Name: John Ballard

Occupation: Advancing Independence: Finance Director/Disability Advocate (2016-current), Summit DD, Dir of Residential Services 1980-83, Holland Oil Co, Akron, VP 1980-2006, Circle K Region Dir, Quebec 2006-2015.

Employer: Advancing Independence, from Tri-County Independent Living Center, Akron

Name of High School and location: Firestone High School, Akron, Ohio

Name of College and location: The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

Name of your favorite teacher and what made the person special to you (any grade level, including college):  Mrs. Stanley, Kindergarten, was very affirming and taught me how to tie my shoes.

What were some of your most enjoyable times in school (any grade level): Firestone Madrigals, we rehearsed every morning at 7:00 all year and we really grew into a team, performing out in the community making beautiful noises. Also, when APS was targeted for federal court ordered bussing, etc. I was one of 6 students asked to develop a diversity training effort for APS students, with the goal of avoiding the youth-to-youth violence that was associated with bussing in the Jim Crow states. We spent 3 years working together involving hundreds of students in “trading places” activities. We also worked with youth from other states. The Akron Plan was peacefully rolled out starting in 1976.

Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self: Come to understand and accept your gifts, interests and talents and only then decide what you want to be when you grow up. Don’t bend to what others think you ‘should’ do with your life or focus on how you can make the most money. There are many assessment tools and activities to help us discover the color of our parachutes. 

The reason(s) you are raising funds to support Project GRAD Akron ’s scholarships and programs: When I was a rising junior, I worked at the Rotary Camp for kids with special needs. These were really great kids, but only one was allowed to attend school and Jimmy attended the new Weaver School. Douglas, one of my campers, was the first child with Autism to be enrolled in the history of APS. He was kicked out on day 2 as he was non-verbal. I called my State Senator, Oliver Ocasek, to complain and he explained the realities for kids who didn’t have the privileges that I grew up with, and he challenged me to be part of the solution.  According to the American Community Survey, 76% of minority youth with substantial disabilities are out-of-school and out-of-work. Making an impact on these stats is a core service of where I work and Project GRAD Akron can be a wonderful group to partner with to make a positive impact.

Favorite quote: Do be a do bee and don’t be a don’t bee”, Miss Barbara, TV 5, 1962