Dialogue on Disability Runs January 9-15, 2023
Rochester, New York (December 30, 2022) – Now in its 20th year, Dialogue on Disability: The Herman & Margaret Schwartz Community Series encourages community discussion about the perspectives and abilities of people with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.
The annual initiative, hosted by Al Sigl Community of Agencies and WXXI Public Media, works to create a community that is more inclusive for people of all abilities. Kicking off Monday, January 9, the week-long initiative includes special programming on WXXI-TV, radio, and at The Little Theatre.
The centerpiece of the week is a FREE screening of Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters on Wednesday, January 11 at 7:15 p.m. at The Little Theatre (240 East Avenue). The film takes an honest look at the lives of caregivers for children and adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities and/or who have complex medical needs. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Jeiri Flores, Advocacy Specialist, Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and LEND Self-Advocacy Co-Discipline Coordinator.
Special programming on WXXI television and radio include:
PBS Kids Programming
The week of January 9 on WXXI-TV
All week long, WXXI-TV will air special PBS Kids programs with disability representation including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Daniel and Max Play a Game (1/9 at 2 p.m.) Dinosaur Train: Dennis Comes to Visit (1/13 at 12 p.m.), Arthur: When Carl Met George (1/10 at 6:30 a.m.).
Connections with Evan Dawson
The week of January 9 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on WXXI News, WRUR-FM 88.5 and WXXINews.org
WXXI’s daily talk show, hosted by Evan Dawson, will have several guests from member agencies and affiliates within Al Sigl Community of Agencies throughout the week.
Dialogue on Disability Focus
Throughout January on WXXI Classical & WXXIClassical.org
WXXI Classical presents performances by musicians with disabilities, as well as special features highlighting musicians with differing abilities and explores the concept of undifferentiated participation in music and adaptive musical instruments.
POV: I Didn’t See You There
Monday, January 9 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV
When a circus tent goes up outside his Oakland apartment, a disabled filmmaker launches into a meditative journey exploring the history of freakdom, vision, and (in)visibility.
A Good Life
Tuesday, January 10 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV
This WXXI production takes an intimate look into the lives of six adults living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and their families. The film shares the challenges and opportunities they face, while leading national experts and historians in the field offer insight.
American Masters: Becoming Helen Keller|
Thursday, January 12 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV
American Masters looks at the complex life and legacy of author and activist Helen Keller (1880-1968), who was deaf and blind since childhood. The program explores how she used her celebrity and wit to advocate for social justice, particularly for women, workers, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.
In a Different Key
Friday, January 13 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV
This documentary follows the film’s producer, the mother of an autistic son as she finds and then befriends the first child ever diagnosed with autism – Donald Triplett, who still lives in the small Mississippi town where he was born nearly 90 years ago.
POV: He’s My Brother
Saturday, January 14 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Christine’s brother Peter experiences his world through touch, smell, and taste. Now 30 years old, Peter’s family is having trouble finding the proper care for his multiple disabilities. This film explores how the family works to assure him a dignified life once the parents are gone.
Dialogue on Disability is a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. The initiative is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation.
To learn more about the initiative and for a complete list of all the programming, visit www.wxxi.org/dod.
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