NDS was sorry to learn of the passing in December of Ted Petersen AM, and we send our condolences to Ted's family and friends.

Ted was a long term leader within the disability sector, being awarded Member of the Order of Australia in 1990 for services to the community, particularly in his role as CEO of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind.

ACROD, the forerunner to National Disability Services, also benefitted from Ted's many years of service. He was elected to the ACROD Executive Committee in November 1974, serving continuously until November 1986 including as President 1982-1984. The period of Ted's involvement saw the emergence of a strong umbrella council with wide ranging membership including service providers, self help groups, consumer and professional associations and national co-ordinating bodies representing single disability groups.

For many years Ted was ACROD's delegate to the Organisation and Administration Commission of Rehabilitation International.

Ted was a Life Member of NDS in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the disability sector.

Ted earned the respect of consumer organisations, service providers and governments. He will be remembered as possessing a sharp, business-like mind combined with a deep and personal appreciation of the daily living problems faced by people with disability.