The first honoree of the Empower Disabled Fund, in 2005, was Eugene Flaherty. Eugene is a young disabled man who is currently an "A" student at UMass Boston. He uses an electric wheelchair to get around and also has some speech difficulties. He has been disabled since birth. He lives with his mother, who is a school teacher and also works at a public library.

Eugene's family needed a new, wheelchair-accessible van, so that he can continue to be independent, provide service to the community, and attend classes. Without a van that he can get into, "I pretty much don't leave my house unless I have to," Eugene said. The family's current van was 11 years old and when it failed inspection, the mechanics said it could no longer be repaired.

Eugene is well known on campus due to his positive attitude, his sense of humor, and his undaunted spirit. When he starts to speak, the class falls silent to listen. It takes longer for Eugene to get his thoughts out, but it is always worth hearing them. He hopes to graduate in 2007.

Like many students with disabilities, Eugene is working hard to fulfill his dreams and his potential. He helps sort the food for the food pantry at his church, St. Johns Episcopal Church in Winthrop. He voted in the 2004 election. "When I graduate from UMass, a van will help me get to job interviews and work. I'd love to socialize with my friends more often, and go to some Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics games," Eugene said.

Pictured are Darrell Byers, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Mary Murphy, General Manager of Mobility Solutions in Norwood MA, Eugene aka "Euie" Flaherty, 2005-06 Award Recipent, and Sergio Goncalves, Founder of EDF.

The Empower Disabled Fund is proud that it has been able to raise the money to purchase a new specially equipped van for Eugene and his family. It has taken a year to actually "fund" the award, but as of February 2006 we have met our goal and are ready now to raise money for the next awardees.