Northwest Center
  • Home
  • About
    • At a Glance
    • News & Publications
    • Education For All
    • Our Blog
  • Services
    • Kids Services
    • Employment Services
    • Corporate Partnership
    • Social Enterprise
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Employee Portal
  • Donate
  • Accessibility Tools

Northwest Center’s Got Talent

5/8/2017

Comments

 
Picture
Written by: Amy & Connor Doran
Edited by: Jennifer Owen

 
It started as a hobby. Pulling a string, defying gravity with every twist and turn of his body, Connor Doran knows how to fly a kite. He enjoyed gliding his kite through the crisp Washington air, but it wasn’t until 2009 that he thought to share his talents with the rest of the country. 
His kiting mentor auditioned for America’s Got Talent. While it didn’t work out for him, Connor realized that he should be the next person to represent indoor kiting on the national stage.
 
Born with epilepsy, Connor was initially exposed to kiting through his mother, Amy. As he began to grow curious about Amy’s hobby, it wasn’t long before he’d mastered the maneuvers himself and in 2010 saw himself auditioning for the reality television show.
 
He quickly progressed through the rounds and embarked on what became a nine-month journey with America’s Got Talent. Mornings were spent in his school’s cafeteria, a space large enough for his indoor kite flying. Afternoons saw Connor in his school’s gym, always making sure to get at least two hours of practice in per day.
 
Before performing in front of the judges Connor made sure to map the stage, marking with tape the areas where his kite needed to be flying above. This helped him make the most of the small stage he was performing on, ensuring the graceful flight of his kite was aggrandized by the cameras.
 
A natural performer, Connor quickly took to the limelight. But no matter how high his kite flies, he always remains grounded.
 
“I don’t picture myself as a national TV star or disability advocate for millions,” said Connor. “I think of myself as Connor who flies kites, works and has an apartment in Federal Way.”
 
Inherently humble in nature, Connor still understands what his public presence means to others. Recognizing that his story is inspiring, he feels lucky to represent and bring recognition to epilepsy, anti-bullying and promoting people of all ages to work towards achieving their dreams with his The Dare to Dream Program. With his mother by his side, they often partner with other advocacy organizations in order to raise awareness and funds for groups whose work benefits people with epilepsy as well as other medical conditions.  
 
Describing the show, Amy acknowledges just how much of a catalyst it’s been in their lives.
 
“It’s been a game changer for us,” said Amy. “I’ve been advocating for him for so many years and now we advocate together as a team. It was then that I was like ‘Oh, maybe this is what I’m supposed to be doing.’”
 
Beyond traveling for kite festivals and leveraging Connor’s elevated persona for advocacy organizations, Amy also began a career at Northwest Center. Her passion is apparent in every aspect of her work.
 
“You can’t do this job without caring,” claims Amy. “It’s infused in every part of the work. It’s what motivates you each day.”
 
Life has been busier since Connor’s debut on America’s Got Talent, but both Connor and Amy wouldn’t have it any other way. The show helped their community grow both locally and nationally, and you can find Connor flying his kite whenever possible. For this duo, the sky is truly the limit.
Comments

    Our Blog

    Northwest Center is passionate about equal rights, anti-ableism, and full inclusion for people with disabilities. Thank you for reading.

    Categories

    All
    Announcement
    Articles
    Autism
    Back To Work
    Business
    Campaigns
    CEO Letter
    Early Intervention
    Early Supports
    Employment
    Employment Services
    Events
    History
    Kids
    Media
    News
    Stories

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    January 2023
    August 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016

    Picture
LEARN MORE
About Us
Our Enterprises
Career
Blog

News
Contact Us
SERVICES
Early Supports
Early Learning
Transition Services
Supported Employment
Job Development
​
NWC Businesses
DONATE
Financial Gifts
Donate Clothing
Donate Vehicle
Events
Partnerships
INFORMATION
Sponsorship
Executive Team
Our Board

Annual Report
Publications
Privacy Policy
Financial Statements
The Big Blue Truck 
Big Blue Truck Icon and Donate Button

Picture of CARF Logo
CARF has accredited Northwest Center for its Employment Services
1119 SW 7th Street, Renton, WA 98057 | 206.285.9140
© 2021 Northwest Center
Northwest Center is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Tax ID 91-0786790
​
Certain employment services and programs and social enterprise activities are offered through Northwest Center Services, the sister organization of Northwest Center.
  • Home
  • About
    • At a Glance
    • News & Publications
    • Education For All
    • Our Blog
  • Services
    • Kids Services
    • Employment Services
    • Corporate Partnership
    • Social Enterprise
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Employee Portal
  • Donate
  • Accessibility Tools