Professional Background
Kathy Bates is a teacher, advocate, and writer. She believes in everyone’s right to full citizenship and envisions a future where disability is seen as just another form of diversity.
After receiving her BA degree in Elementary Education from St. Andrews University in North Carolina, she began her teaching career. Kathy has worked extensively with both children and adults with disabilities. The opportunity to challenge herself and use her lifetime of experience with disability came when she was offered the chance to co-teach a graduate level class at UNH called Contemporary Issues and Developmental Disabilities. Personally understanding the need for excellent support within the community for people with disabilities, she was also excited to co-teach, Supporting People into Community Life, a class for Direct Support Professionals at Great Bay Community College. In 2014, Kathy completed the LEND program (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental disabilities). The purpose of the course is to improve health outcomes for children with developmental disabilities by training leaders in the field of maternal and child health.
Ms. Bates started her own business called Wings and Wheels Consulting Services. She has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences and workshops around New England. Kathy is a respected advocate for people with disabilities in the areas of employment, self-directed care, education, and rights. She was a keynote speaker at the NH Transition Community of Practice 2014 Summit. Kathy really enjoys presenting. She loves to use her life experiences and sense of humor to educate and engage the audience.
Kathy has Cerebral Palsy.
