communicATor

CIDE and CU Denver’s Marlin Cohrs, a treasured employee, celebrates over 50 years with CU Denver as the university reaches its 51st year.

In 1963, Marlin Cohrs was inspired to pursue computer science after participating in a summer program. The program involved using a Fortran computer programmed with punched out tape. Marlin decided to pursue a position at CU Denver, which was then known as the "CU-Boulder, Denver extension." He was drawn to CU Denver’s emerging reputation in computer science and technology and its supportiveness of faculty and staff. Marlin then began his IT career working for JFK Partners, a program under the CU School of Medicine for people with disabilities. He was trailblazing, setting up computers and networks before the University even had a designated IT department.

 

However, in spite of his enthusiasm for technology, Marlin's true passion was helping children and families. He began his university career in 1972 as the project coordinator on a low-income home screening project in the Department of Pediatrics to evaluate children for problems in speech, vision, hearing, and development. Collaborating with doctors and speech language pathologists from across the country, the project developed a successful screening model and created training materials to help others replicate the program. In 1978 the project moved to the JFK Center. With his background in technology, Marlin established a film studio to produce training materials and significantly expand the project to infinitely more children.

In 1983 Marlin obtained his MBA from CU Denver, and in 1991 - 1993, assumed the role of acting director for JFK Partners. Overall, he spent 22 years of his career at JFK Partners in various positions as he developed his technical skills and earned a couple of degrees.

In 1997, Marlin transitioned to Assistive Technology Partners, which is now the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE). There, he helped manage financial responsibilities, engaged in grant writing and research, and supported advanced IT computing across numerous projects. After officially retiring from CIDE and CU Denver in the Fall of 2000. Marlin continues to remain actively involved with CIDE by assisting with grant searches and supporting the Statewide Assistive Technology and Augmentative Alternative Communication (SWAAAC) program. He maintains his passion for supporting children with disabilities by troubleshooting, redesigning, and repairing assistive technology equipment for the SWAAAC loan library.

Marlin speaks highly of his colleagues at CIDE, saying that they have been exceptional and it has been a pleasure to work with them. He describes them as "the best of the best" nationally and internationally in their fields and outstanding leaders and clinicians. Marlin also explains he finds his work at CIDE exciting because there is always a new project and technologies to help individuals with disabilities reach their potential and achieve independence. The faculty and staff at CIDE are equally impressed and honored to work with Marlin. He has made immeasurable impacts on the field of Assistive Technology and the lives of individuals with disabilities, and his co-workers! Marlin’s 50 years of dedication and service to helping others has undeniably made the world a better place!