REALIZING A DREAM FOR IMPROVED REHAB ACCESS
Earle and Kathy Powdrell, 2018 Finn Bullers Award Winners
Powdrell, of
Houston Texas, suffered a brain stem stroke in 2009 that left him with “locked
in” syndrome – resulting in being virtually paralyzed with the exception of eye
movements. The aerospace engineer was honored with his wife Kathy for
their advocacy leadership and dedication to state and federal policy issues
impacting the SCI/D and broader disability community. Speaking via a voice
synthesizer that read his award acceptance speech, which he composed using eye
tracking software, Powdrell, explained how his advocacy work with United Spinal
changed his life. He praised Rafferty Laredo, the president of United Spinal
Association’s Houston chapter, for finding technology that gave Powdrell his
voice back. Powdrell, who championed accessible air travel and the preservation
of the ADA, died in 2019.
Frances M.
Ozur Cole, 2017 Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year
Frances M.
Ozur Cole, President, United Spinal’s New Mexico Chapter, has used a manual
wheelchair since 2004 and is a business entrepreneur, graphic designer and
former electrical engineer. She lives with congenital narrowing of the spinal
column and has had her mobility impacted by recurring herniated discs. A native
of the D.C. area with politics ingrained in her blood, Ozur Cole has led Roll
on Capitol Hill events to advocate for greater access to complex rehab
technology and medically necessary wheelchairs. She has joined others to speak
directly with legislators on issues that affect the independence and quality of
life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders and other pre-existing
conditions.
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