Ed Eames had a simple goal for our community. "He wanted a barrier-free Fresno." said his wife, Toni.
Mr. Eames died Sunday at 79, leaving a legacy of making Fresno more accessible to residents with disabilities. Mr. Eames, who lost his sight at age 42, fought to improve bus service, lobbied for more sidewalks and battled against the growing trend of roundabouts and traffic circles in Fresno intersections because they make it difficult for the visually impaired to cross the street. Mr. Eames also founded an organization for people who use assistance dogs.
He made a difference, and our community is better for his work. Community members who worked with him said Mr. Eames inspired those who provide services to the disabled to understand how crucial their services are. Paul Kwiatkowski, manager of Handy Ride, which provides transportation for disabled people, said Mr. Eames influenced improvements to the Handy Ride system.
"He certainly helped improve the lives of people with disabilities in Fresno," Kwiatkowski said.
Ed and Toni Eames had not intended to live in Fresno. In 1987, the couple came to Fresno to team-teach a class at California State University, Fresno, on the sociology of disabilities. Mr. Eames was on sabbatical from Bernard M. Baruch College in New York City. They fell in love with Fresno and decided to retire here.
Mr. Eames founded and was president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners and served on the Americans With Disabilities Act Advisory Committee for Fresno Area Express.
He often wrote letters to The Bee on issues of importance to the disabled community. His latest was in opposition to a traffic circle proposed in the Tower District. He ended the letter this way: "As a blind person, I am stymied by traffic circles, and my volunteer drivers are no more fond of them than I! I have been told by traffic engineers that to safely cross, I must make eye contact with drivers who will then give me the right of way. Believing that would be tantamount to buying a bridge in Brooklyn!"
Mr. Eames' impact on our community will be lasting, and we are indeed fortunate that he and his wife decided to make Fresno their home after teaching that class at Fresno State two decades ago.
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