Katie's Korner Home

April 2003

Katie’s Korner 

Access-Sacks

Are you looking for a backpack with style that’s affordable?  Well I have designed one!  It’s the Access-Sack made by my company, Access-4-All, Inc. 

As a quadriplegic and in need of backpacks to organize my eating brace, straws, my wallet, keys, etc., I wanted something more than just a plain old black backpack that looked like everyone else’s.  So I designed the Access-Sack, found a manufacturer and can now offer people who use wheelchairs a convenient, fun and affordable way to carry their personal items. 

The Access-Sack (20” long and 15” wide) is ideal for wheelers who have someone to assist them.  It would also be great for parents to use on their children’s strollers.  It has adjustable straps, a deep privacy pocket with four smaller outside pockets and a matching cover secured by Velcro.  Each Access-Sack is made of spun polyester on the inside with a water-proof, urethane layer outside that wipes clean and is long-lasting.  Each bag is designed to hold up to 20 pounds and is not recommended for multiple heavy textbooks.  It comes in black, blue (navy), green, tan, grey, and maroon! 

The Access-Sack is only $39.95, plus tax (for Missouri residents) and $7.00 shipping & handling.  Please call me at 314-821-7011 with any questions or to place an order.  You may also order on my website at www.access-4-all.com .  Click Access-Sack on the home page. 

Keep Your Legislator Aware 

For those who are on Medicaid, using Division of Aging, using the Personal Care Assistance Program or are employed by and Independent Living Center, please keep your legislator aware of your needs and the dependency you have on these programs.  If the State has its way, I think many of these programs would be slashed.  Contact your Center for Independent Living to see what you can do to help.  I testified many times before various legislative committees stressing the importance of a support system for people with disabilities. 

 I used these programs for eight years and they were of great benefit to me.  All political leaders should spend a month in a dependent state.  I wonder what would happen if one day, their attendant did not show up for work? 

Those who want to eliminate assistance should instead give us jobs with health insurance and a livable income.  That would show empathy, compassion and understanding.  I don’t think this is too much to ask. 

Sometimes when I look at life, it seems so unkind.  So I’m doing my part.  I’m offering an affordable backpack and I perform disability education in the community and to businesses.  That’s how I cope. 

How do you cope?  How do you deal with what you’ve been given?  Do you have a spinal cord injury?  Are you a spouse, parent or sibling of one who does?  Do you support people with disabilities in your place of work?  If you answered yes, do you make time to deal with the stress that these conditions can bring on?  I hope so. 

Don’t forget to make time for you – just you.  Do something good for yourself – just you.  Because if you are not good to yourself, how can you be good to others? 

P.S.  Buy an Access-Sack!

 

Katie Rodriguez Banister works with audiences to embrace diversity
through motivational speaking and disability education.