There are many inspirational stories in the news. We have a collection here of news from around the world of amazing people doing amazing things. Please read our inspirational News Clippings:
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A fabulous video from the 2011 ACM Awards - Darius Rucker sings his song Music From the Heart, a song that was written at the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and disorders caused by the disruption of typical development.
A fascinating report by 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl, who looks at how iPads and other technologies have greatly improved the lives of those with autism. -
The Frog Princes on CBC, August 6th at 7 p.m.
The CBC will air the documentary called The Frog Princes on August 6th at 7PM. It was filmed by Eyesteelfilm, a well-known documentary company. They filmed the process of developing the 2010 show The Frog and the Princess: A Musical Ecodrama. This show was written and directed by Dr. Stephen Snow and produced by Lenore Vosberg, Centre for the Arts and Human Development, a division of the Department of Creative Arts Therapies in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Concordia University. All the actors are 20 years and over and have intellectual disabilities. You can read about this in the Fall 2010 edition of Inspirations at http://www.inspirationsnews.com/pdf_en/OnlineEditions/Inspirations_Fall_2010_web.pdf, page 13. It is very powerful and not to be missed!
A Motion Picture Event
The Mackay Centre School Film Festival
By Wendy Singer
The Mackay Centre School in NDG held its first film festival recently and received spectacular reviews, transforming the gymnasium into a movie theatre set the perfect scene decorated with stars, glitter, and a good old-fashioned popcorn stand. Staff were donned in black and white, and Pre-kindergarten to Grade Six students were abuzz with anticipation for their moment in the spotlight.
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Adults with autism thrive as software testers
(AP) HIGHLAND PARK, Illinois - The software testers at Aspiritech are a collection of characters. Katie Levin talks nonstop.
For Some With Autism, Jobs To Match Their Talents
Steen B. Iversen tests mobile phones for the Danish telecommunications firm TDC. Before landing his job two and a half years ago, Iversen, 50, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, spent more than 12 years looking for work. “It’s always been somewhat traumatizing,” he said. “I have had jobs, but I always got fired.
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Cerebral palsy no barrier to excellence Jay Jones Doyle always finds time to spread awareness about cerebral palsy
Although born with cerebral palsy, Jay Jones Doyle can do most anything. One thing he can't do, however is stop his son's wrist-shot "He's a good goalie," says his son Benjamin."But I can score on him." Fatherhood and living a normal life were not in the cards for Jones, whose doctors told his mother Francine that a young Jay would never walk.
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Autism Now: MacNeil Answers Viewer-Submitted Questions on Series
The PBS Newshour launched a six-part series of reports about autism both on-air and online. 'Autism Now takes a unique and uniquely personal look at how autism impacts families, schools and communities. Hosted by former anchor Robert MacNeil, who will introduce you to his six-year-old grandson, Nick, who has autism.
Mother-daughter duo demystify Down's Syndrome
CTV Montreal The Power of One covered Inspiration's story about Erika Tencer and her daughter Atara, click on the link to read about them.
"American Idol's" James Durbin has Asperger's and Tourette's.
Ever since he showed up at "American Idol's" San Francisco auditions and shared the compelling story of his struggle with both Asperger's syndrome and Tourette's syndrome, contestant James Durbin has enjoyed the support of others whose lives have been touched by Asperger's and Tourette's.
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Man With Cerebral Palsy To Host New Show
Wheelchair-bound lady magnet Zach, discusses his many talents and idea for a TV show designed to inspire people who never thought they could travel. Join Zach as he globe-trots to some of the most notoriously inaccessible locations and embraces the spontaneous nature of world travel!
iPhone and iPod Touch IP-Relay App for the Deaf
The new IP-Relay app lets users make direct IP-Relay calls right from their phones, or dial anyone in their iPhone address book with just a few taps.
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Kevin Frost moves up in the worlds
Orléans resident Kevin Frost competed in last month's Masters' International Speed Skating Games in Calgary, where the blind-deaf athlete competed against able-bodied skaters and set multiple personal best times.
Frost, who was diagnosed with Usher's Syndrome - is aiming to get deaf-blind speed skating recognized as a sport by the International Paralympic committee.
Morgan's Wonderland
World's First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park
The World's First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, their family members, caregivers, friends and the entire community. This 25-acre park is a unique oasis, that through the spirit of inclusion, allows people of all abilities to play, learn and share life changing experiences together, in a fun and safe environment.
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Deaf dog learns sign language
A dog who couldn’t hear has learned some sign language thanks to inmates at a U.S. prison and children at a school for the deaf.
World autism center in Jerusalem
At the first global research and education center for autism, to be built in Jerusalem, the plan is to integrate all the systems that work.
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Caregivers paying it forward
Chamberland, who makes animated films, wanted to help ease the financial strain, so he and 10 of his film friends from the National Film Board of Canada created original works of art for a series of greeting cards that are being sold on the Centre de répit Philou website. All the money goes to the Centre de répit Philou, a place where severely handicapped children can be cared for while their caregivers take a break.
Outspoken MP fights a private war of words
The paradox of the outspoken Pat Martin is that he was - and, to some degree, still is - a chronic stutterer. And with the release this week of The King's Speech, a film about King George VI, his stutter and his speech therapist, Mr. Martin reflects on how his own stutter changed his life.
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Guiding students to the light Francine Gravel
Most of us have our sight and don't see what's around us, a school board official says in tribute to blind teacher Francine Gravel.
Marianne Leone discusses Cerebral Palsy
Courage is like one ant trying to cross a roaring stream.
It may seem impossible, but you have to try.
– Jesse Cooper
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Teen with autism advises other 'different' kids
Figuring out what's cool. Struggling for acceptance. Dealing with homework. These are familiar perils of middle school. But Haley Moss did it all while dealing with a hidden challenge: autism.
Moguls gold goes to Canadian Alex Bilodeau
My brother is my inspiration, Bilodeau said, wiping tears from his eyes. He taught me so many things in my life.
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Teen Masters Double Back Flip In Wheelchair
Spina bifida isn’t stopping Aaron Fotheringham who recently became the first person to do a double back flip in a wheelchair.
Disability No Barrier For Talented Artist
A genetic disorder is leaving Jessica Blinkhorn with increasingly limited control over her body, but that’s not stopping her from producing awe-inspiring drawings.
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Man With Cerebral Palsy Reaches Summit of El Capitan
Stephen Wampler Becomes First Person With Cerebral Palsy to Climb Mountain at Yosemite
"Going to camp as a kid opened so many doors for me, and that's when I experienced the real adventure of nature," Wampler said in a video on his website.
Kitten Therapy Changing Lives in DC
Shelter animals used to help cerebral palsy patients
Just the natural act of picking up and interacting with the little cuddly creatures has helped more than 200 patients improve their motor and sensory skills.
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For Autistic Children, Therapy on Four Legs
“My students are all functionally nonverbal,” she said. “They are very content as a whole not to speak, but they want to speak to Yori. There is one student who I spent years trying to teach to say hello and goodbye. Then one day he started saying hello and goodbye to Yori. Soon he said it to me, and now he does it with his fellow students.”
Tampa's 'Sensitive Santa' allows children with autism
to get photographs, too
With music and lights turned low, WestShore Plaza opened early for "Sensitive Santa." The event allowed children with autism to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment.
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Man with cerebral palsy helps teach special-ed course
Buswell, 30, is co-instructing a course at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on how to teach students who have significant support needs. His presence in the classroom every week provides a valuable real-life lesson in how people with disabilities can be included — and even teach a thing or two.
Sign-Language Researcher Is First Deaf Person
to Receive Genius Grant
'I opened up and started thinking of sign language more broadly, language in deaf peoples' lives, how people feel about their own language, their own community.' - Carol Padden
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Student filmmakers capture world they know and can’t see
"But the more I got to know them, the more I got inspired by them, and the more they got excited by film and TV the more I want to teach them," Kevin Bright said
U.S. Bobsledder Has Clear Picture of His Goal
But as odd as it may sound, at some level the keratoconus helped Holcomb’s piloting.
“It was definitely an advantage to me because the best way to drive is by feeling,” Holcomb said. “Most people have to force themselves to learn it, but I had no other choice.”
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Special-needs students thrive in inclusive environment
For them, John Grant High School is not just a place where they come to learn academic subjects and life skills. It provides a supportive environment where they are able to make friends and gain confidence.
High school adapts its teaching to each student
While some students have learning disabilities or mild academic challenges, others go to Centennial because the parents are impressed by the individualized approach to teaching and find the small size of the school appealing.
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Laurie Kader - Painting through pain
"It doesn't define me, it doesn't control me," said Kader. "It's just a part of me and there's nothing I can do about that except bring it out in the best way I know. That's through painting and music and through the arts."
Monica & David Explores Marriage With Down Syndrome
When Monica and David Martinez got married five years ago, they were not your average bride and groom — both have Down syndrome. Deeply in love and committed to each other, their union nonetheless put the couple among a minority of people with developmental disabilities walking down the aisle.
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Autistic children get trial run for air travel
Flight 2149 never left the gate at Philadelphia International Airport, though. It was a practice exercise for children with autism and their families to become familiar with air travel - carrying bags, getting boarding passes, going through security, waiting at the gate and sitting on the plane.
Band Marches Through Obstacles
Most American colleges have marching bands. There’s nothing newsworthy or exciting about them. But when the Ohio School for the Blind in Columbus formed a marching band it was something worth talking about.
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Can Disability Be Sexy?
As a child, Sachse says she was taught to deny that she was different. But over the years she instead developed pride in her body. Most of the clothing used in the photos actually belongs to Sachse who says she likes to dress stylishly.
Transition Guide Looks To Ease Path
To Adulthood For Kids With Autism
A new tool kit released Thursday is designed to make the transition to adulthood easier for those with autism by giving families an overview of the options and resources available when it comes to housing, employment and other issues.
2011 Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship
The seventh annual Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championships were a great success! Congratulations to all the blind curlers!