[Ohio-Talk] AboutScott LaBarre, posted on FB by Peggy Chong

Fri Jan 20 18:02:04 UTC 2023

Last month we lost a dear friend. Scott LaBarre was only 54 years old.  Tomorrow we celebrate his life.  Rest In Peace my friend.

A Life of Spirit, Service, and Strength
Scott C. LaBarre has made his place in history as a giant among those in search of civil rights for blind people as well as among those who pursue justice for all who receive less than they are due. He was the general counsel to the National Federation of the Blind and managed a multi-million dollar legal advocacy program. Because of him, applicants can use assistive technology as an accommodation on the multistate bar examination and can pursue a doctor of chiropractic degree with their desired accommodations. More systemic in nature were his victories in employment law, disability rights, and international policy work, particularly in the area of copyright law. There he was a primary advocate for an amendment to the Copyright Act, allowing materials to be transcribed for use by the blind without having to undergo the long and tedious process of prior approval, which was the case prior to 1996. Extending this work, he was instrumental in the drafting and adoption of the Marrakesh Treaty, permitting the sharing of books in special formats among the blind and print disabled of many countries. 

Scott was permanently admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States; the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and DC Circuits; the United States District Court for the District of Colorado; the Supreme Court of Colorado; the United States District Court for the District of Maryland; and the Maryland Court of Appeals (Maryland’s highest court). He was named one of Colorado’s Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, distinctions recognizing the top five percent of Colorado attorneys. 

A role model for many, Scott understood the importance of serving in the American Bar Association, believing that advancing his career must proceed hand in hand with advancing his career field. He was a founding member of the Disability Rights Bar Association and served on its Executive Board as Vice Chair. He served a three-year term on the American Bar Association’s Board of Governors, where he chaired the Member Services Committee and served on the Board’s Executive Committee during his last year. Scott was also active in the ABA's Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice Division, holding a position on its governing council for several terms. He recently became Chair of the Division in August of 2022. ABA President Reginald Turner asked him to serve on the ABA’s Standing Committee on Meetings and Travel and the Steering Committee of ABA’s Practice Forward, a committee appointed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the practice of law. Scott represented the Denver Bar Association as a Delegate to the ABA’s House of Delegates. And within the National Federation of the Blind, Scott served as the president of the National Association of Blind Lawyers for more than twenty years.

More impressive than his professional accomplishments are the things Scott did for his family, biological and spiritual. He knew he was one of the luckiest men alive when Anahit agreed to be his wife and lifelong partner. Together they brought into the world and nurtured two souls who would mean more to Scott than any hired or elected position. Being the finest father he could be was a commitment he strove to honor and uphold throughout his life. He cheered on Alexander as he played baseball and was immensely proud when he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Scott was enthusiastic in Karter’s participation in the choir, on the basketball court, and in the theater activities where set design became a major focus and may well become a career. We dare not forget his beloved labradoodle, Moka.

Scott loved the mechanics of flying, even when his life was made more difficult as a blind consumer who would not be left alone by those intending on learning where it was he was trying to go and telling him how slow and deliberate he should be in getting there. He loved anything to do with space and space travel and, when there was a launch or landing, he was often found in front of a television set cheering on the activity in the same way he would celebrate the victories of his favorite college and professional sports teams.

This outstanding Federationist will always be remembered for his distinguished service to the Colorado affiliate, the Colorado Center for the Blind, and his long-standing and successful efforts to raise funds through the NFB monthly donation program. Beyond his work, our love sprang from his determination to make us laugh, feel better about ourselves, and to know that we are appreciated and loved. Scott was one of the finest examples of an integrated human we have ever known, and may his work and example propel us not only to greater victories but to even greater successes as we strive to live as full and balanced people.

Shelley Duffy

On Jan 20, 2023, at 7:49 AM, Barbara Pierce via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

I thought others might like to have this Zoom link for Scott LaBarre's service tomorrow.
Barbara
Barbara Pierce (she, her, hers)
President Emerita
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
Barbara.pierce9366 at gmail.com
440-774-8077

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise expectations for blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and their dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: "National Federation of the Blind" <webmaster at nfb.org>
> Subject: Celebration of Life for Scott LaBarre (Zoom Details)
> Date: January 19, 2023 at 6:00:45 PM EST
> To: Barbara Pierce <barbara.pierce9366 at gmail.com>
> Reply-To: bounces+r.20579.8282463.9e5c8e47e9c39885 at mailings.nfb.org
> 
> 
> 
> <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28546&qid=8282463>
> Celebration of Life for Scott LaBarre
> 
> Scott C. LaBarre, who was a longtime Federation member, a fierce leader in our movement, and a great friend to so many of us, passed away on Saturday, December 10 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28547&qid=8282463>. The outpouring of love from the Federation family, as well as the disability rights and legal communities, has been felt by his loved ones. A Celebration of Life to honor Scott will be held January 21, 2023, in Denver, Colorado, at 4:30 p.m. MT / 6:30 p.m. ET.
> 
> Join the Celebration via Zoom (CC Available)
> 
> Zoom via web: https://zoom.us/j/93503048437 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28548&qid=8282463>
> Zoom One Tap Mobile: +13017158592,,93503048437#
> Zoom via phone: +1 301 715 8592
> Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0304 8437
> New: Scott C. LaBarre Leadership and Justice Fund
> 
> In coordination with the LaBarre family, the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors has established a fund for memorial donations made in honor of Scott C. LaBarre and his contribution to the development of leadership within the organized blind movement and the broader legal profession.
> 
> The goal of this fund will be to advance efforts to promote leadership development and educational opportunities for blind people, with a preference for supporting internships, educational training/conferences, or other activities that assist blind individuals in expanding their participation in the legal profession or in providing greater leadership in advocacy for the blind.
> 
> Sending Messages to the LaBarre Family
> 
> Per the request of Scott’s family, memorial contributions should be directed to the National Federation of the Blind <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28549&qid=8282463> for the work to empower blind people to live the lives they want, to which he gave so much. 
> 
> Please share memories and messages with the LaBarre family by sending an email to slabarre at nfb.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28550&qid=8282463>.
> 
> 
>  <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28551&qid=8282463>      <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28552&qid=8282463>      <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28553&qid=8282463>      <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28554&qid=8282463>      <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28555&qid=8282463>      <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28556&qid=8282463>    
> National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314
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