Thank you for sharing your story with us yesterday. We are all given different gifts. Yours, through lots of hard work, seems to be to open people’s eyes to the potential that is in each of us irregardless of our physical or mental limitations. But, as a shy quite engineering type, I am amazed that we have a member who can write for newspapers and has no qualms about getting up and speaking before others. Attributes that I will never have. As we struggle every day to be optimistic and compassionate it is good to know that there are people like you out there helping us do that.
Bruce Nofrey
Ventura Sunrise Optimists
I am a Special Education teacher and read about Carol Leish and the game she invented called, Call Me Capable. I was intrigued and immediately call Ms. Leish and ordered several games. I teach students from grades kindergarten through middle school. I began playing the game with my 5th grade students and later my middle school students. They love it! Meanwhile, I see that the game is teaching them to think about others, to have empathy, compassion and also some self awareness regarding their own learning or physical challenges. I wish my school could afford to buy a game for each classroom. What a wonderful way for students to learn kindness, teamwork and higher level thinking skills. I highly recommend the game: Call Me Capable!!
Rita Henry
MA Special Education, MA Counseling
Psychology
Thank you for taking the time to speak at Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center during our Equal Employment opportunity Committee’s Persons with Disabilities Event.
I understand that your remarks were poignant and those attending found it insightful to learn about the personal struggles you’ve experienced. I believe that events like these pave the way in changing attitudes about persons with disabilities by highlighting their capabilities instead.
S.H. Huber
Captain, U.S. Navy
Carol is an example of positive thinking amidst physical challenges. She motivates with her presence, tenacity and never-ending ventures.”
Dr. Mary L. Barreto
You took a sensitive subject matter and presented the information in a very professional and caring manner. It’s nice to see others who share this conviction to improving services for the mentally disabled.
Jeannine Larsen, R.N.
VP of Marketing
Psychiatric Management Resources
Thank you for helping us become more aware of our assumptions and biases related to disabilities. We all want to become less handicapped, especially in the way we look at other people and their abilities. Thank you for sharing your very capable life with us.
Kathleeen Ricco, CRNH
ProCare Hospice
I wish to thank you for the very informative and meaningful program. The way in which you presented–first, your personal story, and then the information of the Americans with Disabilities Act and examples of ways people react to your “abilities”–was very well thought through.
Three years ago I fell and simultaneously broke my ankles. During the six weeks in the wheelchair and casts and the following four weeks in casts and the walker, I understood the immobility and the reactions of the “standing folks” to the sight of someone in a wheelchair. It was a very good education for me.
Beverly Gage
Fillmore Noontime Rotary Club
Your presentation on the issues surrounding disabilities was very informative and entertaining. By sharing your Call Me Capable Game with us, it showed us that we are more similar than different.
Dr. Priscilla L. Partridge de Garcia
Oxnard College Re-Entry Center
I would like to recommend Carol Leish as a speaker. She presented a program entitled ‘Call Me Capable’ to an audience of fourth and fifth grade students at Citrus Glen School. Being handicapped, Carol was able to give our students a realistic overview of the problems experienced by the handicapped. She talked about her handicaps and the obstacles she had to overcome.
I believe the students left this assembly with a greater awareness of the problems handicapped people face every day. Carol brought to their attention celebrities that also have/had handicaps, such as, Michael J. Fox and Christopher Reeves. She also made them aware that handicaps can be the result of accidents or illnesses. Carol’s presentation enabled our students to appreciate their capabilities and realize most goals can be achieved if you keep trying.
Marie Atmore, Principal
Montalvo Elementary School, Ventura, CA