First, People: Conversations featuring Clif Wallace

Clif’s perspective of the world and definition of community changed after a car accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. Prior to this accident five years ago, Clif was a broadcast salesman, making his rounds through Fort Wayne selling advertising and staying active by riding bikes, playing basketball, and swimming.

“You always think something bad is going to happen to someone else until it happens to you,” said Clif. Because his accident happened to him as an adult, he had not expected an event that would create such a dramatic shift in his worldview. Being met with new challenges in navigating the world around him, his eyes were opened to the experiences and obstacles people with disabilities are presented with every day. And, as someone who always strives to make the best of every situation, Clif was determined to not let his accident interfere with his aspirations.

Clif has now experienced life through two very different lenses and believes that he was redirected on a new path so that he could add his voice and perspectives to his community. As someone with an acquired disability, Clif knows what it is like to have navigated the world unhindered and then have to adapt quickly, often needing to make major adjustments.

Clif feels a responsibility to voice the gaps that he sees and he encourages others to raise their voices too. He urges people without disabilities and leaders in the community to be open-minded, listen, and act when those with disabilities speak up. Clif currently works with an organization called Back Home Indiana to advocate for more affordable housing opportunities for Hoosier residents with disabilities. He has found great purpose in using his voice to bring awareness to the obstacles and limitations that people with disabilities face including accessibility in public spaces, limited housing options, and other community accommodations that are often overlooked.

Aside from his efforts as an advocate, Clif has worked hard to reach his physical goals. Through rehabilitation in therapy and using the Fitness Center at Turnstone, he works every day towards his goal of walking once again.

“I am happy to say that I am learning new tricks every day,” said Clif. Since he started working out at Turnstone and going through therapy, he has been able to stand up on his own walker, take some steps with assistance, do sit to stands, and perform other occupational tasks like making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and folding clothes. These are huge milestones considering the original prognosis he was given by doctors directly following the accident. He credits his progress to his desire to make the most of each heartbeat and be the best person he can be.

“When you have a near-death experience, believe me, it changes your perspective on what each heartbeat means,” said Clif. He has a long list of things he wants to do with his heartbeats including walking, swimming, and traveling. Clif is determined to put in the work to prepare himself for these things.

With all this preparation, Clif relies on his community and stresses the importance of inclusion. He knows that creating an inclusive community is going to take time, work, and effort from everyone. Tearing down obstacles requires compassionate people who speak up for their neighbors and consider the realities of others.

“In order for us to have a strong, vibrant, forward-moving community, everybody has to feel like they’re included,” said Clif. “Until that happens, we are falling short of the best we can be as a community. There’s much work to be done and we’ve done much work, but we can do better. That’s what we have to strive to be every day—better today than we were yesterday.”

To listen to more of Clif’s story, watch our “First, People: Conversations” videos.