Reel Abilities Speaker

Richard Bernstein, a nationally renowned attorney, spoke to students about "Fighting for Justice."

Students were inspired by Bernstein's words about blessings, strengths and using our God-given gifts.  

Student reflections:

"I was especially surprised to hear how he coped with his blindness, by saying that he served a purpose on earth, and that God doesn't give anyone anything they can't handle, no matter how catastrophic."  

"I was inspired by Mr. Bernstein when he said that we can't change God's plan for us, we can only change our attitude toward how we deal with it."

"One of my favorite parts of his speech was when he said he worked so hard to pass the exams to become a lawyer, so that he could represent people with disabilities.  Not only was it extremely difficult for him, but he fought his way through the pain so that he could come out and provide help for other people with disabilities."

"I realized that there is always a plan in our lives and that no matter what happens, God always does things for the best and we are to accept that without questions and use these experiences to make those lives around us better."

Bernstein is an advocate for disabled rights and provides a voice to those who would otherwise be forced to be silent. Blind since birth, he is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Northwestern University School of Law, and an attorney with The Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Richard successfully partnered with the Department of Justice to force the City of Detroit to fix broken wheelchair lifts on its buses. In a landmark settlement against Delta Airlines and Detroit Metro Airport, he gained accessibility for disabled fliers and set the precedent for airlines and airports to be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. He also fought the State of Michigan and won to preserve special education funding throughout the state. Richard represented the Paralyzed Veterans of America in an action against the University of Michigan’s plans for disabled seating in Michigan Stadium and represented disabled residents who sued the Oakland County (Michigan) Road Commission after “roundabout” traffic circles were built without disabled access.

Some of Richard’s latest casework includes a federal suit against the American Bar Association to put an end to its discriminatory practices toward blind students via requirement of the Law School Admissions Test and against the City of New York to make Central Park safer for its visitors and accessible for blind, disabled and visually impaired individuals.

In his spare time, Richard is often invited to speak to organizations, schools, and community groups  about the strengths, gifts, and talents of people with disability. When he is not in the courtroom or on a speaking tour, he can be found training for a marathon or an ironman competition. Richard has been an avid runner, completing 17 marathons – including seven New York City marathons – the Ironman triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 2008 and the Israman triathlon in Eilat, Israel in 2011.