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.