Opening Doors and Holding Them Open for Others

Abstract

Charles Tubre responded to a paralyzing injury at the age of 14 by becoming an accomplished disability rights advocate. His advocacy began when he was a college student at the University of New Orleans during the 1970s. In overcoming the barriers to his independence, he created community, legislative, and legal solutions to reduce the barriers for others with disabilities. He took the spirit of the independent living movement that began in Berkeley in the 1960s, and he pushed it forward across Louisiana. Working with every available resource and frequently with the Advocacy Center, Louisiana’s statewide protection and advocacy system, his persistent efforts were a major contribution to making accessible public transportation, centers for independent living, and funding for personal care attendant services a reality. He assisted in the accessible design of such public spaces as the National World War II Museum, the Morial Convention Center, Ogden Museum of Art, and the Aquarium of the Americas. He was an artist, bird watcher, music lover, and celebrant of all things New Orleans.