Johnnie Lacy. Leader of the Independent Living Movement. Johnnie contracted polio at as a student at age 19 and began using a wheelchair for mobility. When she was ready to continue her education, Johnnie was initially denied entry to the college program in speech therapy. She advocated for herself, was admitted, and successfully completed her degree. She was excluded from her graduation ceremony as a wheelchair user. This experience led her to connect with other self-advocates. Together they co-founded the Berkeley Center for Independent Living. Black Disability History.