The Autism News | English


Mayor Ralph Becker has proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 3, “Kim Peek Day” in honor of the Salt Lake native who inspired the role of Dustin Hoffman in the film “Rain Man.”

A reception will held Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. Broadway.

Peek used his brush with fame to increase awareness of disabilities and improve education for children with special needs.

The event will include presentation of the first-annual Peek Award for Disability in Media to scientist, author and educator Temple Grandin, who herself was a recent subject of an Emmy-winning biopic of her struggles as an autistic child and adult. Grandin argues that society needs autistic people because of their unique approach to ideas and information.

The award annually will honor a subject, director or actor in a film that has helped to improve the public’s understanding of disability in society.

The Salt Lake Tribune – Lifestyle

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