At the age of 19, I was seriously injured in a car wreck and not expected to walk again.  I never believed that was going to be my fate although I could not deny my life was going to change.  My body was much different than I could have ever imagined was possible.  Just getting up off the ground continues to be an issue when at one time in my life I was a gymnast.  Of course I was angry and that anger continues to be what leads my fight to maintain as much of my physical being as is humanly possible.  I did not let anyone else define what that was going to be.  The doctors, therapist, nurses, etc. did not know me.  They did not know when I become determined nothing can stop me.  

 

To this day I fall down often and everyone seems to think that is a problem but me. I have been encouraged to walk with a cane, or even a walker.  The issue is I don’t need it all of the time.  So what do I do with it when I don’t need it?  I would rather just fall and get back up. I don’t like to fall but I know all I have to do is get back up and keep going.  It might mean I have dirt on my knees but I do it my way. So what’s the big deal?  This new life was the beginning of my future.  I have always been accustomed to being among the best.  I had to make that happen in some form for my life again.  This time it was with my mind and not my physical being.  

  

I was able to regain my ability to walk; however, I could no longer run, jump, dance, or gracefully pass through a room without much thought at all.  I was different.  A part of me died in that wreck.   Soon after I realized that part of me was dead I had to fill a hole and another part of my being was born.  Because I could no longer depend on my body it was my mind that needed to take center stage.  I decided to go back to school for more education. The search was on for a direction.

 

After going through such a life-changing experience, I knew I wanted to enter the field of providing services to individuals who live with disabilities but did not know exactly what degree I wanted to obtain, what setting I wanted to work in, and exactly what population I wanted to serve.  

 

After graduating from Kansas Newman College in May of 1998 with a double Major in Psychology and Sociology with honors, I chose to continue my education at Emporia State University.  I graduated with a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling in May of 2000.  Shortly after I became National Certified as a Rehabilitation Counselor.

 

Two weeks after I graduated I took the first position that was offered to me.  I wanted to save the world and quick.  I started as a case manager for a company named Rise.  I did not have much information about them as a company just knew I was going to be working and needed an income to pay off the student loans I racked up, among other things.  

 

My first encounter with a person who lived with a developmental disability was simple, fun, entertaining, and rewarding.  I wanted to help.  I wanted to work with others who were excited about helping themselves.  In short, I had landed exactly where I was supposed to be.  

 

At the time I was still an outsider looking in and knew I could make things better.  I could help others in demanding more from their lives - to provide them with education on how life could be - to let them determine what was the meaningful to them. I could make a difference!

 

In November of 2000, after six months as a case manager, I started a like business with two partners.  Close to four years later, my partners and I agreed it was time for us to move on in our lives and arranged to split the company.   In June 2004, The Right Thing Inc (TRT) was born offering services to people with developmental delays and mental disabilities and their families.  

 

The vision was that all TRT employees would always do the right thing for the right reasons for those we serve.  I feel confident that, to this day, we stick by our motto and do the right thing on a daily basis.  I am here to assure that continues.

 

My passion is assisting others in reaching their dreams.  There is nothing better than watching someone reach a higher level of independence and knowing that, in some small way, I was a part of that success. I am passionate about creating and maintaining a culture - somewhere everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  Being employed by The Right Thing, Inc. means you buy into that philosophy.  You understand what it means to be a teacher.  

 

My accomplishments will not be recognized in New York City, on Madison Avenue as I once dreamt.  Dreams change.  Sometimes we are put where we are supposed to be.   My dream is here in Wichita, KS. I want to be a part of assisting individuals reach their dreams and goals.  I want to be a part of something more important than Madison Avenue could have ever been.  I want to pave a road for individuals to learn how to fight for their independence and understand how precious that gift is.  For those who might not ever reach goals set or understand what it means to have a goal I want to be a element of ensuring lives are better because The Right Thing, Inc. was a part of it.  

 

I believe it is my job to ensure everyone at The Right Thing; Inc. is treated with dignity and respect.  I am here to make sure those associated with The Right Thing, Inc., do “The Right Thing”

 

Sincerely;

Cori Adair

CEO. President, TRT Inc.

 

Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology/Sociology from Newman University 1998, Master’s of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Emporia State University 2000.  

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor