From UMW:
The film, sponsored by UMW’s College of Education and the Gladys H. Oberle School, will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the Hurley Convergence Center Digital Auditorium.
“INTELLIGENT LIVES is a film to help us better understand the value and potential of the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by challenging our assumptions about intelligence,” said Pete Kelly, dean of UMW’s College of Education. “I am grateful to partner with the Gladys H. Oberle School to share this important learning experience with students, parents, teachers and educators in the area.”
The documentary stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Coopercontextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S.
New Hampshire-based filmmaker Dan Habib is the producer, director and cinematographer of INTELLIGENT LIVES. “People with intellectual disabilities are the most segregated of all Americans,” Habib says. “Only 17 percent of students with intellectual disabilities are included in regular education. Just 40 percent will graduate from high school. And of the 6.5 million Americans with intellectual disability, barely 15 percent are employed.”
Following the film screening, a panel discussion will be held, composed of educators, community service providers and person(s) with disabilities. The Gladys H. Oberle School’s Culinary Arts Program will provide light snacks.
“I am looking forward to starting a much-needed conversation on how to include people with disabilities more in our community and ways to provide opportunities,” said Gabrielle Pickover, teacher at the Gladys H. Oberle School in Fredericksburg and co-host of the screening event.
The event is free and open to the public, however, advance registration is strongly encouraged due to limited seating. To register and learn more about the movie, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intelligent-lives-tickets-54981928428?aff=invite, or contact Gabby Pickover of the Gladys H. Oberle School at [email protected].
In case inclement weather occurs, please call the Gladys H. Oberle School on March 7 at 540-372-6710 to verify the event will be happening. If canceled due to weather conditions, the event will be rescheduled for the fall of 2019.
