In Memory of Richard Devylder

Disabilities Services Activist, Richard Devylder, was a true inspiration for the community . . . disability or not. He passed away on Saturday, August 8th at his home in Long Beach,  but will not be forgotten nor will his work on behalf of people living with disabilities be in vain. I remember Richard as an active advocate for people with disabilities.  I am reminded of his work and inspiration to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), California Emergency Management Agency(CalEMA), and the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services (SacOES) in disaster preparedness planning for our most vulnerable citizens.

Applause for a life well-lived, a life that was meaningful to the people around him, and a life that increased access, equality and independence for people with and without disabilities throughout the nation. 

Disability Leader Richard A. Devylder, age 46, of Long Beach, California passed away at home on Saturday August 8, 2015. Born on July 25, 1969, at birth he weighed just five pounds and was only twelve inches long, yet he grew to be a giant in the Disability Rights Movement.  Richard had neither arms nor legs, but no one would think to feel sorry for him, because he never felt sorry for himself.

Richard recently retired and was happy to be traveling and enjoying life. You knew Richard was happy to see you by the “head butt” he used as a sign of affection. He was known for his “take no prisoners” style of communication, for not having silverware in his home because in his opinion there was no need for it, a wicked sense of humor, his love for the beach (he was recently heard saying that it can rain everywhere else, but not on the beach), swimming, desserts, diet Pepsi, sports and the Los Angeles Lakers! In fact he died with three baseball games playing on his wide-screen TV.

Richard was a graduate of California State University Long Beach, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in communications. Richard had a passion for emergency preparedness and was a nationally respected leader.  He took his career on a groundbreaking path.  His work in emergency management and disability rights has had a sweeping impact in the field and in the lives of millions of people who are safer and more prepared due to Richard’s steadfast vision and leadership.

“We need to move past looking at people with disabilities as medical, and stop looking at needs as something special.”

Richard made significant impacts in developing accessible emergency planning, response and recovery initiatives in California in his role the Director of the Office of Access and Functional Need, within the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Prior to this Richard served in the role of Special Advisor to the Director, and then Special Advisor to the Secretary of California’s Emergency Management Agency.

In July 2010, President Obama appointed Richard as the U.S. Department of Transportation’s first Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation. He advised the agency’s efforts to develop and execute effective policy strategies to ensure all modes of transportation were accessible and integrated to meet the access and functional needs of people with disabilities and the general public.  As Richard states in this video celebrating the 20th anniversary of the ADA.

“I always say the number one thing that can make us independent to the fullest is transportation, if we can’t get there we can’t go to school we can’t go to work and we can’t live independently.”

As a Deputy Director at the California Department of Rehabilitation, Richard had oversight of 29 Independent Living Centers and Assistive Technology Services. Richard loved children, he had an uncanny way of connecting with kids. He cared deeply about the future of youth with disabilities, and he prioritized them in his work while at the Department of Rehabilitation by participating in and supporting the California Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities. Richard was instrumental in keeping the program from being cut.  While Richard often mentored youth on Disability Mentoring Day, he was a lifelong mentor to many.

Richard began his career in the Independent Living Movement as an intern and then Peer Counselor and eventually Program Director at the Southern California Rehabilitation Services in Downey, (Whitehouse Summer Job Series), it did not take long for Richard to follow his instincts for leadership, he held several positions at California State University Long Beach and then was named Executive Director of the Independent Living Center in Orange County, the Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC).   He was appointed to the State Independent Living Council and elected as Chair shortly after his tenure at DMC.

Richard was a role model for people with disabilities and the general public, but he understood that people had a hard time understanding how someone with no limbs could live, work and play independently. To educate people Richard made an 11 minute video called “A Day in the Life of Richard Devylder”  which revealed how Richard used a variety of assistive technologies and personal care assistance to lead a very independent and meaningful life. But the impact he had on people’s lives could never be adequately displayed on a computer screen.

Richard is survived by his mother, Joan Devylder,  his sister’s  Cheryl Devylder, Sharon Taylor, nine nieces, five great nieces, four great nephews and a multitude of friends and admirers. Services honoring his life were held on Friday, August 14th, at Chapels of Memories, 12626 Woods Avenue in Norwalk.  

 Honoring a life well-lived…

Contributions can be made online to the Richard A. Devylder Memorial Fund or via regular post, checks can be addressed to CFILC and mailed to: CFILC-Richard Devylder Memorial Fund, 1234 H Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814