Catherine Raggio is a prominent Maryland disability leader and former nonprofit CEO. She served for seven years in the cabinet of former Governor Martin O’Malley as Secretary of the Department of Disabilities. Catherine’s childhood experiences after surviving polio shaped her belief that people with disabilities deserve many more opportunities to be included in all aspects of life. To that end, she has worked tirelessly and collaboratively with like-minded colleagues to create programs and policies that support people with disabilities as they participate in community life. Catherine and her husband, Jim, have two adult children and two grandchildren.
Title by Catherine Raggio
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Great Falls I’ve Taken A Memoir of Disability Layered with Love and Happiness
by Catherine Raggio
- Released: October 2023
- Genre: Memoirs
For Catherine Raggio, any day can end in humiliation when, as a disabled woman, she falls frequently while pursuing the American Dream. Great Falls I’ve Taken is Catherine’s insightful and often humorous account of surviving polio as a toddler and going on to become a leading advocate for people with disabilities.Traumatized by separation from her parents for over a year while recovering from polio, Catherine emerges with newfound strength. Though she often endures emotional pain when she takes a tumble while engaging in everyday activities, her story is a triumph of determination over such indignities. Catherine discovers joy in navigating dating, marriage, parenting, and a fulfilling career. She must always remain mindful, however, of the dangers lurking around each corner.