Radiant Abilities

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has worked with people with disabilities for 25 years. I specialize in helping people with disabilities develop self esteem, confidence, communication, and social skills for successful dating and relationship development. I have taught in group settings and one to one. I have designed online courses, staff trainings, and a curriculum around teaching people with disabilities dating and relationship skills, as well the teachers and professionals who work with them.

I introduce the concept or skill, provide background about why it may be a challenge, offer alternative ways to approach the concept or skill, and wrap up lessons with an implementation worksheet so that students can apply what they learned to their individual situation.

New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Person of Distinction Award New York State Cerebral Palsy Association Al Felmut Award

Master’s degrees in Inclusive Education and Rehabilitation Counseling from Syracuse University.

Kathy O’Connell is Director of Radiant Abilities, which provides resources and products for people with disabilities in the areas of self-esteem, relationships, personal empowerment, and living the life you want. Kathy has a specialized focus in helping people with disabilities with dating and relationship success. She works from the premise of a healthy self-esteem, increased confidence, and good boundaries to build the foundation for success in dating, relationships, and sexuality. Kathy provides individual coaching and counseling for dating and relationships. Kathy intertwines strategies and insights she learned through both her clinical practice and her personal transformation from lacking confidence related to her disability to developing a healthy sense of self in dating and relationships that led to meeting her husband. Kathy has taught dating, relationships, and disability at the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University. She also teaches community classes in dating, relationships, and sexuality, as well as at conferences. Kathy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in Syracuse, NY. She teaches insight, skill development, and empowering beliefs in dating, relationships, and sexuality. Kathy is the author of the self-improvement book, Firewalk: Embracing Different Abilities, how embracing disability and taking pride in it lead to living the life you want