In 2010, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation establishing January 23 as Ed Roberts Day. This recognition, occurring on Ed’s birthday, provides an opportunity for all of us to educate the public about this disability rights pioneer and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to create a more equitable world for people with disabilities.

Roberts, who became paralyzed from the neck down after contracting polio at age 14, dedicated his life to ensuring full participation in society for people with disabilities. His accomplishments include being the first student with a significant disability admitted to UC Berkeley and founding the novel UC Berkeley’s Physically Disabled Students Program, creating the model for the Center for Independent Living and similar centers throughout the country. We are proud that Ed was appointed as DOR Director in 1976 and served until 1982. Ed also was instrumental in developing independent living centers and influenced amendments to the federal Rehabilitation Act that provided funding to independent living centers nationwide. In 2011, he was posthumously inducted into the California Hall of Fame in recognition of his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the disability community.

Please join me and the rest of the state in remembering the life and accomplishments of Ed Roberts, a true trailblazer in the disability and civil rights movements.