AdvocateDad Command Center #AdvocateDad · Practical next steps

Approved resource library

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 Lifeline · national

988 is a national crisis line. Call or text 988 if you or someone else is in emotional crisis. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Colorado Crisis Services

Colorado Department of Human Services · state · CO

Colorado Crisis Services provides 24/7 support. Call 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. This is not a substitute for 911 in an emergency.

Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing — member resources

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing · state · CO

HCPF administers Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and HCBS waivers. Members can use official pages for eligibility, waivers, and grievance information.

A Guide to the Individualized Education Program

U.S. Department of Education · national

Federal special education law requires an IEP for eligible students. Families can request evaluations, attend meetings, and ask for services in writing. Keep copies of every request and response.

APH FamilyConnect

American Printing House for the Blind · national

FamilyConnect helps families of children who are blind or have low vision find practical guidance on literacy, expanded core skills, transition, and everyday independence.

Medicaid and CHIP coverage basics

Medicaid.gov · national

Medicaid eligibility, notices, and appeal rights are defined by federal rules and each state Medicaid agency. Families should keep notices and request decisions in writing.

Colorado PEAK — apply or manage benefits

State of Colorado · state · CO

PEAK is Colorado's portal for applying and managing public benefits, including Health First Colorado in many cases.

Vocational rehabilitation — state VR agencies

U.S. Department of Education, RSA · national

State vocational rehabilitation agencies help eligible people with disabilities plan for work, training, and independent living related to employment.

Home and Community-Based Services

Medicaid.gov · national

HCBS waivers can support people in community settings. Services, wait lists, and case-management rules vary by state and waiver.

Find your Protection and Advocacy agency

National Disability Rights Network · national

Each state has a Protection and Advocacy agency that can help with disability rights, including service denials and access barriers.

Find Your Parent Training and Information Center

Center for Parent Information and Resources · national

Every state has a Parent Training and Information Center that helps families understand special education rights and prepare for meetings.

Family caregiver support programs

Administration for Community Living · national

The National Family Caregiver Support Program funds local supports such as information, training, and respite through Area Agencies on Aging and partner networks.

Perkins School for the Blind resources for families

Perkins School for the Blind · national

Perkins publishes family-facing guidance on visual impairment, multiple disabilities, transition, and accessible learning.

How to document a request

AdvocateDad approved guidance · national

Write the date, the person or office you contacted, exactly what you asked for, and what they said. Follow verbal answers with a short written confirmation.