Celebrating IDD Day at the Capitol

“This is a really cool experience,” shared Dominque.  

The experience Dominque is excited about is the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance at the Capitol in honor of IDD Awareness Day—and she’s right; it is very cool! 

Dominque is a long-time participant in our JFS Disability Services program, which offers a variety of support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Denver metro area, including our Arts and Community Exploration (ACE) program. ACE is a person-centered program for adults with IDD, engaging in center-based activities and community outings. 

A motivated individual who is a natural leader in her community, Dominque has worked full-time at JFS’s Cardinal Health worksite for the past eight years. In her free time, she enjoys doing puzzles—especially 3D ones—hanging out with her family, and having fun bowling and doing all types of art projects through the ACE program. 

“Dominque is a great advocate for herself and others,” shared JFS Director of Disability Services Roxane Miller-Freutel. “She has shared with us that she is looking for new experiences to grow, including having taken our Introduction to Computer and Internet Safety class, so asking her to recite the Pledge of Allegiance on the floor of the Colorado House was a perfect opportunity.” 

The Pledge of Allegiance will be an in-person and virtual event on Wednesday, March 20, at 9:00 a.m. Learn more. 

“I’ve never done anything like this before, but I’ve been practicing,” said Dominque. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time. It’s a little nerve-wracking, but I got it.”