Gayle Harding

Harding

For 28 years, I unknowingly have been preparing myself for a career in social work. Because of my unique combination of disability, education, and desire, I believe that I can make a significant difference in people's lives."

  • Alumni of: 2002 Graduate Scholarship Program

Biography

For most of her life, Gayle Harding has lived in a small fishing village in the Northern Neck of Virginia, where her family has a history of entrepreneurship - her grandmother ran the country store and her grandfather was captain of the fastest schooner on the Chesapeake Bay. She recalls that when she was a teenager, instead of bringing home stray animals, she would bring home stray people and find them jobs and a place to live. She also rallied her fellow students and, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, changed the high school dress code.

Gayle's whole life changed in 1974, when she was involved in an automobile accident that left her a quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair. Yet she was determined not to let her disability hold her back. After being rehabilitated, she moved to Nashville and became a successful singer, with records in the top 100 on the country music charts. But when her record company dropped her from their label after finding out that she was in a wheelchair, her life changed again: She became an advocate for the disabled community.

Gayle attends conferences and workshops relating to all the core areas of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and files complaints against businesses that are not in compliance with the law. She stays abreast of the ever-changing design market for equipment needed by those with disabilities. She participates in advocacy leadership training workshops. And she has learned American Sign Language to communicate with those in the deaf community.

Gayle has also taken it upon herself to ensure that the local governmental agencies enforce the laws designed to benefit people with physical and sensory disabilities. She was instrumental in creating the Northern Neck Disability Services Board and was subsequently elected chairperson.

As a result of the board's work, money has been awarded to the community for ramps, home modifications, emergency services, and safe drinking water.

Gayle's goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker. She is also excited by the idea of incorporating music into the counseling process. "Music is a universal language that could be beneficial with clients who do not fully understand the American language or culture." She believes that music therapy could also be used as "an alternative form of communication for people with disabilities."

Gayle feels certain that whatever she does, it will be in the Northern Neck, a very underserved area. "Because of my unique combination of disability, education, and desire, I believe that I can make a significant difference in people's lives right here at home."



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