Tom Tyree
Tom never let his disability, caused by Cerebral Palsy, or his lifelong confinement to a wheelchair limit him. He spent his life inspiring others, taking every opportunity and overcoming challenges with courage and pride.
In the early 1980s, Tom enrolled in Richland College. While he was a Thunderduck for two years, he managed the state championship wrestling team. Tom worked closely with Coach Bill Neal, who encouraged Tom to keep pursuing a bachelor's degree. Tom reached that goal and earned a bachelor's degree in science from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986. He later pursued a master's degree in public health from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
Tom was a valued member of the Texas disability community. He was a staff member of the University of Texas as a community liaison for the UT Affiliated Program, Texas Assistive Technology Partnership. His passion was to educate the public about issues for people with disabilities, such as the need fo community-based programs, services, and adaptive equipment to improve people's lives at home, school and work.
Tom helped develop Adventure Camp for UCP of Texas. He also served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Rehabilitation Advisory committee of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. Tom worked closely with former Texas Governor Ann Richards, former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and members of the Texas House of Representatives on disability rights issues. Tom was asked by disabilities activist Justin Dart to share in the honor of the Medal of Freedom that Mr. Dart received from President Bill Clinton in 1998.
Tom's life was cut short by a rare form of liver cancer. He died on Sept. 6, 2000. He was 38 years old. Tom is remembered by friends and family as someone who dedicated himself to personal excellence and to advocacy for the rights and dignity of others.