SILC Staff
Tony DiRienzi, Executive Director

I am Tony DiRienzi, the executive director of AZ SILC. For most of my life I ambulated with crutches and leg braces. But about twelve years ago I was diagnosed with post polio syndrome. Currently, I use a wheelchair for mobility. My wife and I relocated from Philadelphia, PA to Phoenix about eight years ago to reinvent ourselves. My professional activity back on the east coast for twenty-five years was in the fine arts, as a studio artist and college instructor. But, shortly after moving to Arizona my transformation began. I started to work for Arizona Bridge to Independent Living – ABIL and quickly expanded the ways I address Independent Living issues. Prior to settling in Arizona my focus was on how people thought abstractly, particularly on the perception of people with disabilities. Now I am also directing energies on effecting positive and constructive systems change to promote fully integrated communities.

 

Linda Jane Austen, Executive Assistant
Photo and Bio coming soon.

Donna Powers, Program Coordinator

I am originally from southern Wisconsin where I survived a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident in 1988. As a wheelchair user, the snow, ice and cold made getting around difficult, so I moved to Tempe in 1992 to attend ASU. I graduated with high honors in 1996 and hold a BA in Communication.

I believe that my disability has given me determination, patience and insight that I hope to bring to others. I have worked in the public transit industry for ten years and volunteered in an array of activities where I have gained experience in accessible transportation, disability awareness and independent living options. I promote emergency preparedness, independent management of personal care attendants and have been a part of the SILC Council for six years. As the Program Coordinator, I wish to bring resources and positive change to the community through presentations, committee participation and personal involvement.