by Kindy Segovia
Assistive Technology Coordinator at Kent ISD, Grand Rapids, MI
Check out these movies with a focus on disability. Some are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos (rent/purchase), or YouTube.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution – Tells the amazing story of Camp Jened, a groundbreaking camp for teens with disabilities in the 50’s & 60’s. It became the training ground for disability advocates who succeeded in paving the way for legislation that we know today as Section 504, The Rehabilitation Act, and ADA. (Netflix)
The Healing Powers of Dude – An 11-year-old boy with a social anxiety disorder takes his emotional support animal to school. His best friend has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair (Netflix)
Music Within – The true story of Richard Pimentel, a soldier who lost his hearing while fighting in Vietnam, and went on to become a disabilities activist who helped other disabled veterans. (Amazon Prime)
Wonder – An inspiring story of a loving family whose son, born with facial differences, enters an inclusive school for the first time. (Amazon Prime)
Intelligent Lives – A documentary following three young adults, and transforming the stereotypical label of intellectual disability into a life of possibility. (Amazon Prime)
Mr. Connolly has ALS – A school principal is embraced by his community as continues to lead the school, despite rapidly losing his ability to walk and speak due to the effects of ALS (free on YouTube).