Herbert Lovett, autism and disability advocate, dies in car accident

Web posted at 27-Mar-98 02:00 Central European Time

Born in Boston, Dr. Lovett received his undergraduate degree at Bowdoin College. He studied music theory at Yale University; received a Masters Degree in Education (Ed.M.) from Harvard; and, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. He worked to promote inclusive supports in and equal access to education, work, housing, and human rights for children and adults with disabilities.

In addition to his involvement with Autism National Committee, Dr. Lovett was a faculty member at the University of New Hampshire, and traveled throughout the United States and the world as a consultant who helped to bring about fundamental changes in the way that people with behavioral difficulties are viewed and treated.

In the U.S., Lovett worked with national and state leaders to develop new public policy, legislation, regulation, and practice that outlawed the use of aversive procedures in favor of respectful, decent, and positive supports.

He served on the Joint Commission on International Aspects of Mental Retardation at the World Health Organization since 1991; and worked with self-advocates and family groups around the world including People First of Ontario.

Dr. Lovett waged an intensive battle against the Behavioral Research Institute (BRI), now the Judge Rottenberg Center, to stop the use of punishment and aversive procedures with people who had autism and people with difficult behaviors.

Dr. Lovett's two books entitled: Cognitive Counseling and Persons with Special Needs (1985), and Learning to Listen: Positive Approaches and People with Difficult Behavior (1996) are best sellers and instrumental in the creation of an international movement that advocates for use of positive behavioral supports. His courage and unwillingness to yield to relentless political pressure on these important topics will continue to inspire his colleagues in the field of disability rights.

Private funeral services were held Tuesday at the Crematorium at Forest Hills Cemetery. There will be a memorial service, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Boston Center for the Arts, Cyclorama Building, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. 02116 (617-426-5000). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Herb Lovett Memorial Fund, c/o Barbara Cutler, 7 Theresa Circle, Arlington, MA. 02174.

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