Film will serve as spark for discussion at library

JACKSON - People with disabilities want one thing more than anything else in the world: they want others to see them as people who live, learn, laugh and love - like everybody else in the world. They dream of a world where everyone is able to see that they are so much more than their disabilities.

Filmmaker Susan Nussbaum brought that dream to life in the film "Beyond Disability: The Fe Fe Stories." The film, which runs about 30 minutes, depicts a group of girls who refuse to be defined by what others seem to think holds them back.

A showing of the film and a rousing discussion on the topic is set for March 8 at 1 p.m. at the Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library, 2 Jackson Drive. Seating is limited and registration is requested. Contact senior librarian Meagan Toohey with questions or accommodation requests, as well as to register to attend, by calling (732) 928-4400, ext. 5, or by sending an e-mail to mtoohey@theoceancountylibrary. org.

The program is sponsored byAllies Inc. and the New Jersey Coalition on Women and Disabilities (NJCWD). The film, which won the Spirit Award at the Superfest International Disability Film Festival, is closed-captioned. Additionally, interpreters will be present at the March 8 showing. Refreshments will be served.

"Beyond Disability: The Fe Fe Stories" is about a group of young women with disabilities who call themselves the Empowered Fe Fes (slang for female.) The group hits the streets of Chicago on a quest to discover the difference between how they see themselves and how others see them. Their revelations are humorous, thought provoking and surprising. The young women grapple with issues as diverse as access, education, employment, sexuality and growing up with disabilities.

Filmmaker Nussbaum started the Empowered Fe Fes in 1999 and made the film in 2004. The Fe Fes are a part of a youth program at Access Living, a disability rights organization in Chicago.

"These girls did not want to be depicted as pathetic or saintly or any of the other paternalistic portrayals of disabled people put out there by the dominant culture," Nussbaum said.

That's when the Fe Fes learned how to work their own sound and camera equipment - thanks to Beyondmedia.

Toohey has seen the film and was so moved that she felt compelled to share it with others.

"The film is very positive, and girls who made the film in high school talked about their experiences, the challenges they faced, their hopes and dreams. I thought it was very humorous and I knew it would get a good dialogue going between those with disabilities and without," she said.

After watching the film, attendees will have an opportunity to discuss the issues, talk with students with disabilities and learn from local organizations that empower people with disabilities. Invited guests include Brick Township resident Jeanine Niemira from the NJCWD, Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey 2007 Kelly Rouba, and Kelly A. Matula, a Princeton University student and NJCWD scholarship winner.

P

hysically, Niemira is wheelchairbound.

Emotionally, spiritually, intellectually … nothing can keep her down. She was born prematurely, resulting in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. She graduated from Monmouth University, West Long Branch, with bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. In her presentation onMarch 8, she will show it is possible for disabled people to lead fulfilling lives with a healthy dose of "patience, planning and laughter."

"It is important to make the general public aware of concerns facing the disabled population, because as we get older we all face some form of disability. Unfortunately, for those of us who are permanently disabled, the process of gaining access and equality has been a long, difficult one. If we all work together these changes will come in a more timely manner and this will benefit all community members in the future," Niemira said.

Toohey hopes that many people - those who are disabled and those who want to be enlightened by the message - will come out onMarch 8 and see the film.

"Sometimes you can tell someone is disabled and sometimes you can't. A disability might be invisible to the naked eye," she said. "People are afraid to approach people. We want to share the idea that you shouldn't make assumptions about people. It might take more time to figure out how to interact with someone with a disability, but it will always be worth the time."