July 16, 1954 - April 22, 2022
Nancy was born on July 16, 1954, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At the age of 2, she was diagnosed with severe Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a life-long condition, which resulted in multiple and increasingly severe physical disabilities. She and her family moved to Pennsylvania, where she attended public school and learned to advocate for herself. Despite her limitations, Nancy participated in community activities and attended college, obtaining a Masters in Speech Language at the University of Florida.
After college, Nancy tried providing private therapy to veterans and nursing home/hospital residents, but because of Nancy's pre-existing condition, she was refused health care insurance, unless she was covered by a group policy. So, she became an employee of the Volusia County School system, providing speech therapy to preschool through fifth grade elementary students. She worked in the schools for almost 30 years, educating her students, their families and other staff about abilities and advocating for other community services. Nancy became more involved with disability-related advocacy, both while she was working and following her retirement. In 1980, she met Doug at the legal rights and disability conference. Doug became her husband and advocacy partner for the next 42 years, until Nancy's unfortunate death in 2022.
Nancy became a member of the Florida Council of the Blind in 1981, forming a local affiliate, helping to start chapters, serving on FCB advisory committees, and assisting wherever and whenever needed. It was expected that she, her wheelchair, and camera would be in the middle of meetings, conventions, and public events, helping anyone who needed assistance. She was a loved and respected member of FCB and many community organizations. Yes, Nancy was a devoted member of FCB and her local chapter, but she also pushed for improved public transportation and was a respected accessible voting rights advocate, serving on several advisory committees and helping to develop outreach and educational documents.
In addition to these important initiatives, Nancy has been an advocate for expanded participation in the Braille and Talking Books program. Nancy certainly will be missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the many people she helped! The Florida council of the Blind has established the Nancy Burgess-Hall Advocacy scholarship and Disability Rights Florida, Access the Vote Florida organization will be presenting an advocacy award, in honor of Nancy.
Watch Nancy Burgess-Hall's Angels' Tribute video on YouTube here