Denver, CO
Paralyzed Councilman Chris Hinds forced to crawl onto debate stage with no wheelchair ramp
A handicapped Denver councilman says he was left humiliated after being pressured to crawl onto a stage to participate in an election debate as a result of the venue internet hosting the occasion didn’t have a ramp.
Councilman Chris Hinds, who represents Denver’s tenth District, has been utilizing a wheelchair since 2008, when he was concerned in a crash that paralyzed him from the chest down.
He was elected to public workplace in 2019 and is searching for re-election to a second time period.
On Monday evening, Hinds arrived at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater in Denver to face off towards his three challengers in a debate, solely to find that the stage was not wheelchair-accessible.
In an interview with native information outlet Denverite, Hinds stated a staffer on the venue informed him they weren’t conscious that the councilman used a wheelchair.
A plan was formulated on the spot to elevate Hinds — alongside along with his energy wheelchair, weighing a whole bunch of kilos — onto the stage.
When the maneuver didn’t work, Hinds tried to crawl onto the stage and prop himself towards a chair in full view of the viewers.
“What was going by way of my thoughts is, how do I stay composed?” Hinds informed the station KDVR. “I’m about to start out a debate, I’m about to do my greatest to share with the people who find themselves in entrance of me why I’m the most effective candidate. In the meantime, I’m out of my wheelchair, laying on the stage.”
After about quarter-hour, the candidates and the organizers of the occasion determined to maneuver the talk to the ground in entrance of the stage.
Had Hinds declined to participate in Monday’s debate, citing a scarcity of accessibility, underneath native legal guidelines he would have needed to forfeit $125,000 in marketing campaign financing.
“It was a alternative between my marketing campaign’s viability or my dignity,” he informed the Denver Put up.
Denver Metropolis Clerk Paul Lopez stated that in an effort to be eligible to host a debate, the venue submitted an utility requiring it to adjust to all federal, state and native legal guidelines, together with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (ADA) — a civil rights regulation adopted in 1990 that prohibits discrimination based mostly on incapacity.
“Nobody ought to have that have, and I’ve apologized to Councilman Hinds personally,” López stated. “Our workplace continues to speak with all debate sponsors to make sure that they will fulfill ADA necessities and different wants.”
A spokesperson for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre stated in an announcement that occasion organizers had reviewed all logistics forward of the talk however acquired no requests for particular lodging from any of the candidates when speaking with them earlier than the occasion.
All of the candidates additionally had been requested to reach on the venue early, in keeping with the rep.
Hinds disputed the theater spokesperson’s narrative, denying that the venue had reached out to him or his aides forward of the talk to debate accessibility or early arrival.
“I don’t know the way that’s a reputable response,” Hinds stated. “I shouldn’t should ask them to observe the regulation. It’s insulting to me that they’re asking for me to go above and past and exit of my means … to make it possible for their house is legally compliant.”
Malik Robinson, the theater’s govt director, stated the venue is ADA-complaint, however its stage has “limitations.”
“Our stage is residence to performers of all talents,” Robinson stated in an announcement. “We perceive the stage limitations, and plan upfront vital lodging previous to occasions. We’re working diligently on a long-term answer.”
Hinds has been advocating for the growth of accessibility in Denver even earlier than his election to the town council. In 2018, then-Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed the Chris Hinds Act into regulation, bettering parking for individuals with disabilities.
Hinds stated he would love his latest expertise, which he described as a “public humiliation,” to change into a teachable second and result in extra public locations changing into ADA-compliant.
“The lesson that I hope individuals study from that is: We needs to be in an inclusive society,” Hinds stated. “The federal government needs to be consultant of all of the individuals, not simply these which are handy to symbolize.”
Denver, CO
Denver celebrates completion of pedestrian safety improvement project on Federal Boulevard, business owner looks forward to future
Progress is being made to improve safety on a busy stretch of Federal Boulevard near Empower Field at Mile High. On Thursday, Denver city officials and neighbors celebrated the completion of the North Federal Blvd Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project.
Work began last year on the stretch between 23rd Avenue and 27th Avenue that is intended to make it safer for pedestrians. The project includes new ramps, shorter crossings and slow-turn lanes for vehicles.
The construction team also made major drainage upgrades, which addressed flooding issues that plagued the area for years. The improvements were funded by the Elevate Denver bond approved by voters in 2017.
“We sent it to the voters in 2017, and a lot has happened since then — COVID, the world has changed a lot in my view,” said Amanda Sandoval, Denver City Council president for District 1. “Thank you for voting.”
However, Sandoval acknowledged the challenges businesses faced during construction.
“On every side of privilege, there is a burden. A business opened and closed because of the construction,” she said. “When you have an opportunity, support our local businesses, because that’s what gets this done.”
Federal Boulevard is considered one of Denver’s most dangerous streets, with pedestrians and drivers both facing safety risks. Last year, there were more than 80 car crash fatalities on Denver streets. The lack of pedestrian infrastructure was a contributing factor.
Matthew Cupp, owner of Lockhart & Co. Barbers, said the construction has increased the safety for not only himself but also for his clientele.
“I’ve been almost hit on Federal more than once,” Cupp said.
Besides those safety concerns when crossing the street, any weather-related event would make it a nightmare for the business owner.
“The street used to flood over the sidewalks, and at one point you couldn’t even cross the intersection,” he said.
Cupp also noted that the improvements have made it more efficient for pedestrians to cross.
“It used to take me 15 minutes or more to cross the street. Nobody wants to spend their lunch hour on the curb waiting for traffic,” he said.
Despite the improvements, Cupp hopes the changes will also bring more foot traffic which he lost much of during the construction period.
Sandoval echoed concerns about businesses struggling during the project.
“Support our local businesses because that’s what gets this done,” she said.
As the holiday season approaches, Cupp is feeling positive about the future of his business and the safety of his clients.
“I like it. My favorite part of the new additions is the safety improvements,” he said.
A man was “brutally assaulted” at a north Westminster gas station on his wedding anniversary and later died, according to police officials and his family.
Westminster Police Department investigators are seeking information about the Oct. 20 assault near 121st Avenue and Huron Street, the agency said in a news release Thursday.
The man’s family identified him as Jonny George in a GoFundMe seeking funds for his medical expenses. George was hospitalized for weeks and underwent multiple surgeries before he was declared brain dead, according to the page.
George was assaulted around 7:30 p.m., police officials said.
He called 911 about a “disturbance” approximately 10 minutes before the assault but did not want to file a report or be contacted by a police officer, said agency spokesperson Samantha Spitz.
The area does not have cameras and police are looking to speak to witnesses.
Anyone with information about the case can contact Westminster police at 303-658-4360 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
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Originally Published:
Denver, CO
Denver Broncos Prioritize Safety with Third Consecutive Turf Replacement | NFL News – Times of India
It is for the third straight year that the Denver Broncos will be playing on new grass for the first time at Empower Field at Mile High. The move is part of the board’s ceaseless efforts to ensure that the pitch does not become a danger to the players. With the team having many highly impacting games and action, a good playing field, therefore, helps in reducing injuries and enhancing the general game experience.
New Turf for Safety
The Denver Broncos have been doing their best over the course of the NFL season by keeping players safe after installing new turf during the season. The team has stated that the aim of changing the turf is to minimize injuries that sometimes occur as a result of old or uneven playing fields. With new grass installed annually, the Broncos want to make sure that the field they play on is excellent each week of the season. For the organization, the top priority was to have good turf replacement as regards to the player safety.
New Grass Arrives at Platteville
Denver will begin receiving new grass coming from a turf farm in Platteville, Colorado. This amount of 14 truckloads of Kentucky bluegrass was directly delivered to the stadium for the replacement of the old turf. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most resilient and resistant varieties able to withstand football games, and it was the ultimate choice for the Broncos’ home ground. The process of taking grass all the way from the farm ensures that the selected grass is suitable for the conditions and environments at Denver’s altitudes and changing weather.
36-Hour Installation Process
It was no small job laying the new grass. It took a dedicated crew 36 hours to lay down the new grass.
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Broncos vs. Falcons
On this Sunday afternoon, the Broncos team is going to play against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field. Once the new fresh turf is laid down, the fans can be certain to see an exciting one as Denver continues its season on home turf.
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