Ability Forum

[Kr_iyer]

Derek Paravicini (born 26 July 1979) is a blind English autistic savant and a musical prodigy. He currently lives in Surrey, England, UK.

Paravicini was born extremely prematurely, at 25 weeks (a normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks). His blindness was caused by oxygen therapy given during his time in a neonatal intensive care unit. This also affected his developing brain, resulting in his severe learning disability.[1] He also developed autism.

He has absolute pitch and can play a piece of music after hearing it once. He began playing the piano by the age of two when his nanny gave him an old keyboard. His parents arranged for him to attend the Linden Lodge School for the Blind in London. On his introductory visit to the school, in the music room he broke free from his parents, then headed straight for a piano being played, and then pushed the player, Adam Ockelford, aside to take over. Ockelford encouraged him and arranged first weekly and then daily lessons

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Paravicini

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Derek Paravicini (born 26 July 1979) is a blind English autistic savant and a musical prodigy. He currently lives in Surrey, England, UK.

Paravicini was born extremely prematurely, at 25 weeks (a normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks). His blindness was caused by oxygen therapy given during his time in a neonatal intensive care unit. This also affected his developing brain, resulting in his severe learning disability.[1] He also developed autism.

He has absolute pitch and can play a piece of music after hearing it once. He began playing the piano by the age of two when his nanny gave him an old keyboard. His parents arranged for him to attend the Linden Lodge School for the Blind in London. On his introductory visit to the school, in the music room he broke free from his parents, then headed straight for a piano being played, and then pushed the player, Adam Ockelford, aside to take over. Ockelford encouraged him and arranged first weekly and then daily lessons

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Paravicini

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

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[Kr_iyer]

Abraham Nemeth (born October 16, 1918) is an American mathematician and inventor. He is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Nemeth was born in New York City on the Lower East Side of Manhattan into a large family of Hungarian Jewish immigrants who spoke Yiddish. He is blind from birth.

He attended public schools at first but did most of his primary and secondary education at the Jewish Guild for the Blind school in Yonkers, New York. His undergraduate studies were at Brooklyn College where he studied psychology. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Columbia University.

Dr. Nemeth studied mathematics and physics at Brooklyn College. He did not major in mathematics because his academic advisors discouraged him. However, tired of what he felt were unfulfilling jobs at agencies of the blind, and with the encouragement of his wife, he decided to continue his education in mathematics.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Nemeth

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If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
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Abraham Nemeth (born October 16, 1918) is an American mathematician and inventor. He is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Nemeth was born in New York City on the Lower East Side of Manhattan into a large family of Hungarian Jewish immigrants who spoke Yiddish. He is blind from birth.

He attended public schools at first but did most of his primary and secondary education at the Jewish Guild for the Blind school in Yonkers, New York. His undergraduate studies were at Brooklyn College where he studied psychology. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Columbia University.

Dr. Nemeth studied mathematics and physics at Brooklyn College. He did not major in mathematics because his academic advisors discouraged him. However, tired of what he felt were unfulfilling jobs at agencies of the blind, and with the encouragement of his wife, he decided to continue his education in mathematics.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Nemeth

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Ron Mace, creator of the term "universal design," was an articulate architect and determined advocate who influenced international thinking about design. For most of his life he used a wheelchair and understood what it was to try to participate in a world that was not designed to include him. Ron was the consummate champion for accessible and universal design, and the impact of his work will be felt for generations to come. Interviews with his colleagues provided much of the following detail about his early years.

At the age of nine, in 1950, Ron contracted polio and spent a year in the hospital. The doctors told his parents that they should put him in an institution, but they were determined that Ron be at home and remain part of the community. Without any outside support, and with limited modifications, Ron's parents managed. They hauled him up and down the stairs in elementary school, high school, and college. Ron built everything he needed, including his bed and a rolling stool to get to the toilet. When he couldn't get through the bathroom doors in his wheelchair, Ron designed and welded a metal stool on wheels that got him through the narrow door.

Source: http://www.adaptenv.org/adp/profiles/1_mace.php

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Ron Mace, creator of the term "universal design," was an articulate architect and determined advocate who influenced international thinking about design. For most of his life he used a wheelchair and understood what it was to try to participate in a world that was not designed to include him. Ron was the consummate champion for accessible and universal design, and the impact of his work will be felt for generations to come. Interviews with his colleagues provided much of the following detail about his early years.

At the age of nine, in 1950, Ron contracted polio and spent a year in the hospital. The doctors told his parents that they should put him in an institution, but they were determined that Ron be at home and remain part of the community. Without any outside support, and with limited modifications, Ron's parents managed. They hauled him up and down the stairs in elementary school, high school, and college. Ron built everything he needed, including his bed and a rolling stool to get to the toilet. When he couldn't get through the bathroom doors in his wheelchair, Ron designed and welded a metal stool on wheels that got him through the narrow door.

Source: http://www.adaptenv.org/adp/profiles/1_mace.php

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Dame Evelyn Elizabeth Ann Glennie, DBE (born 19 July 1965) is a Scottish virtuoso percussionist. She was the first full-time solo percussionist in 20th-century western society.[1]


Glennie tours extensively in the northern hemisphere, spending up to four months each year in the United States, and performs with a wide variety of orchestras and contemporary musicians, giving over 100 concerts a year as well as master classes and "music in schools" performances. She frequently commissions percussion works from composers and performs them in her concert repertoire.

She also plays the Great Highland Bagpipes and has her own registered tartan known as "The Rhythms of Evelyn Glennie". Glennie is in the process of producing her own range of handmade jewelry and works as a motivational speaker.


Glennie has been profoundly deaf since age 12. This does not inhibit her ability to perform at the international level. She regularly plays barefoot for both live performances and studio recordings, better to "feel" the music.[2]


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_Glennie

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Dame Evelyn Elizabeth Ann Glennie, DBE (born 19 July 1965) is a Scottish virtuoso percussionist. She was the first full-time solo percussionist in 20th-century western society.[1]


Glennie tours extensively in the northern hemisphere, spending up to four months each year in the United States, and performs with a wide variety of orchestras and contemporary musicians, giving over 100 concerts a year as well as master classes and "music in schools" performances. She frequently commissions percussion works from composers and performs them in her concert repertoire.

She also plays the Great Highland Bagpipes and has her own registered tartan known as "The Rhythms of Evelyn Glennie". Glennie is in the process of producing her own range of handmade jewelry and works as a motivational speaker.


Glennie has been profoundly deaf since age 12. This does not inhibit her ability to perform at the international level. She regularly plays barefoot for both live performances and studio recordings, better to "feel" the music.[2]


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_Glennie

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.; January 17, 1942) is a former American boxer and three-time World Heavyweight Champion, who is widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight championship boxers of all time. As an amateur, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.[1] After turning professional, he went on to become the first boxer to win the lineal heavyweight championship three times.

Originally known as Cassius Clay, Ali changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964, subsequently converting to Sunni Islam in 1975 and more recently to Sufism.[2] In 1967, Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. military based on his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. He was arrested and found guilty on draft evasion charges, stripped of his boxing title, and his boxing license was suspended. He was not imprisoned, but did not fight again for nearly four years while his appeal worked its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it was successful.

Nicknamed "The Greatest", Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches. Notable among these are three with rival Joe Frazier and one with George Foreman, whom he beat by knockout to win the world heavyweight title for the second time. He suffered only five losses (four decisions and one TKO by retirement from the bout) with no draws in his career, while amassing 56 wins (37 knockouts and 19 decisions).[3] Ali was well known for his unorthodox fighting style, which he described as "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee", and employing techniques such as the rope-a-dope.[4] He was also known for his pre-match hype, where he would "trash talk" opponents on television and in person some time before the match, often with rhymes. These personality quips and idioms, along with an unorthodox fighting technique, made him a cultural icon. In later life, Ali developed Parkinson's disease. In 1999, Ali was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated and "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC.


Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984,[28][29] a disease for which those subject to severe head trauma, such as boxers, are many times more susceptible.[30] Despite the disability, he remains a beloved and active public figure. In 1985, he served as a guest referee at the inaugural WrestleMania event.[31][32] In 1987 he was selected by the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in various high profile activities. Ali rode on a float at the 1988 Tournament of Roses Parade, launching the U.S. Constitution's 200th birthday commemoration. He also published an oral history, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser, in 1991


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.; January 17, 1942) is a former American boxer and three-time World Heavyweight Champion, who is widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight championship boxers of all time. As an amateur, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.[1] After turning professional, he went on to become the first boxer to win the lineal heavyweight championship three times.

Originally known as Cassius Clay, Ali changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964, subsequently converting to Sunni Islam in 1975 and more recently to Sufism.[2] In 1967, Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. military based on his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. He was arrested and found guilty on draft evasion charges, stripped of his boxing title, and his boxing license was suspended. He was not imprisoned, but did not fight again for nearly four years while his appeal worked its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it was successful.

Nicknamed "The Greatest", Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches. Notable among these are three with rival Joe Frazier and one with George Foreman, whom he beat by knockout to win the world heavyweight title for the second time. He suffered only five losses (four decisions and one TKO by retirement from the bout) with no draws in his career, while amassing 56 wins (37 knockouts and 19 decisions).[3] Ali was well known for his unorthodox fighting style, which he described as "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee", and employing techniques such as the rope-a-dope.[4] He was also known for his pre-match hype, where he would "trash talk" opponents on television and in person some time before the match, often with rhymes. These personality quips and idioms, along with an unorthodox fighting technique, made him a cultural icon. In later life, Ali developed Parkinson's disease. In 1999, Ali was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated and "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC.


Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984,[28][29] a disease for which those subject to severe head trauma, such as boxers, are many times more susceptible.[30] Despite the disability, he remains a beloved and active public figure. In 1985, he served as a guest referee at the inaugural WrestleMania event.[31][32] In 1987 he was selected by the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution to personify the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in various high profile activities. Ali rode on a float at the 1988 Tournament of Roses Parade, launching the U.S. Constitution's 200th birthday commemoration. He also published an oral history, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser, in 1991


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
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[Kr_iyer]

Against the Odds: a Love Story; Jerry and Mary Newport grew up as outcasts. Now, they have found each other--and clues to the medical mystery that tormented them

Their wedding on Aug. 19, 1994, was a poignant turn in the lives of two people who had always assumed they were too odd to find mates and who, until they found one another, had resigned themselves to live out their years on society's fringes, lonely and alone.

Their union has shown that it is possible for people with Asperger syndrome to find the kind of companionship and fulfillment that other people take for granted. And despite their communication difficulties, the Newports have become forceful advocates, as well as symbols of hope, for adults with autism or Asperger syndrome.


Source: http://www.aspires-relationships.com/jerry_and_mary_newport.htm

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Against the Odds: a Love Story; Jerry and Mary Newport grew up as outcasts. Now, they have found each other--and clues to the medical mystery that tormented them

Their wedding on Aug. 19, 1994, was a poignant turn in the lives of two people who had always assumed they were too odd to find mates and who, until they found one another, had resigned themselves to live out their years on society's fringes, lonely and alone.

Their union has shown that it is possible for people with Asperger syndrome to find the kind of companionship and fulfillment that other people take for granted. And despite their communication difficulties, the Newports have become forceful advocates, as well as symbols of hope, for adults with autism or Asperger syndrome.


Source: http://www.aspires-relationships.com/jerry_and_mary_newport.htm

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Mel Tillis
Country star legend Mel Tillis writes about his life long struggle with stuttering.

  I wish I could tell you that I have cured myself of stuttering, but I can’t.  It’s still very much a part of my life.  I have come to think of it (the stutter) as my old friend.  It’s always there and will always be there.  

        Stuttering, unfortunately, is the only handicap that I can think of that makes people laugh, and hey!, they’ll laugh in your face, too.  I was six years old and attending Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Plant City, Florida, when I realized that no one was immune to laughter.  So I said to myself, “Well, if they’re gonna laugh at  me, then I’ll give them something to laugh about.”  I have for fifty-nine years.  It was pretty rough those first six grades, but Mama said, “Kids will be kids,” and Mama was right.  “Course, it was hard for me to understand it at the time.


Source: http://www.nefsky.com/tillis.htm

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Mel Tillis
Country star legend Mel Tillis writes about his life long struggle with stuttering.

  I wish I could tell you that I have cured myself of stuttering, but I can’t.  It’s still very much a part of my life.  I have come to think of it (the stutter) as my old friend.  It’s always there and will always be there.  

        Stuttering, unfortunately, is the only handicap that I can think of that makes people laugh, and hey!, they’ll laugh in your face, too.  I was six years old and attending Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Plant City, Florida, when I realized that no one was immune to laughter.  So I said to myself, “Well, if they’re gonna laugh at  me, then I’ll give them something to laugh about.”  I have for fifty-nine years.  It was pretty rough those first six grades, but Mama said, “Kids will be kids,” and Mama was right.  “Course, it was hard for me to understand it at the time.


Source: http://www.nefsky.com/tillis.htm

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
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[Kr_iyer]

Sonia Maria Sotomayor (English pronunciation: /ˈsoʊnjə ˌsoʊtoʊmaɪˈjɔr/, Spanish: [ˈsonja sotomaˈʝor];[3] born June 25, 1954) is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving since August 2009. Sotomayor is the Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice.

Sotomayor was born in The Bronx, New York City and is of Puerto Rican descent. Her father died when she was nine, and she was subsequently raised by her mother. Sotomayor graduated with an A.B., summa cum laude, from Princeton University in 1976 and received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1979, where she was an editor at the Yale Law Journal. She was an advocate for the hiring of Latino faculty at both schools. She worked as an assistant district attorney in New York for five years before entering private practice in 1984. She played an active role on the boards of directors for the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, the State of New York Mortgage Agency, and the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

Sonia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age eight,[7][19] and began taking daily insulin injections.[23] Her father died of heart problems at age 42, when she was nine years old.[6][15] After this, she became fluent in English.[7] Sotomayor has said that she was first inspired by the strong-willed Nancy Drew book character, and then after her diabetes diagnosis led doctors to suggest a different career from detective, she was inspired to go into a legal career and become a judge by watching the Perry Mason television series.[7][21][23] She reflected in 1998: "I was going to college and I was going to become an attorney, and I knew that when I was ten. Ten. That's no jest."


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonia_Sotomayor

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
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Sonia Maria Sotomayor (English pronunciation: /ˈsoʊnjə ˌsoʊtoʊmaɪˈjɔr/, Spanish: [ˈsonja sotomaˈʝor];[3] born June 25, 1954) is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving since August 2009. Sotomayor is the Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice.

Sotomayor was born in The Bronx, New York City and is of Puerto Rican descent. Her father died when she was nine, and she was subsequently raised by her mother. Sotomayor graduated with an A.B., summa cum laude, from Princeton University in 1976 and received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1979, where she was an editor at the Yale Law Journal. She was an advocate for the hiring of Latino faculty at both schools. She worked as an assistant district attorney in New York for five years before entering private practice in 1984. She played an active role on the boards of directors for the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, the State of New York Mortgage Agency, and the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

Sonia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age eight,[7][19] and began taking daily insulin injections.[23] Her father died of heart problems at age 42, when she was nine years old.[6][15] After this, she became fluent in English.[7] Sotomayor has said that she was first inspired by the strong-willed Nancy Drew book character, and then after her diabetes diagnosis led doctors to suggest a different career from detective, she was inspired to go into a legal career and become a judge by watching the Perry Mason television series.[7][21][23] She reflected in 1998: "I was going to college and I was going to become an attorney, and I knew that when I was ten. Ten. That's no jest."


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonia_Sotomayor

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Prasanta Karmakar Biography Profile Career

Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, at age 7 Prasanta had an unfortunate accident which left him bereft of his right hand. His favourite sport was swimming which he initially took up as a recreational past-time. At the 2006 Asian Games, he unexpectedly won a bronze medal. He considered it to be the most memorable achievement of his career as he had competed against the toughest swimmers in Asia. It was on winning the bronze medal that Prasanta decided to take up swimming seriously as a professional. His potential was recognized in the 11th Standard, and from then onwards he underwent training with different coaches. However, he was very angry at the cavalier treatment of the West Bengal Government, who refused to give him any financial or other support and merely congratulated him for his win. It was then that he decided to shift base from West Bengal to Haryana. He later trained at Bengaluru

It was a hear-warming sight to see Indian Paralympic swimmer Prasanta Karmakar winning the bronze in the 50m freestyle in 27.48 seconds, finishing behind Australian swimmer Matthew John Cowdrey and Jay Simon Miller (England). Prasanta Karmakar started quickly off the blocks at the Dr.S.P.Mukherjee Swimming Stadium, Delhi, thus having an advantage over medal-favourite Australian Benjamin Austin, whom he eventually out-swum with some powerful strokes to grab third place. His achievement created 2 records: Prasanta Karmakar is the very first Indian to win a medal in aquatics at the Commonwealth Games
. He is also the first Indian ever to win a medal in aquatics at a major international competition since Khajan Singh, who bagged a silver medal at the 1986 Asian Games. Prasanta is currently ranked Asia No.3 in four events: 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley.

Source: http://www.delhispider.com/resources/3344-India-Paralympics-Swimmer-Prasanta-Karmakar.aspx

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
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Prasanta Karmakar Biography Profile Career

Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, at age 7 Prasanta had an unfortunate accident which left him bereft of his right hand. His favourite sport was swimming which he initially took up as a recreational past-time. At the 2006 Asian Games, he unexpectedly won a bronze medal. He considered it to be the most memorable achievement of his career as he had competed against the toughest swimmers in Asia. It was on winning the bronze medal that Prasanta decided to take up swimming seriously as a professional. His potential was recognized in the 11th Standard, and from then onwards he underwent training with different coaches. However, he was very angry at the cavalier treatment of the West Bengal Government, who refused to give him any financial or other support and merely congratulated him for his win. It was then that he decided to shift base from West Bengal to Haryana. He later trained at Bengaluru

It was a hear-warming sight to see Indian Paralympic swimmer Prasanta Karmakar winning the bronze in the 50m freestyle in 27.48 seconds, finishing behind Australian swimmer Matthew John Cowdrey and Jay Simon Miller (England). Prasanta Karmakar started quickly off the blocks at the Dr.S.P.Mukherjee Swimming Stadium, Delhi, thus having an advantage over medal-favourite Australian Benjamin Austin, whom he eventually out-swum with some powerful strokes to grab third place. His achievement created 2 records: Prasanta Karmakar is the very first Indian to win a medal in aquatics at the Commonwealth Games
. He is also the first Indian ever to win a medal in aquatics at a major international competition since Khajan Singh, who bagged a silver medal at the 1986 Asian Games. Prasanta is currently ranked Asia No.3 in four events: 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley.

Source: http://www.delhispider.com/resources/3344-India-Paralympics-Swimmer-Prasanta-Karmakar.aspx

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
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[Kr_iyer]

Esref Armagan was born both unsighted and to an impoverished family. As a child and young adult he never received any formal schooling or training; however, he has taught himself to write and print. He draws and paints by using his hands and primarily oil paints. In this manner, Mr. Armagan has been perfecting his art for the past thirty-five years.

He needs absolute quite when working. First, using a Braille stylus, he etches an outline of his drawing. He needs to feel that he is "inside" his painting-- in fact, when he is drawing a picture of the sea, he often wonders if he should wear a life jacket so as not drown! When he is satisfied with his drawing, he starts to apply the oils with his fingers. Because he applies only one color at a time (the colors would smear otherwise), he must wait two or three days for the color to dry before applying the next color. This method of painting is entirely unique to Mr. Armagan. He receives no assistance or training from any individual. He also learned to draw perspective.


Source: http://www.armagan.com/bio.asp

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Esref Armagan was born both unsighted and to an impoverished family. As a child and young adult he never received any formal schooling or training; however, he has taught himself to write and print. He draws and paints by using his hands and primarily oil paints. In this manner, Mr. Armagan has been perfecting his art for the past thirty-five years.

He needs absolute quite when working. First, using a Braille stylus, he etches an outline of his drawing. He needs to feel that he is "inside" his painting-- in fact, when he is drawing a picture of the sea, he often wonders if he should wear a life jacket so as not drown! When he is satisfied with his drawing, he starts to apply the oils with his fingers. Because he applies only one color at a time (the colors would smear otherwise), he must wait two or three days for the color to dry before applying the next color. This method of painting is entirely unique to Mr. Armagan. He receives no assistance or training from any individual. He also learned to draw perspective.


Source: http://www.armagan.com/bio.asp

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

James Grover Thurber (December 8, 1894 – November 2, 1961) was an American author, cartoonist and celebrated wit. Thurber was best known for his contributions (both cartoons and short stories) to The New Yorker magazine.

Thurber had two brothers, William and Robert. Once, while playing a game of William Tell, his brother William shot James in the eye with an arrow. Because of the lack of medical technology, Thurber lost his eye. This injury would later cause him to be almost entirely blind. During his childhood he was unable to participate in sports and activities because of his injury, and instead developed a creative imagination, which he shared in his writings.[1] Neurologist V.S. Ramachandran suggests Thurber's imagination may be partly explained by Charles Bonnet syndrome, a neurological condition that causes complex visual hallucinations in otherwise mentally healthy people who have suffered some or more often a significant level of visual loss.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Thurber

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If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
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James Grover Thurber (December 8, 1894 – November 2, 1961) was an American author, cartoonist and celebrated wit. Thurber was best known for his contributions (both cartoons and short stories) to The New Yorker magazine.

Thurber had two brothers, William and Robert. Once, while playing a game of William Tell, his brother William shot James in the eye with an arrow. Because of the lack of medical technology, Thurber lost his eye. This injury would later cause him to be almost entirely blind. During his childhood he was unable to participate in sports and activities because of his injury, and instead developed a creative imagination, which he shared in his writings.[1] Neurologist V.S. Ramachandran suggests Thurber's imagination may be partly explained by Charles Bonnet syndrome, a neurological condition that causes complex visual hallucinations in otherwise mentally healthy people who have suffered some or more often a significant level of visual loss.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Thurber

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Victoria Williams (born December 23, 1958) is an American singer-songwriter and musician, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, although she has resided in Southern California throughout her musical career. She is noted for her descriptive songwriting talent, which she has used to immerse the listener of her songs into a vivid feeling of small-town, rural Southern upbringing and life. Her best-known songs include "Crazy Mary", and "Century Plant". Finding inspiration in nature, ("Weeds", "Century Plant," "Why Look at the Moon"), everyday objects ("Shoes," "Frying Pan") and the unseen, as in "Holy Spirit".

In 1993, Williams' life took a dramatic turn when she learned that she was suffering from multiple sclerosis. As she did not have health insurance, an array of artists from different genres, including Pearl Jam, Lou Reed, Maria McKee, Soul Asylum, Lucinda Williams and others, joined together to record some of Williams' songs for a tribute/benefit project called Sweet Relief: A Benefit for Victoria Williams. This led to the creation of the Sweet Relief Fund, a charity that aids professional musicians (of any stature) in need of health care.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Williams

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Victoria Williams (born December 23, 1958) is an American singer-songwriter and musician, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, although she has resided in Southern California throughout her musical career. She is noted for her descriptive songwriting talent, which she has used to immerse the listener of her songs into a vivid feeling of small-town, rural Southern upbringing and life. Her best-known songs include "Crazy Mary", and "Century Plant". Finding inspiration in nature, ("Weeds", "Century Plant," "Why Look at the Moon"), everyday objects ("Shoes," "Frying Pan") and the unseen, as in "Holy Spirit".

In 1993, Williams' life took a dramatic turn when she learned that she was suffering from multiple sclerosis. As she did not have health insurance, an array of artists from different genres, including Pearl Jam, Lou Reed, Maria McKee, Soul Asylum, Lucinda Williams and others, joined together to record some of Williams' songs for a tribute/benefit project called Sweet Relief: A Benefit for Victoria Williams. This led to the creation of the Sweet Relief Fund, a charity that aids professional musicians (of any stature) in need of health care.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Williams

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Robert Michael Hensel (b. May 8, 1969[1]) was born with the birth defect known as Spina bifida. He is also a Guinness World Records holder for the longest non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair, covering a total distance of 6.178 miles.[2] As part of setting his record, he raised money for wheelchair ramps throughout Oswego, New York, his hometown.[3]

In 2000, realizing the need to focus more on one's abilities and less on their disabilities, Hensel sought to have a week designated that would bring to light the many talents and accomplishments being made by individuals with disabilities.[4] Due to his efforts, Oswego County passed a motion that year recognizing Oct. 1-7 as Beyond Limitations week.[4]


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hensel

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Robert Michael Hensel (b. May 8, 1969[1]) was born with the birth defect known as Spina bifida. He is also a Guinness World Records holder for the longest non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair, covering a total distance of 6.178 miles.[2] As part of setting his record, he raised money for wheelchair ramps throughout Oswego, New York, his hometown.[3]

In 2000, realizing the need to focus more on one's abilities and less on their disabilities, Hensel sought to have a week designated that would bring to light the many talents and accomplishments being made by individuals with disabilities.[4] Due to his efforts, Oswego County passed a motion that year recognizing Oct. 1-7 as Beyond Limitations week.[4]


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hensel

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Charlie Courtauld: Me and my celebrity pals
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,524529,00.html

22 July 2001
Independent

"When will I, will I be famous?" So asked those bottle-blond boys from Bros back in 1988. To nobody's surprise (except perhaps theirs), the answer was that their 60 seconds of fame were already ticking away, trumping Andy Warhol's prediction. The brothers from Fife haven't been heard of since, except for brief reprises on BBC2's "I love the 80s" nights.

The reason I mention the fickle finger of fame is that, in my bored, nothing-to-do-so-I'll-type-my-name-into-an-internet-search-engine moments, I have recently found myself in a list entitled "Famous People with Multiple Sclerosis". At first, this struck me as rather flattering. Alongside me in the "C" section is Michael Crichton, the creator of ER and Jurassic Park. But who else are my celebrity chums in illness? Carrel Cowan-Ricks, an archaeologist, Betty Cuthbert, a sprinter, Luca Coscione, an Italian politician, and Sean Coman, a Californian disc jockey. Notable about this list is that – with the exception of Mr Crichton – nobody has ever heard of any of us. We're each household names – but only in our own households


Source: http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/news/Jul2001/CharlieCourtauldFamousPeoplewithMS.html

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Charlie Courtauld: Me and my celebrity pals
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,524529,00.html

22 July 2001
Independent

"When will I, will I be famous?" So asked those bottle-blond boys from Bros back in 1988. To nobody's surprise (except perhaps theirs), the answer was that their 60 seconds of fame were already ticking away, trumping Andy Warhol's prediction. The brothers from Fife haven't been heard of since, except for brief reprises on BBC2's "I love the 80s" nights.

The reason I mention the fickle finger of fame is that, in my bored, nothing-to-do-so-I'll-type-my-name-into-an-internet-search-engine moments, I have recently found myself in a list entitled "Famous People with Multiple Sclerosis". At first, this struck me as rather flattering. Alongside me in the "C" section is Michael Crichton, the creator of ER and Jurassic Park. But who else are my celebrity chums in illness? Carrel Cowan-Ricks, an archaeologist, Betty Cuthbert, a sprinter, Luca Coscione, an Italian politician, and Sean Coman, a Californian disc jockey. Notable about this list is that – with the exception of Mr Crichton – nobody has ever heard of any of us. We're each household names – but only in our own households


Source: http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/news/Jul2001/CharlieCourtauldFamousPeoplewithMS.html

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[Kr_iyer]

Scott Scovell Hamilton (born August 28, 1958) is an American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist. He won four consecutive U.S. championships (1981–1984), four consecutive World Championships (1981–1984) and a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics.


Hamilton was born in Ohio.[1] He was adopted at the age of six weeks by Dorothy (née McIntosh), a professor and Ernest S. Hamilton, a professor of biology,[2] and raised in Bowling Green, Ohio. He has two siblings, older sister Susan (his parents' biological daughter) and younger brother Steven (who was also adopted).[3] He attended Kenwood Elementary School. When Scott was two years old he contracted a mysterious illness that caused him to stop growing. After numerous tests and several wrong diagnoses (including a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis that gave him just six months to live), the disease began to correct itself. His family physician sent him to Boston Children's hospital to see a Dr. Shwachman. Sources are unable to verify if he was actually diagnosed by Dr. Shwachman as having Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. It is said that a special diet and exercise cured the problem. However, he grew to only 5-foot-2½ and he weighed only 108 pounds during his peak skating years. Scott attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

At age 13 he began training with Pierre Brunet, a former Olympic champion. In 1976 however, he was almost forced to quit skating because the cost of training was too high, and he enrolled in college. However, Helen and Frank McLoraine stepped in to provide financial support for Hamilton to continue his training.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Hamilton_(figure_skater)

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Scott Scovell Hamilton (born August 28, 1958) is an American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist. He won four consecutive U.S. championships (1981–1984), four consecutive World Championships (1981–1984) and a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics.


Hamilton was born in Ohio.[1] He was adopted at the age of six weeks by Dorothy (née McIntosh), a professor and Ernest S. Hamilton, a professor of biology,[2] and raised in Bowling Green, Ohio. He has two siblings, older sister Susan (his parents' biological daughter) and younger brother Steven (who was also adopted).[3] He attended Kenwood Elementary School. When Scott was two years old he contracted a mysterious illness that caused him to stop growing. After numerous tests and several wrong diagnoses (including a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis that gave him just six months to live), the disease began to correct itself. His family physician sent him to Boston Children's hospital to see a Dr. Shwachman. Sources are unable to verify if he was actually diagnosed by Dr. Shwachman as having Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. It is said that a special diet and exercise cured the problem. However, he grew to only 5-foot-2½ and he weighed only 108 pounds during his peak skating years. Scott attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

At age 13 he began training with Pierre Brunet, a former Olympic champion. In 1976 however, he was almost forced to quit skating because the cost of training was too high, and he enrolled in college. However, Helen and Frank McLoraine stepped in to provide financial support for Hamilton to continue his training.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Hamilton_(figure_skater)

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE