Our Founder

Author, motivational speaker and Coach Ellen Shackelford is founder and President of Connections Access Consulting Services, LLC (CACS). As a person who has sustained a disability through injury, she is well aware of the many challenges and attitudinal barriers people with disabilities face daily. She also knows people with disabilities are often overlooked and underserved in social situations and not considered in economical statuses. It was no until she became disabled in a horrific auto crash which also caused the death of her youngest son Raymond in 1983, that she would realize how people’s attitudes are hindrances in the lives of people with disabilities.

Her consulting company provides services to raise awareness of the many facets of disability and how to foster inclusive environments for all. She has spoken to many groups, organizations, businesses, churches, schools, colleges, and individuals on related matters. Ms. Shackelford has authored 3 books on disability etiquette, which Words Matter Using appropriate words and communication with meaning; being her latest works.

Ellen is a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and moved to Virginia in 1979. She graduated from Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton Virginia earning an Associate’s Degree in Marketing, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. She holds a Personal and Executive Coaching certificate from the International Coach Federation, as well as in Partners in Policy Making (PIP), sponsored by Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Ellen is recognized by The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services of the U.S. Department of Education Rocky Mount Technical Assistance & Consulting Center and Dan Hopkins & Associates, Inc., with a leadership certification. She has participated in the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCRIP) as a Consumer Reviewer and the Spinal Cord Injury and Disability Research program (SCIDR).

She is active with disability related issues and holds several leadership roles. She is the former Vice Chairperson for the Hampton Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, where she serves a Chairperson of Accessibility. Ellen Volunteered for M.A.D.D (Mothers against Drunk Driving), and as a tutor for The Peninsula Literacy Council. She also held membership in several committees such as: The StateWide Independent Living Council (SILC), ToastMasters International, National Speakers Association, and the Citizens Unity Commission, as a liaison and Facilitator for Hampton Diversity College. Ellen received 1st runner up in the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Pageant (2007-08) held in Fishersville, Virginia. In addition, she has been awarded the distinctive honor as Outstanding Citizens of the Year for 2013 by the Hampton Citizens Unity Commission. She has a daughter, who has graduated from Fordham University in Bronx, New York as well as three grandchildren, and 2 great-granddaughters, by her late son Jason R. Freeman.

Ms. Shackelford is available for in person, Zoom virtual learning, or micro-sessions via telephone communication. She travels from Virginia.

Also available: Custom Curriculum Creation for businesses, organizations, and government facilities.

You may reach Ms. Shackelford by email at: consultLN@cox.net or by phone: 757-827-0783 (office landline). You may also visit the web site at: www.cacsllc.info or www.increaseyourdisabilityawareness.com

The 2013 Citizens’ Unity Award Program Honors
Ellen Shackelford as Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Ms. Shackelford is a member of the National Speakers Association

Airlie Conference Center
Alternatives, Incorporated
American Legion, Louis E. Randall Post #1997
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
Arthritis Foundation
Christopher Newport University
Citizens Unity Commission
Cornell High School
First Baptist A.M.E. Church
Fort Monroe
Foster Grandparents Program
George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
Gethsemane Baptist Church
Great Oak Housing Development
Hampton Health Department
Hampton University
Independence Resource Center
International Association of Administration Professionals
New Horizons School
North Carolina Central University
Patrick Henry Mall - Annual Disability Day (DAD)
Peninsula Center for Independent Living
Polio Foundation
Saint Leo University
SEAC Family Support Group
The HR Group
The Lett Group
Teledyne Hastings Instruments
Thomas Nelson Community College
U.S.S. Carl Vinson Navy Base
Victims Impact Panel
Victory Life Church
Wakefield Conference Center
Williamsburg James City County School
World Victory Church & Life Center

“Thanks so much for coming and speaking to our Employer Recognition Luncheon attendees today!! We really enjoyed your perspective and laid back approach. Folks love to laugh and you had such a pleasant and positive attitude in your speech. I hope this was as enjoyable for you as it was for all of us in DRS.”

Lisa W. Zahralddin,
Facilitator - Commonwealth Workforce Networks

“Congratulations on being inducted into the Cornell Wall of Fame. You are most deserving! It was wonderful to chat with you after all these years. You were amazing with the students, Ellen. Everyone is still talking about your presentation.”

Mrs. Donna Belas,
Superintendent, Cornell High School

“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to you and your colleague Ms. Marguerite Edmonds for the informative presentation on Social Interaction when Speaking to People with Disabilities at our Veterans Day program. We are elated to know that there is a company such as yours in our realm we can draw from for information regarding disabilities.”

Leroy Thompson,
Commander - The American Legion - Post 1997

“Please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation for the outstanding workshop you convened, The Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities, as part of Thomas Nelson’s Institute for Diversity and Inclusion. The workshop was well received by the faculty and staff who attended, and was rated as one of the “best” offered during the 6-week long Institute. Your knowledge of disability issues combined with your personal story and professional expertise as a consultant/trainer was highly effective, and contributed to the open, engaging learning environment created around a topic not very well understood by many people… Thank you again for contributing your time, talents and expertise to Thomas Nelson’s Institute for Diversity and Inclusion. We look forward to a long and enduring partnership, and your continued involvement with the Institute.”

Deborah C. Fontaine, Ph.D,
Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee

“Thank you for participating again in our annual Ability Awareness Day. You have a powerful testimony that really blesses others. Being transparent about your journey as you moved from anger to being able to reach out to help others is truly a gift that many do not have. You blessed all who were in attendance at our event.”

Rev. Carol Powell,
Coordinator, F.A.I.T.H. In Action Ministry - Gethsemane Baptist Church

The Polio Support Group really enjoyed having you speak to us; all of us really enjoyed having you with us and look forward to you returning with additional fruitful information.”

Alice George,
Polio Support Group Chair

“Your presentation entitled, “Disability Awareness: Inclusion is the Solution,” was a wonderful addition to our event. Once again, your session contributed to the Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certifications.”

Heather Moore,
Diversity Conference Chair, Wake County North Carolina

“We are fortunate to have had someone of your professional expertise and credentials volunteer time from your busy schedule to address our staff and serve as a resource person. Your presentation was very timely in that we are trying to adapt the Health Department building to be more user-friendly to individuals with disabilities. Your insight was invaluable.”

S. William Berg, MD, MPH,
Director - Hampton Health Department

“Talking with high schoolers can sometimes be a challenging task, but your interactive and open presentation style enabled the young people to easily speak up and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions and asking questions that were on their minds. Now that the young people have an increased awareness and sensitivity to the language and attitudes associated with the people with disabilities, I feel they are ready for more advanced training.”

Allyson Graul,
Director of Youth Civic Engagement - Alternatives, Inc.

“Thank you for speaking to our group about issues which face the disability community. Our understanding of how to interact with a diverse people has opened our hearts to be more accepting and tolerant. We look forward to you sharing additional information in the near future.”

Post Polio Support Group May 6, 2016

"Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ, whom we praise and give the glory for blessings that come to us daily – in so many ways. On behalf of the pastor, the WIMPY Circle, and the officers and members of World Victory Church & Life Center, I take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to you for your awesome, informative Seminar on “Disability Awareness” at our WIMPY (Wednesday, Inspirational, Music, Prayer, & Yearning) Luncheon – Program. You are truly an eloquent speaker and a knowledgeable and beautiful personality! The attendees are still talking about you and your presentation, praising you highly and requesting your return. 57 WIMPY members and friends were in attendance. We feel so wonderfully blessed that you came our way and shared your expertise with us.
It is the dedication warmth and genuine concern of loved ones such as you which continue to play so significant a part in the growth of our Christian mission. And what a magnificent bio! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Again thank you for your powerful presentation. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and may God continue to bless you richly. Be assured you will always be in our thoughts and prayers."

Joyce S. Carter,
WIMPY Coordinator

“For the past two years, I have contracted with Ellen through her business – Connections Access Consulting Services, LLC – to facilitate a course entitled “Disability Awareness… Inclusion & Access for All.” Ellen has done a superb job of facilitating this three-week diversity education course within the Hampton Diversity Leadership Academy. In fact, Ellen’s course has turned out to be one of the most popular courses offered through the academy. Through my experiences with Ellen, I can confidently recommend her for your consideration as a consultant/trainer/facilitator. Ellen has consistently conducted herself with competence in disability knowledge and experience.”

John L. Johnson,
Executive Director, Hampton Citizens' Unity Commission

“From the beginning to the close of your presentation the 55 employees in attendance were captivated with learning how to effectively and appropriately communicate with persons with disabilities in both social and workplace environments. The information you presented on Disability Etiquette, Accessibility issues and Dispelling Disabled Workers Myths were excellent guidelines with a consistent message that defines the value of a diverse and inclusive workplace to a company’s success. After you left, positive conversation and remarks about your presentation continued which is an indication Teledyne Hastings Instruments is well on its way to leading out front and putting meaning behind the words that we value the concepts of diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We are indebted to you for lighting the spark of interest and helping us incorporate this new learning dynamic in our workplace. Thank you again for spending the time with us and sharing your experience and valuable lessons.”

Patricia Lacey,
Human Resources Manager, Teledyne Hastings Instruments

“I’ve received comments from staff and participants about how much they enjoyed your presentation and how they learned about “Managing Their Disability” based on the information you shared with them. Thanks for being so open, sincere and embracing with this group. I only regret that I was unable to participate. Again, thanks for the phenomenal job.”

Linda Gurley

“I wanted to thank you for the recent ADA Training you did for my staff at Airlie Center. The information was useful, informative and eye opening. They enjoyed the relaxed nature of the training and your willingness to share personal stories. I’ve already noticed a change in the way employee refer to our guests that have disabilities. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again in the future. It was certainly a pleasure.”

Paige Leazer,
Director, Human Resources, Airlie Foundation

“Your presentations are always interesting; I have noticed a difference in the members as they discuss and interact with others with a disability. With the tools that you have given us, we have been quite successful in recruiting a number of young men and women with disabilities returning from Iraq.”

Courtney B. Jackson,
Post Commander, The American Legion Louis E. Randall Post 1997

“The Polio Support Group really enjoyed having you speak to us; all of us really enjoyed having you with us and look forward to you returning with additional fruitful information.”

Patsy Wiggins,
HR Professional, Greensboro NC

“Thank you so much for the report you created on handicap accessibility for our canoe and kayak trails. We are making a concerted effort to create the most accurate and informative waterways guide, you’re your knowledge and experience is an enormous help to us.”

Kacie Martin Smith,
Special Events - Hampton Parks and Recreation

“The interactive nature of Mrs. Shackelford’s presentation and her willingness to share her own personal experiences helped our students understand, appreciate, and accept individuals with disabilities. Her presentation was moving and authentic. At a recent PTA meeting a parent shared a letter thanking us for acknowledging National Inclusive Schools Week. Mrs. Shackelford’s presentation certainly was the highlight of the week.”

Sharmaine D. Grove, MA. Ed.,
Assistant Principal - Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools

“She is knowledgeable about the laws and resources that relate to people with disabilities and how to accommodate their needs. She is respected in the disability community both locally and nationally. It is my opinion that she could be of assistance to any business or organization interested in improving their knowledge of people with disabilities and improving access for people with disabilities in our community.”

Ralph Shelman,
Executive Director - Insight Enterprises, Inc.

“On behalf of the crew of the USS Carl Vinson, I extended my sincere appreciation for your moving presentation. Preventing alcohol related incidents continues to be a priority for the Navy and the USS Carl Vinson. It is obvious that retelling the story of how you lost your son and how you became disabled is still very difficult. I admire your courage and greatly appreciate your willingness to address the crew in the hopes of preventing future tragedies of this nature. Your presentation made a significant impact on everyone in attendance and hopefully many Sailors will reconsider when they are contemplating making a potentially tragic decision to drink and drive. Your personal story and participation helped to make it a resounding success.”

W.E. Carter, JR., Captain - U.S. Navy

“Thank you for your enthusiastic presentation at the Foster Grandparent Program June 2007 in service meeting. You and your partner did an exceptional job and I commend both. Your positive attitude while interacting with the volunteers was very beneficial in expanding their knowledge of available service in the community.”

Jason S. Samuels,
Program Director - Foster Grandparent Program

“Thank you for taking the time to present to my Business Essentials class. This course is designed to teach the students how to communicate with various audiences. According to the US Census Bureau, 21% of Americans currently have a disability; the number of people with disabilities will rise as the population ages. With this statistic in mind and the possibility of any of us becoming disabled, every person can benefit from having the knowledge of generally accepted terms and behavior. The students and I were very pleased with the information you presented. Your interactive style made the learning experience a lot of fun.”

Peggy Howard, MPA,
Saint Leo University Faculty

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