Meet “The Rolling Rs”: Co-Founders of the Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL)
The Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) was founded thanks to the hard work and dedication of relentless advocates: Roland Sykes, Roy Poston, and Roger Flint, known as “The Rolling Rs.”
Together, “The Rolling Rs” made a significant impact on the disability rights movement locally and nationally, paving the way for future generations of advocates to empower people with disabilities to achieve independence and live in the community of our choice.
Roland “Commander” Sykes was a key figure in the national disability rights movement for over 30 years. He started his journey as a coal miner, eventually becoming a passionate advocate for disability rights. Roland co-founded ACIL as well as the wheelchair basketball at Wright State University and was involved in with GIMP, Inc., the largest disability news publication in the U.S in the1990s, and Disabled Individuals Movement for Equality Network (DIMENET). DIMENET was a computer network that directly served and represented the interests of people with disabilities. DIMENET was made up of numerous message boards of sorts called news groups where people could find disability-related news and resources. DIMENET was a game changer for ACIL because, not only did it serve as the Center’s first database, DIMENET allowed consumers in need to find us, which boosted Information & Referral numbers as well as our consumer base overall.
Per his Obituary, Roland was commander of Americans Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT), president of the board for Free Hand Press, frequent contributor for Mouth Magazine, and builder of the “Great White Cloud of Dayton,” the bus once used by the local chapter of ADAPT. Roland was known for his humor, persistence, and innovative ideas, especially in promoting internet resources and virtual Centers for Independent Living (CILs).
Roy Poston served as Executive Director of ACIL from 1999 to 2003 and was a past President of the Ohio Association of Independent Living which later became the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC). A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and licensed pilot, in 1981 Roy became the first pilot with a disability to perform in a major air show. His leadership extended throughout the disability rights and independent living movements across the country. Roy was admired for his loyalty and strong community ties.
Roger Flint was a dynamic advocate with influence across Ohio and the nation. In the 1980s, he not only co-founded ACIL but also started Forward Motions, Inc., which provided adaptive driving aids that allowed people with disabilities to drive. According to his obituary, Roger served on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities in Dayton from 1978 to1986. He was also one of the original members of the Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities from 1979 to1987. Additionally, in affiliation with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, he served as President of the Ohio Rehabilitation Association, and was a member of the National Council on Independent Living, ADAPT, First Steps Foundation, University of Michigan Rehabilitation Engineering Center, President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and served as a board member/chair of numerous non-profit and government organizations which advocated for people with disabilities, including the National Rehabilitation Association. He was also a founder and President of Wheelchair Pilots, Inc. At the time of his death, Roger was serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Disability Network of Ohio/Solidarity. He was active in Democratic Party politics and involved in a number of high profile political campaigns. He was present at the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the White House in 1990, His love for sports and education, combined with his military service, reflected his lifelong dedication to service and empowerment.
Together, Roland, Roy, and Roger transformed ACIL into a symbol of hope and progress for people with disabilities. Their efforts have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and independence. Their memory lives on in the work of ACIL and in the hearts of those who continue to support disability rights and the fight for equality. Their contributions to the disability rights movement are cherished and continue to guide advocates everywhere.