'Amazing Race' Former Contestant Inspires Children With Learning Disability

September 6, 2007 Kelly McCorkle Parkinson, a former Miss South Carolina beauty queen and contestant on The Amazing Race season 7, graced the homecoming festivities of the West End Baptist Church last month and served as an inspiration to many children.

Growing up in Greenville, South Carolina, she was diagnosed with a learning disability and was told by doctors that it would likely prevent her from accomplishing goals she had set for herself. However, she proved doubters wrong as she fulfilled her dreams, which included winning beauty pageants and joining the renowned reality show, The Amazing Race.

"A few months ago, I heard Parkinson speak and she was outstanding. Several of the other girls at our church also heard her and thought she made an impact on their lives and could do the same to even more," West End Baptist Pastor Rodney Cook said.

Parkinson encourages children diagnosed with a learning condition to pursue major strides in life by uplifting others with her experiences with the Miss America pageant and The Amazing Race.

"I am honored to be able to share my testimony with West End, South Carolina and the nation," Parkinson said. "I believe my testimony is a way of trying to reach people and tell them if I can do it, they can too with the help of God."

In addition to promoting education for people with learning disabilities, Parkinson is also involved in ministry, serving as a pastor's wife to her husband, Scott.

"It is an honor to be doing this full time," Parkinson said. "I believe it takes one person to minister to another, and I'm happy that we are able to do that in each other's lives."


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Gaffney Ledger
(Image courtesy of The Gaffney Ledger)

Questions to ask the Disability Service Coordinator When going on a College Visit

Once you narrow your college choices, it’s important that you meet with the disability services coordinator at each college to determine services and accommodations that may be available. This may help determine the college that will best meet your needs. You must request services from the disability services office each term or semester. You will not receive services unless you make the request.

What documentation must I bring to identify myself as a student with a disability entitled to a reasonable accommodation? How current must it be?
How is confidential information handled?
Who decides if I qualify for accommodations and are the accommodations I need available?
How much advance notice is needed to have textbooks recorded on tape?
Is tutoring provided? What is the cost?
Are waivers or substitutions granted to students who, because of their disabilities, cannot pass certain courses, such as foreign languages or statistic?
Are courses in basic skills or study skills offered? Are they available for credit? Can they be counted as hours toward full-time status? What is the cost?
Is there a support group on campus for students with disabilities?
Is there assistive technology available on campus?



reference: www.educationquest.org