Colorado Springs, El Paso County Slow To Comply With Accessibility Rules

Disability advocates say Colorado Springs and El Paso County are far behind in efforts to become fully compatible with public accessibility regulations.

The Gazette reported Sunday that there are thousands of public places in the city and county that do not comply with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

Officials have touted recent efforts to bring public spaces in line with the law including the addition of curb ramps and more accessible spaces in parking lots.

Colorado Springs data indicates the city scheduled $9 million in accessibility improvements from 2016 through the end of next year.

Drew Wills of The Independence Center disability support organization says recent efforts by the city and county are attempts to appease federal regulators and forestall future legal troubles.