Adult Services
At Ariel, we believe that every individual has the right to a meaningful life and the opportunity to contribute to their community in their own way. Since 2004, we’ve provided personalized, person-centered services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them do just that – live their best life.
Our programs are built to highlight each person’s strengths, maximize their potential, and fully participate in their community. We offer a range of residential services with different levels of support, from just a little help to more hands-on care. Our vocational services help individuals discover their interests, find the right job, and receive ongoing coaching to succeed at work. We also provide enriching day program activities focused on learning, independence, social connection, and building a sense of belonging. In addition, we offer trauma-informed, evidence-based behavioral services and therapy, tailored to meet each person’s needs with compassion and care.
Technically, we are a Program Approved Service Agency (PASA) in the state of Colorado. That means we are authorized to provide Medicaid-funded services through several waiver programs, including:
- Home and Community-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (HCBS-DD)
- Supported Living Services (HCBS-SLS)
- Children’s Extensive Services (HCBS-CES)
For more information about what it means to be a PASA, visit this page from Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment.
While all the technical details are important, what really defines us is our heart. We’re a team of dedicated, caring people who are truly invested in the success and happiness of every person we support—known as “Members” in Medicaid terms. And to us, success looks different for everyone. We’re here to walk beside each person on their journey, celebrating every goal reached and every step forward.
Adult Services at Ariel
At Ariel, we believe every adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) deserves the chance to grow, connect, and live a life that feels meaningful to them. Our services* are designed to support each person’s unique needs and interests—some individuals use just one service, while others benefit from a mix. Whatever the path, our team works closely together to make sure everyone is on the same page and each person feels truly supported.
*While services may look a little different depending on where you live, our team is committed to helping each Member access meaningful opportunities in their community.
Residential Services
We offer a variety of living options based on what works best for the individual. Whether someone lives on their own, with family, or shares a home with others, we help make sure it’s the right fit—with the right level of support. Our residential team can also connect Members to additional services like respite, nursing, therapy, vocational programs, and more. It’s all about building independence, staying connected to the community, and supporting each person’s personal journey.
Vocational Services
Finding and keeping a job is a big step toward independence. We help individuals explore what kind of work they’d enjoy, support them through the hiring process, and can provide coaching once they’re on the job. We also teach practical skills like budgeting, safety, communication, and more. On the Western Slope, individuals can work at one of our social enterprises—like Charley’s Cookies, Perdita’s Coffee, Whaz Up Dawg—or join mobile work crews that help out in the community. For those who prefer volunteering over employment, we offer meaningful ways to get involved at local sites.
Day Habilitation Services
Our Day Habilitation Services, also known as Day Program, is all about helping individuals learn, grow, and connect in a supportive setting. From creative workshops and fitness activities to fun outings and community volunteering, we offer engaging options that build confidence and life skills. Every activity is designed with inclusion and independence in mind, with flexible choices so Members can follow their interests, discover new ones, and feel part of something bigger.
Behavioral Services
We understand that behavior challenges can be just that—challenging—and that the person is just trying to communicate in the best way they know how. Through one-on-one interactions and group settings, we can help the individual find better, more positive ways of expressing themselves. Our dedicated team is highly trained in evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, helping Members learn how to regulate emotions and develop healthy communication strategies.
IDD Adult Therapy Services
We see the whole person when it comes to our therapy approach—where they’re at now, where they’ve come from and where they want to go. Our therapy team brings a wealth of experience, and we feel especially proud of our ability to successfully navigate and support co-occurring mental health conditions that may occur alongside IDD. Through individual, family and group therapy options, we offer trauma-informed care and evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization Processing (EMDR), among others.