DISABILITY SERVICES LEADER

 

SSU's Disability Pioneer Janis Parks Passes Away

A heroic life by an SSU "disabiity pioneer" came to a close on July 29. Janis Parks, 71, was known for helping SSU become known nationally as a welcoming educational facility for those with physical challenges.

Born January 31, 1937 in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, she was an adventurer from the beginning. A vibrant, active child, her life took a major departure from her early plan to become a veterinarian when, in adolescence, spinal pain led to the diagnosis of a neurological condition called syringomyelia.

As her beloved activities became increasingly limited, she began to lead a life of confinement and isolation. In her words: "I learned to be a patient-patient too well." However, her intelligence, courage and perseverance never wavered. She graduated with her high school class.

The advent of a new welfare law and HUD assistance allowed her to begin a new life. In the mid-70s, she moved to Santa Rosa from Tuolumne, hired a caregiver and enrolled in SRJC. This was her new beginning.

Upon graduation from SRJC, she transfered to SSU at the invitation of a new friend. It became another big step in an adventurous journey of living life to the fullest. Despite the growing paralysis that took over her body, but never her mind or spirit, Parks was a woman of both faith and wit. She had an equally strong attitude of pragmatism and perseverance, continuing her educational quest to obtain a B.A. in Psychology. She became an active volunteer in SSU's Disability Services for Students office.

It was then she applied for an opening in the department. She got it; moving from a "woman on welfare to a tax-paying wage earner." She was now a delighted California State employee, having achieved another lifelong dream.

Parks' contributions at SSU included offering others advising, mentoring, support and friendship. Though physically-challenged, her intelligence and courage were exemplary role models. She became a public speaker, organizer and editor for the department newsletter, FORTE, along with guidance, counseling, and peer advocacy, assisting students in the whole of the campus community.

Parks went on to obtain an a M.A. in Psychology. In her autobiographical thesis, she wrote: "My life turned out better than I ever imagined. I am the hero of this adventure. Sometimes I have been courageous, and sometimes I have been scared, bored, uncertain, hopeful, and determined. I try to remain focused and goal-oriented. My role models are the pioneer women I read about in childhood, and my grandmothers. They all made lasting impressions on me and set strong examples that I have chosen to follow."

At her retirement party, she was delighted with the gift of a motorized wheelchair, a gift from her co-workers. Parks loved traveling the U.S., especially Hawaii. She was an integral part of the national syringomyelia organization, organizing a San Francisco convention and helping to increase membership and friendship for others with this condition. She made friends, both personally and professionally, in many different communities.

She moved to Fort Bragg before returning to Tuolumne to enjoy activities with her family, eventually entering a long-term medical facility in Tuolumne where she was excitedly preparing to use her education and skills to assist returning veterans. Then a sudden illness took her life.

Her gratefulness extended to state and federal programs of IHSS and HUD, which provided essential support to live an independent life. With those services in place, she felt a lifelong debt of gratitude to the many caregivers who made her life both manageable and enjoyable, many still life-long friends. Without their assistance she could not have lived the life of an ambitious, self-determined, interdependent woman.

As was her wish, her body was donated to UCSF for medical research focused on syringomyelia, the medical condition she knew well. She is survived by two sisters, one nephew and four nieces, as well as many friends throughout the country.

In her memory, a scholarship award will acknowledge a deserving student enrolled in the DSS Department at SSU. Donations can be sent to: The Janis Parks 2009 Spirit Award, Development Office, Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928

She will be missed by all her knew her.

- Marlene Alves