DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Chad Clifford that would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). HB24-1360 passed by a vote of 51-12.
“Despite Federal ADA being law for 34 years, housing, employment, access to participate in government and the outdoors remains inaccessible,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This important bill spearheads a permanent state office that will remove those barriers and secure those opportunities so that Coloradans with disabilities can thrive and fully participate in all the amazing opportunities our great state offers.”
“Unfortunately, people living with disabilities disproportionately experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment; which is why Colorado needs to step up and provide the resources to help people lead successful lives,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “By creating the Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities, Coloradans will have better access to the good-paying jobs and education they deserve, so they have a fair shot at creating a strong future that’s all their own. I’m proud to carry this legislation forward with Representative Ortiz because it prioritizes representation, advocacy and commitment to the success of all.”
HB24-1360 would create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment The goal of this office is to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration.
Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, and trailblazing two right-to-repair laws for wheelchair users.