Laura Hershey

Laura Ann Hershey
Activist and Writer
1962 - 2010
INDUCTED 2016

Laura Hershey was a writer whose poetry, prose, and journalism changed society’s perception of disability, and firmly demanded a place for disabled people in all aspects of the community.

Hershey directed Denver’s Commission for People with Disabilities; led the Disability Center for Independent Living; co-founded the Domestic Violence Initiative; consulted with Denver regional municipalities assisting with ADA implementation and LGBT inclusion. In poems like “You Get Proud by Practicing,” Hershey shared her keen insights and gave voice to anyone who society treats as an outsider.

“It is an uncomfortable truth, in social work, in government activity, and in charitable endeavors, that actions which are intended to help a certain group of people may actually harm them.” — Laura Hershey