This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Mayor Ralph Becker has proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 3, "Kim Peek Day" in honor of the Salt Lake native who inspired the role of Dustin Hoffman in the film "Rain Man."
A reception will held Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. Broadway.
Peek used his brush with fame to increase awareness of disabilities and improve education for children with special needs.
The event will include presentation of the first-annual Peek Award for Disability in Media to scientist, author and educator Temple Grandin, who herself was a recent subject of an Emmy-winning biopic of her struggles as an autistic child and adult. Grandin argues that society needs autistic people because of their unique approach to ideas and information.
The award annually will honor a subject, director or actor in a film that has helped to improve the public's understanding of disability in society.
Barry Morrow, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Rain Man," will present the Peek Award to Grandin. Morrow will permanently lend the Oscar statuette, which Peek carried on his lecture tours around the world, to the people of Salt Lake City.
The Utah Film Center, the Utah Autism Foundation, the Disability Law Center and Art Access Gallery will present three days of events to increase community awareness of disabilities and the role media can play in promoting understanding.
Grandin will sign her book Thursday 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Art Access Gallery, 230 South 500 West, #125, Salt Lake City