Paul E. Mueller, a former parish disabilities specialist for the Archdiocese of Detroit and an advocate for those with physical disabilities, died Feb. 26 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Pontiac. He was 56.

Mueller, himself a quadriplegic since an accident during his teenage years, was best known for helping make churches and buildings accessible to those with disabilities during his work with the archdiocese from 1983-89. He also worked with Detroit-area child protective services organizations.

Mueller graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1975. He also graduated from James Madison College at Michigan State University with a major in urban policy and a teaching certificate.

Mueller is survived by his father, James Mueller; stepmother, Clare Mueller; brothers J. Michael, John, Tom and Fr. Joseph (of Milwaukee); sisters Mary Mueller, Anne McClarnon, Karen Clinton and Kathleen Mueller; and eight stepsiblings.

A funeral was held March 3 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Plymouth. Burial is in Knollwood Cemetery, Canton.