Denver City Councilman Chris Hinds was photographed crawling onto a stage to take part in an election debate because the venue has no wheelchair ramp.
A handicapped Denver councilman says he was left humiliated after being forced to crawl onto a stage to take part in an election debate because the venue hosting the event did not have a ramp.
When the maneuver didn’t work, Hinds attempted to crawl onto the stage and prop himself against a chair in full view of the audience. . “I’m about to start a debate, I’m about to do my best to share with the people who are in front of me why I am the best candidate. Meanwhile, I am out of my wheelchair, laying on the stage.”
Hinds, who represents Denver’s 10th District, has been using a wheelchair since 2008, when he was hurt in a car crash and left paralyzed from the chest down.Denver City Clerk Paul Lopez said that in order to be eligible to host a debate, the venue submitted an application requiring it comply with all federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act – a civil rights law adopted in 1990 that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Monday’s debate took place at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater, which had submitting an application confirming it was ADA-compliant.Hinds disputed the theater spokesperson’s narrative, denying that the venue had reached to him or his aides ahead of the debate to discuss accessibility or early arrival.
“Our stage is home to performers of all abilities,” Robinson said in a statement. “We understand the stage limitations, and plan in advance necessary accommodations prior to events. We are working diligently on a long-term solution.”
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