room.
For others, achieving independence means navigating complex systems to access essential resources. Sara’s story is a testament to the importance of CPWD’s Advocacy Services. Facing the daunting task of applying for SSI/SSDI benefits, Sara reached out for assistance. With CPWD’s assistance, she completed her application and it was approved, granting her financial stability, health coverage, and a sense of security she hadn’t experienced before. Advocacy is a cornerstone of independent living, as it empowers individuals to understand and claim their rights, access the support they need, and take control of their lives. For Sara, the process was not just about accessing benefits—it was about reclaiming her independence and confidence.
We see every day why independent living is so critical and precious for many people with disabilities.. What some may take for granted, for others is a hard-won freedom that enables them to live a life they can truly call their own. For people with disabilities, independent living means freedom of choice; it means dignity; it means having the power to live their lives how they want, live where they want, and feel confident in their ability to navigate the world on their own terms.
We’ve seen what happens when people don’t have access to the resources and support they need—how isolation and frustration can creep in, making it harder to see what’s possible. And how societies based on unequal access build division. But we’ve also seen the incredible transformations that happen when someone gains the skills, tools, and support to take control of their life, and when their community supports them to do so. That’s why we do what we do.
Every program we offer, every connection we help build, is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, not just survive. Whether it’s teaching someone how to advocate for themselves in the workplace, navigate public transportation, or create art that expresses their unique story, we know these moments are about so much more than the tasks themselves. Every step towards goals and independence t restores confidence, creates opportunities, and shows people they’re not limited by their disabilities.
The stories we hear and the people we meet remind us constantly that independent living isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. It’s what allows people to truly participate in life, to connect, to grow, and to dream. And being part of that journey is something we never take for granted.
