David C. Jones, FDOA President – It is rare that someone can take a “tragedy” as an opportunity to change their life and help others. That is exactly what David Jones did. His injury became a personal commitment to help others. In 1988, David Jones was shot in a hunting accident resulting in a serious head injury that left him with permanent paralyses of his left leg, limiting mobility and no use of his left hand. David utilized a wheelchair for one year, then gradually increased mobility to the point where he could walk with a walker and now walks with a slight limp without any device. He remains paralyzed in one arm. In the process of his rehabilitation, he became aware of the importance of recreation for rehabilitation – not only to improve mobility, but to improve mental well-being. David saw this event in his life as a challenge and an opportunity to assist others. This life changing event developed into his personal crusade. David went back to school and received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University. David Jones overcame the challenge of his disability utilizing sports for himself and others by forming the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association in 1990. This organization came out of the positive experience David had from using sports and recreation for his own rehabilitation.
Gordon Palmer, FDOA Vice President is a senior attorney with the State of Florida with more than 20 years experience. He is also a C4-5 quadriplegic due to from an injury from an automobile accident in 1977, has been an active participant in Sportsability since its inception, a volunteer on the Florida Disabled Outdoor Association Board of Directors and its current vice president. He is also active in other disability organizations, leads an active social life and is a Florida State University sports fan.
Clint Cunningham, FDOA Treasurer - Clint graduated from Medical College of Georgia in 1984 and subsequently completed his Certified Hand Therapy program. He has been with RTS since 1997. He has extensive experience with all aspect of rehab and he has been OT director and clinical services director for Capital Rehabilitation and HealthSouth rehab hospital in Tallahassee. He also has special training in driver re-training and industrial medicine.
