As one of the pioneering female city managers in America, Kathy Hodgson brings a unique perspective to urban planning—one that places accessibility at the heart of community building rather than treating it as an afterthought.

This conversation explores Lakewood's remarkable legacy of inclusive programming dating back decades and demonstrates what's possible when cities prioritize participation for everyone.

We explore the practical realities of creating accessible environments—from the financial challenges of retrofitting aging infrastructure to the innovations possible when planning new construction from scratch. Hodgson shares how Lakewood balances competing priorities while maintaining a commitment to universal design principles that benefit everyone from parents with strollers to seniors with mobility challenges.

Beyond physical infrastructure, this episode reveals the importance of inclusive recreational opportunities and community engagement. Lakewood's wheelchair basketball leagues, adaptive summer camps, and innovative online participation platforms demonstrate how cities can remove both physical and social barriers to participation.

Whether you're a city planner, disability advocate, or community member, this conversation will transform your perspective on what makes a truly inclusive city and inspire you to look at your own community through new eyes.

For more information, transcriptions and behind-the-scene photos, visit https://craighospital.org/unstoppable

Craig Hospital is a nationally recognized neurorehabilitation hospital and research center specialized in the care of individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) and/or a brain injury (BI). Located in Denver, Colorado, Craig Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit, 93-bed national center of excellence that has treated thousands of people with SCI and BI since 1956. Learn more: https://craighospital.org

Jandel Allen-Davis, M.D. chats with Jason Stoffer and Quinn Brett, both Craig Hospital graduates, as they take us in deep into their work with Unite 2 Fight Paralysis where they're shifting the conversation around recovery and research.

The two met during their rehabilitation at Craig in 2017. Their shared frustration with the fragmented approach to spinal cord injury research led them to leadership roles at Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, where they're forging a new path forward.

Discover how these two advocates are building a movement that harnesses both informed hope and knowledge to create meaningful change in the spinal cord injury landscape. Their story reminds us that sometimes the most powerful advocacy comes from those who refuse to accept limitations.

For more information, transcriptions and behind-the-scene photos, visit https://craighospital.org/unstoppable

Craig Hospital is a nationally recognized neurorehabilitation hospital and research center specialized in the care of individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) and/or a brain injury (BI). Located in Denver, Colorado, Craig Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit, 93-bed national center of excellence that has treated thousands of people with SCI and BI since 1956. Learn more: https://craighospital.org

Shawn Lewis never imagined a small-town train would bring tears to his eyes. But when the historic Belleview Park train in Englewood, Colorado welcomed its first wheelchair rider after accessibility renovations, the city manager witnessed firsthand the profound impact of universal design. This moment encapsulates the heart of Lewis's approach to community building—creating spaces where everyone belongs.

Drawing from experiences from his childhood in rural Texas, Lewis shares his journey to becoming a city manager who champions both physical accessibility and human connection. His insights reveal Englewood's unique character as a first-tier suburb balancing the needs of established seniors with the third-highest concentration of millennials in Colorado.

Beyond discussing infrastructure challenges, Lewis illuminates how cities develop their own distinctive cultures and vibes. He explains how Englewood funds critical accessibility improvements through innovative mechanisms like their concrete utility fee, allowing systematic upgrades to sidewalks and public spaces.

Whether you're interested in accessibility, community development, or leadership, this conversation offers valuable insights into how smaller cities can leverage their intimate scale to create places where everyone can dance as if nobody's looking.

For more information, transcriptions and behind-the-scene photos, visit https://craighospital.org/unstoppable

Craig Hospital is a nationally recognized neurorehabilitation hospital and research center specialized in the care of individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) and/or a brain injury (BI). Located in Denver, Colorado, Craig Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit, 93-bed national center of excellence that has treated thousands of people with SCI and BI since 1956. Learn more: https://craighospital.org