Life can change in an instant.

Just ask Fayetteville City Councilman Glenn Brewer, who was in a hang-gliding accident 15 years ago that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Today, however, the 72-year-old father of four and grandfather of nine has a different perspective on life, specifically life with a disability. This outlook is why he carried the torch during the Spirit of ADA Torch Relay — an eight-week, cross-country event that marks the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Last week, Atlanta was one of 24 cities to host the torch relay, and Brewer was one of 65 torchbearers carrying the flame through city streets on its way to its next stop in South Carolina.

Brewer hasn't always been an ADA activist. In fact, before his injury, he often complained about the “excessive” number of handicapped parking spaces at shopping malls.

The former Navy submarine captain worked in Washington, DC as a consultant to the federal government and led his life without much thought to the challenges people with disabilities face each day.

“Unfortunately, I think most people aren't really impacted by disability issues unless they have some personal involvement like family or friends who are disabled,” said Brewer, who carried the torch in his new roadracing handcycle. “I'm hoping the 10th anniversary celebration will make some changes and allow everyone to become more aware of ADA and what it stands for.”

Brewer also says the ADA celebration indicates the government is recognizing the needs and major problems that people with disabilities face as they get back into mainstream society and life.

“We've definitely made progress but there are still many things to do both physically and behaviorally,” he added. “In public places, some mothers still won't let their kids look at my wheelchair, and whisper to them, `Don't stare!'”

Since his injury, Brewer enjoys helping other people that are suddenly experiencing life with a disability, especially former patients from Shepherd Center, an Atlanta hospital that specializes in treating spinal cord and brain injuries. He's involved with Shepherd Center's peer support group which meets twice a month and allows people who have survived spinal cord injuries to discuss issues and share problems and solutions. Brewer calls it his spinal cord injury alumni club.

“Even after ten years as a peer supporter, I'm still learning new ways to cope each time,” explained Brewer. “It's an ongoing adjustment experience.”

For more information on the ADA celebration, visit the web site at www.spiritofada.org.

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