David Foderer is on a mission.
He wants to
advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities.
He wants to
protect the Lanterman Act.
He wants to talk to the Governor...and he knows
what he is talking about.
He is well educated and articulate.
He is
insightful and he is experienced... People listen to him.
Growing up with a severe
physical disability in Syracuse, New York,
was a challenge for young Thomas David
Forderer as it would be for anyone.
As
a paraplegic, special education student placed in the New
York State foster care system,
the deck appeared to be stacked pretty high
against him.
That, however,
was the bleak, statistical view.
There was a lot more to
young David than just his disabilities. He had a lively mind and an
indomitable spirit. As it turned out, those qualities brought him in
contact with two truly wonderful people.
They saw something special in
David. They adopted him and
moved to California.
The rest, as they say, is
history.
David attended a mainstream high school in Northern California
and then went on to D'Anza College where he became a member of the student
council on his way to receiving a degree in Criminology.
Then, in 1995, he
interned for San Francisco Mayor, Willie Brown
as a consultant
surrounding accessibility issues in the City's Courts.
For a
number of years David has received Supported Living services through San Andreas
Regional Center and SVS. (He is pictured above with Max Muneeruddin, SVS Santa
Clara's Supported Living Program Director.)
These services have enabled
David to live in his own apartment in San Jose and continue his education.
He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Criminology.
SVS's support also
assists David in the pursuit his real passion -- public service and advocacy.
David
does consulting work on disability access issues for both schools and the
Los Altos United Methodist Church, for which he will be a delegate at their
west coast conference this year.
He also is on the Board of Directors of
the San Andreas Regional Center where he
intends to use his
experience both as an individual with a disabilityand as a
bureaucratic "insider" for the betterment of SARC's clientele.
David knows what he is talking about. He has
passion, drive and a great sense of humor.
He knows how government works.
He is, and will continue to be, an advocate
for people with disabilities and an valuable asset to the greater community.
We are pleased and honored
to support him on his mission.
Eminently Well Qualified to Serve 