Looking Back 25 Years Ago Today

Disability Rights Activists Demand Jerry Lewis Stop the Pity Routine. 

A dozen people with disabilities picketed the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon outside the Libertyland Creative Arts Building.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Twenty-five years ago today, Deborah Cunningham, the Executive Director of DCM (at the time called the Memphis Center for Independent Living) led a protest for the dignity of people with disabilities. “Our community has changed a lot because of progressive ideas that brave activists had back then,” said Tim Wheat who was at the protest 25 years ago. “Respect and the inherent right of everyone be valued was not as clear as it is today, but we still have barriers to overcome.”

By Tim Wheat 

9/3/2001 

A dozen people with disabilities picketed the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Telethon outside the Libertyland Creative Arts Building. Activists in Memphis and around the U.S. are asking that Lewis be removed from his position as chairman of the MDA, and asking the MDA stop using misleading stereotypes of people with disabilities in its fundraising.

 

"If it's pity we'll get money," said comedian Jerry Lewis in a national television interview. "Pity? You don't want to be pitied because you're a cripple in a wheelchair? Stay in your house." 

Both the MDA and Jerry Lewis apologized for those comments, yet the annual telethon did nothing to modernize their fundraising model. 

"[Jerry Lewis speaks as if] without these charity events we wouldn't have much hope," said Deborah Cunningham in an interview with Channel 13. "I resent that." 

Demonstrators held that pity is not necessary to raise money for medical research and it is only the force of Mr. Lewis' personality that keeps the MDA using outmoded exploitation of children and an appeal to pity to raise money. 

"Pity is an outdated and condescending approach that hurts all people with disabilities; it contributes to our being underestimated by employers, educators, and society at large," said Alan A. Reich, President National Organization on Disability this past August. "I hope that soon the MDA Telethon will be an event that celebrates potential and urges people to donate for the right reasons -- educating the public, research for new treatments, providing opportunities, and breaking down negative stereotypes -- but that disavows the harmful approach of giving money based on sentiments of pity or guilt." 

Security Director Leonard Porter gave the protestors an ultimatum that they will have to move from the Libertyland property. "Okay," responded Deborah Cunningham, the Executive Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living, "we are not moving." Director Porter consulted with Libertyland staff for approximately 10 minutes before he returned to tell the group that he is withdrawing the ultimatum. 

"I respectfully suggest that Mr. Lewis will raise more money and make a greater contribution to the culture by eliminating pity from his appeal, and by emphasizing the empowerment of people with disabilities to work and to contribute," said Justin Dart, the founder, Justice For All on August 21. "FDR never ran on pity." 

Do you want to live in a Smart Home?

DCM is looking for people who have information about smart home applications or questions about how technology can help you. 

Smart home technology is adding accessibility to many home decisions. It seems that almost every feature of your home can be controlled remotely. And not with just any remote, like the old garage door opener, the remotes may be automated and voice activated. Like in the past when many of us collected three remotes simply to control the TV, cable and VCR, you can have a handful of remote controls to manipulate from afar.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, the Center was a progressive leader in helping to bring remote technology to people with disabilities. In his book, Shielded By God, Franklin Forester tells how he set up a controlling device for people with disabilities. Some people could control multiple appliances with a single switch, or they could make selections with a sip-and-puff control. 

Now, however, there are many additional applications around the home that may be controlled remotely. It is easy to see how these can have an impact on accessibility. And the type of control can add to accessibility. With items connected to the Internet, you can control them from anywhere and with smartphones and applications it may be more accessible than ever. 

Many home tasks that are automated for convenience, can also be accessible for people with disabilities.  Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant allow individuals with limited physical mobility or dexterity to operate overhead lighting, trigger smart plugs, and adjust window shades hands-free. The convenience for people without disabilities can be access for people with disabilities and accessibility can also be convenient. There is no reason our community cannot also enjoy the convenience that smart home technology can provide. In entertainment and making routine the things you like to do. But, also helping to make the things you do not like to do simpler and easier. 

Midsouth summers bring intense heat and high humidity. Smart thermostats may enable residents to schedule automatic cooling or adjust indoor temperatures. This feature is intended to save energy and money for most homeowners, but for people with disabilities, the convenience becomes access. 

Smart locks and video doorbells are becoming common. They may also eliminate the physical struggle with traditional keys and door knobs. Residents can view visitors on a phone or tablet screen and unlock the front door remotely. Seeing, hearing and speaking to people at your door is becoming very familiar. Unlocking remotely can be the accessible feature of the remote door. But you need the ability to see or hear who you are unlocking the door for. While many people use audio and visual doorbells and the price is coming down, it is the unlocking feature that is typically the most expensive. 

Smart smoke detectors, water leak sensors, and bed-exit monitors provide immediate, automated alerts to off-site caregivers. These applications can help during an emergency, or be part of a safety net while respecting the user's personal privacy.

Planning for access can help you avoid having a different remote or app for each item you add to your home. Some providers will merge accessible smart devices with local support networks.  Smart home technology can offer Memphians of all abilities greater autonomy, peace of mind, and more independence in their own homes.

If you are looking into smart home applications, whether for accessibility or convenience, let us know. We hope to help Memphians find the access they need with independence in mind. Call the Center (901-726-6404) or email us at info@disabilitymidsouth.org

MATAplus Capacity Constraints and its impact on people with disabilities

 Full Comments of Tim Wheat

at the August 27, 2025 MATA Board Meeting

Thank you. My name is Tim Wheat, Co-Director of Disability Connection Midsouth. I want to talk about MATAplus Capacity Constraints and its impact on people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires paratransit services to be comparable to fixed-route services. For MATAplus, this means riders should be able to schedule a trip for the next day. However, a recent review by Disability Connection and past findings by the FTA reveal the system is illegally capacity constrained. 

In fact, yesterday I asked a MATAplus rider to show me. She called and asked for a ride to this meeting. No questions, no talk of destination or times, no negotiation. Just no trip. Another rider had called Friday for a ride to work this past Monday, at 8:30 AM and they were told no more trips Monday.  

MATAplus reports a minimal 3% denial rate and 97% on-time performance, but these numbers don't tell the full story. The service is capacity-constrained, meaning a certified rider can't be confident they will get a ride if they call for a ride the next day. Riders have been trained to call three days in advance to secure a trip.

This isn't a new issue. The FTA found capacity constraints 20 years ago and again five years ago. The 2020 report noted that MATA agents were directly denying trips, particularly those made one or two days in advance. The agency also undercounted denials in several ways, such as not logging trips that were denied but still accepted by the rider outside of the 60-minute reservation window. They also logged denials as "trip refusals" and used bureaucratic terms like "advanced cancellation." This all served to lower their official denial numbers, despite not providing the necessary transportation.

Adding to the problem, MATAplus riders often see their vehicles being used for other services, like "Ready Ride." This makes the disability community feel that the vehicles they rely on are being diverted, creating a very real and obvious operational capacity constraint.

This isn't just a scheduling issue; it's a matter of Community Commitment. As John Lewis said, it's not just about buses running on schedule; it's about the real-world impact on individuals. He provides you with a Community Commitment score for the fixed-route, but not for paratransit. Refusing people with disabilities a next-day trip should be seen as seriously as a bus not leaving the yard. If we apply that standard, MATAplus' service would get a score of roughly 30%, Making reservations only three days in advance, a clear sign of unmet needs.

I am disappointed by the work of TransPro. While they have had a difficult task with MATA, they have not solved this inequity and ensuring MATA has a functional paratransit system must be a priority for this board. Thank you.

A History of DCM

Forty Years of Independent Living 

EDITORS NOTE: This is from the Welcome speech given my Tim Wheat at the 2025 Deborah Cunningham Access Awards Dinner, Friday, July 25.

Disability Connection Midsouth was chartered in 1985 as Access All Areas and changed names officially in 1992 to Memphis Center for Independent Living. Forty years of Independence. That is who we are. 

Since 1985 The Center has been a tower of empowerment for individuals with disabilities; even though we work out of a basement. From that basement we are deeply rooted in the principles of self-determination and community integration. 

In May of 2008, New Mobility magazine profiled many of our Memphis consumers. The odd thing was they did not interview them in Memphis, they all lived in Denver. This Center bravely helped people like Devoe Mack, Willie Robinson and Darrell Williams move out of a Nursing Home in Tennessee to live in their own home in Colorado. 

Often it was “Against Doctor’s Orders” and many families did not approve. But our Center fought for equal rights and responsibilities of citizens with disabilities. This includes challenging the systemic marginalization that has historically plagued our community—a marginalization fueled by bigotry, discrimination, poverty, isolation, dependency, and pity. 

LaTonya Reeves was the first to use the Underground Railroad out of Memphis. LaTonya died two years ago; but she lived and worked in Denver for over 35 years. Back then, our state put people with disabilities in expensive nursing homes. The Center was determined to avoid that. LaTonya knew about nursing homes and said she would have died there.  The average life-expectancy of someone in a nursing home today is less than 14 months. 

Last year, Congressman Steve Cohen introduced the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act to finally close the gap to allow people with disabilities to live in the community rather than being forced into expensive nursing homes or institutions. Tonight we are awarding Representative Cohen our lifetime achievement award. 

Over a dozen people used the “Underground Railroad” to Colorado. Today DCM works to help people live independently in the community and we are currently working with nearly 800 people in the midsouth to remain in their own home and live independently. 

Independence is our legacy. It was this Center that camped out in Governor Bredesen’s office for a record 78 days demanding Home and Community Services. If you read Governor Bredesen’s profile today, it will tell you he is the greatest proponent of nursing home alternatives and that he started the Tennessee CHOICES program. We here at Disability Connection know where those ideas came from. This Calendar year, with our new Transition Coordinator, Early Smith, we have made contact with over 250 nursing home residents and provided countless hours of transition services. 

In 2002 This Center published more than 1,700 violations of the Fair Housing Act. These barriers kept people with disabilities from equally enjoying many new properties in the Memphis area. Today thousands of Units are accessible to our community that would not be without the work of this Center. 

In 2012, with the Urban Institute we managed a survey grant to determine the frequency of disability discrimination in local rental units. And we continue to work on Fair Housing in our area. In the past five years we have documented nearly 4,000 housing issues that DCM has assisted with. 

Before the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act was law, The Center worked to make the Memphis community accepting and accessible. Deborah Cunningham led the way to make movie theaters in Memphis have reasonable access. This Center pioneered using Pro Se Complaints to enforce the ADA. Our consumers, without an attorney, sued restaurants, stores and even Greyhound Bus lines, and won.

The Center led the community in demanding equality in transportation and housing. Over the past 40 years, before the ADA and since, with our Pro Se complaints, peer advocates, DCM Blog, Personal Attendant Services, Barrier Free Memphis, Jingle Hop, and all the community partners, interested locals and all of you here tonight, I cannot imagine all the lives we have impacted this 40 years.  

Memphis's journey with Independent Living began in 1982 when Easter Seals secured the first grant for IL. However, Easter Seals wasn't aligned with the core principles of independent living, particularly the crucial idea of consumer control (meaning people with disabilities leading). 

Because of this mismatch, a group of former Easter Seals staff and consumers took action. They founded a new non-profit organization. What made this new organization different, and what continues to define it, is consumer-control. I am proud this concept is critical to the Center today forty years after our rebellious founding. 

Thank you to each of you for being part of our Rebellious Future.

25 Years of Demanding "REAL CHOICE NOW!"

25 Years of Demanding "REAL CHOICE NOW!" Remembering ADAPT's Historic 2000 Rally

By Tim Wheat

Twenty-five years ago today, on June 18, 2000, a powerful roar echoed through Washington D.C., as 800 disability rights activists converged near the U.S. Capitol. Led by the determined and unwavering voice of Justin Dart, this ADAPT rally ignited a quarter-century of relentless advocacy, demanding nothing less than "REAL CHOICE NOW!" and an end to the forced institutionalization of people with disabilities.

Dart, often called the "Father of the ADA," didn't mince words, bravely labeling the incarceration of people with disabilities in state hospitals, ICF/MRs, and nursing homes as "the hidden holocaust of 2000." His message to the President and Vice President was clear: "America demands REAL CHOICE now, MiCASSA now." And to the impassioned crowd, he fired up their resolve with a resounding, "Today we say no more bullshit." This wasn't just a rally; it was a declaration of war against systemic injustice.

The day began with a series of workshops, setting the stage for the collective action to come. Discussions ranged from ADAPT's rich history and procedures to critical topics like MiCASSA (Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act parts of which are still evident in the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act), defending the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from attacks, implementing the landmark Olmstead decision, and effective negotiation strategies. Around noon, the energized contingent made their way to a plaza with the Capitol dome looming in the background.

As the crowd swelled, Mike Auberger warmed up the atmosphere with legendary ADAPT chants, building anticipation for the main event. At 2:00 PM, Linda Anthony officially welcomed ADAPT and other MiCASSA supporters to the "Voices and Faces of Institutionalization" Rally for MiCASSA.

The rally featured a diverse array of voices, all united by a common purpose. When Tim Westmorland from HCFA spoke, a symbolic white-bearded figure appeared, carrying an hourglass and scythe – a stark reminder that time was running out for those trapped in institutions. Andy Imperato, then president of the American Association of People with Disabilities, acknowledged ADAPT's crucial role, stating that "we would not get anything done in this town if it wasn't for ADAPT."

Perhaps the most poignant moment came from Kyle Glozier, who, wearing Justin Dart's hat, asked the gut-wrenching question, "What crime did I commit to be put into the crippled children's home?" He powerfully articulated how forced institutionalization shattered constitutional principles. Yet, his story also highlighted the transformative power of family, as he gratefully acknowledged his father's determination in rescuing him. "By the way, happy father's day dad," Kyle said, looking toward his father, "I love you." His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the personal toll of institutional bias and the hope found in community-based living.

Advocates from Georgia, Kansas, and the Washington D.C. area shared their personal experiences in nursing homes, further emphasizing the urgent national need for MiCASSA. Their testimonies painted a vivid picture of the lives impacted by the lack of choice and the critical importance of home and community-based services.

As the rally concluded, Mike Auberger underscored ADAPT's presence: "Washington must know that ADAPT is here." He passionately reminded advocates of their responsibility to "advocate for those brothers and sisters in nursing homes that cannot."

The rally then transformed into a powerful march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Passing iconic marble buildings like the Old Post Office, the Ronald Reagan Building, and the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building, ADAPT carried its message directly to President Clinton and Vice President Gore: Americans nationwide were demanding an end to institutional bias.

Back at the hotel, ADAPT members gathered to plan their next moves. Mike recounted the very first ADAPT action in Washington D.C. back in 1984, inspiring newer members with the movement's long and impactful history. Stephanie Thomas perfectly encapsulated ADAPT's persistent progress with an analogy Bob Kafka often used: "It's like turning the Queen Mary," she said, "because it is such a huge project, it is hard to see the progress."

Twenty-five years on, the echoes of "REAL CHOICE NOW!" still reverberate. While significant progress has been made, the fight for full community integration and an end to institutional bias continues. Today, we honor the courage, tenacity, and vision of Justin Dart and all the ADAPT activists who, on that pivotal day in 2000, declared loudly and clearly that disability rights are human rights, and the time for change was, and still is, now.

---

What are your thoughts on the progress made in disability rights and community integration over the past 25 years?

MATAplus Capacity Constraints - Part 2

Part Two - Charting a Course to Improved Service at MATAplus

Read Part One - MATAplus Capacity Constraints: https://mciljournal.blogspot.com/2025/04/mataplus-capacity-constraints.html

By Tim Wheat

In the previous post, Disability Connection delved into a critical challenge: the capacity constraints of MATAplus. We explored how trip denials are part of the system and ultimately, a less reliable and capacity constrained service for those who depend on it most.

But identifying these hurdles is only part of the road to a solution. Today, we're shifting our focus to explore potential answers – ways we can work towards a more robust and responsive paratransit system for Memphis.

Determining the necessary size of the MATAplus vehicle fleet hinges on understanding the daily demand for paratransit services. The core principle should be that every eligible rider in Memphis who needs a trip on a given day should be able to schedule it the day before. This demand-responsive element is the primary driver in calculating the required capacity. 

While the total number of daily ride requests will naturally fluctuate, the system's fundamental capacity must be built around accommodating these next-day requests. To ensure this responsiveness, a crucial operational guideline should be to dedicate a significant portion of the fleet – ideally, no more than half – to "subscription services," those regularly scheduled trips for eligible passengers with disabilities. The remaining capacity is what directly addresses the fluctuating, day-to-day demand. A paratransit system functioning effectively should prioritize having sufficient vehicles available to meet these next-day requests, even while allocating up to 50% of its fleet to the predictable needs of subscription services. 

Unfortunately, MATAplus appears to operate in a counterintuitive manner, prioritizing the establishment of subscription service and then limiting next-day reservations. While subscription services inherently offer scheduling advantages and the potential for efficient shared rides due to their predictability, the primary determining factor of capacity should be the ability to meet the needs of the demand-responsive passengers who have a right to a ride the next day. 

Demand-responsive services may be more difficult to schedule. John Lewis, however, reported to the MATA Board Service Committee that MATAplus was avergering just one person per trip. It does not seem that MATA is effectively using the technology they have or efficiently scheduling subscription trips as well as the three-day in advance trips. The solution seems to be returning to providing eligible riders with next-day service and making efficient and effective use of subscription service. 

Solving the capacity constraints at MATA should also include examining the effectiveness of the procedures and the hardware, software and training that MATAplus uses. For instance, modern software can obviously refine routes and schedules instantaneously, not requiring three days. MATA seems to have this software to schedule the “Ready Ride” an on-demand service they offer in parts of the area. The data held within MATAplus should be invaluable in a realistic assessment of the capacity of the system. 

Analysis of the process to be effective use of vehicles and real-time vehicle tracking, dynamic rerouting, and efficient dispatching must be part of the change at MATAplus.It seems simple to also explore the potential for intelligently grouping and consolidating trips for passengers heading in similar directions around the same time. Shared trips will more efficiently align with the travel patterns of riders and minimize wasted mileage. This will also increase the average passenger per trip that the TransPro CEO reports. 

Finally, the flow of communication between dispatchers, drivers, and passengers seems to be very poor. While most people use the phone for scheduling and trip information, there are some MATAplus riders who would benefit from modern communication. A MATAplus app that allows scheduling, cancelling, ETAs and real time GPS data could move the paratransit system into the  Twenty-First Century.  That app does not exist, but each bus has GPS data and it does not seem to be a stretch that those functions could be included. Online scheduling, text ETAs and reminders are all part of basic technology without a dedicated app. 

Ultimately, addressing the capacity constraints is a civil right. People with disabilities are dedicated and quality customers of MATA. Many, because of their disability, are not using other transportation methods and rely on the public transit system to meet the responsibilities of the federal law. By strategically optimizing the existing resources, making informed and data-driven enhancements to the fleet, exploring complementary technologies, and planning for the future needs of Memphis, we can collectively work towards a more reliable and responsive paratransit system for our community. 

What innovative solutions or best practices have you witnessed in other paratransit systems facing similar capacity challenges? Your insights and ideas, specifically in the context of Memphis, are invaluable, and we encourage you to share them.

MATAplus Capacity Constraints

Part One - MATA transportation service for people with disabilities not meeting the federal requirements.

By Tim Wheat

Now that TransPro is looking closely at MATA, it is time they turn some attention to the paratransit service. In past meetings, MATA has reported that the fixed route is struggling to match the standards of other transportation systems while MATAplus reports 97% on-time performance with only 3% denial rate.

Most critically, Disability Connection believes that those reported numbers do not give an accurate picture of the paratransit service. Very simply, the paratransit service is capacity constrained because a certified rider with a disability can be confident they will not receive a ride when they request one the next day. MATAplus riders know they must call three days in advance to have any hope of getting a ride. 

To use the fixed route, you only need to go to a bus stop, paratransit riders must be certified and must schedule rides one to three days in advance. This difference in the service is allowed in the thirty-five year-old Americans with Disabilities Act, but the paratransit service still has a responsibility to be comparable to the fixed-route. And the standard is that a rider must be able schedule a trip for the next day. 

The ADA requires transportation service to have a capacity that will meet the needs of riders that request a ride the day before they need it. It also makes clear that half of the capacity should be retained for the flexible schedules of people with disabilities. The maximum amount of time is to make a reservation three days in advance, but MATA begins booking trips three days in advance, fills to capacity and rarely takes requests one or two days prior to travel. 

This past summer and fall, DCM sampled MATAplus and asked riders to call and request a trip the next day. Not one caller was able to schedule a trip. Although the MATAplus Rider’s Guide says “Customers can make a reservation for trip(s) from one (1) to three (3) days in advance,” riders know that if you do not call early, three days prior to your trip, you will be told that there are no scheduled times available.

While MATA reports a minimal denial rate, they have not been taking next-day reservations and have trained the ridership to call three days in advance of a needed trip.

 This problem is not new. We want TransPro to know that MATAplus has had issues with this in the past. Twenty years ago the FTA found Capacity Constraints and five years ago, during the heart of COVID, the FTA found:

MATA is denying a significant portion of trip requests for MATAplus service, and is undercounting its denials, either by mis-coding certain denials or not tracking them.

More specifically, the report notes how MATA reservation agents are denying and underreporting denials. First, the agents directly denied trips, according to the 2020 ADA Paratransit Compliance Review, MATAplus denied customers, “...particularly for trip requests made one or two days in advance (p. 37)…” These direct denials were theoretically counted, however, the report also notes that some denials were not documented. This process was made simple because once denied, the reservation agent could simply move on to the next call. 

Secondly, the caller may accept a trip scheduled beyond the sixty-minute reservation window and it was not noted as a denial. The MATAplus Riders Guide provides a explanation:

A rider may still accept an alternative pick-up time that is more than one (1) hour from the requested pick-up time will be considered a trip denial. (p. 13)

Because the rider accepted the trip, the FTA found that MATA was just not considering these late reservations a denial.

MATA reservation agents were also accepting a trip request to a location, but stating directly that they could not book a return trip. Rather than this being logged as a trip denial, it was considered a “trip refusal” and a trip denial. This bureaucratic trick diluted the number of denials while not providing anyone with transportation.

The report further says that the software was not properly set up and MATA agents were not able to see all the trip possibilities. The obvious result is that people who called were denied trips when MATAplus had ride options. MATAplus riders also were not provided with a full range of potential trips and either took reservations that were not ideal to the rider or they declined the ride. The FTA report additionally states that MATA staff only searched for that specific time and did not negotiate further with riders for a time within the reservation window. MATA agents also used the term advanced cancellation rather than denial. 

Finally, the report notes that MATA agents directly told riders that they had to call three days in advance to get a ride. The training of MATAplus riders to call three days ahead began five years ago and clearly continues at this time. When DCM sampled MATAplus rider’s request for next-day trips, this was misinformation that the MATA agents continued to use. 

Riders of the system also feel that there is a very obvious operational capacity constraint. MATAplus riders are often picked up in vehicles that advertise the “Ready Ride,” service at MATA. People in the disability community cannot help but feel that the reason there are no buses to give people with disabilities rides is because those vehicles are used for other services. 

John Lewis' voice resonated at the MATA board meeting as he illuminated the profound meaning of the Community Commitment score. It's not simply about buses running on schedule, he insisted, but about acknowledging the very real impact on individuals when MATA cannot even get a bus on the road. For Lewis, this score serves as a stark reminder of unmet needs and the daily challenges faced by those who rely on consistent and reliable transportation.

We ask the MATA and TransPro not to exclude MATAplus from this Community Commitment philosophy. Refusing attempts to schedule trips one and two days in advance should be scored like a bus not even leaving the yard. We would give MATAplus a Community Commitment score of roughly 33 percent, like not having two out of three buses even leaving the yard. A truly effective MATA demands a functional paratransit system, and rectifying this inequity must be a priority before TransPro concludes its work.

NEXT WEEK: Disability Connection Midsouth offers solutions

Read Part Two: https://mciljournal.blogspot.com/2025/05/mataplus-capacity-constraints-part-2.html

 

Farewell Sandi

 Celebrating the Legacy of Sandi Klink: MCIL’s Heart and Executive Director Retires

After an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to the Memphis Center for Independent Living, now Disability CONNECTION Midsouth, Executive Director Sandi Klink is retiring. Her leadership has shaped the organization into a cornerstone of the Memphis disability community, advocating for independence, accessibility, and equal rights for people with disabilities. As she steps down, her legacy of activism, compassion, and perseverance leaves an indelible mark on the city and beyond.

For 25 years, Sandi Klink has been the heart of MCIL, leading the organization with a pragmatic Southern charm and an unyielding passion for justice. Known for her no-nonsense approach and ability to get things done, Sandi wasn’t just the Executive Director—she was a listener, an advocate, and a problem-solver who always placed the needs of the disability community first. Whether negotiating funding or tackling public transit, Sandi’s leadership was guided by a vision of independence for all. Sandi was the heart and soul of the organization.

Sandi and the Center have played a pivotal role in advocating for and improving curb ramps, accessible sidewalks, and paratransit services throughout the city. She personally with her direct style, yet soft approach has built and strengthened partnerships with local, state and national disability organizations, amplifying the voices of those with disabilities. She oversaw the Center’s reach into Fair Housing for people with disabilities so that our community was not left out. Mostly for thousands of Memphians with disabilities, she has enhanced independent living skills and peer support, creating long-term impact for the community. Often one person at a time.

One of Sandi’s most defining moments came during her behind-the-scenes support at the ADAPT actions. Sandi quietly delivered hundreds of hamburgers to sustain ADAPT activists all over the United States. During the long takeover of the Tennessee Governor’s office, she made sure that MCIL continued to run smoothly. She didn’t grandstand, but without her dedicated support, the work simply would not get done. The thing about her dedication and support behind-the-scenes is just that now it is hard to express just how thankful and helpful Sandi has been to us all. 

Sandi’s influence has extended far beyond the walls of MCIL. Her tireless dedication has been felt throughout Memphis, across Tennessee and throughout the US where her quiet but effective activism ensured that people with disabilities had a voice in critical decisions. She was never one to seek the spotlight, but at the Statewide Independent Living Council and other necessary and glamourless jobs she took charge and did the important work.

From delivering meals to activists to advocating for better policies, Sandi’s work has touched countless lives. Her steady hand and fierce commitment have ensured that Disability CONNECTION Midsouth remains a beacon of support for the disability community.

We hope that Sandi does find time for some personal traveling—specifically, visiting New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and history. Of course, we have her volunteering on too many projects now for her to leave. But, we hope that this marks a new chapter for a woman who has given so much of herself to the people of Memphis and beyond.

Though Sandi’s retirement marks the end of an era, her influence will be felt for years to come. Disability CONNECTION is poised to continue her work, building on the foundations she laid and continuing the fight for accessibility and independence. The organization’s future remains bright thanks to the tireless efforts and the values she instilled over her 25 years of leadership.

Thank You, Sandi!

As we bid farewell to Sandi Klink in her role as Executive Director, we offer our deepest gratitude for her 25 years of service. Her leadership, compassion, and vision have shaped Disability CONNECTION and the people today and over the past 25 years. Sandi’s legacy of advocacy will continue to inspire the work we do, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on her next adventure.

Is Independent Living still Revolutionary?

Disability Connection, Memphis’ Center for Independent Living, participates in a national discussion.

By Tim Wheat

This week the National Council on Independent Living and the IL-NET, the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living had a discussion about getting back to the movement. They wondered if the innovative Independent Living philosophy has stagnated and is not current to people with disabilities. Disability Connection staff, peers and board members participated in the discussion. 

What do you think about Independent Living in our community?

What is a CIL?

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) play a crucial role in empowering people with disabilities to lead autonomous lives and actively participate in their communities. As community-based, non-residential organizations, CILs advocate for disability rights, provide essential resources, and offer services that promote independence. In Memphis, Tennessee, Disability Connection Midsouth, Memphis’ Center for Independent Living lives this mission. The Center serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking to take control of their lives while navigating a system that often falls short on accessibility and inclusion.

At its core, the purpose of CILs is rooted in the disability rights movement’s core philosophy: Nothing about us without us! This means that people with disabilities should not only have a say in the policies that affect their lives but also be equipped with the tools to make their own choices. CILs provide advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, and information and referrals—all designed to help individuals transition from institutions to independent living or to avoid institutionalization in the first place.

Advocacy and Action in Memphis

One of the critical roles of the Center is ensuring that the city's infrastructure meets the needs of all its residents. From advocating for curb ramps and accessible sidewalks to pushing for better paratransit services, MCIL serves as the voice for people with disabilities.

“Accessibility is not a privilege; it is a civil right,” said Deborah Cunningham, the past Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living. “Without accessible spaces, our community is cut off from employment, education, and simply living their lives.”

Beyond physical accessibility, Disability Connection is instrumental in advocating for policies that ensure fair housing, employment opportunities, and educational access. The organization works closely with local government agencies and other nonprofits to shape policies that uphold the rights of people with disabilities.

Fostering Independent Living Skills

Disability Connection Midsouth is not limited to systemic advocacy; the center also offers hands-on support through independent living skills training. This involves helping individuals develop the practical skills needed to live on their own, manage their finances, or advocate for themselves in medical or legal settings. 

The center also focuses on peer support, recognizing the value of shared experiences. People with disabilities who have navigated similar challenges serve as mentors, helping others realize their potential and break through barriers.

A Community of Inclusion

Ultimately, the purpose of Centers for Independent Living like Disability Connection is to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not isolated or excluded from society. This year the Center hopes foster a sense of community, where people can come together, advocate for their rights, and support one another in their journeys toward independence. In Memphis, this mission is particularly urgent, given the city’s infrastructure challenges, ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and residents struggle with transportation. 

By continuing to advocate, educate, and unite the disability community, Disability Connection Midsouth plays a critical role in creating a Memphis where people with disabilities have the freedom to live fully and independently.