I met and Carol while participating in one of the Distance Learning Courses he and Norm Coombs teach over the web. I was becoming more aware that Adaptive and Assistive Technology would a large part of my kids' lives and chose to learn all I could from these experts. Click here for the EASI Workshop Info Page  As webmaster of the EASI Web site, made us aware of the issues of accessibility to the web itself. It was in this course that I became aware that an ill-designed web page was like a building without a ramp! And sure enough, my son was left out of much of the team's efforts on the web for just that reason!

Just as the course was ending, the kids had decided to participate in ThinkQuest. was the perfect coach as he knew both HTML, special needs kids and accessibility issues. I asked and he accepted. The rest is history...

Carol is Founder and Moderator of the Advocacy Listserv, has a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and has taken specialized courses regarding the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). She did this all challenged with paraplegia. Again, my kids gained VALUE in their lives from just knowing Carol and Dick. These lessons in life are and will always be the kind we don't ever forget......

As a wheelchair rider, her feedback, personal experience and expertise in the Mobility Impairments section of our site was invaluable. Applying this to everyday life for my kids and I was a real awakening. On our trip to Washington, D.C. Carol and (flew in from Wisconsin) showed us again how their wisdom, courage and commitment to LIVE their lives with no limits, made them perfect role models. You see, we stayed in the city thinking Carol could easily access everything. After all, our Country's capitol will definitely be accessible; Think AGAIN! Problem was, the cabs and most transportation (hotel etc.)was not accessible; no ramps etc. and the accessible companies charged 4 times what regular cabs cost! Is this equitable?

With little to spend in this expensive city, Carol ended up staying in the hotel MOST of the time; and her kind hubby stayed with her! After a week of Carol being left out, I went home extremely angry and very disappointed in our nation's capitol- in our legislators...... Carol seemed used to it (sad that it's THAT prevalent!) and took it in stride. This type quiet advocacy- this peace she has about her life, is again..... something we will never forget and have hopefully carried it into our lives.

To wrap it up, Carol and are truly loving, caring and giving people! Despite their challenges, they continue to reach out to us and offer assistance. Friends like these we don't find but once in a lifetime! Thanks again Carol and Dick......... We Love Ya!

More Coaches and Special People