Foundation for the Advancement of Special Talent
John L. Waters
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Portfolio Submission 2-Foundation for the Advancement
of Special Talent
John L. Waters
March 7, 2001
Copyright 2001 by John L. Waters. All Rights
Reserved
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Foundation for the Advancement of Special Talent
Fred sits at the organ for six hours a day
and improvises. As his hands move over the keyboard,
the man sings out an original melody that fits the
verses printed on a sheet of paper that is resting
before him on the music rack. On many days Fred
creates three dozen melodies. He has thousands of
original songs on tape.
By drawing with felt-tip pens and by
squeezing acrylic paint directly from the tube, Susan
creates colorful abstract designs. Fred's recorded
music fills her studio. Many of Susan's art works are
posted on the FAST website. Over forty pieces of her
work have been sold with the help of the Foundation
for the Advancement of Special Talent or FAST.
Neither Fred nor Susan can hold an
intelligent conversation, even about music or art.
The outstanding abilities in these persons are
nonverbal, kinesthetic, and only recently recognized.
But neither person can join in the sociability at a
gallery showing or a concert and promote their work
effectively. This is one reason why FAST has been so
important for them. Handicapped persons especially
may require special help in promoting their work.
FAST searches for and finds clients who have
a chronic disadvantage or a disability and a
developing special talent. FAST cultivates an ongoing
relationship with each client. Each client is unique
with special abilities and special problems, blocks,
and obstacles. As FAST gains more funding and more
members, the organization is able to provide
materials, coaching, funding, agent services, and
collaborators to more and more deserving members.
The basic FAST philosophy is that each human
brain is a natural system ruled by the law of
conservation of energy. More specifically, the person
who is a very good communicator, politician, and
promoter is profoundly limited in other abilities.
Therefore we ought not expect a socially prominent
person to enjoy solving differential equation problems
in his head or enjoy spending six hours each day
creating by hand many beautiful designs in writing, in
art, or in music.
Following this line of thinking, we realize
that some persons are handicapped socially by their
special talent, so even in childhood the special
talent dominates their inner functioning and consumes
a great deal of their energy and their time.
Furthermore, because so many people pay most of their
attention to personal appearance and manners, Many of
these less sociable people aren't recognized for their
special talents. Because of these factors, a FAST
talent scout is always on the lookout for unusual but
overlooked persons who tend to be quiet and socially
withdrawn. The FAST reasoning is basic systems
science.
In our society, certain categories of people
are at risk. Category "A" persons grow up without
having a suitable role model. Category "B" persons
don't receive enough encouragement from their peers,
their teachers, their parents, tutor, or mentors.
Category "C" people have a special interest that isn't
addressed at school. Others "D" have a physical,
mental, or emotional impairment. Certain "E" children
are unusually gifted, and these talents obscure their
impairments. Furthermore, a category "F" child has
had inappropriate or inconsistent goals set for him or
her. In the examples of FAST clients given at the
beginning of this article, Fred falls into categories
A,B,C,D,and E. Susan falls into categories C,E,and F.
John is an idea person. He gets ideas by
moving his hands and by drawing lines. He's not
talented in the way a good visualizer or a meticulous
planner is. Furthermore, John's art doesn't look like
any physical and tangible object. In fact some people
insist that John's drawings aren't art at all! But
the man has learned that he needs to let his hands
work without a conscious plan and produce drawing
movements in order for him to think of what to do,
make, write, or say. Since his early childhood, John
has had a cognitive disability.
In a place where he feels that people won't
attack him, John takes off his long pants and shirts,
relaxes in the bright sunshine and becomes entranced.
In less than an hour, the man covers many pages with
his free-hand drawings and his writings. By relaxing
in the warm natural light, John accesses more of his
inherited cognitive equipment. But when he can't
relax, John's mental ability is blocked and his body
stiffens. He doesn't know what to think or say. John
has mild autism. This makes easy communications and
relations with non-handicapped people impossible.
Will has worked for twenty years creating
beautiful interlocking design patterns. He's also
constructed prototypes of inventions that use these
designs in imaginative, educational, and entertaining
ways. But Will isn't able to work full time, and for
many years his lack of income has made his life very
stressful. Since FAST found a reputable sponsor for
Will, his creative output has doubled and his health
has improved considerably. Furthermore, now the man
is able to pay his bills and his rent on time and
that's made life less stressful for several other
people as well. Will falls into categories "A,C,D,
and E."
As a founding member of FAST, I've had many
years of experience as a tutor, a professional
teacher, and an amateur personal counselor. I've
collaborated with local individuals to create original
songs, writings, inventions, and an activity book for
young children. This book features work produced by
four handicapped persons.
You are invited to visit me and see samples
of work produced by FAST clients. You are also
invited to suggest persons whom you feel might be
entitled to special assistance.
Thank you for taking time to read this
introductory material.
Sincerely,
John L. Waters
johnlwaters@yahoo.com
The information on this page represents that of John Waters and not
necessarily that of Humboldt State University. John Waters takes full
responsibility for the information presented.
This page is maintained by: John Waters