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May 11, 2008  
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Finding solutions that work

Lawyer David Newburger, the mayor's newly appointed commissioner on the disabled, considers which strategies will best serve the city's disabled population

By Rebecca S. Rivas

Posted Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The city is not a battleground for people with disabilities, said David Newburger, a lawyer and Central West End resident.

And his job as commissioner on the disabled — the mayor’s advisor on disability rights’ issues — is not that of an army general.

In the position since April 1, Newburger’s job is to fight for the rights of disabled people within a framework built around conflict.

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on employment, housing, public services and telecommunications, is built upon the premise that those who are denied their rights have the right to sue to obtain them.

But Newburger offers a different perspective on political change.

“My office is not about conflict,” he said. “We are focused on finding solutions that work. I am a litigator, and sometimes we have to litigate. But a lot of progress can be made by evolution, negotiation and education.”

He said his first task is to educate the mayor and city administrators on disability issues. It will take a good deal of time and planning, he said, but various offices already seem receptive to his suggestions.


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