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On January 21, 2010, Rocco Fiorentino, a 13-year-old braille reader and recipient of the NBP's 2009 Hands On! Award, will appear in an episode of Sesame Street.
In Rocco's segment, he first meets Telly Monster and Elmo. Elmo is surprised that Telly has to describe Elmo's appearance, and Rocco explains it's because he is blind and can't see him. Elmo initially feels sorry for Rocco, but is put at ease immediately when Rocco says, "It's just natural for me." Elmo invites Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Zoe, Maria and Gordon to meet Rocco and they all gather on the famous Sesame Street steps to sing a jazz version of "Everybody's Song."
Rocco and the Sesame Street cast. Photo by Richard Termine.
Rocco, who is totally blind due Retinopathy of Prematurity, had a great time taping his Sesame Street segment. "I like people to know that even though I'm blind, I can still do many things I love - like singing, playing piano, drums and the saxophone. Everyone was so nice. Elmo made me laugh the whole time."
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