IN MEMORY OF GUNNAR DYBWAD
Robert W.P. Cutler, Jr.

Worcester, MA
[Editor's Note:  Dr. Gunnar Dybwad, one of the founding fathers of the inclusion, parent advocacy, and self-advocacy movements, died on September 13, 2001, at the age of 92. Together with his wife Rosemary, who died in 1992, they committed their lives' work to promoting and fighting for the civil rights and self determination of persons with mental disabilities around the globe. Facilitated Communication was among the many causes for which Gunnar worked effectively and tirelessly. The following two pieces by Rob Cutler, president of the Autism National Committee, were presented at the annual meeting of the Autism National Committee, and at a memorial service at Brandeis University, on November 3 and 4, 2001.]
I Miss Gunnar
We must continue to push for freedom in institutions.  Freedom, if it doesn't happen now, may be put off indefinitely.

Gunnar traveled the world to try and save us.

Gunnar, you are my hero.  I want you to know your messages of hope will be discussed forever.  Gunnar has been a Christ to the human beings in institutions throughout the world.  At times he has been like Moses:  "Let my people go!"

If you believe in full closure of places like Fernald, stand up.

If you want to help me do it, please sit down now.

The rest stand for a while, and think why not.  We had to stand longer at Fernald.

If places like Fernald are great then take a vacation there for two weeks.  See for yourselves, yes.

I want to tell you something personal.  Terrorism happened daily at Fernald.  Staff were controlling, and we were frightened.

I know if ARCs don't fight now, freedom will not happen under SMP.  It will be too late if they wait, yes.  No room for politics.

Gunnar agrees, even from heaven.  Freedom must prevail!

Autism National Committee, November 3, 2001

Gunnar Dybwad -- In Memoriam

September 16, 2001
God was busy this week.  God welcomed the crash victims into heaven Himself.  The trumpets sounded and the harps played.  But there was a pause and God looked down and saw an old man sneaking past God and heading to a garden where a woman sat waiting daily for her Gunnar.

God watched and wondered why Gunnar didn't stay in line to receive praise from God.  After all, Gunnar helped humanity, one mind at a time.  God asked Gunnar if he wanted comfort.  Gunnar said, "I have my Rosemary for that."  God wanted to reward Gunnar, but Gunnar said, "I have my love Rosemary, and this garden.:

God then sent His angels down to earth, where they start the work of freeing people from institutions.

I came to realize that the community wasn't my freedom.  It was sitting on a back porch and eating cookies and drinking coffee, watching the old man think and love me.

God -- I will close them down, and I will not stop till it's done.

My circle remains intact.  The spirit of Gunnar and Herb remain my circle.  I will ask Melissa to join my circle, not to replace Gunnar, but carry on Gunnar's dream.

To Gunnar's circle:  I love you for caring, but Gunnar wants you to fight for the rights of freedom from institutions.  I doubt anyone gave out flags to the residents at Fernald.  Why not?

To Gunnar's family:  Gunnar loved you deeply, but he loved the self-advocates equally.  Accept this and grow in the strength that we self-advocates are there for you to lean on.

In ending, I will tell you that I have big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge.  I am ready to take this on.  Gunnar will smile down from heaven, while sitting in a garden with his Rosemary sipping real coffee.  No decaf in heaven!  Yes.

Memorial -- Brandeis University -- November 4, 2001