The numbers are staggering: 1 out of every 88 children in America has autism. Statistics show, it is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Autism: Emerging from the Maze, a new documentary produced by KVIE Public Television examines the daily journeys of local families as they seek to understand autism and explores the latest research and services. In the documentary, insights on early behavioral markers for autism from experts at the UC Davis MIND Institute; STAND, Sutter Transition for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, a clinic helping adults living with autism; and services provided by the Alta California Regional Center are explored. Amanda, a 22-year-

On June 23, 2012, Sacramento will be treated to the Sacramento Chef Challenge, an annual fundraiser for people with developmental disabilities that features an "Iron Chef" style cooking battle, Cake War competition, gourmet food sampling, beer and wine tasting, live music and more! For $25 a piece, guests are treated to a culinary extravaganza beginning with fair from local restaurants, wineries and breweries including The Couch Sports Lounge, Two Rivers Cider, Terra d’Oro Winery and Morgan’s Restaurant. The first of two competitions will pit three professional chefs in a head to head battle for culinary glory. Chef Challengers will have three hours to prepare and sample an original menu

Tickets for Sacramento’s Premier Culinary competition are on sale just in time for the holiday season! The Sacramento Chef Challenge (previously known as the Celebrity Chef Challenge) features a head to head battle between three professional chefs, and tickets make a great gift for the amateur chef, wine connoisseur or food lover in your life. In 2012, the Sacramento Chef Challenge will be celebrating its tenth year, and in honor of this achievement, organizers are slashing ticket prices, adding new attractions and allowing guests to determine “Whose cuisine reigns supreme!” Chef Challengers will have three hours to prepare and serve a specialty menu based on a surprise theme. Guests wil

Everyday, millions of conversations take place across the country. Employers ask, teachers tell, and friends talk. Communication, it is said, is the key to success. For many people with developmental disabilities who cannot speak, the lack of basic communication is an ever present barrier in developing relationships, finding a job, being hired, or performing a job optimally. Other than a few exceptions, people who cannot talk do not work. An inability to effectively communicate with peers, employers and support staff most often leads to stereotyping, social rejection and failure in the workplace. Frustration caused by an inability to express basic needs becomes a “behavior problem” to be f

Depressed. Overwhelmed. Internal voices blocking the outside world. Brian found it difficult to perform the most basic tasks. In 1991 at age 41, he had been in and out of acute psychiatric hospitals and non-supportive care homes. Brian was in Stockton, but his brother, Steve, was in Georgia and felt helpless. The long distance calls with depressing news knotted Steve’s stomach and created anxious moments. After flying to Stockton, Steve was able to assist his brother and effectively communicate, but once Steve flew back home to Georgia, Brian’s situation quickly deteriorated. But after years of mayhem, there finally was a PLAN! Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN), also referred t

Q: How does a company that employs over 200 people, supports over 400 participants, works with over 100 businesses, and has been doing so for 58 years fly under the radar of most of Sacramento? A: Because, maintaining a strong and steady course doesn’t always get you noticed! Today I would like to introduce you to InAlliance, a successful nonprofit that is on a mission to build a more livable workable world by developing programs that support adults with developmental disabilities in the greater Sacramento area. In the 1950’s the world was a different place, and if you didn’t fit into the general idea of “normal,” you didn’t stand a strong chance of succeeding. This was especially true

150 soldiers were introduced to sports designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, illnesses and injuries recently during a Thank You For Your Service event at the River Cats Independence Field. Brave soldiers who sustained disabilities while serving this nation and are now working to return to active duty or transition to civilian life will be introduced to sports and recreational opportunities specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.  It featured demonstrations and hands-on experience of U.S.Paralympics-sanctioned sports, including Basketball, Cycling, Swimming, Javelin, Shot-put, wheelchair softball, rock climbing and Discus. Mark Wellman of Truck

U.S. Paralympic --A program of the City of Sacramento, Department of Parks and Recreation, helds the 25th A.C.T. (Ability To Compete Together) games at Inderkum High School Saturday. It provides competitive track and field events geared for youth ages 3-18 with physical disabilities. Kelsey O'Maley crosses the finish line of the 50M run with the help of her mom. Her canine companion lays some congratulations licks on her face. Two wheelchair-bound head for the finish line. Elijah Chatman (above) and Anthony Mortin (below) compete in the Javelin.   Jacob Miller throws the Frisbee Discus. Kiki Smith throws the 2lb discus. Dave Corral and another runner (below) head for the finish

"We're here to fight! Day and night! For our basic human rights!" That was just one of the chants shouted by both the disabled and their caretakers and supporters on their march from the U.S. Bank Building to the Capitol for today's sixth annual Disability Capitol Action Day. Coordinated by the Disability Action Coalition, the gathering of more than 2,000 people was held on the 10th anniversary of the Olmstead Court Decision, a landmark case involving plaintiffs Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson that set a precedent of helping the disabled to live in community settings as opposed to confined in homes and institutions. Despite being highly functioning and capable of living in a community, bo