“We’ve learned so much about our ambassadors — our friends living with special needs — how capable they are and how much they want to be part of the community,” explained Susan Mooney, one of the founders of Tall Tales Ranch.
“They want to be productive; They want to have jobs. And it’s very difficult to find employment for them in a space that’s willing to make accommodations,” Mooney continued, adding that adults with special needs have unique skills and talents that need to be recognized and utilized.
Studies show that less than 40% of people with IDD have paid employment and many of those workers are underpaid. However, several companies around Colorado employ workers with IDD, like DIRT Coffee in Littleton, Pizzability in Englewood, Jack’s/Steamers in Arvada and Festive Cup Coffee in Highlands Ranch.
Mooney and her husband, Pat, started Tall Tales Ranch eight years ago after their son Ross was diagnosed with a genetic condition called adrenoleukodystrophyat the age …