In Memory of Eric Reed
1958- 2013
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I met Eric Reed in 2001, when I’d been on the job as executive director of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) for less than a year. I was planning CTD’s annual convention to be held in El Paso, my first, and Eric was a point of contact from Volar Center for Independent Living. I was impressed by Eric’s focus on detail, enthusiasm and the overwhelming sense he was having a whole lot of fun planning a big disability conference.
A week before the convention, the world changed forever with the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Uncertainty ruled. Airports and hotels emptied as people stopped traveling, wondering when and where the next attack would come. Most conferences held in the immediate aftermath were cancelled. I called Eric and Luis Chew, Volar’s executive director, to talk about our response. They were firm: "Cancel? No way. When terrorists impact our lives, they win— on with the convention!" Well, we had some people cancel their registration, the hotel was empty except for us, the airport was very quiet; but the convention was a success and, from that point forward, I felt a special bond with Eric, Luis, Volar CIL and El Paso. I continue to visit El Paso annually to collaborate with Volar.
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Recognizing Eric’s keen political insight and advocacy knowledge, I recruited him to serve on CTD’s Board of Directors, where he represented Region 1 (El Paso & West Texas) from 2005 to 2013. He did not travel often but remained active by teleconference. Numerous times, he and I spoke at length, talking legislation and public policy. I trusted his advice.
The State of Texas’ claim of sovereign immunity from its ADA violations really fired up Eric. He would not tolerate discrimination based on a person’s disability. Every legislative session since 2003, bills to waive the State’s ADA immunity have been filed at CTD's request. Eric reviewed and edited most of CTD’s position papers on the subject. Famously, he cornered Attorney General Greg Abbott in El Paso and went face-to-face with the AG, an opponent of the ADA bill. The ADA bill is a tough fight in Texas, but I commit to the memory of the outstanding disability advocate Eric Reed that CTD will be like a dog on a bone until the offensive practice of discrimination is done. Eric would expect no less.
Dennis Borel
CTD Executive Director
June 10, 2013
