The picture above reminds me of another spunky cowgirl we all know - Shirley Dove.
I once saw a photo of Shirley as a young girl, her beautiful spirit already in full bloom. There she was, riding tall in the saddle on her beloved horse. Smiling into the bright Oklahoma sun, her eyes were in shadow beneath her cowgirl hat, but her smile was truly luminous.
Despite the many challenges life has presented, Shirley's brave cowgirl heart and winning smile have never changed....and have served as inspiration to so many of us.
By Shirley's example we have learned that grassroots advocacy can change laws and transform not only lives - but our entire society - for the better.
Shirley participated in creating one of the most important civil rights documents in the history of California - and the United States.
She continues her work today as the founding member of The Lanterman Coaltion, whose members and supporters are dedicated to ensuring the preservation of the Lanterman Act:
[A] It is through the IPP procedure that the right the Act grants to each developmentally disabled person and the obligation it imposes on the state are implemented; through it, the developmentally disabled person on an individual basis receives, as an entitlement, services that enable him to live a more independent and productive life in the community. (ARC v DDS).
[B] In fulfillment of fundamental human rights and in securing optimum developmental opportunities, all people, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, are entitled to community living.
Our favorite cowgirl has taken a serious tumble, but we can all offer our support during this time of rest and recovery. Shirley faces significant expenses related to medical bills and the months of intensive aftercare that are yet to come.
If there's anything we've learned from Shirley Dove, it's that we are at our best when we help each other and work together!
Please donate today!
I once saw a photo of Shirley as a young girl, her beautiful spirit already in full bloom. There she was, riding tall in the saddle on her beloved horse. Smiling into the bright Oklahoma sun, her eyes were in shadow beneath her cowgirl hat, but her smile was truly luminous.
Despite the many challenges life has presented, Shirley's brave cowgirl heart and winning smile have never changed....and have served as inspiration to so many of us.
By Shirley's example we have learned that grassroots advocacy can change laws and transform not only lives - but our entire society - for the better.
Shirley participated in creating one of the most important civil rights documents in the history of California - and the United States.
She continues her work today as the founding member of The Lanterman Coaltion, whose members and supporters are dedicated to ensuring the preservation of the Lanterman Act:
[A] It is through the IPP procedure that the right the Act grants to each developmentally disabled person and the obligation it imposes on the state are implemented; through it, the developmentally disabled person on an individual basis receives, as an entitlement, services that enable him to live a more independent and productive life in the community. (ARC v DDS).
[B] In fulfillment of fundamental human rights and in securing optimum developmental opportunities, all people, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, are entitled to community living.
Our favorite cowgirl has taken a serious tumble, but we can all offer our support during this time of rest and recovery. Shirley faces significant expenses related to medical bills and the months of intensive aftercare that are yet to come.
If there's anything we've learned from Shirley Dove, it's that we are at our best when we help each other and work together!
Please donate today!
Organizer and beneficiary
David Dove
Beneficiary