Inclusion Desk

A human movement to see beauty in human diversity. That’s how internationally renowned photographer Rick Guidotti describes the work of a photo exhibition at Rochester’s George Eastman Museum. It’s called Positive Exposure and it includes fifty portraits of individuals with genetic, physical, cognitive, and behavioral differences. Visitors may even recognize some of the faces. Twenty portraits are of Rochester area residents with intellectual disabilities. On this edition of Need to Know we learn more about the exhibit, commissioned by the Golisano Foundation, which is focused on celebrating differences and changing perspectives.

On this edition of Need to Know we examine autism spectrum disorder which affects one in 68 children with boys being five times more likely to have the disorder. African-American and Latino children with autism tend to be diagnosed later in life than Caucasian kids.  The difference can be as great as two or three years which can cause them to miss out on important early intervention. Nationally, researchers are looking at ways to offer better care in under-served communities. One proposed project is trying to reduce that disparity by providing support services for families when the first signs of autism are recognized. Need to Know’s Sasha-Ann Simons reports.

Autism spectrum disorder, better known as autism, is a condition where an individual struggles to engage in two-way communication, especially in social situations. 

There is no "cure" for autism, and the cause may come down to hundreds of interacting factors, but we do know it is critical for people with autism to get the earliest possible diagnosis and get access to appropriate educational and medical resources.

From school boards to legislative seats, on this edition of Need to Know we’re talking about the races Monroe County residents should be watching and why they matter this election season.

Also on the show, studies find that African American and Latino children are underrepresented when identifying young people with autism. We’ll learn why minority kids may be under-diagnosed and how the Rochester area is responding.

And changing societal attitudes about the image of beauty. A new photo exhibit featuring Monroe County residents with intellectual disabilities is focused on doing just that.

An organization that helps people with disabilities and their families realize their goals has opened its doors to the public.

A ceremony was held this morning at Starbridge, located at the Al Sigl Community of Agencies.

The non-profit organization was formed with the merger of the Advocacy Center and LDA Life and Learning Services.

Its president and CEO, Colin Garwood, says they have a federal department of education grant to train parents on how to engage in the special education process and system, and how to be part of their child's education planning.

Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation will be honored next month with The Arc's inaugural Catalyst Awards that will be presented during The Arc's national convention in Indianapolis on October 3. 

Before Madeline Stuart's modeling career took off, years ago when she was still a baby, her mother Roseanne says she felt really isolated.

"I didn't have any friends with disabilities. There was no one in my family that had children with disabilities. It was just her and I. And there was no information, or the information out there was quite negative."