Author: Ricky Docto

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]
[av_heading heading=’INSPIRING, HEARTWARMING, HOPEFUL, AND CONCERNING, THE LINKS OF INTEREST FOR SEPTEMBER 27 2016′ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht5nyvr’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]
[/av_section]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht5nudc’ admin_preview_bg=”]
Inspiring, heartwarming, hopeful, and concerning, these themes run throughout today’s links of interest. The below four articles challenge all of us to think different and be different in our everyday lives. As you read about these stories, consider how they encourage and challenge you in your particular situations. Here are the links of interest for September 21, 2016. Continue reading “INSPIRING, HEARTWARMING, HOPEFUL, AND CONCERNING, THE LINKS OF INTEREST FOR SEPTEMBER 27 2016”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]
[av_heading heading=’GOLDEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS: HOW 2 OLYMPIC ATHLETES OVERCAME THEIR DISABILITIES’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht5phty’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]
[/av_section]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht5puq3′ admin_preview_bg=”]
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love the Olympics. It doesn’t matter what sport it is I can sit and watch it. Everything from swimming, to hand ball, to air rifle captures my attention every 4 years. This year, however, something different also caught my attention. I have noticed that 2  athletes competing have  overcome serious disabilities to reach their ultimate goals. Continue reading “GOLDEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS: HOW 2 OLYMPIC ATHLETES OVERCAME THEIR DISABILITIES”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]
[av_heading heading=’THE FREEMAN FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE 23 BLAST GIVING CAMPAIGN: 23 FOR 23′ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht6avzs’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]
[/av_section]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht6antj’ admin_preview_bg=”]
We at The Freeman Foundation are excited to announce our new 23 Blast giving campaign. On April 15 of this year the movie was released on Netflix. To celebrate this release, and to commemorate this summer being the 23rd anniversary of me losing my sight, we are asking people to give “23 for 23.” In this campaign we are looking for 23 people to commit to giving $23 a month for one year. So why should you choose to give your hard earned money to The Freeman Foundation in this way? Below are six reasons why. Continue reading “THE FREEMAN FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE 23 BLAST GIVING CAMPAIGN: 23 FOR 23”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]

[av_heading heading=’THE 2016 LIGHTS OUT BLINDFOLDED 5K IN CORBIN, KY’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht6d5fi’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]

[/av_section][av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jht6dj70′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Press Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Freeman Foundation Presents

The Lights Out Blind Folded 5K

Corbin, KY, May 9, 2016: The Freeman Foundation presents its next Lights Out Blind Folded 5K in Corbin, KY. The race will be held on July 4 at 9:00 am at the Corbin Primary School.  To participate in this 5K individuals must have a partner. The first partner will guide the blindfolded partner through the 1.5 mile marker of the course. Partners will then change roles and finish the race.  Pre-registration will last until June 15 at $20.00 per person. Registration will then continue until race day and will be $25.00 per person. You can register online here. Continue reading “THE 2016 LIGHTS OUT BLINDFOLDED 5K IN CORBIN, KY”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]
[av_heading heading=’IN MEMORY OF UNCLE RONNIE: THE MAN WHO EMBODIED THE TRUTH THAT DISABILITY DOES NOT EQUAL INABILITY’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvuza2v’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]
[/av_section]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvuzpti’ admin_preview_bg=”]
In the summer of 1993 I lost my sight. In less than 2 days my life was turned upside down, and everything about me changed. Upon my release from the hospital I gravitated towards one specific individual. All of my family loved me and supported me through that time, but my Uncle Ronnie was a little different. I knew that he understood what I was going through, since he was paralyzed at the age of 18 due to a mining accident. Continue reading “IN MEMORY OF UNCLE RONNIE: THE MAN WHO EMBODIED THE TRUTH THAT DISABILITY DOES NOT EQUAL INABILITY”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]
[av_heading heading=’THE DISABILITY OF ADDICTION: HOW EMBEDDED CAUSED ME TO THINK DIFFERENTLY’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvv187v’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]
[/av_section]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvv1i3g’ admin_preview_bg=”]
A couple of days ago I came across a new podcast called Embedded. In this NPR podcast host Kelly McEvers “goes deep.” The idea behind the show is to take the headlines we read and examine their back stories: uncovering who these people are, why they do what they do, and at times what can be done to help. The show concept is fascinating and extremely compelling. Continue reading “THE DISABILITY OF ADDICTION: HOW EMBEDDED CAUSED ME TO THINK DIFFERENTLY”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]
[av_heading heading=’DESCRIPTIVE PICTURES: HOW TWITTER AND FACEBOOK ARE CHANGING THE LIVES OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvv6ald’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]
[/av_section]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvv6p0b’ admin_preview_bg=”]
I love Twitter, and I tolerate Facebook. When I began The Freeman Foundation I believed that having an active social media presence was a vital aspect of the success of the foundation. I wanted to use Twitter and Facebook to assist in advancing our mission. These social media platforms allow me to give people a glimpse into the life of a visually impaired person. By sharing my frustrations, successes, and daily events, I can help people understand that a disabled person can live a normal life. The two hash tags #BlindManProblems and #BlindManPic provide a humorous avenue for me to accomplish this goal. Continue reading “DESCRIPTIVE PICTURES: HOW TWITTER AND FACEBOOK ARE CHANGING THE LIVES OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]

[av_heading heading=’ LIGHTS OUT BLINDFOLDED 5K, VERSAILLES, KY’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvv8lqn’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]

[/av_section][av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvv9928′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Press Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Freeman Foundation Presents

The Lights Out Blind Folded 5K

Corbin, KY, February 23, 2016: The Freeman Foundation presents its next Lights Out Blind Folded 5K in Versailles, KY. The race will be held on April 23 at 9:00 am at the Simmons Elementary School.  To participate in this 5K individuals must have a partner. The first partner will guide the blindfolded partner through the 1.5 mile marker of the course. Partners will then change roles and finish the race.  Pre-registration will last until April 1 at $20.00 per person. Registration will then continue until race day and will be $25.00 per person. You can register online here.   Continue reading “LIGHTS OUT BLINDFOLDED 5K, VERSAILLES, KY”

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border_diagonal_color=’#333333′ bottom_border_diagonal_direction=” bottom_border_style=” custom_arrow_bg=” id=” color=’main_color’ background=’bg_color’ custom_bg=” background_gradient_color1=” background_gradient_color2=” background_gradient_direction=’vertical’ src=’https://www.travisfreeman.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/banner-bg-1.png’ attachment=’272′ attachment_size=’full’ attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’stretch’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_element_hidden_in_editor=’0′ av_uid=’av-jhlzsd1g’]

[av_heading heading=’DOWNTON ABBEY, DISABILITY, AND THE LESSON OF A CENTURY’ tag=’h1′ style=’blockquote modern-quote modern-centered’ size=’30’ subheading_active=” subheading_size=’17’ margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvz38gq’ admin_preview_bg=”]
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT – PLAY HARDER.
[/av_heading]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’30’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-jhlenoqy’ admin_preview_bg=”]

[/av_section][av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” av_uid=’av-jhvz3zbd’ admin_preview_bg=”]
A few weeks ago, my wife Stephanie and I began watching Downton Abbey. For the 1 or 2 of you that do not know, the show takes place in the early Twentieth Century, and follows the goings on at a large estate in the United Kingdom. As we began I really did not know what to expect, but was gripped by the show’s plot from episode one. The first episode, however, did include something that I did not expect, the story of Mr. Bates. Continue reading “DOWNTON ABBEY, DISABILITY, AND THE LESSON OF A CENTURY”