Dan Greany has lived through changes brought by the ADA. He remembers when there was no PCA program in western Massachusetts, and he was unsure how he could survive on his own with only 23 hours/week of Medicare home health care. Mass Rehabilitation Commission added to that while he was in college, but he still …
“The IL Movement is strong… It’s the right thing to do.” Tom learned about independent living from his job at STAVROS. He began there as a driver in 1989, bringing IL Coordinators in wheelchairs to consumer homes. Back in the day, fewer homes were accessible, needing some tricky maneuvers which were wisely discontinued! Tom talks …
“July 26th is my 4th of July!” As an early proponent of the Independent Living movement, Paul Spooner was a strong voice, especially for Personal Care attendants. Paul was born with a genetic muscular atrophy disability that wasn’t evident until he was school-aged. He was sent home to live with his grandparents where his diagnosis …
Civil Rights Movement and Disability Rights – Paul Spooner Read More »
As executive director of STAVROS, the independent living center in Amherst and Springfield, Jim has played an important role in the independence of thousands of people. He describes his job as the “janitor” of the center – allowing his staff to be free of bureaucratic worries so they can be more effective. He is most …
Perspective of an Executive Director – Jim Kruideneir Read More »
Keith Jones has a pragmatic and joyful view of independent living. He first learned of IL in 1985 from Boston Center for Independent Living, and has his own organization SoulTouchin’ Experiences (daSoulToucha.com). He is a powerful voice on the issues of access, inclusion and empowerment. He talks a lot about the importance of PCAs – …
Advocacy and the removal of barriers for people with disabilities is Jennifer’s calling. As chair of the MA https://www.masilc.org/mainStatewide Independent Living Council, Jennifer has been recognized for her organizing skills and effective advocacy. Jennifer has great appreciation for growing up post-ADA, but as a woman of color with a disability, she is very sensitive to …
Carmen Rosado’s spinal cord tumor led to the loss of movement in her legs and arms, as well doctors telling her she would not survive long. 20 years later, Carmen’s smile and determination have contributed to many many Independent Living advocacy events. Carmen’s path to living independently was not typical. She was unable to go …
After many years living with her family and later in a group home, Anne was able to get her own apartment with only 10 hours of support per week. As she says in the video, “I do what i want when i want to”, which means everything to her. Anne has developed an expertise in …
While some advocates focus on inclusion, Desi’s path to independence has been through the disabiity community. She credits finding role models and peers at the Mass Hospital School with showing her how to be independent. Today, as a manager at Easter Seals MA, Desi still lives and works within the disability community. But she also …
Filomena Tripp was born in the Azores, and moved to the U.S. in 1968 (before the ADA!). She was tutored at home as the public schools were not accessible. She eventually lived on her own, in spite of advice from her parents and before the IL philosophy became accepted. In 2019, she loves her work …
