Roger
McCarville has spent more than 25 years as an advocate for the disabled.
In 1975 Mr. McCarville became disabled after falling from a boat and
having his legs severed. One leg was reattached and is partially functional
while the other has a prosthesis. In 1995, after being diagnosed with
leukemia, he received a bone marrow transplant. Throughout the years
he has been a leading voice on disability issues and has worked hard
to change the face of sports and recreation for the disabled community.
His
commitment dates back to 1977 when he founded both the Oakland Handicap
Association and the Michigan Wheelchair Basketball Association. He also
participated in the White House Conference on Handicap Accessibility,
and would later serve as the regional representative to the U.S. Olympic
Committee for the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Association. Governor
James Blanchard appointed Roger to the Governor's Commission on Recreation
and Tourism. His impressive list of contributions also include Chairman
of the 1981 Learning and Sharing trip to Ireland, England and Scotland
to participate in the International Year of the Disabled Persons. Roger
was also appointed to the Department of Natural Resources Americans
with Disabilities Act transition team and served as Chairman of Southeastern
Michigan Easter Seals Association, and the President of the Oakland-Macomb
Center for Independent Living. Currently, he co-produces and hosts Disabilities
Today, a PBS television show that informs and educates the public on
the disabled community and also serves on the Michigan State University
advisory committee for Park Recreation and Tourism.
In
1997 the Detroit News presented him with the Michiganian of the Year
Award recognizing his leadership and commitment to changing the quality
of life for people with disabilities. Also in 1977 he was honored by
the United Irish Societies as their Grand Marshal for their Detroit,
Saint Patrick's Day Parade. In addition, in 1999 he was honored for
his significant contributions toward athletic opportunities for the
disabled and received the first Lifetime Achievement Award in the Athletes
with Disabilities Hall of Fame.
Mr.
McCarville and his wife Doris have been married for over 40 years. They
are the parents of six children and have seven grandchildren. They reside
in Ortonville, MI.
