The Warren Cushman Vision

Ever since I met Warren Cushman a few years ago, I find myself pausing in my daily travels attempting to view the world from his perspective. Some moments find me jerking my head back to do a double take at a scene playing itself out along the roadside. Witnessing the bustle of construction workers deep in a pit beside the sidewalk on Fulton gives me shivers of fear. Bus stops and crosswalks demand a thorough and keen surveillance as I pass by.

More and more frequently during recent months, I observe the details along my walks and shake my head at the obstacles in my path. I have the vision to plan ahead when I notice the sign that says "Sidewalk Closed" and I cross to the other side of the street. I spot the break in the concrete where "they" tore up the sidewalk to install a pipe. I take notice of the flash of yellow and black "caution tape" flapping along the edge of a precipice beside the auto lot and steer myself clear. I count my blessings for the ability to see the way before me. My considerations and musings have been for those, like Warren Cushman, who are blind.

I marvel every day at the countless members of the community who, due to physical disability, wrangle their way along the same obstacle ridden pathway I trod. We take these things for granted; these city sidewalks, busy sidewalks, "yadayadayada". This is part of life. Mobility and freedom, responsibility and fulfillment, as we move from place to place and time to time in every day to reach the goals we set for ourselves. Each of us adapts to those needs within the constraints of our economics and our physicality. Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and red-tipped white canes abound in this city. Accessibility and ADA are phrases well worn and recognized in the halls of the Capitol.

As a neighbor and fellow Arden Arcade community citizen, Warren and I often travel the streets of Sacramento in the same multi-seat conveyance. We both depend on Sacramento Regional Transit to get from place to place. We wait at the same bus stops and arrive at the same light rail station. The questionable reliability of the entire transit system causes each of us inconvenience and some days we find ourselves sharing our "war stories" of recent travels. Those conversations humble me.

Warren puts his "money where his mouth is". Actually, Warren doesn't really complain; he defines the issues and identifies the possible solutions. He then takes the extra step and puts forth immeasurable effort to bring about growth in his community. Warran Cushman says "the only way to have one's voice heard is to be a part of an organization or movement." His memberships in community organizations speak for themselves.

Warren got involved with the Sacramento Coalition for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority in 1997. In 1999 he was elected as President of Californians for Disability Rights. On behalf of many of his anticipated constituents, Warren has been involved in correcting transportation issues since 2000 as a member of the DECAT board. He has been an outspoken and active advocate for affordable housing, as well as the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) and as the campaign manager for the "No on Measure A" campaign in 2004.

This year, Warren has been working with Valley Vision and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) in outreach efforts to the disability community for their MTP revision. He is currently a member of Regional Transit's Mobility Advisory Council, representing Californians for Disability Rights. He is embarking on an effort to start an "abilities chamber" which will advocate statewide for issues of concern to small business owners with disabilities. He has been a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for SACOG's Elderly/Disability study. He has served on the transportation Air Quality Collaborative, the Arden Arcade Community Alliance Board, and Access Sacramento TV Station Board. The issues that concern Warren are Social Services, transportation, land use and law enforcement.

Warren Cushman is currently in the process of gathering signatures and applying for a position on the Arden-Arcade Community Council. He is looking for 50 or more signatures and your support.