Provide names of other journalists involved.
Milton D. Carrero
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
11-Mar-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
A step toward the impossible documents the journey of Kevin Oldt a spinal injury patient determined to walk again with the use of a revolutionary system of bionic legs. I followed Oldt for about a year as he trained and prepared for the arrival of the device. His story is as much about his trials and achievements as it is about the technology that makes his dream possible. Through months of interviewing, he became comfortable enough to share his insecurities as well as his triumphs along the way.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I reviewed the design documents and specifications of the bionic legs as it evolved from its trial model to the finished prototype.
Explain types of human sources used.
All three of these stories were based on extensive interviews over several months with the subject, their family members, friends, nurses and physicians.
Results:
Kevin Oldt became a symbol for people with spinal injury. He has continued to train and often makes appearances at community events to show what technology is doing for people with disabilities.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
N/A
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Allow a story to grow with time. People will clarify themselves or even prove themselves wrong if they have the time to reflect on their situation. The depth that made these stories work is only achieved with patience and perseverance.