Film Library: Disabilities

SAM SULLIVAN: LIFE IN A WHEEL (00:16:54)

• JUNE 2009

"Before my disability there were 10 billion opportunities for me to explore. Now there’s probably five billion, far more than I’ll ever be able to attempt.” - Former Mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan

ACCESSURF HAWAII (00:09:58)

• FEBRUARY 2008

The spirit of Hawaii comes alive in this film about AccesSurf, an organization dedicated to giving everyone the chance to experience the magnificence of the ocean. By providing therapeutic instruction and making Hawaii's beautiful beaches accessible to anyone, regardless of disability, AccesSurf exhibits the true essence of aloha.

A PLACE OF LIGHT IN THE DARK (00:06:26)

• JUNE 2007

Meet Lydia Mansour, a remarkable woman who was struck blind by measles at the age of two and went on to found the Peace Center for the Blind in Jerusalem. At the center, those that have lost their eyesight are taught valuable skills like knitting and reading Braille. They are introduced to a whole new world of opportunities and a bit of light is brought into their darkness.

GOD IS A CIRCLE (00:07:30)

• JUNE 2007

The great religions teach us how to show compassion both to God and to fellow human beings. Explore went to Saudi Arabia and discovered how Islamic concepts of giving alms (charity) and the pilgrimage (journey) to Mecca give a unique perspective on the life and work of the people at the Help Center and the Disabled Children's Association.

TALKING HANDS (00:05:31)

• JUNE 2007

Deaf children in Jordan have a place of their own to learn at the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf, thanks to Brother Andrew de Carpentier. In addition to academic and vocational training, the school matches up younger children with older mentors, or role models, to foster a spirit of self-assurance that helps them grow into confident and independent adults.

KIRAN CENTRE (00:12:35)

• NOVEMBER 2006

At the Kiran Centre in Varanasi, India, children do not have disabilities, but different abilities. By focusing on hope and growth, and working closely with parents, the Centre empowers differently-abled children to lead healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives.

GIFT OF MUSIC (00:00:56)

• NOVEMBER 2006

At the Kiran Centre in Varanasi, music classes for differently-abled people serve to unlock their talents. Students not only discover a new form of artistic and emotional expression, but many turn their new skills into a way to support themselves.

DR. DOG (00:02:54)

• NOVEMBER 2006

Education and personal growth can come in many forms. The Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation brings dogs into schools to help children break through their shyness, especially the developmentally challenged. Children with ADD, autism, and other developmental disabilities improve their speaking and social skills with the help of the program.

SIBUSISO SCHOOL (00:01:07)

• JULY 2005

In Tanzanian society, disabled children are often kept out of the public eye by their families because handicaps are considered taboo, or punishments from God. The Sibusiso School seeks to restore the dignity of these children by working to develop their potential, counseling their families, and reaching out to educate their communities.