The Return of "The Good Doctor"

The Good Doctor is an ABC medical drama that focuses on Dr. Shaun Murphy, a surgeon who has autism as well as savant syndrome. Dr. Murphy, excellently played by Freddie Highmore of Bates Motel fame, has an above average ability to treat hospital patients while dealing with the challenges of living with autism. Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which a person with a mental disability or a central nervous system disorder shows a lot of talent in an area such as music and mathematics. For more information on savant syndrome, go to https://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/professional/savant-syndrome/resources/articles/savant-syndrome-2013-myths-and-realities/. The Good Doctor returns for its second season at 10:00 P.M. on Monday, September 24 (Highmore wrote this episode). To get an idea of what the upcoming season will be like, go to https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/good-doctor-star-season-shows-character-autism-growing/story?id=57984553.

The Good Doctor ad featuring Highmore

(image via imdb.com)

Spotlight: Triple S Mobility

My parents are shopping for a newer wheelchair accessible minivan to replace the one we've had for 12 years. One option is Triple S Mobility in Pinellas Park, Florida. A family-owned business for more than 40 years, Triple S Mobility mainly sells rear entry minivans in which a manual or power ramp comes out of the back of the van instead of the right side. The rear entry makes finding a parking spot easier because it doesn't matter if a neighboring car is blocking the van's ramp side. Triple S Mobility both builds accessible vans and makes modifications to pre-owned vans to make it possible for a wheelchair user to enter the van. Each van comes with a five-year/50,000-mile warranty, and there are financing options for customers. Triple S Mobility prides itself on selling simple, safe, and strong vans. For more information and to see photos and videos of the vans being sold, go to https://www.triplesmobility.com/.

Triple S Mobility logo

(image via BLVD.com)

Spotlight: Bridges

Established in 1956, Bridges is an organization that serves people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities (including veterans) in multiple ways. Among the services provided are day programs, employment services, supported living, and group homes. People can have their fingerprints taken for background screenings for a fee at Bridges' office in Rockledge. The proceeds go to Bridges, which also runs a material recycling facility at which program participants work for a paycheck.

The Bridges Foundation will host its third annual Special Art Special Hands fundraiser at Adventure HQ and The Backyard in Palm Shores from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Friday, October 5. The event (which will include food and beverages, raffles, and music) will feature creations of Bridges clients who participate in the art-studio program. You might see Bridges' mascot Bridgette the Bear at community events in Brevard County. For more information about the nonprofit, go to https://www.mybridges.org/.

Bridges has served people with

disabilities for more than 60 years.

(image via mybridges.org)

Staying Active with a Disability

Summer is coming to an end, but there are many options for people with disabilities who like to keep themselves busy all year round. Those with mobility impairments can play wheelchair accessible sports such as basketball and adaptive skiing. If you want to learn how to become involved in sports near you, go to the Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) Web site at www.disabledsportsusa.org. The Central Florida Dreamplex in Clermont is the closest DSUSA chapter to Brevard County. People who prefer less strenuous activities can attend accessible community gatherings like club meetings, classes, and game nights. These activities can serve as support groups for individuals with disabilities. If they want to give back to the community, they can do so by volunteering, using their skills and talents. In conclusion, being active contributes to better health and well-being for people with disabilities by improving their mood.

The Disabled Sports USA logo

(image via Wikipedia)