Contagious Conversations

Lex Frieden, MA, LLD, is a professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and also directs the Independent Living Research Utilization program at TIRR Memorial Hermann. Best known for his contributions to the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Frieden suffered a spinal cord injury while in college and has used a wheelchair for more than 40 years. Frieden also received the 2017 Fries Prize for Improving Health for being an architect of the ADA and a catalyst in the worldwide disability rights and independent living movements. In this episode Lex shares his personal story, his passion for independent living by people with disabilities and his memories about working closely with former president George H. W. Bush. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). Key Takeaways: [1:16] Lex’s life story and how he became a champion for people living with disabilities. [4:45