For Immediate Release
Contact: Jessica Standiferd, jessica@connectionscolorado.org
Weld County, CO, 8/07/2025 – On July 20th, 2025, Brad Taylor, a longtime disability advocate and former employee of Connections, passed away in his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was 64 years old. Brad was a respected voice in the disability rights community in Colorado and a dedicated leader in independent living advocacy at the state and national levels.
Brad had been a part of the disabled community since acquiring his own in 1988 due to a motocross accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, resulting in paraplegia. After his accident, Brad pursued a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He became a consumer at Greeley Resources for Independent People (later Connections for Independent Living) in 1989. Brad became an intern in 1992 and served on the board of directors until 1994. He then joined the staff as an Independent Living Specialist. After a year as Executive Director for Denver’s Disability Center for Independent Living, Brad returned to Connections in 2000 as an Independent Living Specialist. In 2003, he accepted a role as Connections’ Transitions Specialist. In that role, Brad coordinated transitions of individuals from nursing facilities into their own homes.
“Brad’s legacy lives on into the future”, said Rochelle Mitchell, Connections CEO, “Brad was a staunch advocate for being released from his many hospital visits back to his own home. Independent living wasn’t just a philosophy; Brad taught many hospitals and healthcare agencies about disability rights to live independently. Most of all, Brad taught us to keep fighting for disability awareness and equality for everyone.” Brad’s testimony influenced many Colorado disability laws, including one in 2023 regarding access to wheelchair repairs. That legislation influenced subsequent legislation on farm equipment. Brad’s advocacy rippled out statewide.
In recognition of his lifelong service and impact, Brad received the Legacy Award from Connections for Independent Living. His contributions helped shape policies, support systems, and opportunities for people with disabilities across the region.
Funeral arrangements are currently being finalized. A reception in Brad’s honor will follow at the Connections for Independent Living office, located at 1331 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631.
Connections for Independent Living is a non-residential, participant-controlled nonprofit Independent Living Center that promotes independent living and the empowerment of all persons with disabilities. The organization is one of nine certified Independent Living Centers throughout Colorado and, since 1985, has specifically served individuals in seven northeastern counties.
Basic English Version
Brad Taylor, a strong voice for people with disabilities and a former employee of Connections for Independent Living, passed away at home on July 20, 2025. He was 64 years old and surrounded by family and friends.
Brad became disabled in 1988 after a motocross accident injured his spinal cord, which caused him to become paraplegic (he couldn’t use his legs). After the accident, he earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
He first connected with Greeley Resources for Independent People (which later became Connections for Independent Living) in 1989. He started as a client, then became an intern in 1992, joined the board of directors, and later became a staff member. He worked as an Independent Living Specialist, helping people with disabilities live on their own. He also worked for a time in Denver but returned to Connections in 2000. In 2003, he became the Transitions Specialist, helping people move from nursing homes into their own homes.
Rochelle Mitchell, the CEO of Connections, said Brad always pushed to return home from the hospital and helped teach others about the right to live independently. She said, “Brad taught us to keep fighting for disability rights and equality.”
Brad helped shape disability laws in Colorado, including a 2023 law about fixing wheelchairs. That law even influenced rules for farm equipment. His work made a big difference across the state.
Brad was honored with the Legacy Award from Connections for his lifelong service. His work helped create better policies and support for people with disabilities.
Details for his funeral are still being planned. There will be a reception to honor him at the Connections for Independent Living office at 1331 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631.