Tom Nerney

1941-2018

Tom Nerney was a brilliant visionary and pioneer. He was an educator, an advocate, a fighter who wasn’t afraid to challenge authority. He fought for civil rights, inclusion, and self-determination. Tom saw the inhumanity of people not having choice or control over their lives. He was out on the front lines pushing for the closure of state-run institutions. His contributions to the field of disability are too numerous to count but his efforts made a lasting impression on the thousands of lives he touched.

He moved forward the principles of Self-determination, Freedom, Authority, Support, Responsibility and Confirmation. His life was dedicated to seeing people with disabilities have control over their resources, have a home to call their own, intimate relationships, meaningful employment, the same things we all want out of life. He advocated, educated and helped set public policy that would someday put an end to the impoverishment of people with disabilities.

He will be greatly missed by many who are forever grateful for his tenacity, his vision and his leadership.

Affirmation of Community

"We must never forget that our goal is to be able to walk & wheel together as equals, to dine together as equals, to work together as equals and most importantly to love each other as equals"

Tom Nerney