Jeffrey Clay Erlanger (November 30, 1970 – June 10, 2007) was an American advocate and activist for disability rights.
Erlanger graduated from Memorial High School and from Edgewood College with a degree in political science.
Rogers happened to be traveling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so the Erlangers drove to meet him for breakfast in a restaurant.
[9] Erlanger became very active in Madison, Wisconsin municipal politics, holding a number of positions in the community including as a member of the Economic Development Commission, chair of the Commission on People with Disabilities, and chair of the Board of Directors of the Community Living Alliance.
"[1] In February 2000 Erlanger made a random connection in an America Online chat room at the end of the day with a woman in Boston who said she was trying to kill herself.
Boston police found the woman, who had fresh cuts on her wrist, and took her to a hospital for medical treatment.
[14] The special's host and former crew member, Michael Keaton, recalled Rogers saying his most treasured moment on the show was with Erlanger.
[1][15] After his death, the City of Madison Common Council created the annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility In Public Discourse Award in his honor.
Recipients include Dick Wagner, a longtime elected and appointed official and LGBT activist,[16] Torrie Kopp Mueller for efforts to eliminate racism, empower women, and decriminalize homelessness; William Greer, president and CEO of Journey Mental Health Center; Leslie Ann Howard, United Way's president and CEO; and Nan Brian, whose career has served children.