Going above and beyond standard regulations to accommodate students with physical disabilities, Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI) has appointed Robie Pierce (Newport, R.I.) the Accessibility Director for Rhode Island’s Education at Sea school ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. Pierce, who is well known for his activism within the community of sailors with physical disabilities, will be a consultant during the construction of the ship, which is currently undergoing hull modifications at Promet Marine Services in Providence.
Pierce Appointed Accessibility Director for Rhode Island’s Education at Sea school ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry
The accessibility issues that must be addressed during construction include access below decks; designing one stateroom to accommodate passengers with disabilities; creating decks and general quarters with appropriate dimensions to accommodate wheelchairs. “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,” said Pierce.
Pierce’s compassion for sailing — and enthusiasm for sharing it with others — makes it easy to overlook the fact that he has been in a wheelchair for the past 21 years due to Multiple Sclerosis. Pierce uses his personal experience as a platform to advocate change that will benefit others and sees SSV Oliver Hazard Perry as a steppingstone to equal opportunity when she sails.
“OHPRI has chosen to include accessibility,” said Pierce. “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.”
As a youngster growing up in Marion, Mass., Pierce was born into a life of boating. He sailed everything from Beetle Cats to 505s. As he grew older, Pierce moved on to ocean racing and his involvement within the sailing industry became more corporate, working for companies including O’Day, Allied Yachts, J-Boats, C&C Yachts and Carroll Marine.
In January of 1985, Pierce’s path changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. “Subsequent to being diagnosed with MS, I saw a compelling opportunity to promote sailing to the disabled community,” said Pierce who since has travelled the world competing in regattas and promoting on-water accessibility as the U.S. representative to the International Federation of Disabled Sailing. To this day, he is recognized as a key player in laying the groundwork to make the sport accessible for sailors with disabilities.
“Just because you are in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean you should be denied equal opportunities,” said Pierce. “I have travelled the world and been to many more places on four wheels than I ever would have on two feet.”
Phase two construction on the steel hull of SSV Oliver Hazard Perry begins this month and is expected to carry through until early 2013. The ship must abide not only to Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) regulations but also must incorporate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) where plausible.
“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.”
