by JESSICA A. BOTELHO, NBC 10 NEWS WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) - You dont see two handicapped individuals get married every day, Zachary Gauthier told NBC 10 News. Zach, 30, along with his wife, 27-year-old Denise Gauthier, has cerebral palsy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines cerebral palsy as a group of disorders that affect a persons ability to move and maintain balance and posture. But the newlyweds dont let it rule their lives, as it didnt stop them from having the wedding of their dreams. Marrying Zach was the best day of my life, hands down, Denise said. Everything was so perfect and Ive loved him since the fourth grade. When we got married and it actually happened, I thought I was dreaming. Zach agrees, adding that he had been looking forward to the big day since he was a little boy. Ever since I was 9 years old, I wanted to get married, he said. I know that sounds crazy, but its the absolute truth. I knew I was somewhat different, but my mother told me I could do anything I wanted to do. So, I wanted to get married. And I want to have kids. Denise … Continue reading →

At first glance, you might think 24-year-old Keith Grieser doesnt have a lot going for him. Born with cerebral palsy, Grieser is unable to control his body and must use a wheel chair to get around. But Grieser is working to battle the obstacles and determined to succeed. First on his list: getting a job. Keith went on countless interviews after graduating from Seminole Ridge High School, only to be turned away. But recently, folks who run Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter stepped up to the plate. They hired him right away, said Susan Scaperotto of Work Opportunities Unlimited. We identified what would be a good job match for him based on his ability skills and interest. Since February, Greiser has not only been an employee, but a fixture to Roger Dean Stadium. Greeting guests and helping them navigate the stadium are all part of his important role. By him getting information to visitors ahead of time makes their process a lot smoother, said Alex Inman, Assistant Manager of Roger Dean Stadium. Bound to a wheelchair, Greiser is able to communicate with visitors through a pre-programmed audio system. When visitors approach him, he can guide them in the right direction … Continue reading →

Born with cerebral palsy, Keith Grieser has little control over his body but took full control of what he envisioned for his future. (Photo courtesy: Work Opportunities Unlimited) Born with cerebral palsy, Keith Grieser has little control over his body but took full control of what he envisioned for his future. "Having a job makes me feel like a regular person doing my part; It makes me feel like I belong," the 24-year-old said. Keith landed his dream job at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter thanks to hard work and some help from Susan Scaperotto, a career resource specialist with Work Opportunities Unlimited. The organization specializes in helping people with disabilities find community based employment. "Roger Dean Stadium gave me a chance, and that's all I ever asked for," Grieser said. His job duties include everything from greeting fans to preparing visitors for security checks. "He's a joy to have around," said Alex Inman, the Assistant General Manager at the ballpark. "The staff loves him, the fans love him during spring training and we look to have him here working with us for many years to come." The feeling is mutual. "I love my job and the people I work … Continue reading →

PITTSFIELD, Mass. Taconic High School's radio station, WTBR, is expected to be under new management within the next year. The station's license is owned by Pittsfield Public Schools and operates out of Taconic. But the new building does not include space for it and the tower will have to be removed. For years school administrators have been trying to figure out what to do with the state. Superintendent Jason McCandless said on Wednesday that he is working on a management agreement with United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County, which uses the Taconic tower to simultaneously broadcast the Berkshire Talking Chronicle, to take over operations. The school will still retain ownership of the license, but UCP will manage the station and a new studio will be built in the Clocktower Building on South Church Street. "We are hopeful that by the middle of the school year next year we are ready to begin executing that agreement. That's driven by the practicality that there is some equipment we have to move over the remaining four or five months," McCandless said. McCandless envisions the station becoming much more of a community station than it is now. There are few shows on WTBR, but … Continue reading →

June 28, 2017: A UT student and caretaker is raising money for his friend living with cerebral palsy. Madison Wade, WBIR 11:56 PM. EDT June 28, 2017 Gatlin McPherson, a junior at the University of Tennessee, is living with cerebral palsy and cannot communicate clearly after his communication device recently broke. Hes really a bright mind and nobody knows it because he cant express himself, said his caretaker and best friend Ashytnn Gilmore, also a UT student. Ashytnn is raising money for Gatlin to get a new Tobii device to be able to communicate quicker and more efficiently with people. "We go out and have fun but he can only talk maybe two words per minute and he can't really keep anyone's attention, so hopefully getting his computer is going to help that," Ashytnn said. The device would also help Gatlin's studies, especially inside the classroom. "It's been a lot of fun communicating and talking to him but it has been slow as well since his device broke," saidGatlin's musicology professor Sean McCollough. "I have to imagine without the device, he has to think really hard about whether or not he wants to come up and ask me a question." … Continue reading →