Association for Community Living (ACL)

Known locally as the ACL, we are The Arc serving Boulder & Broomfield Counties.

At ACL, people with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are not just at the heart of our mission; they are our leaders, advisors, champions, and partners. Advocacy at the individual, group, community, and systems levels is not something we do for people with disabilities —it is done with them, guided by their voices and lived experiences. “Nothing about us without us.” Truly.

Colorado has systems designed to support people with IDD, but even with good intentions, they can be bureaucratic, slow, and difficult to navigate. Gaps and barriers persist, limiting access to essential supports and people’s ability to lead self-determined lives.
ACL advocacy bridges these gaps. We listen, inform, and stand alongside people with IDD and their families as they navigate systems, resources, and choices. Leading with respect and heart, we put people before systems, supporting people with IDD to shape their futures and live the lives they want.

We support people, families, and communities through our Four Advocacy Paths:

1. Individual: One-on-one rights-based advocacy for adults, teens, school-aged children & families.

2. Group: Identity-based groups where Self Advocates find belonging and celebrate who they are.

3. Community: Training and collaboration that help our community become more inclusive and welcoming.

4. Systems: Systems and policy advocacy informed by Self Advocates with IDD.