Coordinator, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Northeastern University
2009 Recipient
John is very proud of the Youth Leadership Program he started when he worked at MSAD. The Program provides opportunities for high school students to travel to the mountains where they participate in a variety of outdoor activities designed to help them feel better about themselves while developing leadership skills. The Program continues to grow, and John plans to remain involved as a volunteer.
John faced one of his biggest challenges when he advocated for a bill that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing aids. Because there was no interpreter, he couldn’t give his presentation and he had to write a letter instead. He continued to work with disability advocates, and the next year they met with the governor’s staff regarding equal access for all people. The governor approved $300,000 to be included in the budget and hired a full time ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) coordinator.
“Take advantage of every opportunity and don’t give up. If you disagree with someone, discuss the issue; work out the differences. Take risks; if you believe in yourself and try, you will succeed.”