EDIT: I'm calling it a night. Some great questions! If I can, I'll drop in periodically over the weekend and answer a few more.
Proof: Imgur
Hi my name is Jessica Cox and as I write this, I am typing with my toes. I was actually born without arms as a result of a birth defect. My parents raised me just like my two siblings, never allowed me to be treated differently, and encouraged me to chase my dreams. Thankfully I also grew up at a time (I just turned 30) when people with alternate abilities like mine were encouraged to attend school and given opportunities. As a result of a lot of support and a lot of hard work, I've been able to live a normal life. I received my college degree from the University of Arizona, learned to drive a car, and even earned two Taekwondo black belts. In 2008 I fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning my pilot's license. That achievement put me into the Guinness Book of World Records and allowed me to achieve a new sense of empowerment. It also allowed me to pursue another goal -- to tell my story and become a spokesperson for the alternately abled. I'm now an internationally recognized keynote speaker and I've traveled to 18 countries and met Pope Benedict, President Obama and many other leaders.
Something very exciting is happening for me in just a couple weeks! I was recently invited by the Nobel Prize winning NGO Handicap International to visit Ethiopia in support of a program they have there to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities into the schools. I'll be there from March 30th to April 7th. This is extremely important and a cause dear to my heart, as alternately abled are often badly discriminated against and face dismal futures. While in Ethiopia I'm planning to mentor children, speak to educators and leaders and families. I'm also planning to fly over the capitol Addis Ababa and hopefully attract some media attention for these important programs and my goals. You can read more about this effort and see videos about it at this link: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rightfooted-the-documentary-about-jessica-cox?c=home
Ask me anything. Normally I type with my toes but I may ask my husband Patrick (I got married last year) to type some of my responses.
