--- title: The MediSked Blog | Inspirational Individuals (4) description: Inspirational Individuals | Stay up to date on news, trends, and best practices in the industry (4) --- [![Medisked Logo](https://info.medisked.com/hs-fs/file-28813879-gif/images/logo.gif)](http://www.medisked.com/) Call us direct: (866) 633-4753 - [Home](http://www.medisked.com) - [Get to know us](http://www.medisked.com/get-to-know-us/) - [Our Story](http://www.medisked.com/get-to-know-us/our-story/) - [What makes us different](http://www.medisked.com/get-to-know-us/what-makes-us-different/) - [Careers](http://www.medisked.com/get-to-know-us/careers/) - [Contact Us](http://www.medisked.com/get-to-know-us/contact-us/) - [Platforms](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/) - [Connect Agency Management Platform](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/) - [How it works](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/how-it-works/) - [Features](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/) - [Admin](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/admin/) - [Billing](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/billing/) - [Collabrative Messaging](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/collaborative-messaging/) - [HR Payroll](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/hr-payroll/) - [Medications](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/medications/) - [My MediSked](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/my-medisked/) - [People and Services](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/people-and-services/) - [Planning](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/planning/) - [Schedule Notes](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/schedule-notes/) - [Time Keeping](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/features/time-keeping/) - [Mobile Version](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/mobile-version/) - [Benefits to every department](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/benefits-to-every-department/) - [Nationwide research and expertise](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/nationwide-research-and-expertise/) - [The “Tech-y” lowdown](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/the-tech-y-lowdown/) - [Pricing](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/connect-agency/pricing/) - [Meridian Electronic Health Platform](http://www.medisked.com/platforms/meridian-electronic-health-platform/) - [Transformation Experience](http://www.medisked.com/transformation-experience/) - [Getting from “here to there”](http://www.medisked.com/transformation-experience/getting-from-here-to-there/) - [Premier Knowledge Transfer Coaching](http://www.medisked.com/transformation-experience/getting-from-here-to-there/premier-knowledge-transfer/) - [Improve the quality of lives](http://www.medisked.com/transformation-experience/improve-the-quality-of-lives/) - [Return on Investment](http://www.medisked.com/transformation-experience/roi/) - [Resources](http://www.medisked.com/resources-for-the-provider-community/) - [Support Services](http://www.medisked.com/resources-for-the-provider-community/support-services/) - [Training Services](http://www.medisked.com/resources-for-the-provider-community/training-services/) - [User Group](http://www.medisked.com/resources-for-the-provider-community/user-group/) - [Ask us a Question](http://www.medisked.com/resources-for-the-provider-community/ask-us-a-question/) - [Our Provider Agencies](http://www.medisked.com/our-provider-agencies/) - [Volunteer Events](http://www.medisked.com/our-provider-agencies/volunteer-events/) - [Customer Spotlight](http://www.medisked.com/our-provider-agencies/provider-agency-spotlight/) - [Blog](https://info.medisked.com/blog) ![blog_header-1](https://info.medisked.com/hs-fs/hub/178803/file-1703465410.png) # The MediSked Blog ## [New Nike Sneakers Are Changing the Game for People with Disabilities](https://info.medisked.com/blog/new-nike-sneakers-are-changing-the-game-for-people-with-disabilities) Posted by [Elizabeth Chatterton](https://info.medisked.com/blog/author/elizabeth-chatterton) on Tue, Jul 14, 2015 @ 03:37 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.medisked.com/hubfs/55a3f9a51b0000f61027fed2.png)](https://info.medisked.com/blog/new-nike-sneakers-are-changing-the-game-for-people-with-disabilities) The Huffington Post just broke [this news story](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/nike-flyease-shoe-technology_55a3eec6e4b0b8145f731bde) about an incredibly exciting new sneaker from our friends at Nike. The article tells the story of Matthew Walzer, a college sophomore with Cerebral Palsy. Up until now, simply putting on his shoes was an impossible task. While he could independently dress himself, footwear was a whole separate challenge. Lacking the dexterity to get his foot in and out of his shoes, the Florida teen had to enlist the help of others. He told Huff Post, “By the time you turn 16 it gets frustrating or embarrassing if you're out with your friends and your shoe comes untied and you have to ask your friend, ‘Hey, can you bend down and tie my shoe for me?’” So he decided to do something about it. Back in 2012, while he was still in high school, Walzer [sent a letter to Nike](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/10/matthew-walzer-nike-cerebral-palsy-sneakers_n_1765811.html). That letter ended up in the hands of Nike CEO Mark Parker, who in turn passed it along to Tobie Hatfield, the company’s senior director of athlete innovation. Three years and one heck of a partnership later, Matthew Walzer and  Hatfield’s team at Nike were ready to launch the Zoom Soldier 8 Flyease. And that's exactly what they did yesterday.  [Read More](https://info.medisked.com/blog/new-nike-sneakers-are-changing-the-game-for-people-with-disabilities) 5 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.medisked.com/blog/new-nike-sneakers-are-changing-the-game-for-people-with-disabilities#comments-listing) Tags: [Inspirational Individuals](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/inspirational-individuals), [ID/DD News](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/id-dd-news), [2015](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/2015) ## [Amazing Model Madeline Stuart Has Landed Her 1st Ad Campaign](https://info.medisked.com/blog/amazing-model-madeline-stuart-has-landed-her-1st-ad-campaign) Posted by [Elizabeth Chatterton](https://info.medisked.com/blog/author/elizabeth-chatterton) on Thu, Jul 02, 2015 @ 04:20 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.medisked.com/hubfs/Maddy1.jpg)](https://info.medisked.com/blog/amazing-model-madeline-stuart-has-landed-her-1st-ad-campaign) Just a couple of weeks ago, we (along with the rest of the internet) [introduced you to Madeline Stuart](https://info.medisked.com/blog/get-comfortable-sexual-expression-in-the-i/dd-community-is-here-to-stay) - the 18 year old model with Down Syndrome who loves to rock bold leggings and sweet swimwear.  [Read More](https://info.medisked.com/blog/amazing-model-madeline-stuart-has-landed-her-1st-ad-campaign) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.medisked.com/blog/amazing-model-madeline-stuart-has-landed-her-1st-ad-campaign#comments-listing) Tags: [Inspirational Individuals](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/inspirational-individuals), [2015](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/2015) ## [Get Comfortable: Sexual Expression in the I/DD Community is Here to Stay](https://info.medisked.com/blog/get-comfortable-sexual-expression-in-the-i/dd-community-is-here-to-stay) Posted by [Elizabeth Chatterton](https://info.medisked.com/blog/author/elizabeth-chatterton) on Wed, Jun 10, 2015 @ 12:33 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.medisked.com/hubfs/Madeline-Stuart-Model-Down-Syndrome.jpg)](https://info.medisked.com/blog/get-comfortable-sexual-expression-in-the-i/dd-community-is-here-to-stay) If you pay attention to I/DD news, you've likely seen the beautiful face (and body) of Madeline Stuart on your screen several times over the last couple of weeks.  [Read More](https://info.medisked.com/blog/get-comfortable-sexual-expression-in-the-i/dd-community-is-here-to-stay) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.medisked.com/blog/get-comfortable-sexual-expression-in-the-i/dd-community-is-here-to-stay#comments-listing) Tags: [Inspirational Individuals](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/inspirational-individuals), [ID/DD News](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/id-dd-news), [2015](https://info.medisked.com/blog/topic/2015) ## [Mark's Story: Self Direction, Self Determination, and an Incredible Level of Independence](https://info.medisked.com/blog/self-direction-self-determination) Posted by [Elizabeth Chatterton](https://info.medisked.com/blog/author/elizabeth-chatterton) on Thu, May 28, 2015 @ 11:23 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.medisked.com/hubfs/422982_753230772841_784924995_n_1.jpg)](https://info.medisked.com/blog/self-direction-self-determination) I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Mark. He's the one with the backwards hat and the eye black on - not the pilgrim.     By looking at this photo, you probably wouldn't know that Mark has a disability. In fact, as the numbered bib suggests - he had just finished a race when it was taken. As someone who cannot seem to get into running no matter how hard I try, that in itself is inspiring to me. But that's not why I'm blogging about him today. In addition to participating in - and finishing - races, Mark has Cerebral Palsy. He also has a graduate degree, a job, owns a condo, and has season tickets for the Buffalo Sabres. Every single home game, he climbs an obscene amount of stairs to get to the top of the 300 level at the First Niagara Center. I've done it with him, and trust me - it's not easy for anyone. Especially considering the last couple of seasons.  Almost three years ago he got his NY State Driver's License, bought a car, and had it equipped so that he could operate it using hand controls. It was that last accomplishment (along with his dashing good looks) that landed him in his latest role, as the star of this television commercial for [Main Mobility](http://www.mainmobility.com). 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