Performance : Pianist Tony DeBlois at TEDxUMassBoston

Born weighing 1 lb.. 3/4 oz. was only the first obstacle that Tony DeBlois had to overcome. This 37-year-old pianist from Randolph, MA is blind, autistic and has Savant Syndrome. He has been playing the piano since age two. He was the subject of the 1997 CBS made for TV, Movie of the week "Journey of the Heart" which was inspired by actual events in Tony's life. Additionally, he has appeared on 2 Catholic Global Showcase Specials (2001), The Learning Channel's "Uncommon Genius", Strange Science "Unusual People", and "Understanding the Mysteries of Memory." He is the recipient of numerous awards, among them are Boston Celtics "Hero Among Us"(2003), Chou, Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundations Global "Love of Life Award"(2002), the Faith and Family Foundation Outstanding Achievement Award 2000, the coveted Reynolds Society Achievement Award (1996), the Foundation for Exceptional Children's prestigious "Yes, I can" Award for 1993 and the Panasonic Sponsored, VSAarts Itzhak Perlman Award (1992).