Project 4: Celebrities with a disability

Rene Kirby’s bio[2]

Rene Kirby is an American film and television actor from Burlington, Vermont. We share the same birth date, February 27th, but his birth year is 1955. He is best known for his performance in the film Shallow Hal.

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Rene Kirby’s bio[3]

• In this film, he plays the role of Walt, a man who, despite having spina bifida, leads a full and productive life.

• Kirby is also an accomplished gymnast and skier. He has skied many times in disabled competitive events.

The Walkabout[4]

• The walkabout is a stance and stabilizing orthotic device designed to give individuals with spina bifida the opportunity to stand and move about unassisted.

• It supplements the wheelchair as an additional mobility device

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The Walkabout[5]

• The walkabout is hinged under the pelvis and extends down to the hips. This allows the individual freedom of the body that is not paralyzed.

• More benefits:– it can be worn under the clothing– Does not cause discomfort to upper body– Easy to maneuver– Has quick release catheterization mechanism for males

Spina Bifida[6]

• Spina Bifida is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal does not close before birth.

• Symptoms include:– A sac sticking out of the mid to lower back– Loss of bladder control– Partial or complete paralysis of the legs– Weakness of the hips, legs, or feet G to pg

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The disability[7]

• Spina Bifida may affect as many as 1 out of 800 infants

• Possible causes:– Folic acid deficiency – A virus may play a role since higher rates occur in

children born in early winter months– Possible environmental factors such as radiation