Thomas Rich, Outstanding Self-Advocate

Thomas’ recent accomplishments include his video at the 2019 CommUNITY Film festival.  He worked with a local video production company to share his life story, and the struggles and triumphs along the way. Thomas is a member of the Human Rights Committee at the Anne Grady Foundation as well as the People First of Toledo Self-Advocacy Group.  Meeting once a month at both groups he listens to individual’s stories, and discusses rights issues and resolutions.

Thomas takes great pride at his opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Toledo Mud Hens game in front of 6,000 people.  He states that he wanted to do it to show himself and others that even if you have a disability, there is a purpose for being alive and if you put your mind to it, you can achieve your goals.