Kevin Williams, a pioneer for disability rights in Colorado, died Tuesday after a short illness.

Williams, 57, founded the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition’s, or CCDC, legal program after finishing law school in 1997. An attorney for 26 years, Williams is remembered as a leader in changing the landscape of Colorado disability rights.

Williams grew up in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland and moved to Colorado in 1990, the same year the American with Disabilities Act was passed.

Williams, as a result of a spinal cord injury, was paralyzed from the chest down and used a powered chair during his work. But nothing stopped him from advocating for ADA rights, the Rehabilitation Act, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and the Fair Housing Act.

The disability rights activist is described by those close to him as “a compelling and hilarious teacher and lecturer on these subjects,” a CCDC news release said.

Williams was a loud voice helping push ADA access at public venues, including the Red Rocks Amphitheater, major Colorado stores and restaurants, multiple public transit systems, theaters, arenas and transportation centers.

“What a titan for disability rights in Denver, Colorado and beyond,” District 10 Councilmember Chris Hinds, another champion for ADA rights, told The Denver Gazette. “We are all better off because of Kevin Williams. He fought to ensure access for people with disabilities, that meant we all had better access.”

Williams served as a plaintiff and represented other plaintiff’s advocating for disability rights. Notable cases he was involved in was Williams v. Denver and Lucas v. Denver.

Williams was an enthusiast of Colorado mountain drives, concert venues, music festivals and the local brewing and distilling industries.

“He worked with many other attorneys and organizations around the country who benefitted from his wisdom and humor,” the CCDC news release said.

A humor which is seen as “legendary,” the CCDC said, people will never forget his rendition of “Let Us Pee,” to the tune of “Let It Be.”

In a statement,  Julia Reiskin, Co Executive Director of CCDC and a close friend, said, “The Colorado disability community owes our gratitude to Kevin for making so many things more accessible to people with different types of disabilities. If you have a mobility disability and use the bus or if you are Deaf and use medical care or blind and use state websites, Kevin has improved your life.”