They Can't Talk But We Can Special Needs Rock! Awards

Introduction

The first Aaron Hatcher's they can't talk but we can special needs rock awards recognize achievement, advocacy and activism on behalf of people with disabilities. It is a fundraising gala to recognize individuals in business, government, media, education, health and more. The gala raises awareness of abuse of children and adults with disabilities.

Main Digest

October is the month where the numerous contributions people with disabilities make in the workplace and in society are highlighted around the world. Aaron Hatcher's, 'They Can't Talk, But We Can,' non-profit organization will hold the first Special Needs Rock! Awards in October to shine a light on achievements and activism unsung people are making on behalf of the disability community. The Special Needs Rock! Awards were created to encourage the support of people who have dedicated an incredible amount of personal and professional time, energy and resources to enhancing the quality of life for families of children and adults with special needs from cities around America.

Denise McClain Dukes, Assistant Director of Administrative Services for the Aaron Hatcher's, 'They Can't Talk, But We Can,' non-profit organization, which is producing the event stated, "We are so excited about the first Special Needs Rock! Awards and the opportunity to showcase the many children and adults who are making a difference in their own unique ways in communities around the country, who you don't get to hear about. A few of those being recognized and honored are parents or family members of people with disabilities, but most are people who just wanted to help address the many serious issues individuals and families face, such as abuse, from the platforms they represent and we want them to know how much they are appreciated."

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Among those being honored will be people who have overcome their challenges and are making a positive mark in their communities and in society such as:

Curtis Lovejoy: Multi-Gold Medal winning Paralympian

Jesse Simms: A comedian, director, producer and minister born with cerebral palsy

Lois Curtis: Artist with intellectual disabilities and plaintiff in landmark Olmstead Decision

Yvette Pegues: Ms. Wheelchair USA, a former engineer who had brain surgery due to a condition she was born with and is now a speaker, author, adaptability expert and advocate on behalf of the disability community.

Terry Moorer: Born with cerebral palsy. He later became a top celebrity publicist for top hip hop artists like Queen Latifah, Sean Puffy Combs, Will Smith and MC Lyte, who is now an author, speaker and music business coach.

In addition, the Special Needs Rock! Awards' honorees will include children and young adults making great strides in their development despite their challenges and who are working towards future professional or vocational goals. There will also be one special award given to a business that has been dedicated to supporting the disability community through its services and products. The first Special Needs Rock! Award will be given to Dr. Deidra Rondeno, Founder of the Dentistry for the Developmentally Disabled Foundation, a clinic that provides accessible and comprehensive dental treatment to people with developmental disabilities, closing the gap of affordable care for more than thirteen years.

The TCTBWC organization will also recognize people representing media, education, arts and culture and government who have exhibited understanding and support for enhancing the quality of life for families with children with special needs. Some of those being recognized include:

• Jeff Chirico: Formerly of CBS-Channel 46
• Representative Valencia Stovall (District 74)
• Carol Stadler: National advocate for special needs
• Gerald Rose: Founder of New Order Human Rights Organization

Founded by Rahn Hatcher, a singer/songwriter, disability advocate, activist and father of two children who had special needs, yet have passed on, the Aaron Hatcher's, 'They Can't Talk, But We Can,' non-profit organization was created in honor of Aaron Hatcher, his eighteen year old son. Aaron Hatcher was allegedly abused at the hand of his special education teacher and dies as a result of his injuries. Mr. Hatcher currently has a lawsuit against Fulton County's Board of Education and strongly advocates for legislation to place cameras in the classrooms of children with special needs to protect these children from abuse, as well as to prevent teachers from being accused of abuse. He has even written and produced a song addressing the issue called, "They Can't Talk, But We Can,' which will be on his soon-to-be-released CD.

Mr. Hatcher's song, which has a, 'We Are the World,' style to it with various lead singers, will be released in October with a special performance at the event. There will also be special guests including:

• Atlanta's Stoney Groove band
• Kim Burr of 731 Global Music/Sony Orchid
• Georgia Music Award winner Rahn Anthoni
• Beth Spangler: A 2014 participant of NBC's The Voice
• Myrna Clayton: Known as the international songbird, who will serve among the locally and nationally known presenters that evening

Ms. McClain-Dukes states, "The disability community is a huge population in America with over 55 million people, many of whom are not getting the recognition they deserve for their contributions to society. We're looking forward to bringing that recognition to the forefront, as well as seeing the Special Needs Rock! Awards grow in momentum every year, attracting the participation and support of more companies, as well as dignitaries and celebrities who themselves have been impacted by disabilities."

The Special Needs Rock! Awards will be held on Sunday, October 25th starting at 4:00p.m. at the Atlanta Museum Bar located at 181 Ralph Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta, GA., 30312. Sponsors of the event include The Atlanta Museum Bar, Klean Klean Records, Elyon Worldwide, The Specialists TV, E.E.E. Marketing Group, Pure Power Enterprises, WCEGTalkRadio.com, WQMGRadio.com and Marketology.

To purchase tickets for the event, which are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP, go to: www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-first-annual-special-needs-rock-awards-tickets-18500657966

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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