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.

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!!

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.