About

In 2003, when Alex was a college sophomore, he was in a in a deer related car accident and sustained a C6 level spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed. He faced an uphill battle to reclaim his independence, but he went on to complete college and Hofstra University Law School to become a patent attorney. After working several years as attorney, he saw the incredible challenges facing the disability community and the lack of advocates. Thus, he turned to being a full-time disability advocate and accessibility professional by putting his skills to improving the quality of life for those with disabilities.

Alex co-founded Wheeling Forward in 2012 to help others like himself get the support and resources they need to lead active lives. Alex used personal and professional experience to tackle challenging areas of need in the community and become an invaluable resource for those living with disabilities. Wheeling Forward has grown into an organization with numerous life-changing programs for those living with disabilities. Several of those programs have received awards and accolades for impact. Wheeling Forward through Alex’s leadership has successfully engaged in advocacy campaigns to elevate people with disabilities in our society and change the way that they participate in our society. Additionally, Alex has helped other nonprofits get off the ground and start delivering on their missions to bring positive change. He has helped many nonprofit clients manage their compliance and governance, allowing them to focus on their cause.

Alex has a deep and unique understanding of the ADA law and accessibility compliance. Alex worked as the Accessibility Program Manager at the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, where he was responsible a variety of initiatives to increase the accessibility of New York’s taxi industry and helped implement some of the strongest accessibility rules in the nation. Alex also served as the first-ever Accessibility Chief at MTA New York City Transit, where he oversaw accessibility initiatives and compliance for the largest transit system in North America. Alex has served on many government committees advising on disability and accessibility policy on significant issues impacting the disability community including the areas of healthcare, transportation, housing, employment, physical access, and education.

Through Alex’s work in both the nonprofit sector and in government, along with advising clients in the private sector, he has extensive experience in ADA regulations and accessibility compliance matters.

Awards

• City & State, Albany 40 Under 40 Rising Stars 2019
• NYC City Council Public Service Commendation 2019
• United Spinal Association, Peter Zarba Humanitarian of the Year Award 2019
• Dream Foundation, Hon. Barbara Jordan Public Service Award 2019
• US Congress Recognition Certificate for Community Service 2018
• New Mobility Magazine People/Person of the Year 2017
• Association of Academic Physiatrists Public Service Award 2017
• NY1 News New Yorker of the Week 2015