The Spotlight
Clara Midgett
Clara Midgett was born at 26 weeks. Her first five years included a lot of medical challenges, this also included a diagnosis of severe Autism at age three. Many professionals did not think Clara would ever accomplish simple goals. Clara has proven them wrong more than once.
Clara’s dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism prevents her from being able to communicate orally. This has not stopped her! She is loved by her friends and family and is exceeding goals every day. She is an accomplished writer and will be graduating high school with a regular diploma in 2025. Her mom, Anara, states she would have graduated earlier, but likes to work on her own time. Clara refused to do her geometry last year, so now is working to make up her last half credit. Her younger brother, Alan, is also graduating and has asked if he could walk with her.
Clara was asked to write about herself for the DSAMT Spotlight award. Here is what she had to say:
Do You Know Someone Who Should be in the DSAMT Spotlight?
Do you know someone who should to be our Spotlight of the Month? Email a photo and a short explanation why to April@somethingextra.org
Keiston Flood
Keiston Flood recently participated in the Sparkle Pageant and was named “Mr. Lights Up the Room”. This is a perfect description of Keiston, because it is very rare to see Keiston out when he is not smiling and having a good time. Keiston is an extremely intelligent young man who is often said to be kind, polite, and helpful, especially towards children. DSAMT staff members agree he is a great example of a young gentleman.
Delaney Heflin
In January 2023, Delaney Heflin competed in the TN State Winter Games in Gatlinburg, TN for skiing. While there, she received 1st place in Alpine Slalom and 4th place in Alpine Downhill. This is especially extraordinary since Delaney only started participating in Special Olympics in spring, 2022 and this was a brand-new sport for her.
Nathan Oliver
Over the course of just three months of working, BIG changes were seen in Nathan – and not just at work! Rather than needing lots of encouragement at Circle of Friends, Nathan willingly joined other participants in activities, fully participating in kickboxing, following all instructor directions. We even caught him smiling several times.
Josh Putman
Josh Putman has worked at the Madison Aaron’s for the last 12 months. Josh says he loves his job! He has met new people, has made friends, learns something new every day, and has even sold a washer and dryer!
Cailyn Wheaton
LittleBIG Dog Treats is pretty much a one woman show, and Cailyn literally does it all from following the recipes, coming up with new treats, cutting and laying out treats for baking, bagging, labeling, setting up for sales, passing out information cards, meeting customers and their dogs and collecting the money for sales. It seems the only thing she does not do is taste test the treats - that is her dog Briley’s job.
Meghan Maynard
Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee is proud to present 2016 Self-Advocate of the Year Meghan Maynard!