DRS Celebrates 40th Anniversary

We’ve come a long way since our beginning in 1978.

DRS can trace its origins to a project conducted by the Larimer County Association of the Blind and Physically Handicapped. It clearly showed a need existed for an organization that understood the barriers people with disabilities faced.

From the beginning, DRS has addressed those issues, and more, by assisting people in accessing community resources, providing specific services and giving on-going peer support to navigate challenges, pressing needs and complex social systems. DRS continues to evolve, adapting to changes in society and law.

Here are some milestones worth noting:

1978  Handicapped Needs Assessment Project began
1979  Handicapped Information Office opened
1982  Wine Fest fundraiser began
1984  Articles of Incorporation filed for Handicapped Information Office
1985  501(c)(3) non-profit status approved by the Internal Revenue Service
1987  Loveland office opened to better serve southern Larimer County
1987  Current name adopted
1988  Center for Independent Living certification achieved
2006  Jackson County added to our service area
2012  Fort Collins office relocated to better serve the community
2017  Nancy Jackson retires after 38 years as executive director
2018  DRS begins its new journey with a new executive director

Though we have evolved, our focus remains on assisting people of any age and any disability(s) in achieving greater quality of life and independence at home and in their community.

Thanks to all the volunteers and staff, past and present. Thanks to their dedication we are in an excellent position to meet the needs of the community for years to come.

Sincerely,

Joan LaBelle,
Executive Director
Disabled Resource Services