Laradon Hall Society for Exceptional Children and Adults

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Impact Statement

1. Laradon continues to expand and refine programs to reach out to more people with special needs. In 2007-08 we opened two new programs, Medically Fragile II and Laradon's Career Center.

a. Medically Fragile II serves adults with developmental disabilities coupled with severe and chronic medical conditions. Through this unique program, participants are getting the chance to experience relationships, participate in a variety of activities and events, outings and be part of their community.

b. The Career Center provides employment assistance to individuals enrolled in Laradon's Employment Services program. In the Career Center participants are able to use computers to find online job listings and complete online applications. Services also include job seeking skills training, resume writing and building interview skills. These services are provided to individuals with a broad range of disabilities.

2. The Employment Services Department has increased the number of active participants by 50%. This department is also increasing its capacity and expertise to reach people who have special needs other than developmental disabilities.

3. Laradon began a Taekwondo program for Alternative School students who are ages 5 to 21. Students are learning about respect, integrity, perserverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. With the martial art training they are also gaining self-esteem, self-confidence and self-control. Students are showing more respect to staff and peers. It is the goal of the Taekwondo program to someday participate in the Special Olympics.

Needs Statement

1. Capital Campaign funding to construct a new state-of-the-art Education Center for children, ages 5 - 21, who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities, including Autism, and co-existing psychiatric/behavioral disorders.

2. Expand Laradon's Childrens Services Division programs to reach more children in need of services and provide them with the skills needed for long-term success that can continue into their adult lives.

3. Expand adult programs to provide community, employment, medically fragile and basic skills services to more adults with developmental disabilities so that they may become productive members of their communities.

4. Continue to offer continuous training and professional development for current staff and recruit qualified professional, management and support staff to ensure we are providing the best services, therapies and operating systems as possible.

5. Provide ongoing maintenance and remodeling to existing buildings in order to utilize our space to the best of our ability. Maintenance includes Laradon's Administration Building that was built in 1925. This building was designated a Denver Historical Landmark in March 2004.

6. Laradon would also like to implement "green" energy savings systems. Laradon is currently participating in several recycling campaigns and encouraging staff and participants to save energy and recycle whenever possible.

7. Laradon is researching funding for a Positive Behavior Support program for its Alternative School. Laradon is using the Colorado Department of Education's model, but tailoring it for children who have developmental disabilities and co-existing psychiatric/behavioral disorders. The program will not only encourage school spirit and pride, but will give recognition and rewards to children who exhibit positive behavior in classroom and non-classroom settings.

Background Statement

When Joseph and Elizabeth Calabrese's sons were denied admission to public school because they were "mentally retarded," Joe Calabrese said, "If no one will take my sons, by golly, I’ll open my own school.”

The Calabrese’s invested their life savings into establishing the first school in the Rocky Mountain region for children with developmental disabilities. In 1948 Laradon, which is named after the Calabrese children, LARry And DON, opened its doors to three enrollments in a renovated home on Federal Boulevard in Denver, Colorado.

The Calabrese's had a vision that that if people with disabilities were given the same rights, privileges and opportunities as those without disabilities they could realize their full potential, contribute to their communities in their own unique ways and become valued members of society.

In the 1940s, there were little, if any, services available to children with developmental disabilities and the news quickly spread that there was finally a place for special needs children to recieve an education and training. For this reason, Laradon quickly outgrew the original home on Federal Boulevard. In 1951, Laradon moved to its current location at 5100 Lincoln Street in the abandoned Globeville school building.

In the beginning, Laradon only provided education and training to children, but as these children grew into adulthood, Laradon expanded its services to include adults with special needs.

The vision of the Calabrese's still drives Laradon's mission and goals today. We continue to grow and expand services and programs to reach as many people with special needs as possible, giving each participant the same rights, privileges and opportunities as those without disabilities.

Laradon serves more than 600 enrollments annually to people of all ages, birth to senior citizens, in 14 "best practice" programs. The programs reach all levels of disability from mild to profound. Laradon's comprehensive services and broad array of programs provide each participant with the highest caliber of training, therapy and support so that they can be successful in reaching their full potential and thrive in a dynamic world.

Executive Director Statement

Laradon is an organization filled with caring staff, wonderful participants and a supportive community. It is one of the best service agencies in Colorado helping people with developmentail disabilities and other special needs reach thier full potential.

At Laradon we experience success everyday. Our participants are making strides, great and small, toward living a life of more independence and self-sufficiency. The staff are making a positive difference in the lives of Laradon participants, providng quality care, respect and encouragement to all participants.

Our participants are successful because Laradon's programs are individualized and supportive focusing on the person's abilities, needs and interests. Laradon staff genuinely care about the participant's well-being and future.

Board Chair/President Statement

Laradon is a wonderful organization filled with outstanding programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs. At Laradon people with disabilities are able to learn the skills they need to have success in school, employment and in their personal lives by learning to be as self-sufficient as possible.

Participants thrive at Laradon. To talk with them, to see their happy expressions and their achievements show that Laradon is successful in its purpose. I enjoy visiting the participants in their programs. Watching the parents with their babies and toddlers during their weekly play-and-learn groups, the youngsters learning in classrooms and when talking with the people in the adult programs, I know that all are getting the expert services they need. This gives me immense satisfaction to know that I am part of such a great organization – an organization that helps people with special needs become the best they can be.

I am particularly happy about the development of Laradon’s new education center, which will be built adjacent to Laradon’s Administration Building. This expansion will allow Laradon to provide more services to children with developmental disabilities and co-existing psychiatric/behavior disorders. But most importantly, Laradon, as a whole, will benefit from the building of the new education center. The adult programs will be able to use the current school space for day programs and continue to grow. With expansion in both children and adult services, perhaps Laradon will be able to significantly increase enrollments and help many more children and adults with special needs.

I encourage everyone to visit Laradon and see firsthand how they make a difference everyday. It is an unforgettable experience that I believe will inspire you to get involved with Laradon and with people with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

"They have helped more than they will ever know. I cannot thank Laradon enough!" Laura Patton, grandmother of Laradon school graduate.

"Without Laradon Hall I wouldn't have had my first job, I wouldn't have known what it means to communicate with other people, I wouldn't know what it means to accept responsibility for the job. I would not have had the chance to meet my husband. We've got 36 years of a marriage and he is the best thing that has happened to me...outside of Laradon Hall."
Pat P., former Laradon participant

"I admire Laradon staff. They always took such good care of my nephew. They helped him with everything he needed and wanted. I'm so thankful that they made such a nice life for him."
Lois S., aunt of Laradon participant

"I want to thank Laradon Hall for all they have done for me!"
Dennis C., Host Home participant

"They taught me how to work and they taught me how to keep a job. If it wasn't for their help I wouldn't be here today."
Hugh P., former Laradon participant