Ed Paquin

Ed Paquin, of Barre Vermont, became disabled in 1988, ending his work as a builder. He served as a State Representative for six terms and then directed Vermont’s protection and advocacy system, Disability Rights Vermont, for 18 years. Among his legislative work were healthcare initiatives and appropriations issues with a focus on civil rights and human services. While at DRVT he brought the Vermont Communication Support Project into the agency, supervising it and working to ensure its funding. As PAIMI director he could see that communications barriers lead to unequal access to justice. Since retiring, he has worked as a Communication Support Specialist, assisting individuals with a wide range of disabilities in civil court and other administrative settings. He is proud to play a part in making equal access to justice more of a reality for people with disabilities and is happy to share Vermont’s experience with others at NARPA.