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Jessica Cox has learned to live a life unencumbered by the fact that she was born without arms.

Jessica Cox isn’t different. She just does things in a different way.

She sits comfortably in her chair, sipping on her water. The flimsy plastic cup rests perfectly between her big toe and the next two. As she makes casual conversation, she sips her drink while the toes on her left foot squirm with gestures. This is how people without arms “talk with their hands.”

“It’s a lifestyle,” she said.

Born without arms, she has turned what she calls a “different ability” into a public speaking career, as Jessica Cox Motivational Services.

Miss Cox was the keynote speaker Thursday at the 18th annual “No More Stares Conference.” The event, held at the Holiday Inn in Downtown St. Joseph, was sponsored by MERIL, the Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living.

No More Stares was created by people with disabilities and offers an opportunity to positively affect attitudes, as people with disabilities come together to share life experiences.

“I felt immediately connected with (the theme),” Miss Cox said. “Obviously, staring is a given. I don’t get offended by it.”

Instead, the Tucson, Ariz., woman rejoices in the opportunity to educate the public about herself and others like her.

“You have to accept it,” she said. “I say, ‘Bring it on, world.’ It’s an opportunity instead of a curse.”

She gives her parents most of the praise for her positive upbringing. Her mother was very protective of her, while her father told her she wasn’t a victim.

“I walked very tall next to him,” she said.

While she was a surprise in the delivery room, Miss Cox said her father always told her he never shed a tear for her.

“I was not a victim,” she said.

After three years of lessons, she became a pilot, and just last month was certified in scuba diving, as well as learning to surf.

Prior to her arrival in St. Joseph on Thursday, Miss Cox was in San Diego, filming a documentary with The Learning Channel. The film will feature her and others who are congenital bilateral amputees.

“I think I’m empowering other people,” Miss Cox said. “That’s why I’m excited to speak to this group.”

The conference was an all-day affair, beginning at 9 a.m. Several local service organizations and businesses set up booths, and attendees gathered for various workshops to learn more about benefits in the community for people with disabilities.

Jennifer Hall can be reached at jennhall@npgco.com.