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(Kris Ann and colleague Lesley (center) during 

Disability Mentoring Day 2004)

Physical barriers offer significant challenges for people with disabilities, but the most formidable barrier is the attitudinal barrier. I soon realized the impact of a negative attitude on my life, both from the public and myself, and made a commitment to alter both.

After college, I dedicated my life to changing negative public perceptions of what someone with a spinal cord injury could achieve in daily living, and set out to become a leader that others with disabilities could turn to for inspiration, guidance and hope.

My life is a living example of what “could be,” a subtle form of advocacy that I believe is far more powerful than lip service from those who have not traveled the same path those of us confronting SCI have.

Through perseverance and a competitive spirit, I have worked my way up from volunteer to leadership positions on community Boards and have enjoyed the roles of published author, Ms. Wheelchair NY 2000, contributing TV reporter, public speaker and award-winning senior writer/editor for Kaleida Health, the largest not-for-profit health system in Western New York. Colleagues that were once skeptical of my physical stamina and ability to deal with the pressure of a high level position, now consider me a strong asset to the organization. 

Every successful endeavor I complete paves the way for those with disabilities who will follow me, making the knock of opportunity that much louder and the chance of an employer opening the door that much greater. As a result of my work, I successfully initiated steps to implement the first workforce outreach program for people with disabilities in my organization; Kaleida Health participated in the  National 2004 and 2005 Disability Mentoring Day. (It was my pleasure to serve as key note speaker [see photo at right] at the kickoff breakfast.)

I have successfully fought for the rights of people with disabilities on local and state levels, and helped sustain Medicaid reimbursement for wheelchair transportation services, so people who use wheelchairs could attend medical appointments. I have also addressed my local common council about treating people with disabilities with respect and equal opportunity instead of charity. 

My advocacy work on both city and county disability advisory Boards; educational outreach/mentoring for the Independent Living Project; and workforce support for employment of spinal cord injured individuals has been heartfelt. Hopefully, I have advanced the position of people with disabilities in my community through education, awareness and proactive behaviors that positively impact the stereotypes and attitudes associated with disability.