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Taylor Duncan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Taylor Clark Duncan November 27, 1995 Dallas, Georgia, United States of America |
| Occupation(s) | Disability advocate, motivational speaker, nonprofit executive |
| Years active | 2016-present |
| Known for | Disability advocacy and founding Alternative Baseball |
| Website | taylorcduncan |
Taylor Clark Duncan (born 1995 in Dallas, Georgia, United States of America) is an American disability rights advocate, motivational speaker, and the founder of Alternative Baseball, a nonprofit organization that provides baseball opportunities for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities. Duncan, who has autism himself, established the organization in 2016 to promote inclusivity through sports.[1]
Early Life and Education
editTaylor Duncan was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4.[2] Duncan attended Nebo Elementary School in Dallas, Georgia but has lived and attended school in both Carroll and Paulding Counties in Georgia.[3][4] Duncan was often denied opportunities to play traditional sports as a child due to developmental delays or negative stigmas of autism and disability[5]. As of 2020, Duncan is pursuing a degree in Nonprofit Business Administration with minors in Sports Management and Theology at Toccoa Falls College.[6]
Career
editAlternative Baseball
editIn 2016, Duncan founded Alternative Baseball to provide inclusive baseball opportunities for individuals with autism and other disabilities. The organization initially operated as a competitive baseball league but shifted its focus during the COVID-19 pandemic to emphasize advocacy for community integration and inclusion through various outlets, including a community-based version of baseball.[1] Duncan organized the "Playing for Integration Tour," featuring baseball games with athletes with disabilities, local community leaders, former professional baseball players, and local celebrities.[7] Under his leadership, Alternative Baseball became an associated member of the World Baseball Softball Confederation, the governing body for baseball and softball at the Olympic Games.[8] Duncan reorganized the organization's activities to focus more on personal growth than on elements of competition[5]
Public Speaking
editDuncan has spoken about his experiences and advocacy work at various events, including TEDxAtlanta, Clemson University, and Toastmasters International District Conferences.[9]
Recognition and Awards
editDuncan has received several honors for his work in disability advocacy and sports inclusion:
- Georgia House of Representatives - Commemorated, House Resolution 1420 (March 8, 2018)[10]
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame - J.B. Hawkins Humanitarian Award[11]
- Atlanta Braves - Commemorated as a "Community Hero" (April 18, 2019)[12]
Duncan's work with Alternative Baseball has been featured in various media outlets, including Sports Illustrated[12], ESPN Baseball Tonight[13], and NBC[14].
References
edit- ^ a b Oehler, Candace. "Alternative Baseball Hits A Home Run For Autistic Athletes". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ Koval, Andy (June 1, 2023). "'Just want a chance': Man with autism starting alternative baseball league in suburbs". WGN-TV.
- ^ TIMES-GEORGIAN, MASON WITTNER THE (2019-06-11). "Breaking down barriers". Times-Georgian. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ Hansen, Zachary. "For love of the game: a young man's dream for special needs baseball". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ a b Register-Herald, Gary Fauber The (2024-07-15). "Alternative Baseball Organization founder wants to help players build leadership, managerial skills". Beckley Register-Herald. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ Hobbs, Phil (2020-02-27). "Duncan Brings Inspirational Message to Rotary". WNEG. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ Nichols, Bailey (April 14, 2024). "Alternative Baseball Organization offers success for autistic teens and adults on the diamond". WMBB-TV.
- ^ "WBSC announces key changes to Statutes to enhance the promotion of Baseball/Softball around the world". World Baseball Softball Confederation. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ TEDx Talks (2019-04-12). It's time to reframe what it means to be an athlete | Taylor Duncan | TEDxAtlanta. Retrieved 2024-07-03 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Georgia General Assembly". www.legis.ga.gov. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ Allen, Alexus (2019-03-27). "Baseball star helps others like him overcome adversity". www.wrdw.com. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ a b Abdeldaiem, Alaa (2019-04-12). "Special needs players have a league to call their own". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ "Alternative baseball striving to break barriers - ESPN Video". ESPN.com. 2018-04-29. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ "Baseball organization gives kids with special needs a league of their own". NBC News. Retrieved 2024-07-03.