From AAPD (6.17.11):
Celebrating Victory, Honoring Leadership
by Sarah Peterson, Former JFA Moderator
June 22 is a historic day for the disability community. Not only does it mark the anniversary of the 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead decision which affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in their homes and communities, but it also marks the anniversary of the death of Justin Dart, Jr. who is widely recognized as "the father of the Americans with Disabilities Act," "the godfather of the disability rights movement," and co-founder of Justice for All.
In a time when the rights of many people with disabilities are in peril, it is important to remember the strength of our collective roots, acknowledge our current allies and rededicate ourselves to the work ahead.
There are no words to describe what Justin Dart meant, and continues to mean, to the people whose lives he touched, to the disability community nationwide, and to the movement worldwide. He was a leader like none other. I, unfortunately, never had the joy of meeting Justin Dart personally. However, I draw tremendous inspiration, guidance, and power from his life and words as documented in his manifesto, With Liberty and Justice For All: Toward a culture of Individualized Empowerment, and in the stories reported by his friends.
C-SPAN has recently posted the video of his memorial service in their video library. I encourage advocates, young and old, to spend time watching, listening and learning about Justin's life and vision of a "revolution of empowerment." Justin taught us: "Get involved in politics and advocacy as if your lives depended on it. They do, and the lives of our grandchildren. You can be a soldier of justice. You can be a revolution of one. The dedicated, total effort of a single individual to struggle for the human dream is a monumental, irreversible victory for the person and for humanity. That is real happiness. That is the good life."
As we face major reductions in services at the national, state and local levels, as Congress considers deep cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, food stamp programs, TANF and Social Security, these words are as applicable today as they ever were.
Lead On, Patriots!
Grateful that we have AAPD to remind us of all the important dates and people in our movement. Thank you!
Justin was an incredible advocate. He continues to give me the spark to move forward and create a more equal society for our community.
Posted by: Christina Mills | June 18, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Nice photos. Reminds me when i was in college. urban setting getting about in the city. Bicycle is the way.
Posted by: Pandora Charms | July 01, 2011 at 04:00 AM
It's okay... love looking at your lovely post.
Not much words needed, really.
Posted by: Beats Headphones | July 08, 2011 at 04:17 AM