Boy with cerebral palsy becomes an ABC11 weatherman

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Clinton Baker is a 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and autism; he also has big dreams of becoming a weatherman.

When he reached out to ABC11 in hopes of taking a tour of the station to "meet some new friends," our very own meteorologist Don "Big Weather" Schwenneker, showed him the ropes.

Big Weather gave the boy and his habilitation technician, or helper, a tour of the station.

Check out Clinton's visit to that station in this video.

Clinton Baker wants to be a weatherman

Schwenneker showed Clinton how to work the green screen, shared advice for the aspiring forecaster, and even gave him his own weather radio to keep on hand for emergencies when severe weather strikes.

"I had a wonderful day," Clinton exclaimed.

"Do you watch the news a lot?" I asked Clinton.

"Sometimes my mom and dad do, and they let me watch it so I can see you guys. You guys are awesome," he said.

The whole thing started when Clinton sent in an email to ABC11 asking if he could visit the station to meet our weather team.

You read the email that Clinton and his helper sent ABC11 below.

To: iteam@abc11.com
Subject: Potential Tour of ABC 11 Eyewitness News Station

Hi,
My name is Clinton Baker, and I am 12 years old. I want to be on ABC 11 Eyewitness News, so I can meet some new friends. I want to be a weatherman when I grow up. I love to listen and watch the weather exhibit at the Museum of Life and Science. Can someone please give me a tour of ABC 11 Eyewitness News because I want to see it all and meet new friends? Thank you.

Clinton Baker

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To whom it may concern,
My name is Sara Stewart, and I have been working with Clinton for several years through A Small Miracle, Inc. as a habilitation technician. Clinton is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and mild autism, and together we work on reaching his in-home skill building goals and meeting his personal care needs. Furthermore, we focus on what Clinton can do, as opposed to what he cannot do, seeking to dismantle the confining stereotypes society places on individuals diagnosed with varying disabilities. This summer, we have been working extremely hard on developing daily living and transition-related skills to foster Clinton's future success in various domains of adulthood. He has been exploring potential career opportunities, and his passion for watching the news, especially the weather report, remains unmatched. I was wondering if it would be at all possible to organize a small tour of the station? It would mean the world to both of us, and could help Clinton reach his fullest potential. Thank you for any help, and I look forward to hearing from someone shortly!

Best,
Sara Stewart

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