Shortcuts to Disabilities

And Still More Coaches and Special People.....

Alene and Paul Cope are not only our neighborhood friends here in Medford Lakes, New Jersey; but two of the kindest and most helpful folk we know! Alene and Paul are what's commonly known as MAC Experts {Heads-((grin))} in and around our community, and without their expertise in many areas, we would never have completed the contest!

Paul's technical expertise, caring and generous donation of much time and equipment use made all the difference in Pat's involvement in the contest. Alene, the incredible graphic artist and instructor that she is (at The Philadelphia Art Institute), taught the kids web graphics, software and oversaw the production and design of all the handdrawn artwork that makes this website so special. In addition, the Cope's gave the kids' the support and confidence they needed to produce such an incredibe website!

The Cope Family.......
Ishy (recently passed away- we miss you ISHY!), was a very intelligent and gentle German Sheppard whom our family (and our dog Snickers) will very much miss, as I know Paul and Alene do! Tayanou, the beautiful Collie in the photos, is Snickers best friend and has a very sweet personality. Then there's Bumble Bear..... the LARGE Sheep Dog that believes he OWNS the world! Bumble loves kids and can be counted on to intimidate, protect and LOVE all those around him. A great family indeed!

Unfortunately, we will miss all the Cope's as they are moving to New Hamphire in the near future. On a beautiful 3 acres in the country with an invisible fence, the dog's can happily run free. We've already warned the Cope's that our next camping trip will be with Snicker's on a piece of their 3 acres this summer. Look out New Hamphire!

A very special "Thanks!" to the Cope's for being there for all of us; not just for ThinkQuest, but as FRIENDS! We wish you the best in your "New Life"!

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The MOMS?

Coach Nancy Martin (seated), mother of Team Member Cole Martin; and me (Anne Macleod shown standing), Head Coach and Proud Mom of Team Leader Kate, Team Member Pat and Jeff (the team mascot), shown here in the Internet Cafe at the International Leadership Forum for Women with DisAbilities (held in Bethesda, MD, June 14-20th, 1997).

Nancy, Cole and Husband/Father Randy Martin, reside in Madison, Alabama. Nancy is an MIS Specialist and much much more! A great and dedicated Mom, she spent many hours every week on ThinkQuest as well as working a more than full-time job. In addition, she is caretaker to her Mother, volunteers at Church, School and on Cole's Athletic Teams. If the world were full of Nancy's, it would be an incredible place indeed. We thank you Nancy for all your hard work and perserverance throughout those 9 long months!

For me, involvement in the the ThinkQuest Contest has brought into my life many incredible people and experiences. Through reaching out to hundreds of vendors and experts in support of what the kids' needed to participate, I gained a renewed faith in the inate goodness of 'people' and their willingness to help kids. But of most value, in spending "quality time" with my kids over a 9 month period, I learned more than I could ever imagine about their strengths, their courage, their values and their 'persons'. Overcoming diversity is not new to our family, yet the challenges we overcame as a team/ family, the kinds of learning we did together, somehow brought a closeness and understanding I will work to maintain for the rest of my life. I know and like my kids as 'people'; this outcome of ThinkQuest I will treasure forever.

To gain a fuller understanding of our family's experience with the ThinkQuest Contest itself, read a recently published article in Computer Mediated Communication entitled "Educational Equality on the Web?".  This article focuses on Universal Access to the Internet and technology for ALL students, most especially regarding educational opportunities. My hope is that by sharing these issues and heightening awareness of the lack of access to technology and the Internet for students with disAbilities, that more educational opportunities will be made accessible for all to participate in an equal manner.

I again, want to thank the many (well over one hundred) that assisted us with this ThinkQuest entry. As President Clinton asked the people of this nation in his Summit address of April '97, we made it happen together; corporations, kids, families, individuals and community sponsors. Please accept our thanks and gratitude through our continuing commitment in making this website grow and achieving the kids goals of 'increasing tolerance for individual differences around the world and here at home'.



"An educational system isn't worth a great deal
if it teaches young people how to make a living,
but doesn't teach them how to make a life."
-- Author Unknown

Our Family

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