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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

In Memoriam: NCIL Remembers Michael Winter

Michael Winter Leads a NCIL March to the CapitolThe National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) takes pause today to remember the life of one of our own. Michael Winter, a leader in the Independent Living Movement, passed away July 11, leaving behind an exceptional memory of a person who was a genuine advocate, colleague, and dear friend.

Michael was the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, California for approximately 12 years, and also directed the CIL in Honolulu. He will also be remembered in the Independent Living community for his role serving as President of the NCIL Board from 1989-1991.

The cause of accessible transportation was a running theme throughout his career. Michael was a long-time employee of the Department of Transportation, where he worked on civil rights issues as they pertained to the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and environmental justice. Michael Winter was also featured in Eric Nuedel’s award winning documentary Lives Worth Living, which focused on the creation of the Disability Rights Movement in the United States after WWII.

Michael Winter was a well-known and loved member of the NCIL family, and as advocates gather in Washington, DC in the coming weeks we will honor his legacy and friendship at the 2013 NCIL Conference.