The Other Living Skills

I know in Maryland there has been an overwhelming task to get the disabled out of institutions. I see why this is a very big ordeal from finding affordable housing to support staff to make independent living possible. I know in my case it took months to get all of this line up and people still looked at my mom and I as is we were crazy for even thinking of this.


When I was in my third semester at Towson U., I took my Intro. Psych class. I did a paper on the topic of Social R****, at the time it was a hot topic, because a lot of the disabled were being mainstream into school. The problem was that they did not know how to interact with the rest of the students in a social setting that are there peers, since many came from protective environments at school and the home.

I am wondering if any studies have been following the disabled that have been in institution and now live in the community? I have been on my own since I was 18 and even had to learn proper hygiene, keeping clean living space, and knowing whom to trust. Where as a person that was institutionalized had no opportunity to develop these skills.

Mrs. G. my assistant at Parkville said it best. Even if I wanted to keep a condom in my wallet, I could not. Because she would know it was in there. Trust is the best skill the disabled community can fine tune and uses. 


This is just one of the many issues that need to be address in the disability community, but is over looked because of time and funding.

Art Blog Super Bowl What’s That

Another Super Bowl Sunday spent in the studio finishing art for a new show. Last time I missed the Janet Jackson nipple situation.

So frustrated I have never been this late finishing art for a show. It just sucks; I like making art without being under pressure. It not only but stress on me, but also the people that help me witch I do not think is far. I just hope we can stretch 6 pieces in one day, because 2 days later they have to go on the wall.


YES I’M FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!?

When People Live on Mars

On Saturday Dena and I took a drive to Potomac Park, so Miss. Julia could visit with some family. During this time Dena and I went for a cup of coffee. On our way back, I said these are the types of places that the disable should be live in.

As Dena said it is a community within and community. Everything is in walking distance, if someone wanted to get out of the house they can walk around the corner and get a bite to eat, a little shopping. They also had a market, if something ran out at home the person could just walk, or wheel to pick the item up.

The reality is that these types of community are way too expensive and if units were built to be accessible. Most likely that would drive the price up even more. Just maybe it would become affordable when people move to Mars.

When The King Speaks, Crowds Become Inspired.

Dan Keplinger, subject and writer of the Academy Award® winning documentary King Gimp, is going on tour and he is ready to speak at your business. Listen to Dan’s story firsthand. Learn how the arts, and the world as we know it, has inherent obstacles that can be overachieved with perseverance, patience, determination and a winning, fighting spirit.

Screen the movie King Gimp and participate in an interactive question and answer ceremony about the movie, Dan’s personal life, and Dan’s career as a successful fine artist. Live and learn like a King.


About Dan “King Gimp” Keplinger
Known throughout the world as “King Gimp”, Dan is an artist who overcomes a daily battle with Cerebral Palsy to live a “normal” life. Dan took the name Gimp, which means “fighting, sprinted individual” as name to represent himself from an early age. He is an accomplished master painter, award winning fine artist, and an inspiration to children and adults alike.

A Note of Thanks

From King Gimp

Hi, I’m Dan Keplinger.
You might know me from the Academy Award winning documentary King Gimp.

Since the movie’s success, I have been touring the world to motivate audiences through speaking engagements.

My speaking is motivational, spontaneous and off-the cuff. The central theme is based on my life’s experiences in breaking stereotypes, overcoming obstacles and surprising the world.

The Silver lining in my speaking focuses on what people can accomplish-regardless of their personal challenges. I encourage audiences to think beyond the boundaries that society has forced upon them.

Through speaking, I have been able to tell audiences that success is about finding placement in life through independence, education and breaking barriers while molding your passions.

A common theme that arises at my speaking engagements is a shared belief amongst the crowd that “If Dan can do it... so can I.” These reactions are very personal and touching. As much as I have helped the audiences grow, they have helped me grow. Through their reactions, I have learn that my passion is brought forth as a speaker. While I have helped the crowd find inspiration, They have helped bring my thoughts out of isolation.

For helping me achieve this pinnacle in my life. I would like to say THANK YOU to all of the groups that have invited me to speak for them since 1999. I would also like to encourage all of those who experience any life challenge to continue staying positive and never give up.

The World Is Yours.

Sincerely,
Dan Keplinger aka King Gimp

For Booking Information and prices, Please Contact:

Email: dank@kinggimp.com
Site: www.kinggimp.com
Facebook: Fan Page
Dan is an inspiration for anyone. Actually amazing.

What really struck me was the support he received from his wife. He obviously has accomplished many feats before being introduced to her, but the bond between the 2 of them is what struck me the most. Talk about true love.

-Board Member of The Missouri Physical Therapy Association

Uplifting. Inspiring. Convicting. Enlivening.

These are just a few of the words to describe my emotions after encountering the fighting spirit within my friend and fellow artist, Mr. Dan Keplinger.
-Carlton D. Mackey, Emory University


Mr. Keplinger is an honest, open, and accessible artist. His personal struggles and life serve as an inspiration to those who hear his story and motivation for any individuals facing life struggles.
- Nathan M. Sparks Ed.D.

I have seen a thousand middle school students sit absolutely quiet for one hour as Dan, with help from his interpreter Dena Williams, tell of his countless challenges and more recent success born from his never ending love for life, painting, and relationships.
- Richard Stafford, Ph.D.

So my 38th B-day began with some fun adventure....

So my 38th B-day began with some fun adventure, but some history first. I share my B-day with Grant and Poe. I lend towards Poe more, because of the artistry and the dark since of humor. For 50 some years a fan has been leaving three roses and a half-empty bottle of cognac, until last year.

I have known about this since I was 16, I always wanted to spend the night not to expose the person, but for my own interest. I wanted to spend the night in the offices’ of the Baltimore Producers of King Gimp. Since it sits kitty corner to the church and Poe’s grave, which never came about.

I think 3 or 4 years ago Dena and I met some friends at a bar and each couple drew an hour time slot to watch the grave the following year. I think most people forgot about it and when we started the car, our check engine light went on. So we decided not to go.


This year we started talking about going again, but what if nobody goes since no Poe toaster came last year. Dena post on my Facebook to meet on the 19th at Westminster Hall for a shot of cognac towards Poe and me. Dena comes home early on Tuesday to go watch the grave with a bottle in hand. Pointing out the days mix up busted her bubble. So after saying we should still go, even if none of our friends, nor none of the Poe faithful may not show up we still went.

We got there around 9:30 set up our table and chair, candles and took a shot. While we were sitting there we saw a white stretch limo hummer go around the block. Dena said someone must have been having a bachelorette party. By midnight there was around 30 people hanging out talking, trading toaster stories. I found out that there are two Poe Graves. They moved his body to the one with his wife that is on the front corner. The only real Baltimoree there was a photographer. We are from Owings Mills, another guy from Bowie and the rest were from out of state, or country.

At midnight the New York Gals says happy B-day Dan. Dena starts singing: happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to my husband that puts up with my shit, happy birthday to you… As Dena is saying you, we see a man in a hat walking by and goes around back to the old grave for a while. We see him walk back out and up the block. Few minutes later we see the limo again and the guy is in it, so needless to say it was not the real Poe Toaster. About 40 minutes later we see another figure come and leave, this one look more like a woman. I am sorry to say the Poe Toaster was a no show again this year.

It started to rain and Dena and I started to cough our heads off. We left around 1:15 and missed the last 2 figures that visit the grave, even if the Poe Toaster has ended. I think people should still gather each year; it was so much fun meeting the people that Poe attracts with his writing and is a great tribute to the Man.

EReaders and Ebooks

i wonder when text books be available on Ereaders? that would be a real blessing for the disabled, but then again i'm sure they would be five times the cost! when i started college someone read my books onto tap. then they were cut up and scanned to cd. i also got books the blind, are books for the blind online yet?

Vanessa Maxwell Tucker Dan, I believe that most are already available through the following two resources: NIMAS and www.bookshare.org. I don't know regarding all ereaders but the availability has never been better. Yes, the books for the blind fall under this category as well.

Vanessa Maxwell Tucker http://aim.cast.org/

Vanessa Maxwell Tucker Sorry...I feel like I'm spamming but here's one more: http://www.nimac.us/

Daniel Keplinger no, you are not spamming. i like links i collect them and share them. it is amazing how many resources there are and a lot of people don't know about them. thanks

Daniel Keplinger The Gargantuan Textbook Tablet http://ow.ly/3gOWh

Daniel Keplinger Google Editions E-Reader Service to be launched in US by the Year End http://bit.ly/hTFotg

Yes, I'm textor

I wonder if one-day cell phones plans would offer more text messages compare to minutes. It would be helpful for the disabled, I know I send more text then I do talk. Not only because my phone is not working at the moment, but in geranial its easier. Now I see commercial for things as life link that are available for people that have low income, or disabled. I don't think that would do much good for me, since I am more of a text person.