Who Cares About Kelsey to Be Broadcast Nationally (UNH IOD)

September 24, 2013

Who Cares About Kelsey?, a documentary by Institute on Disability (IOD) Filmmaker in Residence Dan Habib will air on Public Television throughout the Fall.

The documentary documents Kelsey Carroll's struggles with emotional and behavioral challenges, and shows innovative educational approaches that help students like her to succeed--while improving the overall school culture and climate. When Kelsey Carroll entered high school, she was a more likely candidate for the juvenile justice system than graduation. Diagnosed with ADHD and carrying the emotional scars of homelessness and substance abuse, as well as the actual scars of repeated self-mutilation, Kelsey was volatile, disruptive and, by her own admission, "not a nice person" to be around.

During Kelsey's sophomore year, a new school leadership team implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, the youth-directed planning process RENEW, along with other educational reforms. Through intensive self-directed planning and wraparound supports at Somersworth High, Kelsey began the transformation from a struggling, defiant student to a motivated, self-confident young woman. Who Cares About Kelsey? follows Kelsey through the ups and downs of her senior year and shows how this new approach gave her the tools and the opportunity to succeed.

The Who Cares About Kelsey? Education DVD Kit contains the film, 11 mini-films, discussion guides, and educational materials. Schools and organizations can apply for a free Who Cares About Kelsey? Education DVD Kit to host a screening in your community and support kids who struggle in school. Visit www.whocaresaboutkelsey.com to learn more and to see an updated list of broadcast dates and times.

The Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire was established in 1987 to provide a university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies, and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families. Its mission is to promote full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons by strengthening communities and advancing policy and systems change, promising practices, education, and research.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,200 undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students.