Disabled Sailor Appointed As Education at Sea Accessibility Director

Newport native Robie Pierce is joining forces with Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island to accommodate aspiring student sailors with disabilities. OHPRI announced in a release that it has appointed Pierce as a way to go “above and beyond standard regulations,” and make the sailing experience accessible to disabled students.

Pierce's newly appointed role as Accessibility Director for Rhode Island's Education at Sea school ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry isn't his first foray into disability advocacy. The sailor has been an activist within the sailing community on behalf of people with disabilities and will consult during the ship's construction, which is currently undergoing hull modifications at Promet Marine Services in Providence.

Things that need to be taken into consideration when building a wheelchair-friendly ship are access below deck and designing an accommodating stateroom, decks and general quarters that allow wheelchairs to pass through.

“By taking this step, OHPRI demonstrates its commitment to making the educational experience inclusive for all students which further demonstrates the organization’s commitment to the education mission of the school ship,” Pierce said.

Pierce has spent the last 21 years in a wheelchair due to Multiple Sclerosis, but said he has not lost his passion or enthusiasm for sailing. He said he uses his situation to advocate change for others with disabilities and sees the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry as “a steppingstone to equal opportunity.”

“OHPRI has chosen to include accessibility,” Pierce said in the release. “It’s very commendable and a great opportunity to have SSV Oliver Hazard Perry as a flagship for Rhode Island education. Now it will be possible for all students in a classroom to be involved in the school ship program affiliated with their course.”

Growing up, Pierce was no stranger to life on the water. He sailed Beetle Cats and 505s, sailed in ocean races and worked for companies including O'Day, Allied Yachts, J-Boats, C&C Yachts and Carroll Marine. One day in January of 1985 could have land-locked him permanently when he received a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Instead, Pierce chose to overcome his disease and become an advocate for others.

“Subsequent to being diagnosed with MS, I saw a compelling opportunity to promote sailing to the disabled community,” said Pierce, who has gone on to travel the world, compete in regattas and promote on-water accessibility as the U.S. representative to the International Federation of Disabled Sailing.

“Just because you are in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean you should be denied equal opportunities,” he said. “I have travelled the world and been to many more places on four wheels than I ever would have on two feet.”

The second phase of construction on the SSV Olive Hazard Perry's begins in March and will continue through early 2013. The ship must meet not only the requirements of the Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping, but also the American Disabilities Act.

“As we design and build the vessel, we have to be mindful of safety and accommodations,” said Rick Williams, construction supervisor at OHPRI. “It is great having Robie on board for this project. His expertise and knowledge on physical accessibility is indispensible.”

For more information or to contribute to SSV Oliver Hazard Perry project, visit www.OHPRI.org or contact Vice-Chair Perry Lewis at OHPRI headquarters, Buliod-Perry House, 29 Touro Street, Washington Square, Newport, R.I., 401-841-0080.