Long-time Auburndale resident Girard Plante passed away recently, at the age of 63. Girard was a fierce advocate for people with disabilities, having served on the City’s Commission on Disability for almost 20 years.
Prior to moving to Auburndale, Girard served on his hometown City of Utica’s Human Rights Commission and the Charter Revision Commission, and was the first Vice President of Utica’s Resource Center for Independent Living, helping people find much-needed housing and access to programs and services.
Girard majored in Broadcast Journalism at Utica College of Syracuse University. He was a freelance journalist for the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, the Central New York Academy of Medicine, and Net Design. He continued his career in journalism, writing a weekly column “Simple Times” from 2003 until his passing. In addition to his writing career, Girard worked with the Boston Center for Independent Living to increase funding for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to enable people with disabilities to leave nursing homes and live independently, and he fought fiercely for living wages for personal care assistants and to expand PCA coverage as part of the Mass Health program.
Shortly after his departure from the Commission on Disability, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller issued a commendation honoring Girard’s dedication and service to the City of Newton. Recognized by many for his work on disability rights, Girard, with his co-chair and dearest friend, Robert Caruso, were leading voices in creating a full-time ADA Coordinator for the City of Newton, elevating the previous Committee on Disabilities to Commission status, and fighting for greater accessibility throughout Newton, including City Hall and the Commuter Rail station in Auburndale. Ward 6 At-Large Councilor Alicia Bowman authored a resolution honoring Girard’s service to the City and the community.
Upon his death, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri, once an opponent when Girard ran for a seat on Utica’s City Council, issued a proclamation, stating “he will be truly missed by family, friends, and the disabled, for whom he dedicated his life fighting for their equality,” adding “may he Keep on
keepin’ on.”
At Monday night’s Commission on Disability meeting, members of the Commission, friends, and councilors remembered Girard for his kindness and spirit and how much he will be missed.
