Tell us a little about the work that you do.

ABIL is a grassroots, consumer controlled, non-profit Center for Independent Living that was established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Our mission is to offer and promote programs that empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.

I think that ABIL’s strength is that we provide a complementary and integrated combination of resources that solve the independent living challenges and goals of consumers. From home modifications, IL skills instruction, peer support, personal assistance services, SSA benefits counseling, to employment services, ABIL has programs to meet a broad range of needs. As Executive Director, I view my job as encompassing many things, but maybe most important is to provide leadership and direction for the organization.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It really varies. Some days, I may handle predominantly administrative duties such as reviewing contracts, financial statements, personnel paperwork, or signing payroll. On others, I may be testifying at a city council meeting, legislative hearing, or presenting ABIL programs at a local conference. Still on others, I may be preparing for a board of director’s meeting, or writing a proposal or newsletter editorial.

And of course, what would a day be like if I didn’t have some personnel issue to resolve, or a consumer or family member calling me directly for assistance? To do this job well, you really have to be flexible, learn how to multi-task, and most importantly…delegate.

ABIL is involved in such a breadth of programs and activities. How do you ever keep all those balls in the air?

I’m not sure I ever do! Things do sometimes fall through the cracks, but for the most part, I make sure the really important things get done. I also have a lot of confidence in my management team and I rely upon them to keep those balls from hitting the ground.

Most important though, we have great staff here at ABIL. Without them, ABIL would not be the wonderful organization that it is today. They are the ones that really carry out our programs and respond to consumer needs. I think my job is to just keep the ship moving forward and on course.

What drew you to this kind of work? What keeps you coming back, day after day?

I got involved at ABIL as a Board member in 1992. At the time, I really knew nothing about the independent living or disability rights movements, but I knew exciting things were happening, such as the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). I also recognized that attitudinal barriers were still preventing people with disabilities from living like everyone else. I guess I thought I could help knock some of those barriers down.

Once involved, I really began to enjoy solving problems for people with disabilities. I also have so much respect for the “old timers,” the advocates that came before me. So many of them worked for decades on disability rights issues. At age 44, and having lived with a spinal cord injury for 25 years, I guess what keeps me coming back is the obligation I feel for carrying the “torch” that’s been passed to so many of us.

From your perspective, what is the greatest challenge that individuals with disabilities face in achieving independence?

Negative attitude is the biggest thing. But sometimes it’s laziness and bad habits. Generally, people are creatures of habit. We need to relearn how to do some things in better ways and focus on what we can do and not on what we can no longer do.

I know there are no easy fixes...but what would help us overcome that challenge?

Be personally responsible, take charge of your life, and quit making excuses. I think it’s also important to recognize that achieving independence takes time…often many years. And we need to understand that independence is as much a psychological state, as it is a physical or economic state.

When you think about all you've learned in your professional life, what surprises you the most?

That I am where I am today. I really just love life! I’ve accomplished many things, but more importantly, I continue to learn and grow. I went to college. I became the first member of my family to receive a master’s degree. I’ve traveled to many exciting places. I played quad rugby for 14 years. I even fell in love and got married! I never would have thought any of this possible 25 years ago!