Recognition of the "Late" Leonard A. Boyle Sr.

Leonard Andre Boyle Sr. was a leader of all people with disabilities in the state of Arkansas for more than twenty years. Leonard was a self-advocate for his own rights as a person living with a physical disability. He helped shape and define what it meant to include individuals with disabilities in all laws especially voting rights.

He believed the fight for civil rights, equality, and justice was truly a duty for each and every citizen. The “politics of inclusion” were the foundation to all of his work. Leonard genuinely valued every human being, regardless of disability condition. He was the epitome of what a leader in the disability community looked like. He believed in sharing the successes with his colleagues as things progressed over time.

Leonard was a gentle soul who knew how to make change happen. From voting rights, barriers in access to buildings, transportation, accessible parking and housing he stood up to what was right. He empowered young disability activists in standing up and being self-advocates and applying for different advisory councils and boards related to the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Leonard was very bold and comfortable fighting for voting rights whether he was giving testimony to the legislatures, leading training in the community, and helping with mock elections and just being a voice for other individuals with disabilities in Arkansas. He served and worked countless hours as a commissioner with the Pulaski County Election Commission, a board member on the Arkansas Disability Coalition and as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on People with disabilities. Leonard selflessly served up until his retirement .

In 2013, Leonard was very instrumental in co-founding the first “Day at the Capitol for individuals with Disabilities alongside his friend and colleague, Dr. FranSha’ Anderson, the Executive Director of the Arkansas State Independent Living Council (ARSILC). The event has been said to host the largest number of individuals with disabilities and their families at the state capitol in history.

Leonard’s personality and humble heart will always be remembered. He will remain in our hearts and never forgotten as a leader in the disability community.

Host or Publisher DR. FRANSHA ANDERSON