GDABVI News Release

In memory of McAllister Upshaw (1916 – 2008)

It is with sadness that the Agency announces the passing of its founder, McAllister C. Upshaw.

Born in Atlanta and visually impaired since youth, McAllister Upshaw graduated from the John Marshall Law School in 1941. He practiced law for 12 years until returning to school for a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.

Upshaw moved to southeast Michigan in 1962 after it was determined that Detroit was one of the last major cities without a nonprofit organization established to meet the needs of those who were blind and visually impaired. He founded what was known at the time as the Metropolitan Society for the Blind and was one of the earliest advocates of desegregating the blind in education, employment and community life.

After just over 20 years of service, he retired in 1982. Ten years later he was awarded the American Foundation for the Blind Migel Medal — the highest possible recognition in the field of blindness. The organization he founded was subsequently renamed in his honor and was known as the Upshaw Institute for the Blind from 1997 to 2005. Today we are the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

McAllister Upshaw was a great community leader and innovator who leaves behind a profound legacy of service and advocacy for men, women and children who are blind and visually impaired.