Patrick Going, Project Director

Pat started working with the DBTAC in 1991. Pat is one of 100 people who received the intensive ADA training from DOJ/EEOC/DREDF in the early 90's. Pat graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a MBA degree and served as the Director of the Southern Colorado Branch of the Arthritis Foundation for five years. He currently serves or has served on the Board of Directors for: Colorado Governor’s Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities; Colorado State Independent Living Council (SILC), Pikes Peak Center on Deafness; Partners for Access to the Woods (PAW), Colorado Springs “Downtown” Rotary Club; Pikes Peak Senior Resource Council, and the Colorado Business Leadership Network

Jana Copeland, Director of Research & Training

A researcher, trainer, and consultant, Jana specializes in the ADA employment provisions and workplace strategies for ADA compliance. She has conducted over 100 ADA-related training sessions for employers, businesses, professional organizations, attorneys, state and local government entities, disability organizations, and people with disabilities. She is also the editor of the ADA Quiz Book, 3rd Edition and has authored several ADA-related training curricula including HR Strategies for ADA Compliance, Nonprofits & the ADA, and Marketing Job Seekers with Disabilities.

Rob Gilkerson, Information Specialist, Architecture

Rob earned his B.A. in Sociology from Colorado State University. As a student he received a recognition award from the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD). Rob has authored numerous wheelchair access guides and has surveyed various organizations for ADA compliance including Colorado State University, the White River and Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado Springs School District 11, & Kaiser Permanente. Rob was instrumental in creating a DVD based on the “Existing Facility Checklist” by providing both photos and technical interpretation of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Cristi Harris, Special Projects Director

Cristi Harris has been with the DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center since 1999. She oversees product development for the Center, including the website and multi-media creations. She also coordinates the ADA Leadership Network. Cristi received her B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Maggie Sims, Information Specialist, Effective Communication

Maggie Sims is an Information Specialist with the DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center. She is also the editor of the DBTAC quarterly newsletter, as well as the monthly electronic newsletter, Rocky Mountain Access. As the mom of a son who is profoundly deaf, Maggie has a particular interest in the areas of communication. She has done course work in American Sign Language and has received ADA training from the U.S. Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and The National Technical Institute for the Deaf. She has worked at the DBTAC since 1992.

Geoff Ames, Information Specialist, ADA Transportation Specialist

Geoff holds a bachelor's degree in theology and philosophy from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. Geoff has owned and operated small businesses in Colorado for 20 years. Geoff came to MTC as an accountant/office manager in 2001, and became an information specialist in April, 2002. Since then he has specialized in the ADA transportation issues.

Candice Brandt, Information Specialist

Candice received training and a degree from Pikes Peak Community College in their Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP). She is the staff interpreter for the DBTAC as well as an information specialist. She is also featured in the “Vital Signs” poster and pocket guides, as well as the “Access to Voting” poster and pocket guides. Candice is heavily focused on outreach and training efforts in the DBTAC’s 6 state region. She currently works with several disability organizations to improve services and access to the Deaf community in Colorado.

Cindy Powell, Information Specialist

Cindy has served people with disabilities and interpreted for the Deaf since February 1975. Cindy’s background includes the continuum from infants who are “at risk” for developmental delays to elderly persons with severe disabilities. In addition to providing direct services, Cindy has been a residential and day program administrator in Colorado and Montana. Cindy has also instructed specialized sign language courses since 1979. As a Colorado Disability Program Navigator, Cindy was recipient of International Association of Workforce Professionals’ 2006 Services to Specialized Populations award.

Bob Gattis, Senior Advisor

Bob is currently President of Meeting the Challenge, Inc., a small business in Colorado Springs, CO that operates the DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center. Bob is a software designer with experience in developing desktop and web-based software for disability applications. Bob has five years of experience in developing accessible web sites for the DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center, the US Access Board, and other clients. He has presented Section 508 training to groups of web developers to help them understand the technical issues of web accessibility and section 508 compliance.

Randy Dipner, Senior Advisor

Randy is a founding partner of and senior advisor to Meeting the Challenge, Inc. He also serves as a Senior Advisor to the DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center. In 1981 Mr. Dipner was recognized by the Johns Hopkins 1st National Search for Computer Applications to Aid People with Disabilities for his invention of a desk top Braille production system. From 1994 through 1999, Mr. Dipner sat on two Federal Advisory Committees to establish accessibility standards for electronic and information technology and facilities. Mr. Dipner received B.S. degrees in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and Computer and Information Science from the Ohio State University in 1972.