Documentary (Ian)

 

Camp Jened Campers

    The documentary I chose to watch is about the rise of the disability revolution that started with a camp for disabled people that gave way to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Camp Jened was a place where disabled campers were able to find themselves and connect with other individuals that gave them a realization that the world treats them unfairly and empowered them to be more than what the world has defined them. Institutions such as Willbrook were some of the many institutions that did not provide sustainable care to their patients. Most of the leaders of the protests and protestors such as Judy Heumann, Denise & Neil Jacobson, Ann Cupolo Freeman, Steve Hoffman, Nanci D'angelo, and much more wherefrom Camp Jened. Crip Camp portrays the story of how young men and women were able to use tactics and strategies that brought change on a national level.

504 sit-in protest

    Crip Camp showcases the many courageous protests done in order to challenge the decisions of the government. The constant denial of passing and implementing section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act all because the government deemed it too expensive was unlawful and selfish. Various protests such as the blocking of New York streets in 1972, to the 504 Protests such as a sit-in protest at one of the Health, Education, and Wellness (HEW) department's building that lasted nearly a month; to the Capitol Crawl in 1990. The protests done by physically disabled people showed the entire world that they can do what other people can do and that they were people and not disabilities. The film shows us the ability of the community can do and is a prime example of how activism works and changes the world, it is up to the community to speak up if we feel that we are being treated unfairly; Judy Heumann mentions in the film that if you don't respect and believe in yourself then you're not going to get what you want, this mindset is what allows the community to speak up against injustices and make a difference.

Capitol Crawl