Episode Description

What does it take to make Colorado more accessible? It begins with listening to the people who rely on public transportation, accessible services, and community support every day.

Jennifer and Michael open the episode with a conversation about Colorado’s unusually hot and humid weather, Jennifer’s abandoned attempt to attend a five-dollar horseback ride, and the challenges of navigating summer without dependable air conditioning.

Michael shares highlights from an ophthalmology summit in Snowmass and discusses Aftersight’s weekly low-vision support group. The virtual group gives people from across the country a place to share challenges, celebrate victories, exchange practical information, and find encouragement from others who understand their experiences.

The conversation then turns to accessible transportation. Jennifer describes what she has learned through Atlantis Community’s Transit Academy and from RTD ADA Manager Gabe Christie. Jennifer and Michael examine the real costs of paratransit, proposed fare increases, unreliable transportation schedules, inaccessible bus stops, and the barriers blind and low-vision riders may encounter while using buses and trains.

A central message emerges: change requires participation. Public agencies need to hear directly from the people affected by their decisions, but community members must also attend meetings, join committees, share their experiences, and make their needs known.

Jennifer and Michael also discuss Aftersight’s upcoming community hike and Jennifer’s work providing audio description at the Arvada Center. Upcoming accessible productions include Misery, Barefoot in the Park, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Doubt, and Dear Evan Hansen.

The episode concludes with a humorous but sincere discussion about slowing down for animals on Colorado roads, including birds, geese, marmots, prairie dogs, and the migrating tarantulas of southern Colorado.

In This Episode

• Colorado’s unusual heat and humidity
• Aftersight’s weekly low-vision support group
• Transportation barriers facing blind and low-vision riders
• RTD, paratransit, Access-a-Ride, and fare concerns
• Why accessible planning must include people with disabilities
• The importance of attending public meetings and joining committees
• Audio-described theater at the Arvada Center
• Aftersight’s upcoming community hike
• Colorado wildlife and the responsibility to drive carefully

YouTube Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk
09:46 Transportation Challenges and Advocacy
25:44 Community Engagement and Events
40:07 Conclusion and Call to Action
41:13 Aftersight Outro

Call to Action

Have an event, community story, accessibility concern, or Colorado topic that Jennifer and Michael should discuss? Colorado Views is also looking for future guests who can help inform, encourage, and connect communities throughout the state.

Contact

General feedback: feedback@aftersight.org
Jennifer: jennifer@aftersight.org
Michael: michael@aftersight.org
Website: aftersight.org

Credits

Hosts: Jennifer and Michael
Producer: Jonathan Price
Presented by: Aftersight