Meet Drew Blanton

We recently interviewed an amazing person, Drew Blanton.  He has many interests, one of which is making videos.   You can see his videos and learn more about him at  his youtube site or   his

website.  (Drew is wearing the black cap)

Q. Tell us about yourself.

A. I was originally from Georgia and then moved to NM.

I was run over by a car when I was 9 months old. That’s why I’m in a wheelchair now.

Q. Do you have a job?

A. My main job is a performer. I have done many performances at VSA, here in Albuquerque. Acting is something I enjoy. I love to perform for people and that is what I do best.  I like to make people happy.

I also teach for Americorp.

Q. We watched your videos on you tube, why did you make all those videos?

A. I make videos for inspiration for myself but also to inspire others to do what they want.

Q. Why did you choose to dress as the Greatest American Hero in your video?

A. I think I look like him and I liked the movie.

Q. Do you enjoy being out in the community?

A. Yes, I go to the library and I like talking to people.

Q. Tell us about living in  an ARCA home.

A. I used to live in Tijeras with my family. Then about 3 years ago I moved into the Park house. I like it a lot.

Q. We work on computers here a lot, do you like to work on computers?

A. Yes, I make my videos on a computer and like to play games.

Interview about caring for children with autism

Chelsea Oppenheim, a student in ARCA literacy, interviews fellow student Gabby Garcia about her nephew.   He has been diagnosed with autism.  Gabby discusses several strategies she has developed when caring for him.

First Post

Hello, welcome to our new and improved coolstudents site.   We will share a number of interviews and stories we have done.  We have video interviews as well.  We want to hear your stories about advocacy.  Maybe we could interview you or someone you know!  Please follow us by email and subscribe to us so you can read our newest posts.

An interview with Katy Rodriguez

Katie Rodriguez Banister is a friend to us. We read about her on her website, access-4-all.com. She writes books and she helps kids. We wrote to her and she responded to us. She wrote us two letters. We learned a lot about her. We can teach her about us.
Katie has written four books. Some of us have a disability like her. She is able to do a lot. We can do a lot just like her. Katie says "Do your best and be someone other like to be around." -- By Doreen, Todd, Delbert, Nicole, Kelly and Rolley