DENVER — Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, and the Colorado Office of Film, Media and Television hosted the premiere of a new documentary spotlighting Colorado's leading role in the National Disability Rights Movement. The screening was part of Colorado's official 250/150 Celebration, bringing together advocates, policymakers, and community leaders to honor the history and future of disability justice in Colorado.

A Colorado for All: A Legacy of Accessibility, co-produced by Steve Weiss and Jesse Grace, explores the roots of Colorado's leadership in disability advocacy, from early grassroots organizing to landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act, while also highlighting the state's continued efforts to center accessibility, inclusion, and human rights. Through powerful storytelling, the film amplifies the importance of disability rights, reflecting on how a bold push for equity took shape right here in Colorado.

"Our Colorado for all is not just a statement, but a mission to create a more welcoming environment here in our state where everyone can thrive. Our administration has taken the steps to ensure that Coloradans with disabilities have reliable transportation, job opportunities, and access to the necessary services they deserve. Thank you to the advocates and the creators behind this film for bringing to light our vision and for your continued work to foster a Colorado for all," said Governor Polis.

"Colorado has always led the way in the fight for disability rights, and this film honors the trailblazers who made that possible," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. "What makes Colorado special is that we don't just talk about inclusion, we continuously work towards it. This piece reminds us why we keep doing this work: to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunity and a voice in shaping our future."

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Throughout her career, Lt. Governor Primavera has championed opportunities for people with disabilities through policy, partnerships, and public service. From her early days as a vocational rehabilitation counselor to her leadership today in advancing inclusive legislation and accessibility initiatives, she has helped ensure that disability inclusion is not a side issue, but a core value of Colorado governance.

This commitment was recently demonstrated through her leadership, alongside Senior Advisor Josh Winkler and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, in launching the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office — a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at ensuring disability policy remains a constant priority across agencies and administrations. By bridging gaps across state systems and centering the voices of Coloradans with disabilities, the office is helping to build a more inclusive and opportunity-rich future for all.

"The Polis-Primavera Administration has been supportive of improving opportunities," said Josh Winkler, Senior Advisor to the Lt. Governor. "Hiring a disability advocate to lead on disability policy in the Lt. Governor's Office was just one of several key hiring decisions the administration made. The establishment of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office will help ensure future administrations put just as much focus on disability issues so the needs of 25% of Coloradans never fall to the back burner."

As part of the evening's program, Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera, Denver City Councilman and 150/20 Commission member Chris Hinds, and Deputy Film Commissioner Arielle Brachfeld delivered remarks underscoring the state's deep commitment to disability rights and inclusion. The premiere also featured a panel discussion with Lt. Governor Primavera, Senior Advisor Josh Winkler, Co-Producers Steve Weiss and Jesse Grace, and former Colorado Springs Councilwoman Yolanda Avila. Together, they reflected on the power of storytelling through film, Colorado's progress, and the work still needed ahead.

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"Film and digital storytelling are tools that engage empathy and understanding in profound ways," said Arielle Brachfeld. "Exposure to and understanding of these important issues can shift conversations, elevate advocacy efforts, and enact change on personal and public levels. This is one way we at the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media can help make Colorado, a Colorado for all."

It was truly an honor and a joy to meet and interview so many dynamic individuals from the disability community.  Their passion and heartwarming stories were an inspiration for us and made it very easy to bring their compelling stories to the screen," said Steve Weiss, Co-producer of the film.

Now more than ever, film is a powerful tool for connection, bringing untold stories to the forefront and helping audiences see, feel, and understand experiences that may not mirror their own. As Colorado continues to invest in inclusive storytelling, this documentary stands as a testament to the role media can play in advancing justice, sparking dialogue, and honoring community-led change.

"Showcasing powerful stories that lead to meaningful conversations is one of the many contributions that film, television, and media make to our quality of life in Colorado. The Colorado Film Office is proud to support the incredible work of the disability rights community, and efforts led by Lt. Governor Primavera to shine a spotlight on a conversation that amplified the importance of disability rights across the state and the nation," said Colorado Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman.

This premiere was more than a film screening; it was a call to action. As Colorado approaches its 150th anniversary, leaders across the state continue to reaffirm that disability rights are human rights, and that equity must be embedded in every level of policy and community life. Through storytelling, partnership, and the work of trailblazers past and present, Colorado is building a future where everyone can thrive — a Colorado for all.

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