Boy In The World
By Jessica Jennings and
Penny Kadmon, M.D.
Visionwink

For many three and four-year-olds, learning how to live in the world begins in a preschool classroom. Children with developmental disabilities are no exception. This intimate documentary follows four-year-old Ronen, a young boy with Down syndrome, who attends a fully inclusive early childhood education center. Through his story we learn what it really means for a child to be included: the triumphs, the struggles, and the positive effects on everyone involved: classmates, parents, teachers, and community. Through interviews with teachers, administrators, parents and disability professionals, the film explores the inclusion process in depth, and concretely demonstrates that inclusive classrooms can benefit all children, both those with special needs and their typical peers. This is a rich, evocative exploration of how inclusion works, from the nuts and bolts of a successful inclusive classroom to the benefits and challenges of educational practices that help all children to learn — and to find their place in the world.

44 minutes
© 2007
Purchase $199 DVD
Order No. QA-488
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-944-4

Reviews
"Bravo! Addresses critical elements of genuine, effective inclusion." Sally S. Arsenault, R.I. Department of Education

"Boy in the World shows the essence of inclusion." Claudia Buchinsky, parent

"A beautifully made film and a wonderful example of inclusion done well!" Dr. Deborah Goessling, Providence College

Awards & Conference Screenings
Emmy Winner for Outstanding Photography
Honorable Mention, Columbus International Film & Video Festival
WorldFest Houston Film Festival, Platinum Award

Related Films
24/7: Profiles two families exhausted by the struggle to provide all day, every day care for their developmentally disabled adult children at home, while simultaneously battling for the help and resources they need. How long can they do it alone?

They Don't Come with Manuals: Parents and adoptive parents speak candidly of their day-to-day experiences caring for children with physical and mental disabilities. Despite outside resistance and ignorance, they offer compassion and hope to new parents facing these issues.

Mothers of Courage: Bethany has multiple physical and developmental disabilities. Like thousands of dedicated parents, her mother has had to fight for years to get Bethany the medical and social services she needs.

A Mind of Your Own: It's been estimated that every classroom has two or three kids with learning disabilities. This video profiles four courageous kids who don't let learning difficulties hold them back or get them down.

Fragile X Family: Takes viewers inside the lives of a developmentally disabled family who are affected by Fragile X Syndrome, an inherited chromosomal disorder which is the second most common cause of mental retardation.

Edges of Perception: Eleven-year-old Jessica has Stargardt's, an inherited eye disease. She is legally blind, but with the calm, determined support of her parents and teachers she attends a regular classroom, plays soccer, and is a serious runner. She wants to meet her inspiration, Marla Runyan, a legally blind Olympic runner who also has Stargardt's.

To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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