Being Michelle (English Open Captions w/Closed Audio Description)

Click here for an ASL version of the information below!

Signs of Development is hosting a first-ever screening of the award-winning documentary film, BEING MICHELLE for Deaf and interpreting communities across the U.S.!BEING MICHELLE is a feature-length documentary film about a Deaf woman with autism who survived incarceration and abuse and now uses her artwork to depict the trauma she survived and heal from her past.

The virtual screening of the award-winning BEING MICHELLE will be available from May 26th - June 2nd, 2024, 8:00 am PST, followed by 2 panel discussions on June 2nd, 2024 which will take place on Zoom:

• Being Michelle Team Panel 10:00 am-10:50 am PST

• Interpreter Panel 11:00 am-1:00 pm PST 

Registration for CEUs (separate from registration to recieve the film ticket at Kinema) for this event is required for interpreters to receive 0.45 CEUs (or a Certificate of Completion): RID PS & PPO or BEI PS & Ethics. If you don't wish to earn CEUs from this event, you do not need to register for the CEUs and you will still receive a recording of the panel events.

The first 300 registrants will receive a Zoom link to attend the live-virtual panels. All attendees/registrants will receive a recording of the panel discussions.

The Being Michelle Team panel will include Deaf and hearing filmmakers, leaders and advocates who are using this film to help change the way Deaf and Disabled people are treated in social and criminal justice systems in the U.S. and globally. Advisors include editors of the book "Deaf People in the Criminal Justice System," published by Gallaudet University Press in 2021.

The Interpreter Panel will include guided discussions in small groups focusing on effective practices, power, privilege and oppression impacts, and ethical implications experienced by interpreters working in court/legal and mental health settings, specifically addressing how to serve as an effective interpreter when faced with institutionalized oppression and discrimination. 

Student Rate:

If you are a student and would like a discount for this event, you can register for the CEUs (click here for that), select "student" and complete the information required for the student discount rate & provide your:

• name,

• college/university email address, and

• current teacher's name and teacher's college/university email address. 

Once the information above has been verified, you will receive a special link to register on Kinema for the student discount rate. Please allow a few days to process this. Registration for the student discount rate (including the verification information provided above) must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the film screening on May 26th. No student discounts will be granted after May 23rd.

ASL Interpreters will be provided for the panel discussions.*Understanding Pricing on this Event: Unlike large studios that have big production, advertising and publicity budgets, independent filmmakers often rely on small grants and donations to produce their work. Because of this patchwork funding landscape for indie filmmakers, we are rarely remunerated for the three - ten years it typically takes to make a high quality, well researched film. Pricing of this event is standard to help cover these enormous costs and to continue this important work. 

The BEING MICHELLE team collaborated with Michelle for over 5 years to bring her story to the world. We truly believe in the power of this film to change the way Deaf and Disabled people are treated in the criminal justice system. Thank you for your support! #RightToCommunication #EquityForAll

If you'd like to make an additional contribution to this important work and to continuing support of Michelle and her artwork, please donate here: DONATE TO BEING MICHELLE IMPACT CAMPAIGN