Inspiration, Articles, Video and Interviews by Carol
Articles Written by Carol
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.
The Joy of Aging Optimally
Carol Leish is a volunteer advocate for people with disabilities on the Area Agency for Aging’s Advisory Council. She recently wrote an article about embracing aging, finding the positives, and continuing to learn and grow as we age for their ‘LiveWell’ magazine. See Article Here
Mental Health Services Act’s continued priorities for 2023-2026
Carol’s article on Proposition 63, The Mental Health Services Act, explains how states will use funds to improve mental health and well-being services, including support, early intervention, and technological needs. Link to Article
Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Annual Update and 3-Year Plan for 2023-2024
Recent article written by Carol for the Ventura Breeze. Carol is passionate about eradicating prejudices towards both physical and emotional challenges. This informative article sheds light on the objectives of Ventura County Behavioral Health and how they aim to support those dealing with mental health issues. Link to Article
The Valley Scribe
Articles written for The Valley Scribe 2023 Call Her Capable Celebrate Lifes Challenges The Valley Scribe with articles on page 9 & 10
Treat me with Respect for my Age
Ageism is too common in our society. Elders deserve our respect and admiration for who they are as individuals. Even if someone has memory issues or dementia, don’t ignore them. They still have feelings and hopes and desires like the rest of us. And, with age, comes wisdom, which needs to be respected, too. And,
Focus on Capabilities Instead of Disabilities
It’s human nature, unfortunately, to focus on what people can’t do instead of what they can do. This also includes making assumptions of what others are or aren’t capable of doing. The harm of making assumptions of others capabilities, because oftheir disabilities is sad. Stereotyping people because of their challenges, along with making assumptions, is
Towards Inclusion of People with Disabilities
My contribution to the HMA Today August, 2022 newsletter. HHMA Today is affiliated with the Health Ministries Association, Inc Even though the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 made many changes for the better for people with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination of people with limitations from public accommodations, transportation, and employment, it is impossible to legislate
Long Term Care Ombudsman in Ventura County make a difference
The State of California has named the Ventura Ombudsman Program as a model program for its excellence and high standards-including weekly and monthly visitations to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. It is cited by the California Department of Aging as Best Practices in Volunteer Recruitments, Training and Retention. Also, the Ventura Ombudsman Program
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s LiveWell
Learn more about the resources available in the Ventura County 2022 issue of ‘LiveWell.’ It’s a guide with information that is designed specifically for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. You can view ‘LiveWell’ by Downloading the PDF Here. You can see my recent article about ‘LiveWell’ in the ‘Ventura Breeze’ by clicking on
Inspiration
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
Respect key to interacting with people with disabilities
I focus more on my capabilities than my disabilities. I say, ‘We are all more similar than different,’ since it is a message that resonated with VC Star columnist Martha Shapiro during our recent interview. In her article, with my input, Martha also highlighted how to interact with people with disabilities. I was honored to
World Brain Day
Carol is Highlighted in Brain and Life for World Brain Day Carol recently responded to the Editor in Chief of Brain and Life, Orly Avitzur, MD, MBA, FAAN, when asked to share about living with a disability. They highlighted Carol (among others) in Brain & Life’s recent article about getting involved with World Brain Day
Focus on Capabilities Instead of Disabilities
It’s human nature, unfortunately, to focus on what people can’t do instead of what they can do. This also includes making assumptions of what others are or aren’t capable of doing. The harm of making assumptions of others capabilities, because oftheir disabilities is sad. Stereotyping people because of their challenges, along with making assumptions, is
Poetry by Carol Leish
Capabilities I am capable. Able to achieve. Able to succeed. Give me the challenge, And I will accept By accomplishing my best. I may be hesitant at the start, But I will succeed like the best. Optimism and courage from the heart Shows that I can conquer every quest. Listen to my desires and ideas,
Reviews and Testimonials
Interviews with Carol
Capable of Success
This is a story about overcoming the odds, about doing exactly what others have said could not be done. It is a story about tragedy and prejudice turning to triumph and enlightenment. Carol Leish has been overcoming the odds ever since she was ten months old, when a car accident left her with slurred speech,
Call Her Capable: Leish Hustles with Chutzpah
What is the best-selling board game in the world? If you guessed Monopoly, you must be sitting pretty with a hotel on Boardwalk. Two-hundred million Monopoly sets have flown off store shelves since 1935. Monopoly is currently available in 26 languages — including Croatian and Icelandic. This holiday season, however, Oxnard native Carol Leish would
Using Humor to Change Attitudes
Oxnard resident trains able-bodied people to sensitive to those with disabilities OXNARD–Carol Leish has made a career out of turning negative stereotypes about people into a positive affirmation of life through humor. Since 1996, the Oxnard native has led classes called Call Me Capable, for teachers, social workers and other professionals who come into contact
Respect key to interacting with people with disabilities
I focus more on my capabilities than my disabilities. I say, ‘We are all more similar than different,’ since it is a message that resonated with VC Star columnist Martha Shapiro during our recent interview. In her article, with my input, Martha also highlighted how to interact with people with disabilities. I was honored to
Our Ventura TV interview with Carol Leish
Carol is interviewed about Ableism and how assumptions about people with disabilities are usually incorrect.
Carol’s interview on Girls on the Air 1590 KVTA
On October 27 Carol appeared on local radio program Girls on the Air. Girls on the Air broadcasts each Saturday 1590AM between 11am – 12pm. Hear Carol’s broadcast
Recent Radio Interview
Resilience and Persistence! http://mercurybroadcasting.net/ask-dr-bunny-resilience-persistence-carol-leish-guest/ Over the past three and a half years, since her Dad’s death, Carol has learned the importance of being positive and resilient in order to cope better with various situations. She realizes the essence of the statement “The glass is half full instead of it being half empty”. Through continuing to