One of my all-time favorite TED talks is Approaching Autism Theatrically in which the totally brilliant Stephen Volan discusses how his experiences in an improv theatre troop helped him to learn the social language of neurotypicals. While Volan discuss the productive uncertainty of improv, theater (as a more general framework) has all the necessary components to [...]
There is a misconception that individuals with cerebral palsy do not have the skills to compete in the workplace without support or accommodations. It’s time to take a look around you and realize that among the special needs community you have some amazingly talented people in the workforce. Whether it’s in technology, education, the arts or another [...]
Recently the movie A Mile In His Shoes was released. A Mile In His Shoes is the story of Mickey Tussler, a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome and a golden arm. The manager for a local baseball team convinces Mickey to join the team. For the first time in his life Mickey is forced to interact with others [...]
On February 22nd HBO will be airing another Special Needs documentary. Raising Renee tells the story of Beverly Mciver and her sister Renee who is cognitively impaired. Before their mother Ethel passes away Beverly makes a promise to take care of Renee after her mothers passing. Reality hits and Beverly realizes that being a caretaker is no easy [...]
Rick Finkelstein was an executive at Universal Pictures and an avid skier. In 2004 he was paralyzed from a skiing accidents The Movement is a new documentary that tells the story of Rick’s eventual return to skiing using a monoski . Filmed by renowned ski filmaker Kurt Miller and narrated by Robert Redford the film also includes Jim [...]
Andrew Shelley, lives the American Dream. He leads a successful life as an engineer and single bachelor. Unhappy with his day job Andrew wants more from his life, so he sets out on a backpacking journey across the world to find out. For Andrew this is a seemingly impossible task. Andrew has Muscular Dystrophy. He weighs [...]
For true Hockey fans 24/7 on HBO is must see TV. For the second straight year HBO ran a four part reality show that tells the story of hockey life in between games. This year the spotlight shines on the New York rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers as they prepare for the Winter Classic, the [...]
Every four years the state of Iowa captures the national spotlight. Since 1972, the Iowa caucuses have been the first major electoral event of the nominating process for President of the United States. Enter Sam Wessels. Sam is a nine year old Iowan who has Autism. Sam and his mom Lin wanted to know what [...]
A new documentary is soon to be released about Andrés Torres the center fielder for the New York Mets. The video will document the life of Andrés, how he came from humble means, found rejection, mockery, and disappointment, and struggled for 10 years in the minors before becoming a major league baseball player. In addition [...]
While browsing through some special needs videos on You Tube, I came across this great animated series of safety videos for children with special needs. The series, comprised of eight videos focuses on safety concerns such as fire and burn prevention, water safety, poison control and more. Each video documents a family who has a child [...]
