This article features the life of Louise Underwood, an advocate for people with disabilities and their families. Underwood is known for her nickname "The Velvet Hammer" because of her relentless attitude when it comes to advocating for people with disabilities. Many times she has pulled strings to halt legislation that would have undermined quality of life for these people. As special projects director and "the voice" of Hazelwood Center, a state-run residential care facility for people with developmental disabilities in Louisville, Kentucky, she has advocated for thousands of individuals and their families. And she has helped transform Kentucky into a national leader in mental retardation services.