[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING KELLY BUCKLAND

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, our outlook on life and the effect 
we have on others is largely dependent upon how we respond to our life 
experiences. We can choose to make a difference in our world, or sit 
back and let others blaze trails. As I get older, I am more and more 
convinced that these choices have little to do with our physical 
capabilities or the circumstances of our upbringing. I meet people who 
have overcome seemingly monumental challenges and live to make a 
difference in the lives of others. In the same manner, I meet those 
with observably few challenges who are content to sit on the sidelines. 
A most remarkable example of someone who has responded to the 
circumstances and events in his life by choosing to make a difference 
in the lives of others is Idahoan Kelly Buckland, president of the 
National Council for Independent Living and an extraordinary advocate 
for people with disabilities.
  Kelly grew up on a farm outside of Rexburg, ID. When he was 15, he 
became a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident. Kelly has 
recalled that, upon returning home after a year of hospitalization, he 
became deeply depressed. But with the encouragement of his parents who, 
among other things, rigged up farm equipment so that Kelly could 
continue doing what he had done before the accident, Kelly began to 
recover from his depression. Recalling the people that helped him and 
others during his hospitalization, Kelly made a choice that would 
change his life and the lives of many others over the years: he chose 
to use his many gifts and talents to help those in need.
  Kelly obtained a bachelor's degree in social work from Boise State 
University. He graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in 
rehabilitation counseling from Drake University. He was exposed to the 
legislative process early in his career and realized that he had an 
interest and a gift for public policy. In the 1980s, Kelly was 
instrumental in the initial effort to install curb cuts in the city 
sidewalks in Burley, ID, to help with wheelchair accessibility. Kelly's 
advocacy then turned to the State, where he was able to help change 
Idaho State law to provide protections for parents with disabilities. 
Idaho State law now prohibits the removal of a child from a home or the 
denial of visitations solely because of a parent's disability. Idaho 
was the first State in the Nation to pass equal child custody rights 
for parents with disabilities in all areas of child custody.
  As the executive director of the Idaho State Independent Living 
Council, Kelly made it his priority to fight for equal rights and equal 
protection under the law for those with disabilities, especially in 
areas of fair housing and healthcare. His outreach and advocacy has 
gone beyond just the State level as well--Kelly has testified before 
Congress on issues facing individuals with disabilities in his capacity 
as president of the National Independent Living Council.
  Kelly has received several local and national awards. In 2000, he 
received the University of Idaho's President's Medallion. Kelly was 
honored with the 2005 Hewlett-Packard Company Award for Distinguished 
Leadership in Human Rights and, in 2007, Kelly was honored at the 
Kennedy Center with induction into the Spinal Cord Injury Hall of Fame 
for significant contributions to quality of life and advancements 
toward a better future for all individuals with spinal cord injury or 
disease.
  One of Kelly's profound strengths is unique ability to perceive and 
appreciate the position of others, and to help others understand his 
point of view in a respectful, honest manner. He is highly skilled at 
helping those who may perceive themselves in opposition to one another 
reach a place where they can meet and find a common middle ground. 
Despite his many accomplishments, Kelly is exceedingly humble, 
preferring to give credit to others for many of the successes in which 
he's been instrumental. He has observed that we all have something we 
perceive as a hindrance to our own success, but it is our 
responsibility to acknowledge perceived limitations and move forward 
rather than devote time and energy in focusing on what we think our 
particular limitations prevent us from doing.
  Kelly has devoted his time and energy to ensuring that those who have 
experienced legal, occupational and personal difficulties as a result 
of their disabilities have a voice in changing our laws to ensure true 
independence for all. His own words echo his convictions: ``I want to 
insure that no one need be institutionalized because there are 
inadequate community services. I want freedom to be a reality for 
everyone.''
  Kelly Buckland is a voice of compassion, inspiration and reason and 
it is my distinct honor to recognize him today.

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