Real skills. Real places. Real expectations.

Ability Specialists supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Denver Metro through community-based training, supported employment, and consistent coaching. We build independence that actually holds up in the community.

Serving Denver Metro since 1999. Mentor-led. Community-based. Outcomes focused.

Pick your Path

  • Find the Right Fit

    Meet your Peers

    Tour the program, meet the team, and see what a real week looks like. We focus on independence, not enablement.

  • For Volunteer Worksites

    Community Impact

    Reliable help with clear tasks. Dedicated staff support on-site. Real contributions that build job readiness.

  • For Employers

    Build supported employment that sticks

    Work crews or 1 to 1 job coaching. We support supervisors and employees so expectations stay high and outcomes stay stable.

What we do

  • Community Job Training

    Community-based day program that builds readiness through structured practice and real work reps.

    Best for: Building consistency, confidence, and workplace habits before paid employment.

  • Group Supported Employment (Work Crews)

    Small crews at partner worksites with on-site coaching and clear expectations.

    Best for: Paid work with structure and reliable support.

  • Individual Supported Employment (Job Coaching)

    1 to 1 coaching that supports training, stabilization, and retention in real jobs.

    Best for: People who are working or ready to work and need targeted support.

How it works

Step 1: Fit check

We start with a tour, a real conversation, and a clear sense of goals. We want to be sure there is a mutual fit.

Step 2: Skills through repetition

We teach life, vocational, and social skills in community settings. Practice beats theory. Consistency matters.

Step 3: Support the right way

We build independence on purpose. Support is a runway.

What progress looks like here

  • Showing up on time, staying regulated, finishing tasks

  • Communicating needs

  • Building stamina, teamwork, and social confidence

  • Moving from volunteer practice into paid work pathways

  • More independence at home and in the community

Proof, not promises

“My son Nick has attended Ability Specialists since 2017. The staff exhibit commitment, patience and creativity everyday in helping Nick and every participant reach their personal goals and potential. While always using creative ways to moving each individual person forward, despite the individual’s disabilities. Kind loving people, each and every employee; they truly enjoy their clients. As a parent of a disabled/special needs adult, to have an organization meet and exceed my expectations is such a blessing. It’s truly like having extended family watch over your love ones, in your absence. Great team."

— Roger and Sheila (Parents)

“The Ability Specialists are more than a helping hand for our organization. They bring a positive attitude and upbeat approach to the many tasks that they work on while at our warehouse. We're always happy to see their smiling faces every week!”

— Barona DiNapoli (Volunteer Coordinator)

“Ability Specialists's staff and programs have made a huge difference in the quality of my son's life. They have provided so many opportunities to grow individually and socially. He is leading a much more full and complete life filled with developing friendships and relationships with others. The learning activities have increased his interaction with his community and world. I can't thank Ability Specialists enough for the work they have done to improve and enhance my son's day to day life.”

— Joan Hayes (Parent)

Looking for a Partner?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Primarily working-age adults.

  • Tour, conversation, goals, and a realistic view of support needs.

  • Yes, when we place crews or when coaching is part of the plan. Structure is the point.

  • Pick your path above and submit the quick form. We will respond with next steps.

Get started today.

Choose your path and we will route you to the right next step

Share the basics and we will route you to the right next step. Tours, referrals, worksites, and employer partnerships.

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We respond with next steps.