We were saddened to hear the news of the passing of Chuck Graham, one of our Community Advisory Board Members, on May 19. Mr. Graham was Co-Director/PI of the Great Plains ADA Center in Columbia, Mo., Chair of the Columbia Disabilities Commission, and Vice-Chair of the Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation. In addition to CEDAR Midwest, Graham served on the Columbia Airport Advisory Board and was a founding member of Anthem’s National Advisory Board on Improving Health Care Services for Seniors and People with Disabilities.
Mr. Graham was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Missouri and founded the Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball team. Additionally, he served eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives and four years in the Missouri Senate, where he was the Assistant Minority Floor Leader. Mr. Graham has been a leader in the disability and civil rights movement for more than 30 years. Beyond his professional and advocacy work, he was a dear friend and mentor. His passion, determination and insight will be missed by occupational therapy and disability advocacy communities.