[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 29 (Monday, February 14, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Tribute to Theo Braddy

  Madam President, finally, Theo Braddy, our fourth honoree.
  Theo is from Harrisburg, PA, and he is the personification of 
resilience in the face of adversity, and I am honored to recognize him 
today.
  At the age of 15, Theo was involved in an accident while playing high 
school football, and the resulting neck injury left him paralyzed and a 
wheelchair user. This life-changing experience would become a catalyst 
for his future work in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  After his accident, Theo moved to Pennsylvania and completed high 
school. He furthered his education by graduating from Edinboro 
University in Erie County, and then he earned his master's degree in 
social work from Temple University in 1988.
  Later that year, Theo Braddy established and became the founding 
director of the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania, 
a position he held for over 30 years. As CEO, Theo was instrumental in 
creating an independent living center that would become a strong and 
vibrant voice for people with disabilities in central Pennsylvania and, 
indeed, throughout the Commonwealth.
  Under Theo's leadership, the Center for Independent Living of Central 
Pennsylvania not only provided essential services for people with 
disabilities but has also advocated for accessible transportation, more 
access to assistive technology, and expanded home- and community-based 
services.
  Theo crafted his leadership role to both create services for people 
with disabilities and to advocate to improve the lives of people with 
disabilities.
  In addition to his work leading the center, Theo has served on 
numerous boards and committees over his career, influencing disability 
policy.
  He was appointed by three different Governors of Pennsylvania to 
serve as a commissioner for the Pennsylvania Human Relations 
Commission. Theo also served on the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent 
Living Council.
  He has taken his years of service and advocacy to the classroom to 
help shape the disability leaders of the future, teaching at several 
institutions of higher education. For example, in 2019, after leading 
the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania for those 30 
years, Theo retired to begin his next venture. Today, Theo serves as 
president of his own consulting firm.
  I have had the opportunity to work with Theo on a number of 
disability issues over the years, and his professional and personal 
knowledge about the importance of home- and community-based services 
has been invaluable in shaping meaningful policy and communicating it 
to Members of Congress.
  For over 40 years, Theo has proudly and inclusively served the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with his advocacy for people with 
disabilities. We are grateful for his commitment to making our State 
and our Nation fairer and more accessible for all.
  In conclusion, it is a privilege and a pleasure to be able to honor 
these remarkable Pennsylvanians: Ty Holmes, Della Clark, Julius 
Boatwright, and Theo Braddy. While their work as repairers of the 
breach varies from community activism and youth development to economic 
development, to mental health support, to the civil rights of people 
with disabilities, all four share a commitment to lifting up their 
neighbors and their neighborhoods. They believe that we are stronger 
when we stand together and that, by joining hands with our brothers and 
sisters, we can overcome adversity, build resilience, and flourish 
together.
  As we head toward the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic 
and continue to strive to ensure the ideals of our Nation are fulfilled 
for all Americans, the stories of these exceptional leaders will 
continue to inspire all of us to pursue a brighter tomorrow for 
America.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Ohio.