Madison/Lawrence, Kansas - Beatrice Ann Wright, December 16, 1917-July 31, 2018.
Beatrice A. Wright, Ph.D., played a leading role in changing social thought about the experience of people with disabilities and influenced social policy about their full inclusion into every domain of life. Her commitment to the personal dignity and human rights of all, regardless of their level of physical or mental ability was the overarching theme of her scholarship, teaching, and advocacy work for more than 75 years. Her two books, Physical Disability –a Psychological Approach (1960) and the substantially revised and expanded second edition, Physical Disability – a Psychosocial Approach (1983), redefined the field of rehabilitation. She received the American Psychologist Gold Medal for life achievement in psychology in the public interest in 2016.
Beatrice Posner married M.Erik Wright (M.D., Ph.D.) when they were graduate students in 1940. Until his death in 1981, he remained her sweetheart, colleague, and closest companion. Beatrice, as a parent, placed a high value on intellectual pursuits and was a very enthusiastic supporter of the projects and creativity of their three children, Colleen S.W. Rand, Erik O. Wright, and Woodring E. Wright. All three children profited immensely from her support and love. Beatrice is survived by her children, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She will be buried next to her husband in Lawrence, Kansas.
Memorial donations may be made to KU Endowment in support of the Beatrice A. Wright Faculty Scholarship in Health and Rehabilitation Fund. Send donations to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or give online at www.kuendowment.org/
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5 Entries
We thought of you yesterday on the one year anniversary of your passing. You will not be forgotten.
KU Psychology Dept
Coworker
August 1, 2019
She was my favorite professor and introduced me to some outstanding literature. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.
Carol Kappelman
August 17, 2018
A very great loss for all but especially rehabilitation psychology. My condolences to Beatrice's children and family.
Paul Leung
August 16, 2018
She was my academic advisor during my doctoral training at KU. What a classy woman! I learned so much from her. The world is richer because she lived in it.
Kenneth Sewell
August 14, 2018
The Psychology department at the University of Kansas would like to express their sincere sympathy at this time of loss. Our thoughts are with you as you celebrate a long life well lived and filled with education and its pursuits. We appreciate your lifelong contributions to our department and the field of Psychology. You will not be forgotten.
Psychology Department
August 13, 2018
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