Weekly Edition - 2.25

📕 History unfolds on reality TV. From a trailblazing autistic contestant to a family's courtroom triumph, this week's developments challenge perceptions and promise change. Plus, breakthrough science and funding concerns signal pivotal moments in disability research.

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Moments That Matter

Celebrating the everyday victories, breakthrough achievements, and inspiring individuals

"'My Autism is My Superpower': Eva Erickson Breaks New Ground on 'Survivor'"

Her story will change how you think about autism. Eva Erickson, a 24-year-old PhD candidate and athlete, is stepping into "Survivor" Season 48 as the show's first openly autistic contestant. For many in the I/DD community, this isn't just another casting announcement.

Doctors once told Eva's parents she would never live independently or hold a job. Today, she's pursuing her doctorate in engineering at Brown University, researching seal whisker sensory technology for the Navy. She captains the men's club hockey team and was the first woman to play men's hockey at Georgia Tech. Her achievements demolish stereotypes about autism's limitations.

Eva views her autism not as a challenge to overcome, but as her "superpower." She credits her ability to hyperfocus on goals as key to her success, showing how traits often seen as limitations can become strengths with proper support and understanding. Her strategic gameplay approach - emphasizing her athletic background while downplaying her academic achievements - demonstrates the complex social awareness many don't associate with autism.

For parents, caregivers, and autistic individuals watching, Eva's presence on one of television's biggest platforms sends a powerful message: autism doesn't define potential. Her journey from early skepticism about her capabilities to groundbreaking achievements offers a blueprint of possibility. If you would like to read more about Eva's incredibile story, check out the original article.

Across The Nation

From Capitol Hill to community centers: the national updates shaping our collective future

🧬 CRISPR Takes Aim: Scientists Target Extra Chromosome in Down Syndrome Research. Scientists have made an initial breakthrough in developing gene editing techniques that could potentially address the extra chromosome causing Down syndrome. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, Japanese researchers successfully removed the third copy of chromosome 21 in laboratory cells while preserving one chromosome from each parent. This research represents early-stage exploration of possible genetic interventions for trisomy 21, though it's currently limited to test tube experiments and requires significant further development before any potential clinical applications.

👨‍🔬 NIH Cuts Disability Research Paths, Scientists Scramble. Federal changes to disability research funding create immediate challenges for scientists with disabilities. After President Trump's executive order on DEIA programs, the NIH began removing specialized grant opportunities - including one supporting researchers with disabilities. This shift affects both current applicants and future disability-focused research, from healthcare accessibility to assistive technology development. Even more concerning, affected grant applications may be discarded rather than moved to general funding pools, potentially violating disability rights protections. Those currently involved in NIH grant applications should contact their institutional research office for guidance on navigating these changes. Read the original article for more details.

Community Catalyst

Local Inovation Worth Spreading: See how local changes are creating ripples of progress nationwide

👨‍👩‍👦 Landmark $10M Verdict: Family Wins Rare Birth Injury Case in Wisconsin. A Wisconsin jury awarded $10 million to a Racine family after finding that improper Pitocin administration during childbirth led to their daughter's cerebral palsy. The case highlights critical concerns about medication monitoring during labor and delivery. The verdict, particularly notable given that 91% of Wisconsin medical malpractice cases favor healthcare providers, sets an important precedent for families seeking accountability for birth injuries. While money can't reverse Ka'Mya's condition, the compensation will help ensure she receives the lifelong care she needs. If you would like to read more, check out the original article.