About Nancy Shugart

Recipient of the 2005 KVUE Five Who Care Community Service Award

Recipient of the 2005 Volunteer of the Year award
presented by the Austin Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Now you know I'm not going to say anything bad about myself! So here is my modest attempt to tell you a little bit about me.

My story of triumph in the face of adversity has appeared in the magazines of the Texas State Teachers Association and the National Education Association. I have been featured in an Associated Press article which appeared in nearly every Texas newspaper. I have also been a guest on numerous radio programs and several local TV programs. My Guide Dog, Luke, and I were even the cover story for the Austin Family Magazine!

I am the author of the book Challenged to Win: Turning Overwhelming Challenges Into Unbelievable Results

I went blind at age eight but I was determined to still live my dream of becoming a teacher. After being told I would never teach in the public schools because of my blindness, I became even more determined to prove them wrong!

Following my successful 21-year teaching career from 1981-2002 I founded Prove Them Wrong with the mission of teaching others who are faced with adversity to awaken the power they possess and live their dream!

In addition to publishing a monthly electronic magazine, developing courses on personal power for students, and presenting motivational and inspirational programs for youth and adult audiences, I am also very active in community service. I am a member of the

Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities (appointed in 2000 by then Texas Governor George W. Bush and appointed to a second term in 2003, a third term in 2005, and a fourth term in 2006 by Governor Rick Perry)

and

Co-Chair of the Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes School Program for the Austin Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

I am also a member of

Texas PTA
National PTA
Education Austin
Texas State Teachers Association
National Education Association
Texas Association of Magicians

"You are a perfect example that dreams become reality when we believe. You are wonderful!" -Rudy Munguia

"I thought your presentation at the Mid-Winter Conference was very inspirational and touching. Having worked at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired for 25 years, I was a bit shocked to learn of your personal struggle and how much you did on your own before receiving services. You truly did "Prove them Wrong". Your eyes may not work very well but you have a very clear picture of the world and what it takes to succeed. I am proud to know you and call you my friend. My energy is renewed to go out and make a difference."

-Patti Robinson
President, Austin Downtown Lions Club

Begin now! There is a genius inside every child!
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