It is with great sadness that the ABA Commission on Disability Rights reports the passing of Scott C. LaBarre, former Chair of the Commission (2004 to 2007). He was a friend and supporter of the Commission and truly a force to be reckoned with. Both during his term as Chair and throughout his time with the ABA, he fiercely advocated for the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society. In particular, Scott worked with the Commission on myriad disability rights policies passed by the ABA House of Delegates, including calling on the United States to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled, and urging Congress to grant a private right of action to disabled air travelers whose rights to equal access were violated.
Scott was a tireless champion for lawyers with disabilities. He was a mentor to many young disabled lawyers, and spoke frequently about the unique talents and skills disabled lawyers bring to the profession. Scott was a large presence within the ABA, serving in many leadership positions and recently chairing the ABA Solo Small Firm and General Practice Division. In many ways the Commission would not be where it is today without his energy, enthusiasm, support, and skill. The ABA and the Commission have lost a true friend.