[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 24, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S1765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ALEC FRAZIER

 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Alexander Fuld Frazier, a remarkable constituent who 
tirelessly advocated for disability rights for himself and on behalf of 
others.
  Alec emerged as a leader and powerful advocate for disability rights 
and inclusion early in life. When he was 13, he spoke before sessions 
of Colorado's House and Senate Education Committees about the 
importance of special education funding. Thanks to his efforts, 
Colorado ultimately lifted the cap on funds for special education 
through a State constitutional amendment. At an early age, Alec was 
successful in pushing for change that meaningfully improved the lives 
of others.
  I first met Alec in 2017 through his advocacy on Capitol Hill. He 
shared firsthand how Medicaid made it possible for him to lead a 
complete, fulfilling life. Alec was diagnosed with autism at a young 
age, and some professionals suggested institutionalization as he grew 
up. With the help of Medicaid, he benefitted from many services 
including therapy and an emergency brain surgery that saved his life. 
Through his advocacy, he stood up for the millions of people who would 
have been severely harmed by past legislative proposals to slash 
Medicaid.
  Alec was a man of many talents and pursuits. He attained his 
bachelor's degree in political science and master's degree in 
disability studies. In 2014, he founded his own advocacy firm called 
Autistic Reality and served as a powerful peer advocate, mentor, and 
advisor to others. Alec also published two books, ``Without Fear: The 
First Autistic Superhero'' and ``Veni! Vidi! Autism!,'' that shape how 
we think about the representation of people with autism and 
disabilities in the arts. Through his written and spoken words, Alec 
sought to deepen others' understanding and appreciation of the varied 
experiences of people living with autism and disabilities.
  Alec believed in and exemplified the motto, ``nothing about us 
without us.'' Any individual or group of people deserve to shape the 
decisions made about them. Alec shaped his own path and destiny, and he 
empowered others to do the same along the way.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in sending our gratitude for Alec 
Frazier's life, as well as our condolences to his father Donald 
Frazier, his mother Danielle Fuld, and his brother Nicholas Fuld 
Frazier. May we carry on his work to build a more inclusive society 
where all Americans can thrive and reach their highest potential.

                          ____________________