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On April 14, 2005 Asa passed away. Asa Hinckley was a hero, his bravery saved people from institutions and sheltered workshops.
In the Winter of 2004 Asa Hinckley had a message for self advocates. He wanted to put an article in the SUFU Newsletter. He asked if I would help.
Asa had material from an interview he had given Shelly Griffith in 1993 entitled “A portrait of Asa-First Impressions”
I had the opportunity to read ‘Portrait of Asa’ , talk to Asa, to ask him questions and learn more about him. I shouldn’t say opportunity-it was more. It was a honor.
He wanted me to read the article and write a summary to put in the newsletter. He wanted to share a message that challenges are just that, challenges. They are not an excuse to give up. I wrote the article ‘Overcoming Challenges’ for him. Asa had a purpose, the article was to lay the foundation for Asa’s article ‘What It Means To Be A Self Advocate’. He wanted people to understand even when there are tough challenges, you don’t give up.
From his service on the Speaking Up For Us Board of Directors to his desire to close sheltered workshops, Asa’s commitment to self advocacy was evident in all that he did.
We will remember Asa for his sense of humor, the twinkle in his eye and his commitment to achieving equality for all people.
“Self advocacy is about taking on new challenges and standing up for what you believe in.”