Our Mission

Rev. Calvin Peterson’s life was and is filled with challenges. He was the first African American male born with a severe disability, confined to a wheelchair to graduate from high school. His classes were not accessible since many were on the third and fourth floors. Later, Calvin persuaded the State of Georgia to send him to New York where he graduated from Long Island University. The overwhelming challenges he faced to complete his education and other challenges in his life are documented in his autobiography “Nothing Is Impossible”.

Rev. Calvin Peterson was inspired by many people in his life. His grandfather’s commitment to him was one of the reasons Calvin has a burning desire to inspire other disabled, impoverished youth to stay in school. He also wants them to attain employment greater than employment limited to sources such as the Good Will Industry. It saddens Rev. Peterson to know that 30 percent or more of the students drop out of school before they reach 12th grade. Overall, only a third of Georgia’s students finished high school in 2011. Having graduated from all levels of education, Rev. Peterson feels his life and experiences can help change the perspectives and mindsets of disabled and all students, their parents, and caregivers. This can give them additional tools to plan for their future in education and acquiring legal income.

Disabled In Action, Incorporated has the same thoughts and actions as Rev. Peterson about changing the mindset of all communities regarding education of and for the disabled child born with disability and those who acquire disability. A renewed thought process in the hearts, minds, and spirits of our young people is necessary for them to set and reach goals, and to help teachers fulfill the current federal mandate to build self-esteem and complete education of the disabled. Disabled youth also need their parents and caregivers to have a renewed mindset.

Rev. Calvin Peterson is available for speaking engagements and workshops.