Who Is Involved

"Building Inclusive Communities in Seattle"

Larry: Activist with Disabilities Leads in his Neighborhood

As an active member of People First, a self-advocacy organization of persons with disabilities, Larry lobbied the State Legislature about issues that particularly affect persons with disabilities, such as access to public transportation and affordable housing. He helped establish a People First chapter in his neighborhood and in another town in Washington State. These experiences gave Larry confidence and skills to take a leadership role in his neighborhood.

Larry doesn't own a car; instead he walks all over his neighborhood using the crutches necessitated by his cerebral palsy. As an employee of Metro Transit, he knows all about the local bus system. When his neighborhood began creating a comprehensive neighborhood plan, he realized that his perspective as a pedestrian and his transportation knowledge would be invaluable to the planning effort.

Like many people when they first become active in their neighborhood, Larry needed encouragement and help along the way. Daniel, who worked with neighborhood planners in Capitol Hill, introduced Larry to Russ, the president of the Capitol Hill Community Council. The three men talked about the issues Larry cared about and ways he could bring his issues to the council. With the help and encouragement of Daniel, Russ, and others, Larry joined the organization.

Jose, who works for the Department of Neighborhoods' Capitol Hill Neighborhood Service Center, helped Larry organize a presentation to the community council about accessibility and inclusion. These became neighborhood issues, important to and for everyone in the community.

Larry became more and more active in the Capitol Hill Community Council. Eventually, he ran successfully for the office of vice president of the council.

As Larry notes: "My involvement in the Capital Hill Community Council, along with other things I do, reminds me of that song from The Sound of Music, 'Do Re Me.' Once you know the notes, you can sing any song. Equating that with involvement, I believe once you know where to go and who's involved, you can do most any thing."

Learn more about the strategies Larry used.