I am a professor of assistive technology with CUNY, an ADA consultant and adaptive tech trainer. Quase-retired for the second time, and living in Portland OR. I had signed up to participate in the Women’s March here (in town)

tomorrow, but a few critical obstacles got in the way. I am a power wheelchair user, there is still residual unshoveled snow and ice on the sidewalks, streets and curb cuts –so accessibility is a concern. Because of the violence and riots that happened after the election in November, the public transit has announced they will shut down routes, thus making it impossible for a wheelchair user or someone with a mobility impairment to get to the march route. With the promise of violence by other protest groups, there’s the promise by the riot police that they will use force + tear gas for crowd control. I have a fatal allergy to the chemical used in the tear gas.

Undaunted and still committed to participating, I am submitting my request to participate in the virtual march. I have committed my entire life to defending and protecting the rights of others, especially the most vulnerable, promoting and providing access for those who have been prevented or denied access. I am committed to supporting the rights of women, to protecting the rights of children to an appropriate education, to protect the refugees and asylum seekers fleeing unspeakable violence in their home countries. I am committed to civil rights, to protect the rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, remove racism and hate speech from our common dialog, and to upholding even-handed justice. So please through my hat in the ring and let me “roll” with all the rest of the marchers tomorrow. Thank you.