Ability Connection Colorado Preps for Wines in the Pines Event [VIDEO]

In 1946, nine mothers of children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities started a school to offer education socialization and therapies for children with disabilities. Over the years, the legacy of the school and its organization has grown and evolved. In 2013, the school officially changing its name to Ability Connection Colorado.

Today, Ability Connection provides a number of programs to youth (and adults) with disabilities across the state. These include inclusive education, employment and family support programs. According to Judy Ham, president and CEO of Ability Connection Colorado, the organization serves more than 46,000 individuals and families across the state every year.

In this video, Ham discusses the details of the organization’s upcoming two-day Wines in the Pines event with videographer/interviewer Scott Cowperthwaite. The event kicks off on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 at the Keystone Ranch with a seven-course meal, featuring wines from E. & J. Gallo Winery. And on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 19, there will be a food and wine tasting featuring over 500 international wines, spirits and beers as well as food from local Keystone Restaurants.

The event serves specifically the organization’s employment program, which includes mentorship programs, social security benefit planning and other resources to help adults and youth with disabilities find employment.

“We help everyone be employment ready,” Ham says. “Because everyone deserves that.”

This interview was conducted by Scott Cowperthwaite as part of a series with ColoradoBiz, "Behind the Biz,” in which Cowperthwaite profiles Colorado companies on location, asking questions and telling stories that get to the heart of what makes each business tick.

(This sponsored content is paid for by Ability Connection Colorado.)