Able Tales Newsletter

Don Lambert is a remarkable man with a disability. His disability is due to multiple sclerosis (MS) which is a progressive disease. He is a quadriplegic and over the last 25 years, he has had to live with the progressive loss of functions. However, this has never stopped him from being a very productive member of our society. Don owned and operated a tire business before he was diagnosed with MS. Realizing that he could not continue to work was a hard adjustment. Another difficult adjustment was the end of his marriage. During this time of personal loss, Don has made himself available and on many occasions has reached out to help others.

For over 15 years, Don has been a facilitator for an MS support group that has been held in his home. The Vermont MS society has a number of guest speakers and programs that keep MS consumers informed, but many individuals cannot attend these meetings because of fatigue, and a lack of transportation. Don came up with the idea of videotaping these programs so that individuals or support groups could borrow these tapes. He and a friend made four leaf clover paper weights and sold them, raising enough money to purchase a video recorder and a TV for the MS Society.

Don has served on the Board of Directors of Lamoille County Mental Health for seven years, and is a member of the advisory committee for Lamoille Health and Hospice.

For six years, Don served on the Statewide Independent Living Council, and was the council's treasurer for most of that time. SILC is an organization that exists to advance the equality of people with disabilities and to monitor programs that help people with disabilities live with independence and dignity. Don is a wonderful advocate with a great deal of knowledge to share about disabilities.

Currently, Don serves on the Participant Directed Attendant Care review committee, known as PDAC. This committee was set up to review participant appeals and make recommendations for resolving conflicts. This committee also reviews eligibility. They help design PCA programs that allow people with severe disabilities to live independently and avoid a nursing home setting. They work with a budget of $3 million and meet every other week, reviewing 12-15 applications each time. There is currently a waiting list of 200 individuals to be reviewed. And recently Don was also recruited to serve on a panel sponsored by The Vermont Center for Independent Living, the purpose being to design a manual to help train personal care attendants.

Don is a voice within the community, helping to address important issues. He has been instrumental in assisting churches and some businesses to be more accessible, usually without "ruffling too many feathers". I believe he enjoys the reputation of being fair but tenacious in his advocacy. Access issues are always an ongoing battle, and working around issues without driving over toes can be a challenge.

Don has had a number of discussions with Senator Susan Bartlett and others regarding disability issues. He has been corresponding with legislators to have them consider funding programs for individuals with disabilities. He never gives up and continues to fight for funding assistance. It is always a benefit when you know that you are helping people.

One of the messages Don has tried to voice is that because one has a disability, it does not mean that one can not live life to the fullest. Don's most significant contribution is the example he sets for others. On numerous occasions folks have been known to try different activities and make comments like: "Look at Don - If he can do what he does, must be I can do it too."

Don is a very talented musician and has a beautiful voice. He is part of a bluegrass group of musicians that go to Copley Terrace, a housing unit where they sing and entertain seniors and other folks. Under Don's guidance the group has entertained for various events and charitable fundraisers.

In 2001, Don received the Governor's Service Award. A well-deserved Award for everything that he has accomplished for individuals with disabilities. Don is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and has recently achieved their highest degree.

Despite a debilitating disability, Don meets life head on. With the high fatigue that is part of MS, many of these activities have required a significant effort on Don's part. When he sees something that needs to be done he finds a way to do it. His positive attitude has inspired many. Treat people right and you will earn their respect. I believe he proves that "there is life beyond the chair".