From Jane Rhys

I first heard about JT when I worked at the Kansas State Department of Education and was the Special Education Compliance Monitor for Lawrence Public Schools. As monitors, we often received phone calls - referring to them as "Mad Momma" calls, primarily from mothers who were unhappy with the services provided at their child's school. I got a "Mad Dad" call from Rud.

I do not remember the specifics but I do remember calling the Director of Special Education in Lawrence. I think I said something like "Are you crazy???" Do what has been asked because it is the law!

When I later worked for the DD Council I hired a doctoral student of Rud's, Jacqueline Gordon. She let me know right away that she and JT had a standing weekly date to eat pizza and that the night was sacred. I never asked her to travel or do any work on that night!

JT was gracious when asked to host receptions, parties, etc. in his home. I am sure he did not know all of us who showed up but he shook hands all around, responded to many questions, and did not let us know what he really thought of our invasion.

Even before I met Jay I heard about him from Rud and Ann in classes and through conversations. They were always trying to get him into the community, to have him treated him like anyone else his age, and to give him a "normal" life. As a result, JT lived life to the fullest with many friends, a home, and job in the community. He lead the way in inclusion and was a shining example of what can and should be, not what was!

Jane Rhys, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities