Senate Debut

If timing is everything I picked the perfect day to debut at the capitol in Frankfort. The day after the governor announced major cuts to every state department, and substantially slashed general funding for postsecondary education is the day I made my Senate debut as Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky 2008.

I arrived in Frankfort at 11 a.m., prepared only for a brief meeting with my senator, Denise Harper Angel, who represents Jefferson County, District 35. Instead, a remarkable turn of events unfolded and I was once again awe struck by the opportunities afforded to me as Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky.

Denise Harper Angel is a strong advocate for the disabled. On our meeting day, she not only spoke on behalf of Visually Impaired Preschool Services, but she also introduced a bill which would authorize an "Amber Alert" type system when disabled adults are reported missing. Sen. Harper said she was so thrilled by my accomplishment that she wanted to introduce me on the Senate floor at 2 p.m. I was dumbfounded. I agreed to occupy myself until then by visiting other representatives and having lunch in the cafeteria.

I left her office and made some rounds, encountering several other staunch advocates, including Dr. Sheila Shuster, organizer of the 874K Rally. I also saw SGA officers from U of L, and had a chance meeting with the university's chief lobbyist, a vibrant champion for higher education who I hope will let me intern with her in the fall.

At 1:30, I rejoined Sen. Harper in the caucus room as instructed. There I was introduced to a number of her colleagues. All were warm and welcoming. Their interest in MWKY and my platform was incredibly energizing. Then at 2 p.m., I was escorted to the Senate chamber. I waited eagerly in the corner for my chance to be recognized. Anticipating only that I would be pointed out, I was not prepared for what followed. When the Senate President recognized Senator Harper, she rose and read my biography in its entirety. Everyone gathered in the chamber responded by honoring me with a standing ovation. I was completely overwhelmed, almost to the point of tears. THEN the Senate President congratulated me and asked if I would like to make any remarks. Stunned, I remember saying something about how honored I am to represent the remarkable disabled residents of Kentucky, their families and those who advocate on their behalf. My remarks were met with yet another rousing ovation, followed by some official photography.

I only wish my husband, John had been there to celebrate with me. It was a truly memorable day.

874K Coalition Rally

874,156-The number of Kentucky residents with a disability. That's nearly 23 percent of the Commonwealth's total population. AND that number does not include individuals under the age of 5 or those in long-term care facilities or prisons.

Put simply, disabled people represent the state's largest minority, and advocates would argue our voices are least heard.

Today more than 1,100 Kentucky residents, many of them either receiving or providing services to our population gathered at the Frankfort Convention Center to remind policy officials that WE COUNT. WE MATTER. WE VOTE.

My expectations for the day were to meet and mingle with those I serve as Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky and perhaps connect with my legislators and others from across the state. Thanks to the gracious, inclusive attitude of event co-organizer Dr. Shelia Schuster and my own tenacity, the day became truly a hallmark of my Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky experience thus far.

Governor Steve Beshear kicked off the day by proclaiming January 23, Disability Awareness Day in Kentucky. His remarks candidly addressed concerns that the state's budget crisis could result in reductions in Medicaid and other benefits and services for the disabled. He said despite serious fiscal challenges, he wanted disability advocates to be at the table with him, raising awareness and fighting for much-needed programs.

Following his remarks, I took a chance and followed the media and the Governor to a backstage area where he was answering questions. As he prepared to leave, I approached, shook his hand and encouraged him to keep is promise not to forget the disabled population as he grapples with the challenges facing Kentucky.

My bold but impassioned move made me a secondary focus of the media spotlight, and I was interviewed by every major news station and several newspapers.

I intended to return to my seat to network and listen to the remarkable stories of those individuals on the event program. But instead found myself connecting with attendees and policy makers from across the state. Of the more than 50 legislators in attendance, I shook hands with at least half. I met countless service providers, disabled children and adults and their loved ones. It was a truly inspiring experience, especially for a "connector" like me.

The most memorable relationship I built was with my representative, Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark. Ironically, Rep. Clark lives in my neighborhood. I contacted his office yesterday to see if he was planning to attend the event, and was disappointed meetings were likely to prevent such an encounter. At the last minute, however, a meeting was cancelled. He made a special point to seek me out, and generously offered to give me a private tour of Frankfort in coming days. I am already excited about our next meeting, and hope today was the start of a great relationship. He was as sincere and genuine a gentleman as I have encountered in my policy work.

Following lunch I got the surprise of the day when event organizers asked me to fill in for a speaker who was unable to attend. With mere minutes to prepare, I'm hoping my remarks were remotely intelligible and tied to the terrific event.

Special thanks to Dr. Shuster and her team for making their day such a memorable day for me.

I'll post pictures and media coverage soon

Not the Leaders of Tomorrow--Leaders Today

Churchill Downs is about more than just the annual "Run for the Roses." It's a place where champions are created, dreams are fostered and hope lives. What a perfect location for young leaders to talk about what it takes to rise above potential and truly lead, on their campus and in their communities.

Approximately 40 first-year freshmen from the University of Louisville spent a beautiful Saturday at the Freshmen LEAD Retreat, January 12, and I had the privilege of joining them as a guest speaker. Freshmen LEAD students participate in an intensive two-year leadership training, which culminates in an opportunity for them to become REACH Ambassadors. The program fosters self-discovery about leadership skills, offers chances to interact with community professionals and helps students better connect to the U of L campus.

I spoke to the group about the tools and tricks I use to facilitate my leadership not only as Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky but also as a professional, a parent and a student. The presentation connected to directly to my platform, "Building Connections to Transform Perceptions" because I shared that my success has been due in great part to my ability to build personal relationships with members of the community.

The group was dynamic and dedicated to pursuit of a variety of causes. I look forward to following their progress as campus and community leaders.

It's All-good When It Comes Knowing Frankfort

Navigating any state capital takes skill. The best negotiators understand the nuances of the political culture and the physical grounds. They speak a language clear to pundits, politicians and laymen alike. They're passionate and professional, empowered and empathetic. And they work hard.

In my estimation, there is no better teacher about Frankfort and advocacy there on behalf of people with disabilities than David Allgood at the Center for Accessible Living. I had the chance to sit down with David today, and I'm so glad I did.

I left the meeting prepared to attend the state's 874K Rally on Jan, 23, It's the largest rally about disability issues in the Commonwealth, and many of the state's high-level officials are expected attend. I also left energized about a number of other initiatives.

"Your Kind of Place..Any Way You Say It"

Looavul, Luhvul, Loueville, Looaville, Looeyville...Louisville. As the slogan for the Louisville Convention and Visitor's Bureau clearly points out, the city I now call home can be tricky for the tongue. But it's a great place "any way you say it."

Today I say thank you Louisville. Specifically thanks to Karen Wallace of the Louisville Convention and Visitor's Bureau for so generously and graciously supporting Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky.

I met Karen during my Focus Louisville leadership experience in November. I mentioned to her that I would love to learn about the city and have things to give away, not only as I travel throughout the state, but also when I represent Kentucky at Ms. Wheelchair America. She delivered today with assistance beyond my greatest expectations. I am more energized than ever to share this city with others.

To find out more about Louisville's offerings visit: http://www.gotolouisville.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The new year has started with such a bang, that I haven't been able to post in quite some time. I have begun my assistanceship at the University of Louisville in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Office of Civic Engagement, Leadership and Service. I am enthralled with both positions and excited to leave my mark on the campus by facilitating campus assessment and programming in my new position.

The advent of 2008 brought a new governor to Kentucky, Steve Beshear. Gov. Beshear has articulated the Commonwealth is in a severe budget crisis, so my challenge as MWKY 2008 will be to stress the need for continuity in funding and support for the many initiatives in the works to enhance quality of life for Kentucky's disabled. I plan to travel to Frankfort several times over the next few months to speak out about the importance of independent living options, affordable, barrier free housing alternatives and higher education funding.