Dale Coski

Dale receiving a kiss from her dog. (Denver Post)

Dale Coski is one of the most incredible women that I have had the honor of meeting. Dale works for the Agency for Human Rights and Community Relations in Denver, Colorado. She is a former police officer now working to maintain handicapped driver’s laws. She lives in Colorado with her dog. Dale is a very special woman. In 1983, while on duty, she was hit by a truck while helping a motorcyclist change a flat tire. The injury disabled her from the waist down. Although this accident has extremely affected her way of life, her accomplishments have been great and many.

Dale plays a major role in the Commission for People with Disabilities. She coordinates the handicapped parking issues. In 1989 a bill was passed through the Colorado House of Representatives implementing parking privileges for the handicapped. Dale was responsible for putting forth this legislation and processing it through the Colorado House of Representatives. Dale wanted people with disabilities to perform daily tasks as easily as it is for those without disabilities. She believed this could happen without the trouble of finding somewhere to park. The act says that people who are handicapped should have a parking pass that permits them to park in certain specially marked areas. The bill was finalized and approved on May 16, 1989 and signed by the members of Colorado’s Congress.

Dale at a Commission Meeting (Denver Post)

Dale has the effect of lighting up a room when she enters it. She is a confident and hardworking woman. Dale is not looked down upon because of her disability, but looked up to, because of what her disability has done for her. Her experiences have been challenging. The fact that she made it through losing her leg and becoming paralyzed shows a lot about her character. Dale is the type of person who has hope; she sees the glass half full instead of half empty. I respect her for the things she has accomplished.

Dale is a hero who is remarkable in her own way. I believe that Dale stands for motivation. Although she may not realize it, she has taught me to stay determined and focused. She is living proof that dreams can come true. When I think of Dale, the first word to come into my mind is “survivor.” She has come a long way in her life. A hero to me represents motivation, triumph, and determination. Dale Coski represents all of these things and more. A hero, in my eyes, is a survivor, who is Dale Coski.