HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 - Commission On Disability - Annual ReportCity of Fort Collins Commission on Disability
2014 Annual Report
The City of Fort Collins Commission on Disability consists of nine members and two City staff
liaisons. For the calendar year 2014, the following individuals comprised the commission:
Michael Devereaux – Chairperson Jeffery Coon – Vice-Chairperson
Jennifer Arndt – Secretary Hettie Hueber – Historian
Michelle Miller – Secretary Michael Marr – Board Member
Leslie Efrid – Board Member Tommy Klender – Board Member (Resigned)
Ethan Cozzens – City Staff Liaison Rosanne McDonnell – City Support Staff
Bob Overbeck – City Council Liaison
Summary
The following highlights the many issues addressed by the Commission on Disability during the
calendar year 2014:
Hearing Loops
The City of Fort Collins continued its commitment to expanding hearing loop technology for the
hearing-impaired in our community. The Senior Center has undergone renovations and fitted
with a hearing loop system.
Transportation
The Commission on Disability worked closely with Transfort in 2014 helping with the milestone
event of opening the MAX bus route. COD members and Chairperson Michael Devereaux were
there for the Inaugural Run of Transfort’s MAX bus route. Devereaux served as MAX
Ambassador with the Transfort’s introduction of the MAX and subsequent route changes with
the addition of the MAX bus route.
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 2014,
the commission continued 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 with
the ultimate goal of working with these and other agencies to increase the availability of
affordable/accessible housing in our city. In addition, the commission will be considering
whether to make recommendations to city council on updating building codes to include
accessible features.
Person First Festival (formally the Disability Pride Fest)
The Commission collaborated with and supported the Person First Festival 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.
Mayor’s Awards 2014
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 Julian Wang
Volunteer of the Year Roxann McKenzie
Employer Columbine Health Systems
Employee Loretta Haskett
Service Provider Foundation Music School
Spirit of Fort Collins Poudre School District Unified Basketball Team
Partnership Disabled Resource Services/Person First Festival
Submitted by: Michael Devereaux, 2014 Chairperson