Roberts, Edward V., 1939-1995.

Edward V. Roberts (1939-1995) contracted poliomyelitis in 1953 at the age of 14. Surviving the disease, he became a respiratory quadriplegic. In 1962, Roberts was the first severely disabled student to attend the University of California, Berkeley. He co-founded the Physically Disabled Students Program (PDSP) at Berkeley in 1970, then expanded the program into the community as the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in 1972. Roberts was appointed director of the California State Department of Rehabilitation in 1975, serving until 1983. Roberts then co-founded the World Institute on Disability (WID), serving as president until his death. Named a MacArthur Fellow from 1985-1989, Roberts used the fellowship funds to make WID an international force in disability rights. Roberts was also involved with Disabled Peoples International (DPI), and served on many disability organizations committees and advisory boards. He was an avid public speaker, advocating for disabled rights through appearances all over the world. Roberts died in 1995, and is remembered as a pioneering activist for disabled peoples rights.

From the description of Edward V. Roberts papers, 1953-1998 (bulk 1975-1995). (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 51787409

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