2009
“We had Katie and Steve come and talk with all the undergraduate staff at our Residence and Greek Life program. Katie’s keynote was very inspiring and thought provoking for all who attended. Her delivery style was well received by the staff and her message hit home for all. The one thing I appreciated most was her ability to connect directly with the audience. Katie never made the audience feel like she was talking at them, but with them and to them personally.”
“In my 20 plus years in Higher Education, I’ve heard many speakers at a college campus at professional conferences. Katie and Steve’s program are among the most effective I have heard in terms of delivering a message that people remember. I would highly recommend any college campus to invite them to speak to a wide variety of audiences.”
“Another aspect I appreciated was the ease of which scheduling and arrangements were handled. The communication from the Banisters was always timely, through and helpful.”
Alan Nordyke, Director of Residence and Greek Life, University of Central Missouri
“Access-4-All has been providing training for the St. Louis Zoo since 2003. We schedule classes in “Sensitivity to Individuals with Disabilities 3-4 times a year for approx. 15-20 employees. There are some real advantages to using Access-4-All as a provider; their individual experiences and personal connections, open and approachable attitudes, they meet are specific needs, and they are dedicated to bettering the community.
Lucy Bailey and Jim Lanier, St. Louis Zoo Training Dept.
2008
“Thank you for presenting Open a Door- Open a Mind” to the University of Kansas Medical Center’s staff, students and faculty. You provided an engaging, informative and educational experience. It is apparent from the reactions from the audience that they enjoyed your informal and low keyed manner.”
Charles Romero, Diversity Coordinator, University Of Kansas Med. Center, Kansas City, KS
“Thanks for coming again. Year after year (since 1994) you have come to our Religious School to speak to the 9th grad students. The kids really get a lot out of it and the teachers continue to feel that your visit is helpful.”
Cheryl Watley, United Hebrew Temple, St. Louis, MO
2007
“Katie’s presentation was educational, delightful, and humorous. The students and staff have a better understanding as to how individuals learn to live with a disability.”
Andra Gwydir, Principal, Wedgwood Elem. Florissant, MO
“I can’t thank you enough for coming to Webster University to speak to our students, staff, and faculty. I’ve spoken to several people who attended your talk and everyone reported that they have shared something they learned from you with at least one other person.”
Holly Hubenschmidt, Chair, Accessibility Committee, Webster University
“After reading Katie’s book, The Personal Care Attendant Guide I was so impressed. It is informative, easy to read, relatable and tremendously helpful to anyone in need of personal care assistance.”
Sadye Gartland, Senior Counsel, MO Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
“Based on the feedback I received people not only enjoyed your presentation; "Entrepreneurship, Anything is Possible" but were also inspired by you. Keep up the good work about spreading the word about individuals with disabilities. You are breaking down barriers!”
Dr. Barrette Bebler, Webster Univ. School of Business and Technology
“Your interest in becoming involved with the education process is greatly appreciated.”
Susan Prosperi, Partners in Education, Marquette High School, St. Louis
2006
“Katie spoke for three hours on “Change Takes Time – Value Life’s Changes,” discussing stress management, adversity and overcoming challenges. Comments included; Katie took time to know our company and understood what we do and she was frank, honest, funny and fun.”
Lucy Acheson, Macon Resources, Inc., Decatur, IL
“Thanks for sharing your experience with our staff. They had this to say; great way to start our conference, would like her to speak longer, a very down to earth person.”
Frank Lloyd, Assistant Commissioner, Vocational Rehabilitation. Nebraska Dept. of Ed.
2005
“I wasn’t sure if the time for Q & A would get utilized (our students are not the best at asking questions) but they surprised me and asked and received open and informative answers.”
Amy Hughey, Counselor, Individualized Learning Center, Eureka, MO
2002
“Katie is one amazing woman who can teach a lifelong lesson just by being herself.”
Anna Rudd, St. Vincent School, St. Louis, MO
“On behalf of the Midland Group, your presentation was very meaningful and extremely informative with regard to our awareness in making our shopping centers more accessible for persons with disabilities.” - Property Manager, St. Louis, MO
“You taught our group the do’s and don’ts regarding disabilities. Most of us never thought about the disabled individuals who do not look disabled.” - Member, St. Louis Jaycees Junior Chamber of Commerce
“Your disability awareness presentation was wonderful. Thank you so much for a job well done. Administration and students alike have given us positive feedback since your visit. It was inspirational, motivational, and a learning experience. The professional development funds
allocated for your presentation and the books was money well spent.” - Jeffery Royal, Special Services Director, Romulus Community Schools, Romulus, Michigan
“Students were taken by Katie's honest and straight forward approach to her accident, recovery, and life-long experience with her disability.Katie was great to work with and made planning and executing our event a breeze!” - Teresa Durbala, Wentzville Timberland High School, Wentzville, MO
“Several students commented on the absolute truth in your statement about how each of us in that room was dealing with some sort of struggle, even if it wasn’t visible to everyone else. That perspective underlines the connection with one another, and also reframes the propensity to idealize people who are living with more visible disabilities.” - Webster University Instructor, Webster Groves, MO
