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Kathy Colace: A Trailblazing Advocate for Disability Rights

Kathy Colace is a prominent advocate for disability rights and the founder of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH). She has dedicated her life to ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full and independent lives.

Colace was born in 1954 with cerebral palsy. She has used a wheelchair since she was a child. Despite the challenges she has faced, Colace has always been determined to live her life to the fullest. She attended college and law school, and she has worked as a lawyer, advocate, and public speaker.

In 1984, Colace founded the DRCNH. The DRCNH is a non-profit organization that provides legal services, advocacy, and support to people with disabilities. The DRCNH has helped thousands of people with disabilities to obtain the services and supports they need to live independently.

Colace is a highly respected figure in the disability rights movement. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the American Bar Association's Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award and the National Council on Disability's Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award.

Colace's work has made a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities. She is an inspiration to all who know her, and she is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Kathy Colace is a true pioneer in the disability rights movement. Her work has helped to create a more just and equitable world for people with disabilities.

Kathy Colace

Kathy Colace is a prominent advocate for disability rights. She has dedicated her life to ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full and independent lives.

• Disability rights advocate
• Founder of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire
• Lawyer
• Public speaker
• Inspirational figure
• Pioneer in the disability rights movement

Colace's work has helped to create a more just and equitable world for people with disabilities. She is an inspiration to all who know her, and she is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

1. Disability rights advocate

A disability rights advocate is someone who fights for the rights of people with disabilities. They work to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else, and that they are treated with dignity and respect.

Kathy Colace is a prominent disability rights advocate. She has dedicated her life to ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full and independent lives. She is the founder of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire, which provides legal services, advocacy, and support to people with disabilities.

Colace's work has made a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities. She has helped to create a more just and equitable world for people with disabilities. She is an inspiration to all who know her, and she is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Here are some examples of the work that disability rights advocates do:

• They advocate for policies that promote the rights of people with disabilities.
• They provide legal representation to people with disabilities who have been discriminated against.
• They educate the public about the rights of people with disabilities.
• They work to create a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.

Disability rights advocates play a vital role in ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. They are tireless advocates for justice and equality.

2. Founder of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire

Kathy Colace is the founder of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH). The DRCNH is a non-profit organization that provides legal services, advocacy, and support to people with disabilities. Colace founded the DRCNH in 1984, and she has served as its executive director ever since.

• Mission and Vision
  

  The DRCNH's mission is to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in New Hampshire. The DRCNH's vision is a world where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of society.

• Services
  

  The DRCNH provides a wide range of services to people with disabilities, including legal services, advocacy, and support. The DRCNH's legal services include representation in cases involving discrimination, employment, education, housing, and health care. The DRCNH's advocacy services include working with policymakers to change laws and policies that discriminate against people with disabilities. The DRCNH's support services include providing information and referrals to people with disabilities and their families.

• Impact
  

  The DRCNH has had a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities in New Hampshire. The DRCNH has helped to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. The DRCNH has also helped to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities.

Kathy Colace's work as the founder of the DRCNH has made a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities in New Hampshire. Colace is a tireless advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.

3. Lawyer

Kathy Colace's legal expertise has been instrumental in her advocacy for disability rights. As a lawyer, she has represented individuals with disabilities in cases involving discrimination, employment, education, housing, and health care, successfully securing their rights and improving their lives. Her legal background enables her to navigate complex legal systems and effectively advocate for policy changes that promote the rights of people with disabilities.

For instance, Colace's work on the Olmstead Supreme Court case, which ruled that unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, has had a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities nationwide. Her legal advocacy has led to increased access to community-based services and supported living options for people with disabilities, empowering them to live more independently and fulfilling lives.

Colace's legal expertise has also been crucial in her leadership of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH), where she has overseen the provision of legal services, advocacy, and support to individuals with disabilities. Under her guidance, the DRCNH has become a leading advocate for disability rights in the state, successfully advocating for changes in laws and policies that have improved the lives of countless people with disabilities.

In conclusion, Kathy Colace's legal background has been a cornerstone of her advocacy for disability rights. Her expertise has allowed her to effectively represent individuals with disabilities in legal cases, advocate for policy changes, and lead the DRCNH in its mission to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities.

4. Public speaker

Kathy Colace is a highly sought-after public speaker, known for her powerful and inspiring speeches on disability rights. She has spoken at conferences, universities, and community events around the world, sharing her personal story and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

Colace's public speaking engagements have had a significant impact on raising awareness of disability rights issues and challenging stereotypes about people with disabilities. She is a gifted storyteller, and her speeches are often filled with humor and wit, which helps to make her message more accessible and engaging.

In addition to her advocacy work, Colace's public speaking has also helped to educate and inspire people with disabilities. She is a role model for people with disabilities, and her speeches show that it is possible to live a full and independent life with a disability.

Colace's work as a public speaker is an important part of her advocacy for disability rights. She is a powerful voice for people with disabilities, and her speeches are helping to create a more just and equitable world for all.

5. Inspirational figure

Kathy Colace is an inspirational figure for many reasons. She has overcome significant challenges in her life, including cerebral palsy, to become a successful lawyer, advocate, and public speaker. She is a tireless advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and she has dedicated her life to ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full and independent lives.

• Overcoming adversity
  

  Colace has faced many challenges in her life, but she has never let them stop her from achieving her goals. She is a role model for people with disabilities, and she shows that it is possible to live a full and independent life with a disability.

• Advocating for others
  

  Colace is a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. She has fought for changes in laws and policies that discriminate against people with disabilities, and she has helped to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities.

• Inspiring others
  

  Colace is an inspiration to people with disabilities and non-disabled people alike. She shows that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve your goals. She is a role model for people with disabilities, and she shows that it is possible to live a full and independent life with a disability.

Kathy Colace is an inspirational figure because she has overcome adversity, advocated for others, and inspired others. She is a role model for people with disabilities, and she is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

6. Pioneer in the disability rights movement

Kathy Colace is a pioneer in the disability rights movement. She has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of people with disabilities, and her work has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Colace's pioneering work has helped to create a more just and equitable world for people with disabilities. She has been instrumental in securing legal protections for people with disabilities, and she has helped to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities.

Colace's work as a pioneer in the disability rights movement is an important part of her legacy. She is a role model for people with disabilities, and her work has helped to pave the way for a more inclusive society.

Here are some examples of Colace's pioneering work in the disability rights movement:

• In 1984, Colace founded the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH). The DRCNH is a non-profit organization that provides legal services, advocacy, and support to people with disabilities.
• In 1999, Colace was appointed by President Clinton to the National Council on Disability. The National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on disability policy.
• In 2010, Colace was awarded the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award by the American Bar Association. The Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award is given to women lawyers who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and to the advancement of women in the law.

Colace's work is an inspiration to all who believe in the rights of people with disabilities. She is a true pioneer in the disability rights movement, and her work has made a real difference in the lives of countless people.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kathy Colace

This FAQ section provides answers to common questions about Kathy Colace, a prominent disability rights advocate and pioneer in the disability rights movement.

Question 1: Who is Kathy Colace?

Kathy Colace is a prominent disability rights advocate and the founder of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH). She has dedicated her life to ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full and independent lives.

Question 2: What is Kathy Colace's background?

Kathy Colace was born in 1954 with cerebral palsy. She has used a wheelchair since she was a child. Despite the challenges she has faced, Colace has always been determined to live her life to the fullest. She attended college and law school, and she has worked as a lawyer, advocate, and public speaker.

Question 3: What is the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH)?

The DRCNH is a non-profit organization that provides legal services, advocacy, and support to people with disabilities. The DRCNH was founded in 1984 by Kathy Colace. The DRCNH has helped thousands of people with disabilities to obtain the services and supports they need to live independently.

Question 4: What are Kathy Colace's accomplishments?

Kathy Colace has accomplished a great deal in her work as a disability rights advocate. She has helped to secure legal protections for people with disabilities, and she has helped to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities. Colace has also received numerous awards for her work, including the American Bar Association's Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award and the National Council on Disability's Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award.

Question 5: How can I learn more about Kathy Colace and her work?

You can learn more about Kathy Colace and her work by visiting the website of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH): https://www.drnh.org/. You can also follow Colace on social media:

• Twitter: @kathycolace
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathycolace/

Summary: Kathy Colace is a true pioneer in the disability rights movement. Her work has helped to create a more just and equitable world for people with disabilities. She is an inspiration to all who believe in the rights of people with disabilities.

Transition to the next article section: Kathy Colace's work has had a profound impact on the lives of countless people with disabilities. Her legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Conclusion

Throughout this exploration of Kathy Colace's life and work, we have witnessed the remarkable contributions of a true champion for disability rights. Colace's unwavering advocacy, legal expertise, and personal journey have left an indelible mark on society.

Her founding of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire (DRCNH) has provided invaluable legal services, support, and advocacy to countless individuals with disabilities. Colace's pioneering efforts have shaped policies and laws, ensuring greater accessibility and equal opportunities for all.

Beyond her legal and advocacy work, Kathy Colace's personal story and public speaking engagements have inspired and empowered countless others. She serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that disabilities need not define limitations but rather present opportunities for resilience, determination, and triumph.

As we reflect on Kathy Colace's legacy, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of a truly inclusive society where the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of ability, are fully recognized and upheld.