Former President Barack Obama praised the life and career of disability rights activist Marca Bristo, who passed away Sunday.
Bristo, who founded Access Living to help with advocacy efforts for people with disabilities, died Sunday after a battle with cancer. She was 66 years old.
In a statement, the former president praised Bristo as a "trusted voice" in the fight for equal rights for Americans with disabilities:
"Marca had a remarkable way of bringing out the best within us," the former president said in a statement. "For me, she was a trusted voice and a persistent, buoyant spirit -- an example that progress can be slow, but it's always possible. We'll miss her, but we're far better off because of her fight."
Bristo served on the Obama Foundation Inclusion Council, and served as the chair on the National Council on Disability, a role she was appointed to by former President Bill Clinton.
Bristo also founded Access Living, a group “committed to fostering an inclusive society that enables people with disabilities to live fully engaged and self-directed lives."
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U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D – IL) issued a statement after Bristo’s passing, calling her a “precious friend” who fought valiantly for the rights of Americans with disabilities.
“Our country has lost an unparalleled fighter for the rights of people with disabilities,” Schakowsky said. “Our love goes out to our dear friend, Marca’s husband Bob Kettlewell, their children and new granddaughter.”
Access Living said that Bristo’s funeral will be private, but that a public memorial is currently being planned.
