NCIL Mourns the Passing of Former President Kent Crenshaw
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is deeply saddened by the passing of former NCIL President Kent Crenshaw on June 2, 2026.
Kent was more than a leader. He was a champion for the Independent Living Movement, a tireless advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and a friend and mentor to many across our nation.
As Executive Director of Independent Rights and Resources (IRR) in Montgomery, Alabama, Kent dedicated his life to helping people with disabilities live independently and fully participate in their communities.
Under his leadership, IRR grew from serving just a handful of individuals to serving hundreds, creating opportunities for empowerment, self-determination, and equal access.
Kent served NCIL with distinction as Region 4 Representative before being elected President of the Governing Board by his peers. His leadership came during a time when NCIL was working to strengthen its role as the national voice of the Independent Living Movement. He brought vision, integrity, and an unwavering belief that people with disabilities should lead the decisions that affect their own lives.
Throughout his career, Kent advocated at the local, state, and national levels to remove barriers, challenge discrimination, and advance civil and human rights. Whether serving on the Alabama Statewide Independent Living Council, the Alabama Medical Equipment Board, teaching future professionals at Alabama State University, or speaking at conferences across the country, Kent never stopped educating, organizing, and inspiring others.
What many will remember most, however, is not the positions he held, but the person he was. Kent led with humility. He listened before he spoke. He believed in building others up and creating opportunities for new leaders to emerge. He understood that the Independent Living Movement is strongest when people come together around a shared commitment to freedom, dignity, and community living.
His impact can be found in the countless lives he touched, the leaders he mentored, the policies he helped shape, and the stronger movement he leaves behind.
On behalf of NCIL’s Governing Board, staff, membership, and the broader Independent Living Network, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Carmen, their daughters, grandchildren, colleagues at IRR, and all who knew and loved him.
“During his time as NCIL’s President, Kent oversaw major changes and leadership transitions in the organization and our national network. His efforts helped lay the path that NCIL is on today.”
— Jason Beloungy, President, NCIL Governing Board
The Independent Living Movement has lost a respected leader, but Kent Crenshaw’s vision, values, and legacy will continue to guide us for generations to come.
May he rest in peace.
Image: Kent Crenshaw, his wife Carmen, and Tony Coelho pose for a group photo in a formal, warmly-lit room at the White House. Kent is seated in his power wheelchair at center. Everyone is smiling.
