R.I.P. Lani Deauville

[Crashbang]

Published in the TC Palm on July 26, 2012


LANI VERNER DEAUVILLE 1940-2012 Lani Verner Deauville, who turned a childhood tragedy into a lifetime of determination and accomplishment, and, in the process, became an inspiration to millions around the world, passed away peacefully on July 21st at her home in Sebastian, Fla. She was 71. Born October 23, 1940 in Daytona Beach, Fla., Lani was 17 on June 2, 1958, when she suffered a broken neck from a diving accident in Jacksonville, Fla. She refused right from the beginning to let life as a quadriplegic keep her from accomplishing her goals. She earned her GED, went to Daytona Beach Community College, graduated with honors with an undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and began work on her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama. She worked as a rehabilitation psychologist and then coordinator for the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services in the early 1970s. While there, she helped write legislation on universal-access for the disabled that became state law in 1974 and was later adopted, in part, by the federal government. Lani was invited to the White House in 1976 where she was honored by President Gerald R. Ford as the "Disabled Employee of the Year." In 1980, she became the first female and disabled person to be named director of the Florida State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, the same agency responsible for her rehabilitation years before. As director, Lani changed the way services were provided to stay in alignment with federal law, fighting to help those with the most severe disabilities first. She remained at the helm of the agency until her retirement in 1987. Despite her success, Lani's health suffered greatly. However, in the late 1980s, a family member created a superfoods powder supplement that brought her back to abundant health. Greens Plus became the cornerstone of her nutritional and physical well- being and the basis of her life's work from then on. Lani beat the odds for more than 50 years, so much so that in December 2009 the Guinness Book of World Records named her the world's longest living quadriplegic. Earlier this year, she published her autobiography, "Life in the Land of Is," as told to Bette Lee Crosby. She summed up her life on the book's final page: "The life I have led has been nothing short of incredible. I have experienced innumerable joys and sorrows, but the joys have far outweighed the sorrows . It has been an awesome experience so far." She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Jude Deauville, of Sebastian, Fla.; her son, Ryan Deauville, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and Kaso, her ever-present companion and trusted German Shepherd.

[Princess "Leia"]

I too saw her obit day yesterday, did not know her but was sad when I read it. She sure led a wonderful life and left her mark. RIP Lani.

[sherocksandsherolls]

That is terrible she was a supportive fb friend and I had no idea she was not well. Always positive hard working and lovely woman. I wish I had known her in person. She was quite a gem and I will miss her presence So sad.

[ancientgimp]

Did not know of her before reading this obit, thank you. The death of a pioneer, we are all standing on the shoulders of people like this. RIP.