HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 - Commission On Disability - Annual ReportCommission on Disability
2012 Annual Report
The City of Fort Collins Commission on Disability consists of nine members and two city staff liasions, all
of which maintained their position for the calendar year. The following individuals were represented:
Leadership
Jeffrey Coon – Chair Michael Devereaux – Vice Chair
Michelle Miller – Secretary Hettie Hueber – Historian
Members at Large
Terry Schlichting Jennifer Arndt
Michael Dunlap Wendie Robinson
Gwendolyn Dillman
City Liasion
Ethan Cozzens Rosanne McDonnell
Summary
The following highlights the many issues addressed during 2012 by the Commission on Disability as they
relate to persons with disabilities in the City of Fort Collins:
Hearing Loops
Initiated in 2011, the installation of a hearing loop system in city council chambers was completed and it
is now fully operational. Based on the commission recommendation, hearing loop technology is now a
part of the City of Fort Collins design standards for new construction and remodels of city owned
buildings.
Wheelchair/Power Chair in Bike Lanes
In collaboration with the city transportation department, a “soapbox” article was developed as a
reminder to city residents of the proper use of powered chairs in bike lanes throughout the city. This
soapbox was authored by vice-chair Devereaux and published in the Coloradoan.
Elder Abuse Forum
The commission partnered with the Human Relations Committee and provided representation at the
Elder Abuse Forum held in October.
Bike to Work Day
The commission contacted the Bike to Work Day organizers to ensure that wheelchair and device users
were to be included in this event. The transportation planning department made lights and reflective
devices available at little or no cost to persons in wheelchairs so they could safely participate.
Fair Housing Action Plan
The commission on disability received a request for and provided input on the Fair Housing Action Plan
developed by the Affordable Housing Board.
Mason Corridor Station Naming
Members of the commission attended the workshop aimed at determining an appropriate name for
what will now be referred to as the Spring Creek Station on the MAX BRT system.
City Sidewalk Survey
The city engineering department presented updates on the ongoing city sidewalk survey and the
commission on disability provided feedback regarding issues facing persons with disabilities as it relates
to the survey. This project will be ongoing into 2013 and the commission intends to monitor and
provide appropriate feedback toward the goal of making all sidewalks within the city safe and accessible
for persons with disabilities.
Mayor’s Awards 2012
The 2012 Mayor’s Awards were presented to:
Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award Connor Kelly
Employee of the Year Award Sarah Belleau
Employer of the Year Award Gib’s New York Bagels
Sprouts Market
Service Provider of the Year Award Elderhaus
Spirit of Fort Collins Award Fort Collins Service League
Volunteer of the Year Award Lois Douthit
Partnership Award Arc Thrift Store