I've been working on the film project since the summer, and I joined a workshop for film production with documentarian Bernadine Mellis at the University of Massachusetts. Check out her work: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3435240/. I'm also collaborating with another maker on an animation sequence that I'm testing out. I'm also still doing interviews and looking to connect with people who were residents or workers willing to advocate for the residents.
The animation sequence will feature Ruth Sienkiewicz-Mercer, an amazing woman who lived at the Belchertown State School from 1955 until around 1979. She couldn't speak or sign because she developed cerebral palsy from a high fever due to encephalitis. She suffered at the State School where she felt neglected and where she felt like people ignored her potential, but she figured out a way to communicate with her eyes, with sounds, and a word board. Her work with inventors of assistive communication technology is truly inspiring! Although Ruth has passed away, I am looking forward to telling her story in her words! Check out her book that she wrote with the assistance of her word boards and friends, including Steven Kaplan, co-writer. The book is called I Raise My Eyes to Say Yes. #disabledawareness #disabledmemory
The animation sequence will feature Ruth Sienkiewicz-Mercer, an amazing woman who lived at the Belchertown State School from 1955 until around 1979. She couldn't speak or sign because she developed cerebral palsy from a high fever due to encephalitis. She suffered at the State School where she felt neglected and where she felt like people ignored her potential, but she figured out a way to communicate with her eyes, with sounds, and a word board. Her work with inventors of assistive communication technology is truly inspiring! Although Ruth has passed away, I am looking forward to telling her story in her words! Check out her book that she wrote with the assistance of her word boards and friends, including Steven Kaplan, co-writer. The book is called I Raise My Eyes to Say Yes. #disabledawareness #disabledmemory