HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 - Commission On Disability - Annual ReportCity of Fort Collins Commission on Disability
Annual Report
2013
The City of Fort Collins Commission on Disability consists of nine members and two city staff
liaisons. For the calendar year 2013, the following individuals comprised the commission:
Jeffrey Coon – Chairperson Michael Devereaux – Vice‐Chairperson
Jennifer Arndt – Secretary Hettie Hueber – Historian
Michelle Miller – Board Member Thomas Klender – Board Member
Terry Schlicting – Board Member Rose Luna – Board Member
Wendie Robinson – Board Member (Resigned September 2013)
Rosanne McDonnell– City Staff Liaison Ethan Cozzens – City Staff Liaison
Bob Overbeck – City Council Liaison
Summary
The following highlights the many issues addressed by the Commission on Disability during the
calendar year 2013:
Hearing Loops
The City of Fort Collins continued its commitment to expanding hearing loop technology for the
hearing impaired in our community. Over the course of 2013, the following city facilities had
hearing loops installed:
Lincoln Center
Northside Aztlan Center
Police Services Building
Museum of Discovery
In addition, the Senior Center is undergoing renovations and will be fitted with a hearing loop
system.
Transportation
The commission provided input on the Front Range Transit Vision Project and formally
recommended that the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland pursue integration of both fixed route
and paratransit operations
The commission also was approached by a group of community members asking that we
consider advocating for Dial a Ride services to be expanded to serve a larger geographic area.
This issue will be further discussed as part of the 2014 work plan.
Board member Devereaux served on a panel discussion in conjunction with the Transportation
Board regarding issues impacting people with disabilities in the Fort Collins community
Affordable/Accessible Housing
The commission has deemed the issue of affordable/accessible housing to be a priority in
making the city of Fort Collins a great place to live for people of all abilities. During the course
of 2013, the commission began discussions with the Affordable Housing Board, the city Housing
Commission, the city Affordable Housing Office, the MS Society and Accessible Spaces, Inc. on
how to best address this issue. Further discussion is planned as the commission moves into
2014 with the ultimate goal of working with these and other agencies to increase the
availability of affordable/accessible housing in our city.
In addition, current and former commission members were highlighted in the Fort Collins
Coloradoan regarding the issue of Practical Housing for All (PHA). The commission will be
considering whether to make recommendations to city council on updating building codes to
include accessible features.
Boards and Commissions Collaboration
A request was made by the Human Relations Commission to pursue combining the annual
Mayor’s Awards with the HRC and Women’s Commission awards. After much deliberation, the
COD voted unanimously against the HRC request.
Accessibility in Fort Collins
Upon the recommendation of the commission, the Housing Authority made repairs to the
Northern Hotel by extending the hand rail for the entire staircase in the main lobby.
Disability Pride Fest
The Commission collaborated with and supported the Disability Pride Fest that was sponsored
by Disabled Resource Services. This event included a parade and outdoor concert. Several
Commission members participated in the parade, attended the Fest and provided information
on the COD. In addition, the 2012 Mayor’s Awards recipients were recognized at the event
Mayor’s Awards 2013
The annual Mayor’s Awards ceremony took place in October in conjunction with National
Disability Awareness Month. This year saw a record number of nominations, and Mayor Karen
Weitkunat presided over the ceremony. The following groups and individuals were recognized:
Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award Roy Mutart Akton Club of Northern Colorado
Employee of the Year Award John Schmidt Hewlett Packard
Employer of the Year Award King Soopers North College Avenue Store
Service Provider of the Year CM Cares Colorado State University
Spirit of Fort Collins Award Sarah Jane Kyle Fort Collins Coloradoan
Deborah Spotts CSU Center for
Community Partnerships
Volunteer of the Year Award Donna McBroom Fort Collins resident