Disabilities

A person who is blind may use a guide dog; someone who is deaf may have a hearing dog.

But did you know that dogs can help folks with other types of disabilities?

Raising awareness of these types of service dogs is the aim of "Imagine Independence," a fundraiser on Thursday, April 26, for Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Like many young men counting down the days until they can drive, David Hastings has March 15 circled in red: It's the day he takes his behind-the-wheel driver's test. Is he confident he'll pass the test? "Yes, I am," he announced firmly.

Hastings had to master more than the usual challenges to get to this point. For one thing, he's 22, not 16. And he has autism.

Traditional driver's education classes haven't worked well for him.

But now that he's studying to be a graphic designer, he figures he needs a car for independence. He's determined that his form of autism, Asperger's, won't stop him from achieving either goal.

OGDEN -- A popular local speaker in area churches will turn 30 this week and will celebrate the eight-year anniversary of becoming paralyzed.

Known for her favorite saying, "When life gets too hard to stand, just keep on rollin,'" motivational speaker and author Meg Johnson has a new self-published book, which she both wrote and illustrated, available on her website, MegJohnsonSpeaks.com.

Titled "The Coolest of Days," the book is a colorful story of a girl following God through the creation of the Earth and then through the creation of her own life and challenges.

OGDEN -- If your company would benefit from an economical manufacturing process or service, Jason Tonioli has an idea for you.

NORTH OGDEN — The city council has approved ordinances that put the city in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, but not with a smile.

FARMINGTON -- Robbie Baird does not think the apology rendered by one of his attackers was genuine.

The 26-year-old Tooele man, who is mentally disabled, attended the sentencing hearing of Jose Angel Velazque Chavez, 19, in 2nd District Court on Thursday.

OGDEN -- When he was in the fourth grade, Landon Weeks wanted to take piano lessons. A private piano teacher decided to give him a three-month trial.

Because Landon has only three fingers on each hand and no elbows that bend, his teacher knew it might pose a challenge, but she was willing to take the risk.

"She was a concert pianist until a tragic accident left her with the ability to just use two of her fingers on one arm," said Lanette Weeks, Landon's mother.