Charles S. P. Hodge:
July 30, 1946 – June 18, 2015
Charlie was in the vanguard of the "second wave" of ACB leaders—those who stepped up in the early to mid-1980’s as those who had been instrumental in founding ACB in the 1960’s began relinquishing their leadership roles. As a 1971 graduate of Harvard Law School, he placed his keen intellect and staunch work ethic at the disposal of ACB for more than forty years.
Charlie wore many hats during his long tenure with ACB, serving as a director and as both Second and First Vice President from 1980 through the 1990s. He served on the resolutions committee and chaired the Constitution and Bylaws committee for many years. More recently, he served on the Board of Publications.
Charlie was a founding member of the Old Dominion Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, serving on its board in a variety of capacities for more than three decades, including several terms as president. He was also a very influential member of several special interest affiliates, including the American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys and ACB Government Employees. He was always a staunch advocate for the rights and interest of blind persons, particularly those employed in sheltered workshops and in the Randolph-Sheppard vending program. He was a tireless defender of the rights of guide dog users, and made valuable contributions to the efforts which ultimately eliminated the quarantine restrictions on dog guides and their handlers traveling to Hawaii. He worked in collaboration with the now defunct National Education and Legal Defense Service on a plethora of legal issues adversely affecting the rights and interests of blind and/or visually impaired persons.
While there are so many things for which Charlie can fairly be remembered, his commitment to ACB is perhaps most powerfully attested to by his championship of ACB’s life membership program. He well understood that the continued protection of the rights of blind and visually impaired persons would always be a struggle—one requiring a continued commitment of resources. This was at the heart of his tireless advocacy for this vital ACB initiative, one which has now continued for more than thirty years.
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ACB Angel Memorial Tribute - Charles S. P. Hodge