Wyoming Institute for Disabilities Hosts Disability Film Series
April 6, 2011
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Sara DiRienzo
WIND Information Specialist
In the early spring of 2011, the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) Resource and Information hosted a disability its first ever film series. The film series was to celebrate March Disability Awareness Month through the themes of independence, advocacy, and ability.
The WIND Resource and Information Center received a $1000 award from the Association of Specialized Cooperative Library Agencies for the innovative disability service project Disability Etiquette and History Infusion Unit: Changing Attitudinal Barriers at University of Wyoming. The award was given to plan and host a film series to help change attitudes and perceptions about disabilities. The film series featured three films:
- The Gillian Film documents a young woman's quest to leave home and lead an independent life.
- Invisible Voices is a play-like dramatic reading by six individuals with disabilities recounting their personal, often visceral, complex feelings about their lives.
- Temple Grandin replays the life and achievements of animal scientist and autism expert, Dr. Temple Grandin through her unique gift of "thinking in pictures" applying this to innovative research and design solutions for cattle.
The films all conquered some of the risks individuals with disabilities face such as increased vulnerability to abuse, legal rights violations, and challenges in the workforce. The topics spurred dialogue about the lives of individuals with disabilities and created a more inclusive environment of understanding for people without previous information about disabilities, and a safe environment for people with disabilities to discuss their own experiences. These films reached 106 students, educators, caregivers, professionals, community members, and individuals with disabilities.
