Challenged Athletes Foundation Grant Recipients Announced

Based in San Diego, California, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a non-profit organization that provides support to athletes with physical disabilities in pursuit of an active lifestyle. Founded 23 years ago, CAF hosts camps, clinics, and athletic competitions all over the United States and Canada. CAF sponsors the Access for Athletes Grant Program, which awards funds for equipment, training, coaching, and competition costs. This year's grant recipients are being announced this week. For more information, go to http://www.challengedathletes.org/.

The Brevard Zoo's Exceptional Nature Space to Open April 28

The Brevard Zoo is preparing to host its fundraiser Safari Under the Stars, which will feature celebrity guests. Jennifer Arnold and her husband Bill Klein from TLC's The Little Couple will participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the zoo's Exceptional Nature Space at a VIP event on April 28. The new exhibit will allow children with disabilities to have a positive zoo experience. Arnold and Klein will also be at the gala on April 29. The funds raised will support the Brevard Zoo's missions of animal wellness, education, and conservation. For more information, go to http://www.clickorlando.com/news/bindi-irwin-reality-tv-stars-coming-to-the-brevard-zoo.

 

Arnold and Klein with their children

Windows 10 Update Helps People with Disabilities

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 Creators Update version 1073. As a result, Windows 10's Narrator tool will have the following options: braille displays from more than 35 manufacturers, new capabilities for text-to-speech, and automatic lowering of apps' audio volume while the Narrator speaks. Made possible by Microsoft's AI-powered Computer Vision Cognitive Service, the accessibility features of the Office 365 suite allow users to create documents and presentations to be read and used by people with disabilities. For more information, go to https://www.slashgear.com/windows-10-creators-update-to-include-new-accessibility-features-for-braille-narration-03466255/.

Julia: The Sesame Street Character with Autism

Julia, the first Sesame Street character with autism, will make her debut on the show on Monday, April 10. She was introduced to America on 60 Minutes last month. Longtime Sesame Street character Elmo explained why Julia behaved in unusual ways when she met Big Bird. Stacey Gordon, who plays Julia, has a son with autism. For more information, go to https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2017/03/20/meet-julia-a-muppet-with-autism-and-the-newest-character-on-sesame-street/?utm_term=.32ec133c1759.

 

Julia, the newest Sesame Street character