Temple Grandin film

 

Trailer

This weekend, HBO is premiering Temple Grandin, the true story of a woman diagnosed with autism in the 1950s, at a time when many people with disabilities were put in institutions. The film stars Claire Danes as Grandin, and shows her development as someone who uses her unique talents as well as her mother's and teachers' encouraging mentorship to overcome educational and social obstacles.

The film chronicles Grandin's intial interest and successes in understanding animal behavior, which will ultimately revolutionize the cattle industry. Her story paves the way for Grandin to become one of the world's most well known lecturers and spokespersons for autism.

To learn more about Dr. Temple Grandin, you can visit her site here. For more information on the film, click here.

Temple Grandin premieres tomorrow, February 6 at 7:00pm Central Time.

Hero from Texas

A story came out on the ABC affiliate in Houston about a boy with autism who saved his art teacher's life. They were in a classroom alone when his teacher, Sheri Lowe, bit into an apple and choked. Ten year old Kyle Forbes then rushed to her and performed the Heimlich maneuver that he learned in Cub Scouts and had practiced with his father.

Everyone can make a difference!

Neat Story out of Kansas

This is a great story out of Kansas that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Matt Ziesel, a freshman football player at St. Joseph Benton, has Down syndrome. With his team down 46-0 late in the game two weekends ago, his coach - Dan McCamy - called for the "Matt Play" and ran across the field to the defensive huddle of Maryville to explain the situation.

What ensued was a long touchdown run by Ziesel with Marville's players chasing him to make it as real as possible for Ziesel.

Great Article from the Commercial Appeal

There was a great article in yesterday's Commercial Appeal about the challenges high school students with disabilities face when they graduate and how new federal laws and increased awareness are helping make that transition easier.

The story focuses on Daniel Fendley, a high school graduate with Asperger's Syndrome headed to Southwest Tennessee Community College. It delves into challenges that he and other incoming freshmen with disabilities face and some of the steps that can be taken to ease the transition into higher learning.

It's definitely worth a read.

Great Story from the Commercial Appeal

The Commercial Appeal ran a great story yesterday about Kenny E. Thielemier, Jr., a Cordova resident with Down syndrome. He defies many stereotypes associated with developmental and intellectual disabilities as he is an active member in his church, performs in a dance troupe and helps arrange for volunteer opportunities at the Mid-South Food Bank and Meals On Wheels. His life's goals also include getting married, passing his driver's test, and landing a spot as a TV weather man.

The article also discusses some of the major improvements made in the realm of diagnosing and treating disabilities such as Down syndrome. Thielmier, Jr. serves as an example of what early intervention and a strong support system can do. With those two factors in place and the advancements in skill development, more and more people with disabilities are leading more fulfilling, independent lives.

Luke and Margie in the Final Three!

Luke and Margie Adams advanced to the final leg of CBS' The Amazing Race with their second place finish in last night's episode. The mother/son navigated the crowded streets of Beijing before arriving at the mat in front of Niao Chao, also known as the "Bird's Nest", the national stadium used during last year's SUmmer Olympic games.

Luke Adams is the first contestant in the history of The Amazing Race who is deaf. He and his mother Margie have outlasted eight other teams and now have a shot to win the $1M grand prize.

Luke and Margie: To be Continued

Luke And Margie Adams appeared ready to arrive at the mat second in the 10th leg of CBS' The Amazing Race before a surprise twist: What was supposed to be the 10th pitstop, was actually just another clue. Luke survived a painful - but therapeutic - foot massage and the mother and son duo each swam 200 meters of a 400 meter swim before leaving for what they thought would be the pit stop.

Luke Adams is the first contestant on The Amazing Race to be deaf. He and his mom Margie have used their close relationship and communication skills to win three legs of The Amazing Race, tying them with Tammy and Victor for most this season.

Luke and Margie Finish Third

Luke and Margie arrived at the at mat third in the 9th leg of CBS' The Amazing Race. The top three teams all finished within seconds of each other after a footrace from the final part of the Detour. Tempers flared at the mat as tensions ran high throughout the leg between Margie and Luke and sisters Keisha and Jen. Luke and Jen collided at the the first two clue boxes of the legs and exchanged heated words during the day.

Luke Adams is the first contestant on The Amazing Race who is deaf. He and his mom have survived the first 9 legs and still have a shot to win the $1M prize.

Another win for Luke and Margie!

Luke and Margie Adams bounced back from a grueling seventh leg arrived at the mat first in leg eight of CBS' The Amazing Race. Still in Thailand, the mother/son dynamic duo bested the other remaining four teams as they navigated the congested streets and waterways of Bangkok. The pair was awarded a trip for two to Puerto Rico for their victory.

Luke Adams is the first contestant in the history of the show to be deaf. He and his mom Margie have used their close relationship and communication skills to win three legs of The Amazing Race, tying them with Tammy and Victor for most this season.

Luke and Margie Finish Fourth

In what's becoming a theme, Luke and Margie Adams logged another fourth place finish in the seventh leg of CBS' The Amazing Race. The mother and son duo survived the intense heat of Phuket, Thailand, though Margie fainted once they arrived at the mat, suffering from dehyrdation or heat exhaustion.

Luke is the first contestant in the 14-year history of The Amazing Race to be deaf. He and his mom have been in the top four in every leg so far this season, including two first place finishes.

Meet Dylan Kuehl

Dylan Kuehl, an individual with Down syndrome, was on featured on Biz Kid$, a TV show on PBS about how kids can make and manage money. Dylan has a real passion for the arts and has turned that passion into a money-making enterprise with his own studio DK Arts Visual and Performing Arts Company. It's an awesome story and one that should serve as an inspiration to everyone.



You can also check out Dylan's website at www.DylanKArts.com.

Another fourth place finish for Luke and Margie

Luke and Margie Adams advanced to the 7th leg of The Amazing Race with another fourth place finish last night. Their ventures took them from the freezing cold of Siberia to the heat of India. As part of their roadblock, the mother and son combo donned a traditional Indian costume and danced in the streets of Jaipur until they collected 100 Rs in tips.

Luke Adams is the first contestant in the 14-year history of The Amazing Race who is deaf. He and his mother Margie have won two legs of the race so far this season and have proven to be one of the toughest teams remaining on the show.

Luke and Margie win again!

For the second time this season, Luke and Margie Adams claimed first place on a leg of The Amazing Race on CBS. They braved the freezing cold of Siberia, maneuvered cumbersome snow plows, and Luke even ran a mini-marathon in his underwear to arrive at the mat first. The mother/son duo received a trip for two to St. Lucia for their efforts.

Luke is the first contestant who is deaf to be on the show. He and his mom Margie have proven to be one of the strongest teams this season and a real threat to claim the $1M prize at the end of the season.

Neat Story out of Pennsylvania

There’s a great piece on ESPN.com by columnist Rick Reilly about Matt Steven, a high school kid who is blind. He’s a big basketball fan and has always enjoyed being around the game and is actually on a competitive Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) team in Upper Darby, PA. He shoots free throws at all the team’s practices and typically makes about half of them.

His coach (who happens to be his brother) requested and was granted the ability to use Matt as the team’s designated free throw shooter at all their games so he can participate with all his friends. His first game, he knocked down his first 2 free throws before finishing the day 4-8. His second game played out like the script of a movie. He stepped to the free throw line in the waning seconds of the game and his team down one point and calmly knocked down both shots for the victory.

It’s a quick read and definitely worthwhile. Check it out when you get a chance.

Another Fourth Place finish for Luke and Margie

Luke and Margie Adams finished fourth for a third consecutive leg on The Amazing Race on CBS. The mother/son duo survived wood-stacking and a bobsled ride in the chill of Siberia to post another strong finish. Luke is the first contestant in the show's history who is deaf. Through the first four legs of the race, he and Margie have won over the respect of their fellow racers, as well as the hearts of America.

Another solid showing for Margie and Luke

Sunday night’s episode of The Amazing Race saw Margie and Luke turn in another strong performance. Together they successfully navigated a gymnastics lesson in Romania and the forests of Transylvania to finish fourth for a second consecutive week. Luke is the show’s first contestant who is deaf. He and his mother Margie have used their strong relationship and communication skills to keep pace with the rest of the racers.

Luke and Margie on The Amazing Race

In another example of a person with a disability shattering negative stereotypes, this season of The Amazing Race on CBS features Luke Adams, the show’s first contestant who is deaf. Luke has been deaf since birth and has relied on Margie to be his voice to the world. The pair has developed their own shorthand sign language, and hope that their ability to communicate non-verbally will give them something of an advantage as the race wears on.

Through two legs, Luke and his mom Margie have emerged as one of the strongest teams on the show. They won the first leg of the race which aired last Sunday, taking home a trip for two to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for their efforts. In the episode that aired last night, a cake-covered Luke and Margie arrived at the mat 4th, keeping them in good position to be serious challengers as the race progresses.

Luke hopes that his appearance on The Amazing Race will be an inspiration to other individuals who are deaf. From the official The Amazing Race page on CBS.com, Luke says he wants to “be a role-model for deaf people everywhere while proving that the deaf can do just about anything and to never think otherwise”. He’s already won over his competition, as many have expressed that sentiment. Judging by the show's fan page, it appears he’s winning over the public too.