Colorado Advocacy Group Presented Annual Awards
A state organization recognized leaders for their support of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Special Needs
At the annual Alliance summit in Breckenridge on September 1, 2026, two leaders were honored for their service to the community. Ariel Clinical Services CEO Becky Hobart received the Jane Covode Award, while Representative Rick Taggart was named Legislator of the Year.
Why it matters
These awards celebrate ongoing efforts to secure essential resources for Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The recognition of Representative Taggart highlights the critical role state funding plays in maintaining support systems for families across Colorado.
Ariel Clinical Services has operated in Colorado since 1994, expanding its scope to include support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 2005. The organization currently serves residents in Delta, Montrose, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and the Denver metro area.
The players
Becky Hobart
The CEO of Ariel Clinical Services, a long-standing provider of clinical and community support programs for individuals with disabilities.
Rick Taggart
A member of the Colorado House of Representatives for District 55 who focuses on healthcare and disability support funding.
Ariel Clinical Services
A Colorado-based healthcare provider that has offered specialized support for intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2005.
The details
The awards were presented during the annual Alliance summit to acknowledge significant contributions to disability advocacy. Representative Rick Taggart, who serves House District 55, was honored specifically for his legislative work in preserving Medicaid funding for these programs. Becky Hobart accepted the Jane Covode Award for her leadership at Ariel Clinical Services, an organization providing comprehensive care services throughout the state.
Timeline
Ariel Clinical Services was established in 1994.
The organization expanded its mission to include IDD services in 2005.
The award recipients were honored on September 1, 2026.
The Home Front
This recognition underscores the ongoing importance of state-level advocacy in maintaining stable funding for Medicaid-supported disability services. These legislative efforts are central to ensuring that specialized clinical and residential care remains accessible to families across the state.
Families relying on state-funded disability services should continue to monitor updates from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing regarding Medicaid eligibility. If you receive these services, ensure your contact information remains updated with your regional care coordinator to avoid interruptions in coverage.
The takeaway
Advocacy for disability funding directly impacts the stability of care services available to families across Colorado. Families should keep records of all current service agreements and stay informed about state budget sessions that may influence their specific care programs.
Further reading
Learn more about local support networks in Special Needs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
