As the nation mourns the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., people with disabilities are among those grateful for the long-serving senator’s personal contribution to their lives.

Evelyne Milorin didn’t know what to do after her son Reggie, who has autism, lost all of his government assistance at age 21. She turned to countless elected officials for more than a year to no avail. That is, until Milorin contacted Kennedy’s office.

Within three weeks Milorin had results. Kennedy’s staff helped Reggie get vocational and life skills training. Thanks to that assistance, today, at age 37, Reggie lives independently and has a job, his mom says.

“I have my life back and my son is no longer under my care 24-hours a day. He made my dream come true,” Milorin told USA Today. To read more click here.

Kennedy, who died Tuesday, had a sister with an intellectual disability. As a senator, Kennedy championed legislation to improve access and affirm the rights of Americans with disabilities.

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