Making society more welcoming to differences

by Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Marjorie Dannenfelser from philly.com:

More than two decades after Chris Burke, playing Corky Thatcher, first won the hearts of TV audiences in the Life Goes On series, another American with Down syndrome will soon grace the silver screen. Albuquerque's KOAT-TV reports that filming will soon begin for Everybody Loves Tim, a "docu-series" centered on Tim Harris who, since 2010, has welcomed customers to his popular breakfast-and-lunch joint in the "Duke City," called Tim's Place.

The casting call is unique. Producers are looking for "people seeking to live a more confident and inspired life," and are interested in "learning how to live more like [Tim] does, with supreme confidence and the ability to live life to the fullest."

The energetic, inspiring young restaurateur, and self-styled "hugging machine," has Down syndrome.

The outlook for Tim and other Americans living with Down syndrome - as well as their families - has steadily been improving. Since their commonalities were first identified in the mid-19th century by Dr. John Langdon Down (1828-1896), we have come a long way in understanding and helping people with Down syndrome.

Gone is the erroneous belief that the condition was somehow a parent's fault. Also gone, or nearly so, are hurtful and inaccurate descriptive terms. The advent of antibiotics, starting in the 1950s, has extended the life span of those with Down syndrome to around 60 years by eliminating the respiratory infections that usually ended their lives in childhood.

Inspirational restauranteur Tim Harris to get reality show

by Regina Ruiz from KOAT ABC:
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —Tim Harris, the owner of Tim's Place restaurant, will be getting his own reality show, and the show is casting.

Harris, who was born with Down Syndrome, has made several TV appearances, including a recent trip to "The View." Harris lives by this famous Walt Disney quote: "If you can dream it, you can do it."
The show, "Everybody Loves Tim," will explore the life of Harris who achieved his dream of opening a restaurant in the Duke City.
Tim's Place is known for its signature friendly service, which often includes free hugs from the owner himself.
The show is looking for people seeking to live a more confident and inspired life, who are willing to work alongside Tim.

Mobile users: Tap for video

Restaurateur Tim Harris to appear on 'The View'

by Todd Kurtz from KOAT 7 Albuquerque:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —An Albuquerque restaurant owner is back in the national spotlight and is set to take his trademark hugs all the way to ABC's "The View."

There are a number of reasons to check out Tim's Place restaurant, but many come to see Tim Harris. Harris, who has Down syndrome, opened up shop in northeast Albuquerque years ago.

His inspiring story draws patrons from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Many see his story on social media and come to check out his cheery personality and free hugs.
"I want people to feel all the love," Harris said.
"The View" flew Harris and his family to New York City earlier this week to record a segment. A love for the movie "Sister Act" had Harris pumped up about the trip.
"I love Whoopi Goldberg. I can't wait to meet her," he said.
It's been a busy week for the restaurant owner. The segment was filmed Tuesday and he had to hurry back to start his annual Hug-A-Thon. Harris hopes to raise $10,000 through the Hug-A-Thon for local firefighters. It could take as many as 2,000 hugs to reach that goal.
Viewers can see Harris' interview on "The View" starting at 10 a.m. Friday on KOAT-TV.

Read more: http://www.koat.com/news/new-mexico/albuquerque/restaurateur-tim-harris-to-appear-on-the-view/-/9153728/24083112/-/13ogenkz/-/index.html#ixzz2rL3TPrtf

Video! At the Global Down Syndrome Foundation ‘Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show’

from Extra:
Hollywood’s A-listers teamed with nearly 20 models with Down syndrome at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show,” a high-style fashion show and fundraiser which took place in Denver on Saturday, September 28.

The event featured celebrities including Jamie Foxx, John McGinley and Quincy Jones, who are helping raise money and awareness of the condition.

Take a look!



The gala honored HLN’s Kyra Phillips and businessman/social media phenom Tim Harris, who has Down syndrome. They received the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their support of those with disabilities, and for raising awareness about the social inequities that still exist.

Breakfast at Tim's Place: hug #41,407

Started my day at the World's Friendliest Restaurant! Tim's Place! Oh Yeah!

This is my second time visiting and Tim's Place is awesome! As a parent of a child with Down syndrome this place is like a temple of inspiration. I feel really lucky to have experienced the Denver convention and now Tim's Place (TimsPlaceABQ.com).

Disability.gov's Top 10 Guest Blogs of 2012

Top 10 Guest Blogs of 2012 from Disability.gov

1. Living the Life We Have by Dr. Dan Gottlieb, Ph.D, psychologist and author
2. Disability History from the Presidential Libraries by Susan Donius, National Archives, Office of Presidential Libraries
3. Colleen’s Story: Part III – Retirement and Beyond by Colleen M. Feldman
4. Working at Home Can Change Your Life by Lori Adler, Ticket to Work Participant and Public Relations Specialist for Employment Options, Inc.
5. A Step Forward – The Obama Administration Creates Administration for Community Living by Henry Claypool, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living
6. Funding Your Handicap Accessible Van with a Grant by Susan Hawkins, Content Manager, AMS Vans
7. Can Full-Time Family Caregivers Get Paid? by Erin Palmer, Writer and Editor, Bisk Education
8. But You LOOK Good! by Wayne Connell, Founder and President, Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) and “Antarctic” Mike Pierce, IDA Ambassador
9. My Story by Tim Harris, owner of Tim’s Place
10. Counting People with Disabilities by Matthew Brault, Statistician, Health and Disability Statistics Branch, U.S. Census Bureau

Inspired: a review of the NDSC convention weekend

from Particularly Perfect by Amy Kosmalski:

Inspired.

Tonight I feel inspired.

I have been inspired by hundreds of beautiful people.  People like Kayla...all of whom are rocking designer genes.  Amazing people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities...all of whom came together from July 19-21 for the largest annual Down syndrome "family reunion".

I walk through my daily life appreciating Down syndrome.  Appreciating it for the miracle of my girl, for she truly is amazing and my greatest inspiration.  But...while I appreciate Down syndrome, it is also something I rarely think about these days.  While it used to way heavy on my mind and my heart, now it is simply a part of our lives.  Because it is a part of our lives, I consider myself an expert at DS-dar...Down syndrome radar.  I can usually tell from behind if someone has Down syndrome.  I enjoy so much seeing people with Down syndrome shopping, playing, dancing...just being...but it is rare.  Well, not on this weekend.  This weekend it felt amazing to walk into a restaurant and making my way past every single table, noticing someone with Down syndrome enjoying a meal with their family.  Eating, laughing and sharing stories together...just living their lives.  I felt home.

We spent the weekend in our nations capitol, Washington, D.C.  Rich with history...and we made a little bit of history ourselves.  Thursday we made history when over 160 self-advocates {people with Down syndrome} took to the Hill to advocate for a better future for themselves.  Asking of their congressmen and senators to support the ABLE Act and increase NIH funding.  It was truly a sight to see!  While on the Hill, we met with Senator Carper, Senator Coons and Congressman Carney's staff members.

Now...I admit...no one should ever let a pregnant woman lose in a Senators office.  Especially a pregnant woman that is passionate about a brighter future for her child.  While I have immense hope for the future of the ABLE Act and the utmost respect for Senator Carper's staff, squashing a Momma's dreams = not cool.  As this one staffer began to compare the ABLE Act to elderly people and Medicare, I lost my cool.  Trying to compare my six-year-old daughter's inability to save for her future to someone at the end of their years spending down their money instead of having to use it to pay a nursing home is ridiculous...and I told her so.  Filled with tears, I issued my warning that I was pregnant, hormonal and emotional.  But seriously...she was trying to compare a person that has lived a full life, purchased a home, been able to put their children through college, own cars, etc...to my daughter who can't have more than $2,000 in assets without losing her medical benefits.  It was just a ridiculous point and one I refused to listen to...and I think she got that message loud and clear.  Ah...to use the pregnancy excuse...it's fantastic...

The day resumed - meeting with Senator Coons staff.

That meeting went great.  Kayla and I skipped out on the Carney meeting as I wanted to ensure she rested before her big event...The Global Down Syndrome Foundation Fashion Show Preview and Gala.

As we walked into the Seewall Belmont House, Scott Grimes (from ER) was on the stage and immediately stepped down to warmly welcome Kayla.  Next she was joined by Bob Guiney (from the Bachelor) and the guitarist of their band, Jay.  She thought she was pretty big time...hanging "back stage" {actually in the basement}...

Notice the toilet paper in the background...now that's rock and roll!


During our backstage time we were able to spend time with the Hennefer family.  Brad Hennefer {B-Rad as his friends call him} is an inspiration.  He is the first person with Down syndrome to earn two varsity letters in high school...one in basketball and the other in golf.  Yes, Brad is an amazing athlete but he is also much more than that, Brad is an incredible young man that has the most wonderful personality.

After a few practice runs, the models were ready to work it...and did they ever work it...

All of the models rocked their smiles, confidence, swagger and amazing clothes...including their designer genes.  All of the models had Down syndrome.

Kayla with Rep. Perlmutter {her escort} and Michelle Whitten, Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Guiney & Grimes took to the stage...and so did Kayla.  No one was gonna keep her back...

and they were just wonderful to her.  Soon all of the models were on the stage together again...dancing, singing and having the time of their lives.  Seeing my girl's confidence was quite possibly one of the most amazing moments I have ever experienced.  She lit up like nothing I have ever seen.  She was right where she belongs...in the spotlight.

Thank you, Bob and Scott, for being so wonderful and kind...

Working the "red carpet"...

Paparazzi...

The post fashion show interview...she kinda loves the camera...a lot! 
This is Kayla's new friend, DeOndra Dixon...Jamie Foxx's sister.  She is beautiful and kind and smart...Kayla loved her!
Abby Perlmutter of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation...Kayla is her biggest fan!
Abby's mom {don't they look alike}...and Trish Morris of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation...

We are so fortunate to meet some of the most amazing people...all because Kayla has an extra chromosome...and perhaps because she is so darn cute...

Onto the NDSC National Convention...

Blogger sharing session run by fellow blogger Bethany Balsis.  It was a great place to chat with other bloggers and place faces with the words that I read and that inspire me daily.  It is amazing to know that others recognize me and also draw inspiration from my words.

These are Bethany's girls...Nika and Payton.  Nika is their little Russian cutie...I so admire this family.  Having a child with Down syndrome and adopting another...just goes to show you that life with a child with Down syndrome is so amazing there are people that want to multiply the amazingness...You can check out Bethany's blog here.

As the weekend started, we were able to steal some time with our favorite little guy, JJ...my future son-in-law.  Seriously...can you get enough of him?  I can't...
There was much to learn...and my brain is still reeling.  This was our fourth convention and I am amazed at how much I learn each time.  Kayla is amazing and patiently sits through sessions...playing on her iPad, coloring, and reading.  In between sessions...different story.  She was on a mission...she was handing out her "business cards" like it was her job...I am fairly certain that everyone that attended left with a Princess Kayla card...whether they wanted one or not.

And while there was much to learn and many amazing people to meet...let's be real...it was all about the dance...Just Dance {round 1}...obviously my girl was beyond ecstatic...and there were hundreds of other faces just like this one on that dance floor....

Onto the most popular night of the convention...the awards dinner and Just Dance...

Just in case you didn't get enough the first time...here he is again...

This is one of my favorite family's in the world...so glad our kids brought us together...

Rick's parents came to DC to support us...and we appreciated it more than they will know.  I also know this was hard for them.  They don't see Down syndrome when they see Kayla.  They don't see everything we have done and have to do to keep her progressing with her peers.  They see Kayla, a perfect six-year-old little girl.  And she is just that...perfect.  Regardless of her abilities, she will always be perfect...but for them to come to see all of Kayla's friends, I know that was difficult for them.  Seeing and hearing the stories was, I am sure, an eye-opening experience...

Above all...seeing this girl smile...nothing is more perfect.  The joy that exudes her body when she is with her Daddy is priceless...

And I loved meeting friends I feel like I have known forever...

This is my new friend, Sawyer...
She's ridiculously cute...
Her mom recognized Kayla from my blog and told me what an inspiration Kayla is to her.  Tears.  Really. When I write, I do it for Kayla {well...and for me, too}.  I do it to remember all of the amazing things that we do together.  But to realize I am touching people is just incredible.  To Sawyer's mommy and daddy...your princess is beautiful and amazing.  Keep faith that she can do anything and by the time she is Kayla's age, she will be doing far more than Kayla.  That's how it works...learning from those that went before you.  She is going to change the world...just you wait and see!

This is my other new friend, Jenny...

She is a teacher.  Yes, you read that right...a teacher.  She is one of a few teachers in a class for kids with Down syndrome.  Amazing.  Inspirational.  Thank you, Jenny, for showing me what is possible for Kayla's future.  Just like you, Kayla is going to do amazing things!  Keep rockin' that extra chromosome and keep proving to the world that people with Down syndrome are making a difference!

And this diva here...tell me you don't love her smile...
Well...she attends college and lives on her own.  She had a roommate but moved out because she was tired of having to "take care" of her roommate.  I'm serious...that's what she said!  The most impressive part?  She has a 3.8 GPA.  How many of us could say we had a 3.8 GPA in college?  I know I wish I could...

And this may seem a bit stalker-ish...but I'm ok with that...

This is quite possibly one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen.  Ever.  Down syndrome aside.  Her poise and confidence was unbelievable.  I had the opportunity to chat with her younger sister and this beauty in blue is just 19 years old.  I may make enemies in the Down syndrome community right now but I have to say it...I know beauty is much more than what you see on the outside...but carrying yourself appropriately is half of the battle.  Making Kayla appear more like "typical" kids has always been a goal.  The more we separate our kids, the harder it will be for them to "appear" the same.  This girl is my inspiration.  She is dressed like she is 19...accessorized like she is 19...hair and makeup is done like she is 19.  Perhaps that is why she carries herself with such amazing confidence.  Whatever the case, this girl is stunning inside and out...and she knows it...and that is what is important!

The amazing people with Down syndrome at this convention were endless...here is just one more...
This is Tim.  Owner of Tim's Place.

Tim serves up breakfast, lunch and hugs.  He keeps count of those hugs, too.  But he serves much more than that...he serves up inspiration for people with Down syndrome and a side of awareness for everyone in the community.  Thank you, Tim, for dreaming big and proving to the world that people with Down syndrome don't have to settle for anything less than they dream.

Sure...these are all "success stories"...but don't we all strive to be successful...to be happy?  That's what I want for Kayla...and nothing less.  Whatever that will look like for her is just fine by me, but she will be successful.  I know there are parents that may not believe their kids can be one of these success stories, but I just don't understand why you wouldn't hope and dream for your child to reach their greatest potential.  What Kayla can and will achieve in this world is up to her and I am excited for her future.  I will be right there, right behind her...encouraging, supporting and loving her all the while...

Ok...enough of all of that...Just Dance...

As the convention drew to a close, I was witness to one of the most amazing sights ever...
Over 300 self advocates and their brothers and sisters took to the stage and performed Firework.  As they finished and the crowd took to their feet, the self advocates chanted "one more time...one more time...".  And so, we were treated to the show again.  Seeing these self advocates and their siblings come together as a group...tears...hot, happy tears.  It doesn't help that I am pregnant and emotional...

We left the weekend filled with knowledge, new friends, and the most incredible memories.  But above all, I left inspired.  To all of my new friends with Down syndrome, thank you.  Thank you for inspiring me.  Each of you are making an incredible footprint on this world.  Each of you are proving that an extra chromosome is nothing more than just that.  It doesn't define anyone with Down syndrome...and it will never define Kayla.  Her greatness will simply be defined by who she is as a person and by everything that she can do...not what she can't.

Tim’s Place: World’s Friendliest Restaurant

What is Tim’s Place?

Tim’s Place is a unique full service restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico serving breakfast and lunch. Our slogan captures exactly who we are and what you can expect when you visit us!

Tim’s Place: World’s Friendliest Restaurant

Breakfast, Lunch, and Hugs. The key differential factor of our concept is the customer service experience. We believe that people have a huge appetite for being genuinely welcomed, connected with, touched, appreciated, and genuinely cared for. We believe many experiences in our busy modern lives are impersonal, sterile, and devoid of genuine human connection.

Restaurant owner Tim Harris wants to offer a welcoming environment where you can grab something to eat while meeting friends. He didn’t let Down Syndrome get in the way of achieving his dream of opening a restaurant at Academy and Wyoming in northeast Albuquerque.

Who is Tim?

Tim Harris serves as the inspiration for our unique restaurant concept.

Everybody needs a Tim hug.

What is a Tim Hug?Calorie Free, Guilt Free. Sweet, but not too sweet. Guaranteed to improve your lease on life! Ask your server.