SPELLERS
Hosted by Casey DePriest
In-person
When
Nov 16, 2:00 PM EST
Where
Optimal ACCESS / ACCESS Academy
1003 Indiana 662, West, Newburgh, IN, 47630
Price
Free Screening
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About the event
Join our celebration of SPELLERS!
This film highlights the motor challenges affecting so many area students who have historically been presumed to have an intellectual disability when they struggle to use speech for communication. Watch and learn why Optimal ACCESS is so passionate about educating our community about the hidden potential of these students. We must #rethinkautism and #presumecompetence. Come and learn. When we know better, we can do better.
The film will be followed by a Q & A with a panel of nonspeakers, parents, and professionals. Please join us!
November 16, 2023 - 1:00PM
1003 SR 662 W, Newburgh, IN 47630
About the film
Inspired by the book Underestimated, the new full-length documentary SPELLERS challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled. As the film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?” SPELLERS answers that question, in convincing fashion, through the stories of eight nonspeakers—Aydan, Evan, Sid, Maddie, Jamie, Vince, Cade, and Elizabeth—who all found their voice through the miraculous process of using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. As Jamie explains, “we think, feel, and learn just like everyone else.”
Genre
Documentary
Runtime
1h 23m
Released
2023
Director
Pat Notaro
Executive Producer
Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg, Dawnmarie Gaivin, Dana Johnson, Gail Tanner
Cast
Aydan Boden, Jamie Handley, Cade Larson, Vince Rinicella, Madison Hollman, Evan Tastor, Elizabeth Bonker, Sid Sarathy
About the space
Visit our accessible location and sensory-friendly space. Free parking is available. Overflow parking will be at St. John's Catholic Church down the hill, if needed. A shuttle will be provided. Please RSVP to 812-490-9401 or admin@optimalaccess.org
community-center
Wheelchair accessible
Indoor Event
Photos
