Ed Roberts's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Ed Roberts is often considered to be the father of the disability rights movement in the United States. Born in 1939 in San Mateo, California, Roberts was a polio survivor who became paralyzed from the neck down at the age of 14. Despite his physical limitations, Roberts was determined to live a full and independent life. He graduated from high school with high honors and went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he became the first severely disabled student to be admitted.

Roberts faced numerous obstacles in his pursuit of higher education, including the university's initial refusal to accommodate his needs. However, he successfully challenged the administration and established a program to support disabled students, which ultimately led to the creation of the Center for Independent Living. This center became a model for disability rights organizations across the country and around the world.

Roberts' activism extended beyond the realm of education. He fought for the rights of disabled individuals to live independently, work, and participate fully in society. He was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in various areas, including employment, transportation, and public accommodations.

In addition to his advocacy work, Roberts served as the director of the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and was appointed by President Reagan to the National Council on Disability. He also co-founded the World Institute on Disability, which continues to promote the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

Roberts was a charismatic and influential leader who inspired countless individuals to strive for equality and empowerment. His legacy continues to shape the disability rights movement, and his impact is felt in the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

In recognition of his contributions, Roberts received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, and was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In his honor, the Ed Roberts Campus was established in Berkeley, providing a state-of-the-art facility for disability advocacy and services.

Though Roberts passed away in 1995, his legacy lives on through the continued work of disability rights activists and organizations. His remarkable journey from a marginalized individual to a trailblazing advocate serves as an enduring inspiration for all those who strive to create a more inclusive and equitable world. Ed Roberts' impact on American society and the disability rights movement is immeasurable, and his spirit and dedication continue to resonate with people around the world.