DPN10 Anniversary: In Their Own Words-Andrew D. Pulrang

Andrew D. Pulrang

"In March 1988, I was a junior history major at Dartmouth College. I have a lifelong physical disability, yet I had never felt the need or desire to think about or become involved in disability issues or with other people with disabilities.

The DPN movement was immediately noticeable, partly because these were fellow college students. I remember being impressed with how effective and disciplined they were. I'm afraid this was in contrast to the other student movements I had seen in the previous few years . . . relatively ineffective and often confused efforts to advocate divestment from companies doing business in South Africa. It amazed me that the Gallaudet students were able to achieve their goals in a matter of days.

The other thing that affected me was seeing people with disabilities being pro-active as a community. They weren't asking for pity, or using it as an argument. They weren't asking for things to be easier, or for material assistance. They were demanding respect. I had never seen this before, and in the long run, watching the DPN movement was the first step in changing how I viewed my own disability.

Now I am the director of a Center for Independent Living in Northeastern New York. DPN had a greater effect on me than I ever thought it would at the time."

Andrew D. Pulrang
Executive Director
North County Center for Independence
Plattsburgh, New York

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