Paraquad honors the memory of Disability Rights leader Dick Goodwin

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Kirsten Dunham

Paraquad board and staff mourn the loss of Dick Goodwin, founder of IMPACT, the Center for Independent Living in Alton, IL.  Dick was a leader in the independent living movement and advocated for access and opportunity for people with disabilities.  He worked with Max and Colleen Starkloff and many others on issues such as accessible transportation, community supports and training people with disabilities on their rights.   

Dick fought for people with disabilities to have choice and control over their own lives and services.  The Independent Living philosophy drove everything he did – whether he was training others or marching in the streets for the Heartland ADA March and Rallies to raise public awareness about disability rights.

We will miss Dick and offer our sympathies to his family and to the staff, board and friends of IMPACT.

 

Dick’s obituary and funeral information.

 

Read more about Dick in an article printed in The Alton Telegraph earlier this week.