From Tina -
As I left off in my last post we were about to attend the screening of a new documentary.
Wretches and Jabberers is the story of two truly remarkable men, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette. Their journeys in life both began with childhoods in which they were thought, by almost everyone (their families always believed in them), to be extremely, extremely disabled. Both were autistic and nonverbal with no way to reach out to their families or anyone else whom they came in contact with. Larry spent his youth in a grim institution where he never received an education. Tracy's education, even though he attended school, was extremely limited. Both were aching and angry at being trapped in bodies that would not allow them to express themselves. Then, by some sort of miracle twenty years ago, both were given the gift of language. They were given devices to type with and the assistance of caring people to help give them a voice. Slowly, their brilliant minds were revealed to the world. Their voices also revealed - surprisingly - compassion, poetry and love.
Larry and Tracy eventually became fierce self advocates and staunch advocates for other individuals with disabilities. They had and have a strong desire to mentor young people. Several years ago an award winning film producer offered them the chance to tell their story as they traveled the world reaching out to others. Wretches and Jabberers is that story. With a haunting soundtrack by J. Ralph (which features many famous artists), it is a film that sweeps you into another world - a world in which your perceptions of disability will be forever changed. The overriding message - "Presume competence" - will always be with me, a part of my soul.
Filmed by the Academy Award winning director, Gerry Wurzburg, in Vermont, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Finland, the landscape is viewed through the poetic typewritten words of the heroes of the film along with the calming assistance with their longtime noble guides Harvey Lavoy and Pascal Cheng. The film was sprinkled with sarcastic humor layered with poignant thoughts and visions about life in a world where individuals with disabilities are marginalized. We meet young adults facing their own struggles who are given new hope in meeting these two unlikely middle-aged men. We find out that Tracy is extremely spiritual and that Larry is a talented artist. Their most important message - to look much deeper than the outward presentation of people. When the documentary was over Daniela and I, along with the rest of the audience were momentarily speechless. All around the room of 4-500 people, I saw people wiping their eyes, that is, as soon as I wiped my own tears away. As the lights came up there on a podium at the front of the ballroom sat Harvey, Tracy, Pascal and Larry. Even though we knew they would be there, it was still a bit of a shock. Daniela shouted out "Mom, look! There they are!!!
For over an hour, the four men sat patiently while the audience asked questions. Both men typed their answered diligently - their words even more astounding in person than they were on film. Larry's comedic timing was brilliant. Tracy's solemn facial expression was often at odds with the excitement he felt and the warm words he typed. The fact that Harvey and Pascal, two brilliant and educated men in their own right, are able to check their egos and allow the two other men to shine was also very moving to me. They all received a standing ovation, of course, at the end of their presentation. I, personally, could not sleep that night. I felt too much emotion at what I had just experienced. Daniela was changed as well. We both knew we had experienced something we would never forget.
The next morning, the four men held another session (minus the film) to a packed crowd. We were thrilled to hear more from them, including more about their backgrounds and follow-up videos made after the movie was filmed. (available on the web-site). Daniela had a chance to meet, and have her photo taken with, Larry, Pascal, and Tracy. Tracy reached out to her (after I briefed him on her history and goals) and offered to stay in contact with her. This meant the world to her and I hope they are able to do this. He is a wonderful mentor for young people, regardless of their level of abilities.
Daniela asked the last question at their presentation. "Was it difficult to learn to communicate at first?" I was in awe of her bravery in standing up in front of so many people. They each answered her. Tracy said that "It was like climbing Mt. Everest, but well worth the effort". You can read Larry's response on a photo on Daniela's post about the conference.
I highly recommend that everyone buy or rent "Wretches and Jabberers". I think that it will change who you are inside and you will never forget it. It should be required viewing in every high school, middle school and college. I plan to lobby for our local schools to show it this coming year and urge you to do the same.
To sum the weekend up, this was the best conference I have been to in my entire life. I wasn't bored for a single second and had a very hard time choosing which sessions I wanted to attend. I truly look forward to the next convention. Jamie Liban (executive director), her staff and the other people from the local chapters who put this together should be extremely proud of themselves. I am so grateful to them for the wonderful weekend Daniela and I had together!
Daniela, as I said in the previous post, became a poised adult who I barely recognized. She found a new inspiring community that she aspires to be like. At the end of the convention, several Arc leaders, including the impressive Jamie, came up to me and told me how impressed they were with Daniela. They think she will be an up and coming leader in the Arc movement when she graduates from Shepherds. (I happen to agree with them).
I am just so embarrassed that we have not truly been involved with the Arc before now. They are responsible for so many of the positive changes in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Well, we're on board now and very excited to help, in our own small way, to make an impact.They give me much greater hope for Daniela's future and the future of all young adults with ID and DD!
All the best,
Tina
PS Be sure to read Daniela's account below!!
As I left off in my last post we were about to attend the screening of a new documentary.
Wretches and Jabberers is the story of two truly remarkable men, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette. Their journeys in life both began with childhoods in which they were thought, by almost everyone (their families always believed in them), to be extremely, extremely disabled. Both were autistic and nonverbal with no way to reach out to their families or anyone else whom they came in contact with. Larry spent his youth in a grim institution where he never received an education. Tracy's education, even though he attended school, was extremely limited. Both were aching and angry at being trapped in bodies that would not allow them to express themselves. Then, by some sort of miracle twenty years ago, both were given the gift of language. They were given devices to type with and the assistance of caring people to help give them a voice. Slowly, their brilliant minds were revealed to the world. Their voices also revealed - surprisingly - compassion, poetry and love.
Larry and Tracy eventually became fierce self advocates and staunch advocates for other individuals with disabilities. They had and have a strong desire to mentor young people. Several years ago an award winning film producer offered them the chance to tell their story as they traveled the world reaching out to others. Wretches and Jabberers is that story. With a haunting soundtrack by J. Ralph (which features many famous artists), it is a film that sweeps you into another world - a world in which your perceptions of disability will be forever changed. The overriding message - "Presume competence" - will always be with me, a part of my soul.
Filmed by the Academy Award winning director, Gerry Wurzburg, in Vermont, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Finland, the landscape is viewed through the poetic typewritten words of the heroes of the film along with the calming assistance with their longtime noble guides Harvey Lavoy and Pascal Cheng. The film was sprinkled with sarcastic humor layered with poignant thoughts and visions about life in a world where individuals with disabilities are marginalized. We meet young adults facing their own struggles who are given new hope in meeting these two unlikely middle-aged men. We find out that Tracy is extremely spiritual and that Larry is a talented artist. Their most important message - to look much deeper than the outward presentation of people. When the documentary was over Daniela and I, along with the rest of the audience were momentarily speechless. All around the room of 4-500 people, I saw people wiping their eyes, that is, as soon as I wiped my own tears away. As the lights came up there on a podium at the front of the ballroom sat Harvey, Tracy, Pascal and Larry. Even though we knew they would be there, it was still a bit of a shock. Daniela shouted out "Mom, look! There they are!!!
For over an hour, the four men sat patiently while the audience asked questions. Both men typed their answered diligently - their words even more astounding in person than they were on film. Larry's comedic timing was brilliant. Tracy's solemn facial expression was often at odds with the excitement he felt and the warm words he typed. The fact that Harvey and Pascal, two brilliant and educated men in their own right, are able to check their egos and allow the two other men to shine was also very moving to me. They all received a standing ovation, of course, at the end of their presentation. I, personally, could not sleep that night. I felt too much emotion at what I had just experienced. Daniela was changed as well. We both knew we had experienced something we would never forget.
The next morning, the four men held another session (minus the film) to a packed crowd. We were thrilled to hear more from them, including more about their backgrounds and follow-up videos made after the movie was filmed. (available on the web-site). Daniela had a chance to meet, and have her photo taken with, Larry, Pascal, and Tracy. Tracy reached out to her (after I briefed him on her history and goals) and offered to stay in contact with her. This meant the world to her and I hope they are able to do this. He is a wonderful mentor for young people, regardless of their level of abilities.
Daniela asked the last question at their presentation. "Was it difficult to learn to communicate at first?" I was in awe of her bravery in standing up in front of so many people. They each answered her. Tracy said that "It was like climbing Mt. Everest, but well worth the effort". You can read Larry's response on a photo on Daniela's post about the conference.
I highly recommend that everyone buy or rent "Wretches and Jabberers". I think that it will change who you are inside and you will never forget it. It should be required viewing in every high school, middle school and college. I plan to lobby for our local schools to show it this coming year and urge you to do the same.
To sum the weekend up, this was the best conference I have been to in my entire life. I wasn't bored for a single second and had a very hard time choosing which sessions I wanted to attend. I truly look forward to the next convention. Jamie Liban (executive director), her staff and the other people from the local chapters who put this together should be extremely proud of themselves. I am so grateful to them for the wonderful weekend Daniela and I had together!
Daniela, as I said in the previous post, became a poised adult who I barely recognized. She found a new inspiring community that she aspires to be like. At the end of the convention, several Arc leaders, including the impressive Jamie, came up to me and told me how impressed they were with Daniela. They think she will be an up and coming leader in the Arc movement when she graduates from Shepherds. (I happen to agree with them).
I am just so embarrassed that we have not truly been involved with the Arc before now. They are responsible for so many of the positive changes in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Well, we're on board now and very excited to help, in our own small way, to make an impact.They give me much greater hope for Daniela's future and the future of all young adults with ID and DD!
All the best,
Tina
PS Be sure to read Daniela's account below!!
Tina:
ReplyDeleteA big hat-tip to everyone you mentioned at the Virginia Arc.
(Yes, Jamie does seem impressive!)
Obviously it was a very memorable weekend.
It was wonderful to read your review and thoughts about Wretches and Jabberers.
The follow-up session was probably beyond expectations.
The sheer humour and warmth is well recognised across the oceans.
And there are so many film clips to enjoy, but nothing can replace being there, Tina.
You mentioned Ralph's haunting soundtrack. Yes, The reason why is poignant and buoyant at the same time!
If you and Daniela wish to explore this further, you might like to read Peyton Goddard's I am intlgent.
The first Syracuse-enabled generation have done some heavy-hitting things in the realm of disability advocacy and elsewhere. I do appreciate their pioneering ways.