A few weeks ago, an intern here at The Achievement Center of Texas put out a blog discussing special needs representation in film. The discussed the portrayal of those with special needs in the medium, as well as the ethical dilemma of an able-bodied actor playing a disabled character. After its release, we got to thinking about representation in in other forms of entertainment; so here we’ll be talking about television.
TED (or technology, entertainment and design) Talks have featured presentations from phenomenal speakers with the brightest minds in many fields including science, philosophy, entertainment, business, philanthropy, art and religion. The nonprofit organization serves as a platform for intellectual individuals to speak freely about their passions, inspiring their audiences. Amongst a plethora of other inspirational speeches, TEDTalks regarding special needs are exceptionally moving as they reveal the gifts hidden behind disabilities, challenging conceptions of normalcy. Here are 10 of the best TedTalks about special needs:
Parenting is hard but parenting a kid with special needs can prove to be even harder. However, no matter how hard (or even easy!) it gets, it’s important to remember that it is ALWAYS OKAY for you to ask for help. Problems rise, things happen and sometimes the answers just don’t come as quickly as we need them to. Parenting woes can conquer the best of us, so here’s a list of books to help you on your journey raising your child with special needs.
12.6 percent of people in the United States are living with disabilities as of 2015, according to the American Communications survey. That’s over one in eight people. Despite this vast number within the population, individuals with disabilities still face discrimination. However, perhaps not in ways you may be thinking of. Many, if not most, people with disabilities are victims of ableism.
Individuals with special needs can sometimes be susceptible to behavioral outbursts. Facing a string of tantrums can grow tedious for parents of special needs children like you. Regardless of the tantrum’s cause, it’s important to keep a cool head and learn how to calm your child down under difficult circumstances.
Sensory Arts and Crafts are both fun to make and something that you can reflect on in the future, something your child can be proud of. Here are 6 sensory arts and craft projects for you and your child with Autism to enjoy making together:
Hugs Cafe is a restaurant located in downtown McKinney, Texas that works to employ adults with special needs. There are few and far between options for employment for this population, and Ruth Thompson, the founder of Hugs Cafe, is doing everything she can to fix that problem. Although Ruth has been interviewed by Upworthy and…
Adults with special needs have few opportunities for advancement once they age out of high school. Currently, there is no university program in Texas designed specifically to educate people with intellectual disabilities. The Executive Director of My Possibilities, Michael Thomas, is trying to change that. My Possibilities is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to…
Stevie Wonder by World’s Direction (Edited in Canva) Several prominent people of American and international history have been known for their mass achievements despite adversity. You’ve probably heard these names before. Maybe you knew they had a disability. Maybe you had no idea. But the one thing they all had in common is their success…
Lion by Edge Earth (edited in Canva) NNAAAAAAA ISAMMMBINAAAAA BABAHITI BABA Every year, our students at Achievement Center of Texas put on a Summer Show to showcase their talents and achievements. This year’s show is a musical production of The Lion King, and it’s coming up on Friday, August 18th, between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Our…