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Local Hero

Photo of Gerald BaptisteGerald Baptiste

Gerald Baptiste has worked at the Center for Independent Living for the past 25 years, where has served as Peer Counselor for the blind, Coordinator for the Blind Services Department, and for the past 15 years, as the Deputy Director. Over the years, he has gained extensive knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act, , the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act and has trained others on their use. As a result of his extensive advocacy work for and with people with disabilities, he has received numerous awards on the local, national and international levels.

Gerald has worked extensively and collaboratively with local and national organizations in establishing and amending policies that have assisted people with disabilities in achieving equal opportunities for housing. For the last 15 years, Gerald has supervised a project that makes homes accessible for people with disabilities. This has allowed people to stay out of institutions, achieve active employment and become full-fledged participants in community activities.