Topic: Daily Living & Independence

Karen Putz is a mom, international speaker, and Passion Mentor/Test Facilitator. She runs Ageless Passions, a business that provides writing, speaking and coaching services. Karen specializes in helping others unwrap their passion and create more joy, fun, and adventure in their lives. She also writes for the Chicago Tribune Local and has two blogs of her own: A Deaf Mom Shares Her World and Deaf and Hard of Hearing People at Work.

Karen was born with normal hearing and grew up hard of hearing. She became deaf from a fall while barefoot water skiing as a teen, as she took a hard fall and instantly went from hard of hearing to deaf. Karen abandoned the sport of barefoot water skiing and took up volleyball; she began playing volleyball in deaf tournaments with her husband across the United States. Karen and her husband went on to have three children, all three children lost their hearing when they were very young.

Karen has been featured on the TODAY Show, CNN, O magazine, MORE magazine, espnW, AARP, and the Chicago Tribune. She is also the founder and past President of Illinois Hands & Voices and is the Co-Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infusion. Karen is the author of multiple books, including The Parenting Journey: Raising Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and The Passionate Lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People.

At the age of 44, Karen put her feet back on the water and skied competitively for four years. She has trained with the top barefoot water skiers in the world. Karen now has learned to barefoot ski forwards, backwards, and on one foot. Her remarkable comeback story has now led Karen on a quest to barefoot water ski in all 50 states.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Karen talks about her water-skiing injury, which activated a dormant gene that caused her to lose her hearing. They also discuss what led Karen to eventually find her way back into the water and what inspires her to write and mentor. Karen also shares advice to those who have/had to confront obstacles in their lives and how others can tap into their passions. Karen states, “I believe we all have it within us to create a life of joy, purpose, and meaning. And live passionately, of course!”

Stephanie Aiello is a makeup artist, a childcare teacher, a mentor, an Ulta Beauty model, and a video blogger. She is a social media influencer, amassing 111.2k followers on Instagram and 20.8K subscribers on YouTube. Stephanie is also the co-captain of the Rollettes Dance Team, which is a group of women empowering women to live without limits and shift perspectives through dance. She is also an ambassador for Wings for Life World Run; the run promotes research projects and clinical studies around the world to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

In her early twenties, Stephanie was involved in a life altering car crash. Subsequently, Stephanie became a C6-7 quadriplegic. After months of rehabilitation, she was able to gain sensation in half of her back and had limited ability to move her hands. Stephanie was excited to leave rehab, her parents picked her up, and they proceeded to a family Christmas event. However, as the family left the rehabilitation center, Stephanie found herself in another car accident. A drunk driver crashed into the car her family was in, leaving Stephanie and her dad with injuries, and her mom with more severe damages to her body. Shortly after the accident, Stephanie was also diagnosed with cancer.

Stephanie miraculously survived two car accidents and her cancer diagnosis. Her resilience during these trying times motivated her to pursue her love of makeup. After practicing and learning as much as she could, with the help of her occupational therapist, Stephanie decided to take a chance and start an Instagram account to show off her makeup skills. Her social media popularity and the help of a friend, Stephanie earned a spot at Beauty Con. Beauty Con is a massive convention for all beauty aficionados to gather and share their love for the beauty industry. It was at Beauty Con that Stephanie met supermodel Tyra Banks. Tyra invited Stephanie to the Tyra Banks beauty convention, where Tyra spoke highly of Stephanie and her beauty skills in front of a large audience. Stephanie disclosed to the audience that she did not share her disability with her social media followers, but instead chose to hide her hand function. Tyra explained to Stephanie that, “her hands would become her brand and to keep pursuing her love of make-up.”

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicklas, Stephanie explains singlehandedly that disabilities do not have to keep one from following their dreams. Stephanie discusses her “normal” after her recovery; she demonstrates to Alexandra the modifications that help her apply makeup and other beauty products. Stephanie also shares with Alexandra the importance of the strong and supportive familial bond that she has with her parents and her twin sister. Through Stephanie’s optimistic, but realistic viewpoint, she encourages differently abled people to be more accepting of their own difference and live in the moment. Stephanie shares her journey to encourage and reassure others with or without a difference to push through whatever challenges they are facing.

Elexis “Lex” Gillette is a globally recognized Paralympic track and field athlete and is a graduate of East Carolina University, where he majored in recreation management. He is the current world record holder in the long jump, a four-time Paralympic medalist, a three-time long jump world champion, and an 18-time national champion. Lex is the only totally blind athlete to ever eclipse the 22-foot barrier in the long jump. Not only is he an inspiration on the field, Lex is also a motivational speaker; who has spoken to organizations both large and small, including Fortune 500 corporations, trade associations, professional sports teams, non-profit foundations, and school districts. In addition, Lex is a singer/song-writer who recorded a song called, “On the Stage.”

At the age of seven, Lex started to lose his vision. He underwent a series of recurrent retina detachments and surgeries in response. By the age of eight, he knew he would be blind, but he continued to excel in school with his sighted peers. He learned to use a folding cane and his school provided him with braille alternatives to reading assignments. His mother, Verdina, invested in him the skills to live independently and achieve success.

Lex has reframed moments of uncertainty into moments of opportunity. His phrase, “No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision®,” epitomizes the “no excuses” approach to living life to the fullest. Lex’s book, FLY!: Find Your Own Wings And Soar Above Life’s Challenges tells his great story and his important, inspirational messages. Lex continues to chase gold at the Paralympic Games, and he states, “There is nothing that can deter us from realizing our dreams.”

Interviewed by our Different & Able Executive Director, Kristina Spiropoulos, Lex shares his experience with blindness and highlights his athletic career. His enthusiastic and spirited personality shines in the interview, as he discusses his love of sneakers, music, and his multifaceted life, on and off the field. Lex continues to prove, with every jump that, “For those determined to fly, having no wings is just a little detail.”

Southern California native, Kiana Clay, has always had the need for speed since she can remember. From the time she could walk, she’s always wanted to go fast. Whether it was on her skateboard, snowboard, scooter, bicycle, or roller blades, you’d find Kiana zooming around somewhere. At the age of 7, her father, Roger Clay, purchased her first motorcycle which was a PW80. She rode it in trails, tracks, and in her front yard. The first time she rode, she was hooked. By the age 11, she was competing nationwide on her KX and YZ85. Little did she know that the sport she loved would make her disabled.

On November 18, 2006, Kiana was racing at Freestone County Raceway in Wortham Texas. As it had rained the day before, the track was muddy and deep. It was during practice when she crashed on the back side of the finish line jump from her back tire sliding out and got landed on by another rider that was right behind her. The front part of the other rider’s bike landed right on her neck, which severed her nerves with a complex neck injury called brachial plexus. As she woke from being knocked out for about 4 minutes, she noticed that she could not move her arm whatsoever. After being sent to 3 different hospitals, she finally received her diagnosis which was full paralysis in her dominant right arm. About a month after her racing accident, she and her father got in a car wreck and flipped multiple times in their truck from a drunk driver. Because of that wreck, she lost all chances of her getting her arm back.

Today, Kiana has fully adapted to the one-handed lifestyle. She’s learned how to write and draw again, as well as play Xbox with her feet, put her hair up with a doorknob, and live everyday life as normal as anyone else would. After being off of the bike for 7 years, she started riding again in fall of 2013 and started competing just 3 months after being back on the bike. In 2015, she also got accepted to be on the Adaptive Action Sports Team for snowboarding where she is currently training to make the USA team for the Paralympics for 2022 in Beijing. She will be the first female upper limb competitor and will create a category for other future upper limb females. Kiana was also the first female to compete in the Moto Sport Adaptive Championship Series for motocross where she placed a 3rd overall in the upper limb category against men.

When the weather is warm, you will find Kiana wake surfing at your local lake, or training with the ISA in Newport CA where she will be competing in the adaptive world circuit. She also does motivational speaking and mentoring at her church, tracks, schools, as well as some major companies. She’s very positive about her injury and is actually grateful she is disabled. She stated, “I wouldn’t want my life any other way. I’m grateful for what my disability has shown me and has taught me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. It has really humbled me to be grateful and thankful for the little things”.

Interview Questions and Answers

D&A: How did you develop your passion for being an athlete?

KC: Ever since I was little, I always wanted to go as fast as I could. I was also very competitive and tried my best to outperform the boys in every athletic situation. My dad quickly took notice and introduced me to motocross at 7 years old. The moment my leg swung over that PW80, I was hooked to speed and adrenaline ever since.

D&A: What sports do you take part in?

KC: Snowboarding, motocross, skateboarding, surfing, and wakeboarding

D&A: How did you sustain your injury and how long ago was it?

KC: I was racing at Freestone County Raceway on November 18, 2006. It was raining a few days straight before the race; therefore, the track was very muddy. I went out for my practice before my moto, and when I went over the finish line jump, my back tire slid out. I was laying on the back face of the jump, and the rider right behind me didn’t see me fall or have enough time to react. So, his front tire went right over my neck, broke my neck while my nerves ripped out of my spinal cord. I was diagnosed later that week with brachial plexus injury, complete paralysis of my right dominant arm. A few months later after gaining some bicep muscle back in physical therapy, my dad and I were driving back from dinner, and we got hit by a drunk driver. We flipped multiple times in our lifted truck where I ended up losing everything that I gained. My chances of regaining any movement or feeling were very unlikely.

D&A: Where did you find the will to continue your athletic dreams after your injuries?

KC: To push my limits and to prove to myself and others what is possible through innovation and determination. I refuse to let my dreams be limited by a physical disability.

D&A: What is the best part about competing?

KC: The adrenaline, the friends I make, relationships I build, the amazing travel opportunities and seeing myself as a person grow more in my attitude and character. It’s awesome to see how much I can push myself and encourage others around me!

D&A: If you had to pick one sport only to compete in, what would that sport be and why?

KC: Probably motocross… that’s where it all started for me, where I feel the most at home, where I feel I belong, and I can just be myself while geeking out over speed and motors with the same type of like-minded people. There truly isn’t anything like the moto family. It’s just the best environment and my favorite to be in.

D&A: What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?

KC: It really depends on the competition and what sport. I actually listen to music before and during my competitions to help keep my adrenaline up. It also helps me focus on my own performance and not what is going on behind me. However, my playlists are rock, classic rock and punk. Anything to keep my heart rate up!

D&A: What is a moment that stands out in your mind as a turning point, when you really felt like you were doing what you were meant to do?

KC: When I was featured for the Makeup to Mud at Vegas Supercross and when I was the first adaptive athlete to sign with Burton Snowboards!

D&A: You are the first adaptive female motocross racer. What does this honor mean to you?

KC: As the first female adaptive motocross racer, I am helping show other riders who are abled and disabled that even with challenges, you can still participate and be successful in action sports. It not only increases participation in the sport I love, but it also removes physical boundaries and challenges that others have experienced in the past.

D&A: Motocross (MX) is usually known as a male sport; it is empowering to see a female MX rider like yourself. Is there a niche or unique feature that women bring to the sport of MX?

KC: The growth of any market or sport is based on inclusivity and the desire to reach others that are outside of the typical demographic. The thing I love most about motocross, is that as an individual sport, one is not limited by their gender or background, but rather by their passion for adrenaline. So, women bring the diversity and wider community of empowerment that helps encourage the growth of the sport.

D&A: In your opinion, what do you think would attract more girls and women to MX?

KC: Equality of opportunity to make a career out of racing. More highlights and support of female racers. The sport needs more professional women for little girls to look up to and to encourage them what their future could look like, as well as helping lay out a path.

D&A: Who or what has been your inspiration over the years? Why?

KC: My inspirations haven’t necessarily been any person; it’s been the sports themselves. They motivate me to get creative, to push my limits and not only become a better athlete but a better person. To chase the possibilities of what I can accomplish beyond my physical disability.

D&A: You work as a graphic designer at a print shop in Frisco, Colorado. As a graphic designer, whose work do you admire? Can you tell us about a project you are most proud of and why?

KC: I actually no longer have that job. I lost it last year during the pandemic. Currently I am a full-time athlete now, thankfully with the support of my incredible sponsors. However, I have always been an artist and have loved the way that art challenges you to innovate and to think outside of the box. Esao Andrews has always been one of my favorite artists because of how surreal his art is and how it challenges me. That type of thinking has really helped me with modifying my equipment and being a better athlete.

D&A: Does your artistic nature help when you are lending your opinion into designing your adaptive athletic wear?

KC: Absolutely!

D&A: What are your strengths as both an athlete and a person?

KC: I have always been very determined, strong willed and strong minded. My brain is always constantly running, thinking about how I can make this better or what can I do next or progress? I am constantly pushing myself and my limits!

D&A: Female snowboarders with upper limb disabilities are not scheduled to appear in the Paralympics until the 2026 Games in northern Italy, but you are pushing for the sport at the 2022 Paralympics in Beijing. What efforts have you made to support your sport for competition in the 2022 Paralympics?

KC: Making my voice as loud as possible with my petition that I started as well as encouraging other upper limb females to participate globally.

D&A: You are the first para snowboarder to be signed by the Burton Team. This is impressive. Can you tell us about the Burton Team and what it means to you to be a part of the Team?

KC: The Burton Team has truly become family to me within a quick period of time. They are incredibly supportive, encouraging, inclusive and always excited to find new innovations with me to make gear easy and accessible for not only myself, but for everyone. To be a part of the team is just mind blowing. It helps re-define what it means to be a global team rider and the progression of snowboarding in general. It’s truly an honor to be the first and to set the standard for not only adaptive riders, but also snowboarders as a whole to push the limits of what’s possible.

D&A: What is next for you?

KC: To push for my class to be included for the 2022 Paralympics, and to compete in the 2026 Paralympics in Italy!

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Jenni Ahtiainen, Founder & Head Designer at AIDesign and DEAFMETAL, discusses her hearing aid journey starting in 2018. Being involved with the fashion and music industry and her love for aesthetics, Jenni designed hearing aid jewelry collections for women, men, and children. The story of DEAFMETAL can be found here: The story behind DEAFMETAL® by its Designer Jenni Ahtiainen – YouTube.

Dave Steele is an award-winning poet, author, public speaker, singer, and advocate for the blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 2014, this genetic eye condition left Dave “severely sight impaired.” Together with his wife, Amy, the family grappled with the difficult diagnosis as RP quickly left Dave an unemployed father of four. Feeling the stressors of financial debt and the loss of his independence, Dave turned to social media for support with his RP journey. He was also struck by the numerous misconceptions and stories of injustice being experienced by so many blind/visually impaired people all over the world. When a member in one of these online groups learned of Dave’s singing background, they invited him to perform at a meeting for those living with RP and Usher Syndrome. The experience inspired Steele’s idea for his “Stand By Me RP” song. Using the classic song by Ben E. King, Dave altered the lyrics to relate to how he felt losing his own sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa. In December 2014, Dave sought permission from the band Elbow, to alter the lyrics of their song “One Day Like This.” With the band’s blessing, Dave performed his version of the song at Joanne Milne’s “Breaking the Silence” book launch.

Dave created his own “Stand By Me RP” Facebook page in 2015. Since its conception, the page has become one of the largest social media RP groups in the world. As his eyesight continued to decline, the words did not stop flowing. Dave began writing two to three poems per day about his struggles and experiences. Part creative genius, part therapy, Dave’s writing became a catalyst for helping others and himself through RP. Dave’s first book, Stand By Me RP Volume I, was released in February 2016. That same day, he received the call that he had been matched with a guide dog. During its first week, Stand By Me RP Volume I went on to become the #1 poetic release in both America and Australia.

In March of 2016, Dave left his family for 10 days to be trained with his guide dog, Christopher, a yellow Labrador retriever. He released his second book, Stand By Me RP Volume II, in February 2017. It became the #1 poetry release in Europe within its first day. In February 2018, Dave’s third book, Stand By Me RP Volume III was released, completing his trilogy. Dave has been featured in a short film by Cambridge university called Blindsighted. He has also appeared on a special called the Blind Poet for RNIB radio, BBC TV, ITV and That’s Manchester TV news.

His advocacy work continues to be recognized both locally and internationally. In 2018 Dave was honored by Henshaws with the “Impact Award” and was the recipient of the Pride of Bury “Community Hero Award.” He currently serves as a local ambassador for Henshaws and as a global Ambassador for the American company, Two Blind Brothers.

In November 2019, Dave landed in the USA to kick off his first American Book Tour sponsored by Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia and The Low Vision Shop. The three week tour included a wide variety of speaking engagements (keynote speeches, book readings/signings, meetings, and more) and visited major cities throughout the Northeast. Dave’s presence uplifted the crowd throughout every step of the journey. Some of the book tour visits included the New York Public Library, Rhode Island College, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), National Federation of The Blind Maryland Conference, Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services Conference, The Sight-Loss Support Group of Greater Baltimore, VisionCorps, and much more.

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicklas, Dave Steele discusses his diagnosis with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), his self-authored collection of 700 poems and songs dealing with the fears and struggles associated with sight loss, a bit about his guide dog, Christopher and how they became partners in navigating Dave’s world. Through his works, Dave hopes to erase many of the misconceptions associated with blindness. Dave’s mission is an inspiration to all those with a difference; he states that his work “helps those who are being isolated by a condition that strips us of our independence, lets them know that they aren’t alone, and helps educate loved ones on how we feel.”

Since the age of two, when I incurred a spinal cord injury, I have used a wheelchair. One of the most complex parts of living with a disability is handling the way the rest of the world receives you. I am a super observant person and feel like often I am met with people being unsure of how to move, communicate, or simply coexist with me. This has led me to a concept that I’ve integrated into my life called, “Hosting Your Own Party.” What I mean by this is that you have the opportunity to either lead or to host situations which might be totally awkward, and turn them into light and controlled moments. How do you do that? First, you must remember that you know yourself and your disability better than anyone! So, below are the steps on how to Host Your Own Party:

1. Look the Person in the Eye and Greet Them: People will often rush to one of two things: help or get out of the way. I think reminding others that there’s no rush and that everything is under control is helpful. We’re all human beings and no one’s going to bite… yet!

2. Be Clear and Precise: Whether you need help or assistance with something, or do not want help (for example getting in and out of an Uber), I’ve found that clear communication has been my best friend. For example: I say, “I do not need help getting in the car. I just need help with my wheelchair.” Now, a lot of people don’t hear you or believe you, and rush to help you regardless. This is your moment to stop and remind them that you’re the host, this is your party, and they’re not going to grab the reins on this one!

3. Be a Coach: I was lucky and grew up with a coach for a Dad. I’ve found a lot of success in offering positive reinforcement when dealing with someone who seems nervous around me. For example – back to getting in and out of an Uber – I’ll tell the driver, when they’ve helped me in the way that I’ve asked, “That’s great. Thank you so much!” And if they happen to get grabby, and try to help in ways that I haven’t asked for, I’ll tell them simply and clearly, “No, don’t do that. Thank you.”

4. Give Yourself Credit: By taking hold of these situations in your life, you give yourself the confidence to know, “You got this.” It takes practice, and you need to do the reps. This “hosting your party” thing doesn’t just happen overnight, but over time, being disabled can become really powerful. It can make you realize that you can do anything as long as you’re doing it in your own way. Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve accomplished a task that required another person coming into your party and you’re the one who got them there!

5. It’s Not All About You: One of the secrets of living life with a disability is to give others the opportunity to feel helpful. Remember that kid in the first grade who was just dying to help the teacher? We all have that little kid inside of us and you’ve given someone that opportunity to reconnect with them.

6. Confidence is Key: Okay, I consider myself a pretty confident person. I’ve been in a chair since I was two years old and have worked so hard to love and trust myself over the past twenty-eight years. However, there are days when I have to fake it. I choose to fake it because I find that even canned confidence feels better than none at all.

7. Costumes and Treats are Helpful: I respond REALLY well to rewards, always have. It was one of the ways I was taught to push my wheelchair as a four year old: “Ali, if you push to the end of the block, you can have anything in my purse!” my babysitter would say. When I’ve had a tough day or a tough moment where all these tips that I’ve given haven’t worked, I go to the coffee shop and I get myself a treat. Maybe a brownie… Even if I didn’t do great, I know I tried my best. “Costumes” in this context means that I like to wear clothes and accessories that make me feel FIERCE. I need to feel like superwoman sometimes after pushing fifteen blocks, and looking down and seeing my favorite Doc Martens on my feet gives me that boost.

Everyone with a disability has their own style. It’s taken me years to find mine. These are tips that have helped me, and if one of them can give you a hand, I’ll be thrilled, because you deserve it! Go out and “Host your party” to the fullest, in your own way. You’re kicking butt!!

Love and respect,

Your party planner Ali

Editor’s note: Support animals are one of the most important accessibility tools that people with differences utilize. Though many assume the only working animals for people with disabilities are dogs for the visually impaired, today all kinds of animals are being trained to accommodate difference. Dogs are now providing service to people with all kinds of conditions, from seizures, to food allergies, to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Today we have the story of Elvis, a mobility support service dog, who wrote in to tell us a little bit about how he helps his human thrive. Think you or someone you love might benefit from a service animal? For general information about service animals, check out the Americans with Disabilities Act resource page here. You can also check out this great article, which provides a list of organizations that train dogs for specific conditions. Most of these organizations can provide service animals for free or for very low cost to people who need them. You can apply for a service dog via various organizations, including The Guardian Angels, Service Dogs of America, and Paws with a Cause. See this website for a list of frequently asked questions about service animals and the law, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can check out The Service Dog Project, which raised Elvis, right here. Interested in training your dog to be a service dog? You can find more information here. For more information on types of services dogs and how they work click here.

My name is Elvis and I’m a service dog.

My human came to the Boston from England for medical treatment in 2016. She expected to be here for no more than eight weeks; now, over three years later, she lives full-time in Boston. She has a complex medical history including dystonia/muscle spasticity, which means that she walks differently than most people. Until I came into her life, she used a wheelchair or crutches for movement.

I was born and raised at the Service Dog Project in Ipswich, MA. I was trained as a mobility service dog and was donated to my human in May 2018. I help her walk, balance, and navigate the world. Since I came into her life she has been able to put her crutches and wheelchair away for the most part, although when she does need her wheelchair I am also trained to pull that! She always tells me how much freedom I have given her. Before me she avoided a lot of things. When she came to a set of steps, she was frightened, knowing she would likely fall. When she slipped and stumbled, she often found herself stuck on the floor with her crutches, unable to get up.

Since I came into her life, we take on steps without a doubt. I stop numerous falls, supporting her when she stumbles. If I am unable to stop her from falling, no matter how hard I try, I am right there to get her off the floor. My human often tells me that it is the little moments that make her smile every day. These are simple freedoms like knowing she can step up onto the curb while walking down the street, or grab something off a shelf without losing her balance. I am always right by her side, and if she loses her balance, I’m there to catch her. When she becomes very dizzy or ends up passing out, I am there to support her. I know my human inside and out. I know the days we can play around and the days when I need to be more focused on keeping her safe. I brace to keep her upright, lay under her legs when she is unconscious, and do all I can to support her. I am basically a moving crutch with four legs and a huge heart!

We have been through numerous hospital admissions, surgeries, and emergency room trips together. No matter what situation she puts me in, I am always there to help her navigate the world despite her chronic medical conditions. We have ups and downs, but stick together. For instance, at the beginning of this year my human was really not well at all. Through a long hospital stay, I made sure I slept at the end of her bed every night. I helped her take her first steps during the really tough moments after her surgeries. While I was trained specifically for mobility, during the time we have been a team, I have learned how to read her other medical signals. I am now very in tune with my human. I tend to notice when she is feeling off before she does. Sometimes I can tell that her blood sugar is off, or that she is having a bad mobility day, or that her cardiac issues are acting up. I make sure to tell her when things are off. In this way, I have saved her from getting very sick or hurt multiple times.

I’m not sure people always realize how important I am to my human and how much I have changed her life. I have prevented multiple emergency room visits, concussions, and injuries. Perhaps even more important, I have allowed my human to grow so much more confident about living life despite her medical challenges. I have helped remind her that she is so much more than her medical conditions, no matter what they try throwing at her. Looking back at our time together, it is incredible seeing all the achievements she has accomplished with me by her side. I also know that her friends and family are so grateful that my human can live life independently now that she has me. She can have the life she wants, because she is never alone. I always keep an eye on her.

Balancing school, health, an internship, and life can seem quite challenging at times, but we embrace every moment. We made a promise to ourselves to live life to the fullest, make the best memories, and pursue our goals without looking back. My human also has some incredible doctors that helped inspire her passion to work in medicine. (Not that she needed much pushing! She has been known to take her finals in the hospital the night before surgery.) She just loves to help people, especially children, in any way she can. In fact, we both love volunteering with kids. Before me, she couldn’t do this volunteer work very often because of her mobility challenges. Now, we do it together all the time.

I would be lying if I said there weren’t any moments where my human’s health scares us! There are definitely tough days, especially during hospital stays. Through it all, however, she has a determination that never seems to fade. She says that she couldn’t do it without me or the support system she has built. We help her “just keep swimming”, a saying that she holds on to in those tough moments. We always keep swimming, no matter what life throws at us, together. There’s another saying she says a lot, which I like. When people doubt her ability to pursue her goals, or try to put limits on her, she says: “Just because my path is different, doesn’t mean I am lost.” We walk through the world together, and that might seem different to some people, but we are definitely not lost. While we never expected our journey to look like this, we know we are exactly where we need to be.

I am Service Dog Elvis and I have helped give my human her life back. You can follow my adventures on Instagram @servicedogelvis and my trainers, The Service Dog Project, at @servicedogproject!

Edie Cusack is a College of Charleston alumni and an award-winning, National Board-Certified Teacher who has educated and advocated for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for more than 30 years. Inclusion and self-determination are the philosophies she incorporated into the REACH Program, a postsecondary certificate program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities at the College of Charleston that she created and developed in 2010. With a grant from the College Transition Connection program, the REACH Program has four areas of focus: academics, social, independent living, and career development. The REACH Program models a typical college experience. Students take regular classes and live on campus. As the Program’s executive director, Edie continues to break down barriers for post-secondary education students with mild intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to her work at the College of Charleston, Edie works with other universities to build inclusive programs that unlock entire new worlds for students with unique gifts to give.

In this interview, with our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Edie discusses how after high school the college transition for students with intellectual difficulties is challenging. This is the time when students move out of their family home, navigate independence for the first time, and figure out who they are, and what they want to do with their lives. She also speaks about how the REACH program can be an inclusive educational experience for students with intellectual difficulties that prepares students for productive, full, and meaningful lives. Edie states, “I believe in the dignity of risk. College is a time to make choices, and a time to learn from those choices and their consequences. Our goal is for our students to experience college life through inclusive participation in academics, social-skill building, independent living activities and career development. We want our students to graduate and join the workforce where they live independently and hold a job they love.”