Lifetime disability advocate Ralph Shelman retires

Ralph Shelman is a legend in his own time, known nationally for his efforts in enacting the Virginians with Disabilities and Americans with Disabilities Acts. In addition to founding Insight Enterprises in 1982 and directing Peninsula Center for Independent Living for the past 36 years, he served on the Disability Advisory Committee under former Vice-President Al Gore and co-founded the African-American Disability Project. In 2018, the Hampton City Council honored Ralph with the Distinguished Citizens Medal, including a key to the city. Best of luck Ralph!

Garden Box Project

Appalachian Independence Center in Abingdon partnered with local nonprofit Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) to start a raised bed garden box project to help consumers reduce stress, depression and anxiety through gardening. This spring, 15 consumers are getting raised garden beds, soil, flowers, herbs and vegetables.

Consumers will get initial instruction and ongoing education to maintain their gardens from ASD’s “Grow Your Own” staff. To ensure accessibility, AIC also partnered with Virginia Tech’s AgrAbility program to provide accessible and adapted gardening tools to the consumers who need it.

Five students with disabilities recognized

Appalachian Independence Center (AIC) awarded the 2023 Greg Morrell Education Award to five students in Planning District Three. The award is given to a high school senior with a disability who is going to pursue either a four-year college, community college or an advanced technology or other educational/skills training or certificate. Careful consideration is given to students who show determination, leadership, and service to their communities.

Greg Morrell was AIC’s executive director for over 25 years and dedicated his life’s work to breaking down barriers. Greg was a fierce advocate in helping people with disabilities to live productive and independent lives in the pursuit of full participation in their communities.

In the past, AIC has selected one student to receive the award, but following the passing of other local disability advocates in recent years, AIC’s Board of Directors chose to award four additional Education Awards this year to honor the memory of David Barrett, Jack Owens, Lewis Atkins and Melinda Hawkins.

Home mods make IL possible

A friend of Mr. Smith referred him to Eastern Shore Center for Independent Living. A young man diagnosed with diabetes and neuropathy, Mr. Smith had tried other housing programs, but was unsuccessful in getting funds for home modifications to enable a higher level of independence.

ESCIL accepted Mr. Smith into its program, and he outlined his independent living goals including constructing an accessible bathroom and front-door entrance ramp at his rental home. An ESCIL IL advocate helped him complete the Virginia Housing rental unit accessibility grant application and referred him to a licensed contractor to provide a proposal. The $7,093 proposal was approved and work was set to begin.

Due to supply chain delays and a course of COVID for Mr. Smith, the IL advocate had to apply for an extension. The project was finally completed, allowing Mr. Smith to enter and exit his home safely as well as shower and bath without assistance. Mr. Smith is extremely grateful for ESCIL’s assistance.