Beyond Barriers

 Anne Koomans 8984 “Dave Davey was a remarkable guy - a trailblazer for the physically disabled who truly made a difference. I fully supported the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when it was introduced, and proudly attended the White House ceremony when President George H.W. Bush signed the landmark bill into law. It was folks like my long-time friend Dave Davey who were foremost in my thoughts that day. Dave was a winner from start to finish, and finished a champion who NEVER complained. As a Christian, I know he is always praying for us here on earth. He continues to make a difference and this book is a testament to his faith - he was indeed one of God's gifts.” - US Congressman Fred Upton “During my time as President of Goodwill Industries, International, I had the privilege of meeting and working with many dedicated and impressive local CEO's but none more so than David Davey. Perhaps because he had personally overcome a disability himself, Dave had a special bond with the individuals whom he served and while his Goodwill was not the largest in the organization's vast network of rehabilitation facilities, it was one of the finest because it so fully embodied Goodwill's century long mission to restore the dignity of individuals with barriers to employment through the power of work. Dave's Goodwill didn't have "clients" it had a family and you could sense that devotion and love whenever you entered a store or set foot onto a shop floor. I spent eight years as a member of the US House of Representatives, but it was from people like Dave Davey that I learned the true meaning of public service.” - Fred Grandy, “Gopher” on The Love Boat, Actor, Radio Personality “Dave Davey was an outstanding man. As a young teen when he married my mother, I got the chance to know him, and have him as my dad. Through the years, I could always count on his wisdom and guidance. As a married young father, I would seek his perspective on life's issues, and valued his take on life. He was a one-of-a-kind man, and I cherish my memories of him.” - David Laramie Grab a tissue as you read how twelve-year-old David Davey survived nine months in the hospital, recovering from Polio. You'll read how Dave, when he was attending Wayne State University, recognized God had a purpose for his life, and how he spent the rest of his life fulfilling that purpose. Dave's work with Senator Bob Dole on the National Barrier-Free Architectural and Transportation Board helped develop the standards for the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Your attention will be captivated when you read about Dave and Anne's experience when they slept in a lovely motel room full of Black Widow Spiders, how a ship was held in port for several hours as the staff devised a plan to get Dave aboard, and why they slept in the same penthouse room where President Kennedy once slept.