Brielle – an eight-year-old girl with severe autism – requires at-home care to bathe, dress, eat and stay safe as she whirls, jumps and runs through her world. When Medicaid cut this care, a trained CCDC advocate convinced an administrative law judge to reverse the decision so Brielle gets the care she needs and can stay home with her family. (Janell Bailey, Brielle’s mother,  pictured.)

Improving Lives – Brielle Bailey

Rolf Kotar – CCDC Mental Health Liaison

In my years with CCDC, I’ve had an opportunity to express myself, gain supportive social contacts, and enjoy intellectual stimulation.  This is my 13-year anniversary at CCDC, which has been one of a couple of major resources making my life worth living. The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition has been a source of renewal for me in my work in the consumer movement.  CCDC Executive Director Julie Reiskin has been a selfless giver to me on many occasions, especially when I needed an expert advocate. I can’t ask for a better supervisor than Julie. Julie has been my model for all my work at CCDC and in the community at large which I hope will continue for some time.  

Rolf Kotar