Aging And
Disabled
Paul Wirthlin poses for a photo at Little House.
Photo by Karina Patel.
Like most teenagers, Paul Wirthlin did not know what to do with himself after graduating high school. Paul, who was born with cerebral palsy and got around in a wheelchair, considered his milestone in 1956 an immense accomplishment — it took years of proving to others that he could attend school like other kids his age. A call from Paul’s uncle gave him advice and led him down a path of hard work and advocacy.
“He called me up and said, ‘Well, you have a very good voice. Put it to work,’” Paul recalled.
Paul’s voice, gentle and resolute, earned him a 20-year telemarketing career where he became a manager at his company in two years. He used two phones — one for local calls, the other for long-distance calls — and would contact customers from home, long before the pandemic popularized remote work. Paul’s voice also earned Menlo Park federal funding for a local shuttle service.
Paul, now 88, is among half of the U.S. seniors who are aging with a disability. Advances in technology, healthcare, and accessibility have helped people with disabilities live longer, with some of those achievements stemming from advocacy by disabled people.
After being approached by the City of Menlo Park and asked how it could support disabled residents, Paul made a trip down to Santa Cruz. He noted its local shuttle service, how efficiently it ran, and asked a driver how the city funded it. The response: Congress. Paul presented his findings to the Menlo Park City Council, which authorized Menlo Park’s own shuttle service. His research ultimately saved the city $6 million in spending.
“I want to be remembered as a nice person,” said Paul. “A person with tenacity, a person who gets things done. I hope I leave a legacy of some kind.”
Similar to Paul, Ezio Alviti has used his voice to advocate for himself and others.
Ezio Alviti checks his phone while waiting for a ride in front of his home.
Photo by Karina Patel.
He hated the audio pedestrian signals that were around many years ago.
“It was the type that was very loud, and you could hear it a block away. They made a cuckoo sound, so I called them ‘big bird,’” Ezio said.
Ezio was diagnosed with an incurable retinal condition at 17. He has lived completely blind for decades. For those with vision and mobility disabilities, the most difficult challenges they face are transportation and assistance from others (Koon).
After learning of a new audio technology that emits audio from the crosswalk buttons, he approached Menlo Park’s transportation department. It took about 10 years to install new audio crosswalks, requiring approval from both Caltrans and Menlo Park council members. Ezio is proud to have made the street a safe experience for those with limited or no vision.
PVI’s five main programs try to support as many needs as possible by addressing hunger, transportation, and well-being. Paul and Ezio utilize the services that make the most sense for them.
Ezio uses RIDE PVI to get to his weekly medical appointments. He appreciates the flexibility and independence it provides. Paul has visited Little House three times a week for the past 25 years. He gets lunch, plays billiards, lifts weights at the gym, and catches movies.
Without PVI, he says he would be bored. It provides him with a place to socialize and exercise on his schedule.
PVI supports Ezio and Paul’s efforts to age with grace and be active in the community. At 74 years old, Ezio continues to make strides in improving accessibility. He currently works with Stanford as a volunteer and patient to improve the accessibility of their MyHealth app.
“I am grateful for what I have,” said Ezio. “I am grateful to be living here in Menlo Park, and I am grateful to have access to transportation, such as what PVI provides.”
Ezio Alviti poses in front of his walk-in shower at his home in Menlo Park. Renovating his bathroom was one of the many things he had done to prepare for aging.