HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 - Commission On Disability - Annual ReportCommission on Disability
2011 Annual Report
The commission on disability consists of six members as of the end of 2011. Three members resigned
their positions during the course of 2011. One position was filled on an interim basis, but that member
also resigned after serving on the commission for only two months. The commission members as of
December 31, 2011 are:
Jeffrey Coon – Chair Thomas Klender - Member
Michael Devereaux – Vice-Chair Terry Schlicting - Member
Hettie Hueber – Historian Rosanne McDonnell – City Liaison
Michelle Miller – Secretary Ethan Cozzens – City Liaison
During the course of 2011, the commission addressed several issues pertaining to persons with
disabilities in the City of Fort Collins. They included:
Accessible Housing
The commission contacted Mike Levy at Northerncoloradorentals.com about offering specific listings for
handicap accessible properties in the area. Mr. Levy agreed to offer property managers the option of
listing specific handicap accessible features on their website.
E-bikes
After gathering information regarding the use of ebikes on the city trail system, the commission made a
recommendation to the city council in favor of a 3 year trial period to allow for their use.
Anti- Bullying Forum
In cooperation with the human relations committee, two representatives from the commission on
disability attended the anti- bullying forum and served on a panel in support of local youth Connor
Kelly’s efforts to “Spread the Word to End the Word.”
Hearing Loop
After being approached by community member Don Willson regarding the topic of hearing loops and his
efforts to “loop” the city of Fort Collins, the commission researched this issue further. A
recommendation was made by the commission to utilize this technology in facilities deemed
appropriate such as council chambers, the senior center and the Lincoln Center. As of December 31,
2011, a hearing loop system is being installed for use in council chambers.
Council Chambers Accessibility
In light of recent modifications, the city manager’s office requested that the commission assess the
accessibility of council chambers. Based on this assessment, automatic door openers were installed on
the heavy doors leading both to council chambers and the council information center. The chamber was
otherwise deemed fully accessible.
Transportation/Accessibility
Vice-chair Michael Devereaux continued his role as liaison between the commission and Transform,
PTAG and Barrier Busters. On May 3, 2011, he attended the installation of a new ramp at Dean’s Barber
Shop in Old Town, an event that was covered by local media.
Mason Corridor Project
City of Fort Collins transportation representatives presented the overall plan for the Mason Corridor
project to the commission. As this project progresses, the commission on disability will act as a resource
on issues of accessibility as the need arises.
Updated Assignments to Boards and Commissions
The commission on disability has identified those boards and commissions that share common goals and
interests. Members were assigned to specific boards in order to keep up to date on common issues.
Assignments, however, were limited by the current size of our commission.
2012 Work Plan
The 2012 commission on disability work plan was updated and condensed to focus on the primary goals
and specific issues related to our mission.
Mayor’s Awards
The 2011 Mayor’s awards were presented to:
Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award: Sara Allmon
Employee of the Year: Amy Carter and Mary Coupe, Poudre School District Early Childhood Program
Employer of the Year: Silver Grill Café
Service Provider of the Year: Respite Care
Spirit of Fort Collins Award: Dennis Vanderheiden, Athletes in Tandem
Volunteer of the Year: Phyllis Zimmerman, President Autism Society of Larimer County and Tom Rock,
Respite Care Volunteer
Partnership Award: Paul and Nenita Pellegrino, Nita Crisp Crackers