Jeff Erlanger was an American advocate and activist for disability rights, who became famous for appearing on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood when he was 10 years old. He talked to Fred Rogers about his electric wheelchair and why he needed it, and sang a song with him. Erlanger’s philosophy was summarized in a 2002 Wisconsin Public Television ad: “It doesn’t matter what I can’t do—what matters is what I can do.”
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Early Life and Education
Jeffrey Clay Erlanger was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on November 30, 1970, to Howard and Pam Erlanger, joining his older sister, Lisa. His father is a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Law. When Erlanger was 7 months old, he was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. Surgery was used to remove it, but he was left as a quadriplegic. He received his first electric wheelchair when he was 4 years old He required many additional surgeries while growing up. Erlanger graduated from Memorial High School and from Edgewood College with a degree in political science.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Before Erlanger underwent spinal surgery at age 5, his parents asked him what he wanted. He said he wanted to meet “Mister Rogers”. His sister wrote Fred Rogers about her brother’s wishes. Rogers happened to be traveling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so the Erlangers drove to meet him for breakfast in a restaurant
Several years later, Erlanger was invited to be on Rogers’ show. Erlanger appeared in Season 11, Episode 4 (#1478), which aired on February 18, 1981. The ten-year-old showed Rogers how his electric wheelchair worked and explained why he needed it. They talked about his parents, doctors, recent surgery and what you can do when you’re sad. Together they sang one of Rogers’ popular songs, “It’s You I Like”.
The two of them continued to communicate. In speeches Rogers gave, he told of Erlanger’s example of “overcoming obstacles and feeling comfortable about yourself.”
Political Career and Activism
Erlanger worked as an intern for Representative Tammy Baldwin and Senator Russ Feingold, who honored Erlanger in the Senate. Erlanger became very active in Madison, Wisconsin municipal politics, holding a number of positions in the community including as a member of the Economic Development Commission, chair of the Commission on People with Disabilities, and chair of the Board of Directors of the Community Living Alliance. In 2003, he ran for the Madison Common Council for the 8th District, losing to UW student Austin King almost 2-to-1 in the heavily student district. He helped gain the accessible taxicab service in Madison today.
In 2004 Erlanger flew to Boston to attend the Democratic National Convention, although he did not have a ticket. Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, whose campaign Erlanger had worked on, was on his flight and got him in. Falk said after his death, “Jeff was passionate about our nation on a big-scale level and equally passionate about our community,” adding, “This is a man who devoted so many countless hours to making things better for other people.”
Jeff Erlanger Cause of Death
After Erlanger choked on some food, he fell into a coma for three weeks before dying on Sunday, June 10, 2007. He donated his organs Debbie Friedman sang at his memorial service. After his death, the City of Madison Common Council created the annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility In Public Discourse Award in his honor
Conclusion
Jeff Erlanger was a remarkable person who inspired many people with his courage, kindness, and optimism. He showed that disability is not a barrier to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. He also demonstrated the importance of civility and respect in public discourse. He was a friend of Mister Rogers, and a friend of many others who knew him or learned from him. He is remembered as a person who showed us the true meaning of a life well lived.
