Carol’s Story
Carol Leish offers a special presentation to businesses, schools, hospitals, organizations and clubs. She invites her audience to join her on her personal journey of coping with visual and speech challenges.
Carol enlightens people by focusing on the strengths that people with disabilities have, and demonstrates there is always a way to get around a situation by improvising or accommodating to it. She is an eloquent speaker who deals with a sensitive subject in a way that inspires and educates the listener.
Carol continues to gain recognition, and has received several awards for her community achievements in promoting mutual understanding and respect of others regardless of their differences.
Carol graduated from CSU, San Bernadino, with a 3.6 GPA, earning her Masters degree in Education and Counseling. She went on to teach at San Bernadino in City schools, and worked for a variety of non-profit organizations.
Carol’s commitment to advocating for the fair treatment of people with disabilities in the workforce and raising awareness about their capabilities has led her to serve on two committees and an advisory council, where she strives to change perceptions and create a more inclusive society.
Committees include Optimal Aging, which encourages seniors and people with disabilities to continue to age optimally, and Workforce Development, to which she contributes input on how people with disabilities can get fair treatment when looking for jobs. Potential employers must realize that we are all more similar than different, whether we have a disability or not.
The Advisory Council for Ventura County’s Area Agency on Aging.
Carol has ensured everyone realizes attitudes toward people with disabilities are important. Eradicating prejudice and discrimination is also essential to realizing that we all have talents and abilities, even if some people may have particular disabilities (challenges).
Carol was appointed as the Consumer Position on the Aging and Disability Resource Connection Committee for the California Department of Aging. As a Consumer representative, with a two year term (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026), Carol will represent consumers, providers, and advocates that have a commitment in establishing a No Wrong Door System and Person-Centered Practices to better serve California’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Under the umbrella of the CA Health & Human Services Agency, the CA Dept. of Aging Administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout California.
Carol realized the importance of educating adults and youth to become more accepting of others, and started her “Capable Carol” in-service presentations, and developed the Call Me Capable GameTM. She inspires her audience with her humor and genuineness, and leaves them with an awareness that we are all more similar than different.
“Through the lessons of life, she has realized her goal to help others. Remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘Life is a succession of lessons that must be lived to be understood.’ She has, and continues to learn lessons of how to educate others to make them more aware of what she can do–what they can do too. Thus remember to Call Me Capable Carol, and Yourself More Capable.”
Ventura County Community Involvement
- Volunteer Work: Ventura County Area Agency on Aging & for People with Disabilities Advisory Council Member.
Advocate for People with Disabilities. 2021–Present - Member: Ventura County League of Women Voters: 2020—Present
- Member: The Ladies Luncheon of Ventura: 2010—Present
- Member: Ventura County Professional Women’s Network: 1997–2020
- Consumer Position on Aging and Disability Resource Connection Committee for the California Department of Aging.
- American Association of University Women, Camarillo Chapter
- Ventura Lion’s Club
- Camarillo Public Library during ‘Disability Pride Month’ in 2024
First Annual CA Government & Disability Summit
I recently wrote an article in the Ventura Breeze about the Government and Disability Summit, which took place between September 24 and 27. I also had the privilege of speaking at it. I’m passionate about raising awareness of the challenges and solutions regarding accessibility issues for people with disabilities. I’m available to speak at your
CA Jaycees 4th Quarter First Place, 1994-1995
It’s nice to know that I am still doing my passion, writing as a journalist. In 1994 I was following my passion as a writer and won first place in the CA Jaycees. Dr. Schuller asks:“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” If I knew that I could not
California Government and Disability Summit
Power to Speak Event: Government and Disability Summit Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers, Carol writes about the upcoming Power to Speak event in September, the California Government and Disability Summit in the Ventura Breeze, and the VC Reporter.
Disability Pride Month Officially now in July
On July 16, 2024, Carol Leish, MA & Dr. Maria Munguia accepted the proclamation that July is officially Disability Pride Month from the Ventura City Council. They received this for being on the Advisory Council for the Ventura County Human Service Agency/Area Agency on Aging. Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in
Consumer Position on the Aging and Disability Resource Connection Committee for the California Department of Aging
I’m proud to announce my recent appointment as the Consumer Position on the Aging and Disability Resource Connection Committee for the California Department of Aging. As a Consumer representative with a two-year term (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026), I will represent consumers, providers, and advocates who commit to establishing a No Wrong Door System and
Second Annual Mental Health Wellness Festival
I recently wrote about Turning Point Foundation’s Mental Wellness Festival for The Ventura Breeze. My objective aligns with Turning Point’s, as they and I want to raise awareness about mental health and share mental wellness pathways that support, maintain, and improve people’s mental health. See full article here