2004 Campus-Community Partnerships

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Changing Perceptions and the Media

Abstract:

The National Arts and Disability Center at UCLA and its community partner, the Lanterman Regional Center, share a commitment to enable children and adults with disabilities to live full, productive and satisfying lives as active members of their communities. The promise of engaging people with disabilities in all aspects of public life is challenged by negative attitudes and stereotypes portrayed in film and television. This project offers the opportunity to change the perceptions of media makers about the lives of people with disabilities and to increase the likelihood that relevant issues will be addressed sensitively and accurately in the media.

Three workshops will be held for television and film writers, producers and directors. The workshops will include presentations by disability experts who will address topics and themes such as school, work, play, family, romance and sexuality. In addition, film makers whose work exemplify artistic quality, cultural diversity and relevance to the lives of people with disabilities will discuss their films. This will be followed by informal face- to-face discussions with people with disabilities. We will also create and publish an online Los Angeles Disability Resource Directory of experts who can provide consultation regarding story content.