Ed Roberts (activist)

Edward V Roberts (1981) (2)

Ed Roberts (January 23, 1939 – March 14, 1995) was an American activist and a pioneering leader in the disability rights movement. He is often described as the father of the Independent Living movement. His efforts were instrumental in the development and passage of important disability legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Early Life

Ed Roberts was born in San Mateo, California. At the age of 14, he contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the neck down, except for two fingers and a few toes. Despite his severe disability, Roberts was determined to live a full and independent life. He attended high school by telephone before convincing the administration to let him attend classes in person.

Education

Roberts was the first student with severe disabilities to attend the University of California, Berkeley. He and his family had to fight for his admission, as the university was not equipped or inclined at the time to deal with students with significant physical disabilities. Roberts' admission and subsequent success paved the way for other students with disabilities. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 1964 and later earned a Master's degree in Political Science from the same university.

Activism and Legacy

In the 1960s, Roberts co-founded the Rolling Quads, a group of disabled students at UC Berkeley who worked together to advocate for accessibility, rights, and independence for people with disabilities. This group was a precursor to the Independent Living movement, which sought to give people with disabilities control over their lives and the services they use.

Roberts also played a key role in the establishment of the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, one of the first organizations of its kind. The CIL provided a model for similar organizations worldwide, focusing on advocacy, services, and research to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

In 1976, Roberts was appointed director of the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, where he worked to change perceptions of disability and improve services and access for disabled people. He was instrumental in the development of policies that emphasized independence and self-sufficiency.

Roberts' advocacy was not limited to the United States. He traveled internationally, promoting the rights and independence of people with disabilities worldwide. His work has had a lasting impact on disability rights legislation, including the ADA, which was passed five years after his death.

Death and Legacy

Ed Roberts died on March 14, 1995, at the age of 56. His legacy lives on through the continued work of the Independent Living movement and the numerous organizations and laws that were influenced by his work. Roberts is remembered as a visionary leader whose efforts have significantly improved the lives of people with disabilities around the world.

See Also

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Independent Living
• Disability rights movement