For Release: 2008-04-28 13:26:00
Bill Goodman speaks with Dr. Tim Nugent, the first commissioner and technical advisor of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA), on the next edition of One to One. The program airs Sunday, May 11 at 2/1 p.m. CT on KET1 and Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30/6:30 p.m. CT on KET2.Nugent organized the first National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament while he was a doctoral student at the University of Illinois in 1949. As the sport grew, Nugent convened a general meeting and organized a group of officers that eventually led to the establishment of the NWBA.
On the program, Nugent discusses the benefits of the organization for the wheelchair-bound, including increased self-confidence, diminished self-consciousness and a more visible presence in communities. He also talks about the early stages of the NWBA and changes that occurred since its inception. For instance, changes in wheelchair technology, including improved wheels and frames, anti-tipping devices and much lighter weights, have made the games more competitive, with scores now breaking the 100 mark.
Nugent goes on to address the issue of accessibility for disabled people to public buildings. He explains that while many physical changes have been made and ramps have been built, the much more difficult task of changing peoples’ attitudes still lies ahead.
One to One is a KET production, produced by Bill Goodman and Cindy Asher. Following the broadcast, One to One is available for on-demand videostream viewing at www.ket.org/publicaffairs/onetoone.htm and podcasting at www.ket.org/rss. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.
Contact: Amanda Stroud
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