Eunice Shriver (center), was honored at a Nov. 16 forum. Jean Kennedy Smith and Senator Edward M. Kennedy were with her. (Bill Brett for the Boston Globe)

AAPD notes Shriver’s passing with great sadness and respect

With statement from AAPD

This is a special statement noting the passing of Eunice Shriver a tireless advocate for the rights of the disabled by Andy Imparato, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) President and CEO. Ms. Schriver was the sister to President John Kennedy who was murdered and Senator Edward Kennedy. She was 88 years old and had been hospitalized two days ago.

“WASHINGTON, DC – August 11, 2009 – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country’s largest cross-disability membership organization, released a statement following the passing of disability community leader Eunice Kennedy Shriver today:

“Eunice Kennedy Shriver was an advocate, leader, family member and champion in the disability community. Her belief in the potential of all people with disabilities was unwavering, and her life’s work will live on in the millions of people in the disability community who were affected by her advocacy,” said Tony Coelho, AAPD’s Board Chair.  

“Eunice Kennedy Shiver worked tirelessly for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities not only in sports, but in all society, and sped up the process whereby generations of people with mental disabilities realized their potential and self-worth,” said Andrew Imparato, AAPD’s President and CEO. “AAPD and the disability community as a whole lost a family member and torch bearer with her passing.”

For more on the disability community’s reaction to the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shiver, please visit AAPD