Disability History Factoid: Judge Criss Cole

Disability History Factoid of the Day: Judge Criss Cole  (Friday, October 7, 2011) 

You may have heard of the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center in Austin, but did you know that it was named for a Texas soldier who was blinded in World War II? Criss Cole (1918-1985) was injured by a grenade during battle and lost his sight, an injury for which he was later awarded a Purple Heart.

After his service in the war, Cole returned to Texas, where he completed his education, and became a lawyer and judge. He also became an influential legislator, helping to pass bills establishing Padre Island National Seashore and the University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at HemisFair in San Antonio. He was instrumental in passing a measure banning racial discrimination by state and local governments, and was involved with measures for redistricting, loan-company regulation, multiple use and pollution of Texas waters, and vocational rehabilitation.

A compelling sculpture in front of the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center by Texas sculptor Eugenie Kamrath Mygdal salutes Cole's model leadership of courage, perseverance, and accomplishment.

To read more about Criss Cole: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fcobm

About the Facts

The Disability History Daily Factoids are presented each weekday in October to celebrate "Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month" in Texas. HB 3616, passed during the 82nd Legislative session, encourages public schools and state agencies to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities. To learn more about Disability History, go to http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/disability_history/.

Past Facts

For daily factoids from previous days, visit our archive: http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/history_and_awareness_month_factoids.