Use this short film program in the classroom as a teacher resource. The lesson plan features heroes who have a developmental disability.
Introduction
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas, which onset before adulthood.
About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays.
The films in the lesson plan show us common misunderstandings about disabilities, and how society's attitudes towards disabilities have changed.
We also see how our heroes with developmental disabilities are unique individuals who live an empowered life.
Watching these films will inspire and empower students, who will consider how to to overcome obstacles in their own life and reach for worthy goals.
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The following program of short films, curated by MY HERO International Film Festival director Wendy Milette, feature heroes who have a developmental disability. |
Some of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities include:
Many organizations understand that supporting individuals with disabilities to live a full life should consider all stages of life, from childhood through adulthood.
2. How are these heroes alike, and how are they different?
3. Where do these heroes find their unique strengths?
4. Has the way society deals with disabilities changed? If so, how? If not, how have they not?
These films reflect on unique individuals with developmental disabilities and their ability to live an empowered life. Participants will feel inspired and empowered to overcome obstacles in their own lives and reach for worthy goals.
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Additional Links
MY HERO celebrates World Down Syndrome Day with stories, films and art on heroes with Down Syndrome or who are advocates for the rights of those with this condition. https://myhero.com/org_World-Down-Syndrome-Day
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month | The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Website
NACDD is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities.
The Yale Center for Dyslexia
The mission is to increase awareness of dyslexia and its true nature, specifically to illuminate the creative and intellectual strengths of those with dyslexia, to disseminate the latest scientific research and practical resources, and to transform the treatment of all dyslexic children and adults.
The Arc
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
"March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Advances and Setbacks." Essay by Robert B. Fleming, CELA
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national organization comprised of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law.
Organizer created on 3/2/2019 12:04:45 PM by Xenia Shin
Last edited 4/30/2020 2:07:19 PM by Laura Nietzer
