06/15/2026
It was a great honor to help recognize Patrick Reinhart with a legislative citation honoring his retirement and decades of leadership and advocacy for Alaskans with disabilities.
I served as the legislative liaison for the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education and witnessed firsthand some of the great work Patrick did as Executive Director. Patrick has helped expand access, independence, employment opportunities, adaptive recreation, transportation, and disability policy across Alaska.
Over the years, he has led and supported multi-year legislative advocacy efforts that resulted in significant policy and funding outcomes, including the passage of SB 57, Adult Host Home Care, and the advancement of priorities related to transportation, education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, guardianship alternatives, employment, and home- and community-based services. This year, I am especially grateful for his work in advancing the Infant Learning Program expansion bill, advocating for the universal changing table in the Capitol, the only public one in Juneau, as well as the Special Education Service Agency (SESA) bill.
Patrick’s career is a powerful example of steady, compassionate leadership and a lifelong commitment to making Alaska more accessible and inclusive.
