[clickToTweet tweet=”`Tis the season of giving! Honor @TASHBarb and her retirement from @TASHtweet https://ow.ly/VJCWm” quote=”`Tis the season of giving! Honor @TASHBarb and her retirement from @TASHtweet https://ow.ly/VJCWm”]In case you haven’t heard, Barb Trader announced her retirement as TASH Executive Director earlier this year. The announcement engenders mixed emotions; best wishes for her new adventure and sadness at the departure of a great leader and friend.
During her ten year tenure, Barb guided TASH from uncertain times to a stable and growing organization. She inherited an organization whose viability, stellar reputation and leadership in the disability field was threatened by a decline in membership and the nation’s financial crisis. Under her leadership, TASH’s principled stand on human rights and social justice for individuals with significant disabilities and support needs is felt and heard. Barb has strategically created new partnerships and formed coalitions with great results; we now have stronger protections limiting restraint and seclusion, elevating customized employment, and prioritizing individual over group supports, as well as renewed interest in inclusive education. TASH is now well known and acknowledged in every relevant federal agency, on Capitol Hill, most states and internationally. Concurrent with establishing a sound financial underpinning, Barb has kept TASH at the forefront of changes in the disability field and positioned us for greater contributions into the next decade.
And for those of us who have had the opportunity to work with her closely, Barb has been an ally and friend, with an uncanny ability to leverage our individual strengths toward the greater good.
Please join me and the TASH community this holiday season in honoring Barb as she retires in two ways:
- Make a donation in honor of her retirement. You can help continue Barb’s legacy by making a gift in support of TASH. This financial support is essential to continue and INCREASE the work of TASH. Join me and make your gift today honoring Barb online or at TASH, 2013 H Street NW, Suite 715, Washington, DC 20006.
- Write a note to Barb. The personal words and comments of friends and colleagues are often more valued than plaques and public accolades. You can tell Barb what her work with TASH has meant to you. Well wishes can be emailed to dbrown@tash.org or sent to the address above.
PLEASE RESPOND TODAY so that we can ensure that she hears from you prior to her retirement.
On behalf of the Board and the TASH community, I invite you to join me in expressing your appreciation to Barb for her passion, dedication and achievements over the past ten years, and congratulate her on her retirement.
Sincerely,
Ralph Edwards
TASH Board President
P.S. We are at an important juncture in TASH’s history. We celebrate 40 years of creative and effective advocacy. Keep TASH at the forefront and join us in continuing to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Put your gift to work immediately by giving online here. TASH is a 501(c)(3) organization, and 100% of your gift is tax-deductible.