Richard devylder biography

He was fiercely independent, using caregivers as little as possible and even swimming — with the use of a lift chair to get himself into and out of a pool — for up to an hour every day, alone.

Richard devylder biography: Richard Devylder, senior advisor for accessible

There was a lighter side to him — he was known for giving affectionate head butts, and he loved attending sports events, especially Los Angeles Lakers games. His was a life well lived. He pushed the staffs at the agencies where he worked, as well as himself, especially in regard to emergency planning for disabled people caught in situations such as floods or fires.

Devylder also knew how to inject humor into a situation when dealing with the public. He brought up the problems disabled people encounter on commercial flights. He told disabled people they should not simply rely on others in emergency situations.

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She adopted him, taking him home to Whittier. When it came time for him to attend school, he was placed in special education classes, but his mother was frustrated with them. With the help of friends, Devylder made adaptations to his chair and used other gadgets to make himself largely independent. Using a pencil or pen in his mouth, he typed on a computer keyboard and used his shoulder to manipulate a mouse.

He also used voice-recognition software. A video about how he accomplished everyday tasks, including his daily swimming for exercise, was made when he worked as deputy director of the California Department of Rehabilitation.

Richard devylder biography: Death on in Gent (Netherlands).

He served in this role until he chose to go back to his home state in His presence at so many of those tables will be missed. NCD extends its sincere condolences to his biological family — his mother Joan, sister Crystal and niece Nanci — and to his disability community family — including but not limited to Brenda Premo, June Kailes, Curtis Richards, and Christina Mills among many others.

An official website of the National Council on Disability. Skip to main content The. Additionally, he helped develop policy strategies to ensure all modes of transportation met the access and functional needs of people with all abilities.

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He retired this year. Devlyder enjoyed swimming and attending Los Angeles Lakers basketball games. Part-owner and president of the Lakers, Jeanie Buss, tweeted her condolences. Lakers Family lost one of our best, Richard Devylder. His was a life well lived. RIP Richard. Throughout his life, Devylder used technology and creative mechanisms to live independently.