Get a Change of Perspective with Katie Banister!

Mrs. Katie Rodriguez Banister survived an auto accident in 1990 that left her a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. After six months of rehabilitation and fifteen months of living with her parents, she returned to living independently in 1992.

Katie worked with the city of Webster Groves, MO for five years as the Access Coordinator. Katie’s work experience prior to her accident includes: Latch-Key Director, Sales Representative for Pitney-Bowes, Social Director for Lodge of the Four Seasons.

With her husband, Steve the two co-founded Access-4-All, Inc. with a mission to educate and empower others through motivational speaking and disability education.

As a person who gives back to her community, Katie has been a member of the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Board of Directors since 1992 and served as President from 1997-2001 and board member of Life Skills. Katie was a performer and founding member with St. Louis’ “DisAbility Project” for six years. She served as a board member and President of the Delta Center for Independent Living from 1996-2002 and board member of the VSA Arts of MO from 1996-2000. She co-produced her own motivational video "Change Takes Time."

Katie’s honors include 2001 St. Louis Woman of Achievement; Missouri Jaycees 1998 Ten Outstanding Young Missourians; St. Louis Jaycees Jr. Chamber of Commerce 1995 Ten Outstanding Young St. Louisans; MO Governor’s Council on Disability 1993 Advocate of the Year; Central MO State University Outstanding Freshman in the Department of Recreation 1983-84, and Kirkwood MO Jr. Miss 1982.