Access Ready is in mourning with the passing of our friend Bobby Silverstein. His passing is a devastating blow to disability rights. Over the past year Bobby's thoughtful leadership and consultation put Access Ready on the disability public policy map in Washington and across the Nation. His understanding and insight into our concerns related to digital accessibility will be felt in our efforts for a long time to come. The following is from the Managing Partner of Bobby's law firm Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC.
It is with great sadness that POWERS announces the passing of our extraordinary partner, Bobby Silverstein. Bobby passed away Thursday evening due to complications from cancer. Bobby spent the last 15 years advancing disability policy and advocacy. Bobby initially developed his consensus-building style while serving in various capacities in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, including as staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Disability Policy Subcommittee under former Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). There, he negotiated and drafted bipartisan, consensus legislation, and was known as the "behind-the-scenes architect" of more than 20 bills enacted into law that impact people with disabilities, including the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Bobby is a giant in disability policy circles and his life-long commitment to his work directly improved the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities and their families over the past four decades and will continue to impact people with disabilities for decades to come. What an incredible legacy he leaves behind. Bobby was a very positive person and all who knew him and worked with him are enriched from the experience. May his memory be a blessing to all!