Deaf Teen Filmmakers Interpretation of Phillip Phillips’ “Home”

Acceptance, connection, and belonging. Home. Thank you Deaf Film Camp for making such awesome videos!

  • A photograph of a woman wearing a purple shirt and khaki pants giving a speech on stage. TED in bold red letters , and "America's Finest City" is partially visible behind her. On a large screen behind her " Children with disabilities are among the world's most marginalized and excluded children." To the right there is a turqoise circle with white font "Ollibean Must Watch"/ Also in white font " Torrie Dunlap, CEO, Kids Included Together

Isn’t it a Pity? The Real Problem with Special Needs

The Real Problem with Special Needs We love this TEDx Talk from our friend, Torrie Dunlap, at Kids Included Together on benefits of inclusion and the real "problem" with special needs.   Isn’t it a Pity? The Real Problem with Special Needs Torrie Dunlap, CEO, Kids Included Together   Feeling Good about Casting Someone with Special Needs in the Show In the early 90s I was a student on this very campus, and actually, on this very stage. I was a drama major who had a dream to change the world through arts education. The world, however, had something different in

Pharrell’s “Happy” in Sign Language

Beautiful American Sign Language interpretation of Pharrell Williams's "Happy." An expression of music in ASL composed by Rosa Lee Timm and Azora Telford. The video was produced by a team of Deaf campers & staff from Deaf Film Camp 2014 at Camp Mark Seven. CAST Rosa Lee Timm Azora Telford -- Campers -- (coming soon) -- Teachers -- Bellamie Bachleda Braam Jordaan Bim Ajadi Sophia Ballester Tate Tullier Wayne Betts Jr -- Counselors -- (coming soon) -- Interpreter -- Drisana Levitzke-Gray EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (VIDEO) Convo VIDEO PRODUCER Stacy Lawrence Sophie Sok EDITOR Bim Ajadi CINEMATOGRAPHER/CO-EDITOR Wayne Betts, Jr. VISUAL

Get Your Happy On

Love this video by Tina and Paul Sirimarco. Tina is an ASL interpreter and has been teaching her husband to sign. The videos they have created are so free spirited and joyful that they're really fun to watch. About Paul and Tina : Yup, it's official. They're adorable. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is just as much fun to watch.

Lizzie Velasquez: Inspiring & Empowering a More Positive Online Environment

At only 25, Lizzie Velaquez is a motivational speaker, the subject of an upcoming documentary and author. In her viral TedX Talk, How Do YOU Define Yourself , Lizzie asks the audience to consider what defines them, and whether they're going to choose to give up in the face of negativity from others, or whether they're going to choose to be happy. After finding a video on Youtube which called her the ugliest woman in the world, Lizzie decided she was not going to let someone who had never met her, bully her – much less, define her. Lizzie has

  • Photograph of Jillian Mercado . She has light brown skin , platinum hair and is smiling. She's wearing a black shirt. There is an exposed brick wall in the background with a pink circle with Ollibean Must Watch written inside. Dark blue script. "it’s really boring to see the same people. So if you’re different that’s sunlight in somebody’s world. " Jillian Mercado.

What’s Underneath – Jillian Mercado

Jillian Mercado, the 23 year old model and editor and founder of Manufactured 1987 is featured in  StyleLikeU 's "What's Underneath Project". The "What's Underneath Project" has select individuals remove their clothes to honor how style is not the clothes you wear, but rather, what's underneath. Transcript Off camera. StyleLikeU: So you should just talk very freely, don’t edit. Just, you know, we’ll edit and just let yourself just roll. You’ll, whoever ask the question you can talk to. At the end of each question you’ll just take a piece of clothing off. Jillian Mercado Voice: Ok, I have one,

  • "Why would I want to grow out of my skin? Of my veins ? Because they grew so well with me. Jamie Sanders

I have Tourette’s. Please tell everyone.

This powerful performance by Jamie Sanders, spoken word poet and actor with Tourette's, covers bullying, shame, self-acceptance and empowerment in the best 150 seconds you'll watch this week.

  • Photograph of Stella Young on the Ted Stage. Text reads- I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much. Stella Young. Ollibean Change Leader

Why The Lie We’ve Been Sold About Disability Is The Greatest Injustice

Stella Young of Ramp Up explains the Social Model of Disability, Inspiration Porn, and the lie we've been sold about disability in this nine minute TED Talk. Stella Young Transcript I grew up in a very small country town in Victoria. I had a very normal, low key kind of upbringing. I went to school, I hung out with my friends, I fought with my younger sisters. It was all very normal. And when I was 15, a member of my local community approached my parents and wanted to nominate me for a "Community Achievement Award". And my parents

Judith Snow ~ Relationships & Inclusion

"The research shows that when a child who is not academically gifted is included in a regular school, not only do the academics improve across the school, and I did say that, I didn’t say “in the classroom”, I said “across the school”, not only do the academics improve, but drug use and violence goes down."

  • image description . Photograph of Maysoon Zayid, woman with long brown hair . She is smiling and wearing a black tank top. White text reads "MAYSOON ZAYID" . In upper right hand corner of image there is a turquoise circle with white text that reads "Must Watch"

I Got 99 Problems..Palsy Is Just One- Maysoon Zayid on Ted

“People with disabilities are the largest minority in the world and we are the most under-represented in entertainment.” Maysoon Zayid

Pro Infirmis Mannequins Video Shows Bodily Diversity is Beautiful

A trip to the mall bombards me with unattainable ideals of “perfection” everywhere I turn. Mannequins of one standard body shape and size taunt me in each store I enter, all of them wearing clothing that won’t look anything on me like it does on them. Their plastic bodies are tall and thin; I am less than 5 feet with more than my fair share of curves. They stand in casual poses; I am sitting in my wheelchair. To me, mannequins are not always inviting displays. Instead, they’re nothing more than sculptures of a supposedly idyllic body type that I

“Weird & Wonderful”

'Weird and Wonderful", a feature-length documentary, tells the story of the disability rights movement from the late 1960s until today.

  • Image description: photograph of light skinned man with light hair using sign language . He is wearing a black blazer, blue shirt, and dark tie. Captioned white text on a black background reads" we work to further equal opportunity".

Meet the Members of the 2013 National Council on Disability

The National Council on Disability works to further equal opportunity, self-sufficiency, independent living, inclusion and full integration of people with disabilities into the civic, social, and economic fabric of American life.

I Am Disabled and I Am Proud

‎"Polite society often tells us that we need to take the 'dis' out of disability, but maybe... just maybe, we should spend some time putting it back in. Take the "dis" out of disability and you remove the core of what has shaped my life. Disability puts the "D" in diversity, but in order to make that a real difference we've got to own that spot. It took me 35 years to respect and honor that truth. Others shouldn't have to wait that long..." Lawrence Carter-Long

  • .There’s none exempt from this disability community, and as a matter of fact we’re the cool community, because we accept everybody.” Keith Jones

Disability Activist Keith Jones on Community

"So let us remember that when we teach, when we educate, we make policy, we make decisions that we do it with a conscience and that we remember that we are leaving fingerprints on forever." Keith Jones

Rion Paige on X Factor

Rion Paige blew everyone away at the "X Factor" audition. This beautiful, charismatic 13 year old has an absolutely incredible voice and exudes such confidence and poise it’s hard to believe she ‘s only 13. Rion has arthogryposis multiplex congenta which causes joint contractures and vision loss. Rion spoke about her audition on the "X Factor", “Ever since I was little I‘d just try to find a way to get to a microphone, put it in between my knees and try to get it in my foot, put it in my mouth. But sometimes I just get really frustrated whenever

The Power of Presuming Competence

"Thasya", a mini film by Dan Habib, highlights the power of presuming competence, differentiated instruction and augmentative and alternative communication. Inclusion works.

Thank You, Ed Roberts

"And we’re going to develop leadership, that has a fundamental difference and that is, it's inclusive . It believes in people, and in our strengths together . And we are going to change our society. " Ed Roberts

Senator Harkin Delivers Speech in ASL Upon ADA Passage in 1990

Upon passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 13th, 1990, Senator Tom Harkin delivered a speech on the Senate floor in American Sign Language. Harkin, whose brother Frank was deaf, was the lead Senate author of the ADA, which was enacted later that year. His speech is the first in American Sign Language to be delivered from the Senate floor.

Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow

Awesome ASL version of En Vogue's 'Free Your Mind'. "Before you can see me you've got to learn how to read me. Free your mind and the rest will follow."

ASL Video “I Knew You Were Trouble”

Great ASL translation of Taylor Swift's song!

  • Picture of a smiling woman with light brown hair in a pony tail,she is wearing a purple shirt with a black jacket. the text reads "It's the hardest thing to put up with."

No Limits: People With Cerebral Palsy v Condescending Tools

No Limits: People With Cerebral Palsy v Condescending Tools.

My Top Ten

These are the top 10, now top 18 things I need for teachers, therapists, doctors, friends and family to know.

My iPad Is Not a Toy

Please never refer to my iPad as a toy. It is not. It is my voice. Imagine if you could not speak with your mouth how important your iPad voice would be.

Shatter the Myths About Autism

"No Myths". Must see PSA by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the Dan Merino Foundation. Change the conversation about autism.

Ollibean: All of a kind

The faces of Ollibean are kids with and without disabilities all trying to make the world a better place.

I Am

How do you talk to someone who uses AAC?

Get Schooled: Jack Black Rocks “Sensitive”

AUTISM IS AWESOMISM . LOVE this video performed by the incredible Wyatt Isaacs (Autism the Musical), Jack Black, Stephen Stills from the Miracle Project Benefit.

My Video for Day without Starbucks for Sebastien

My video to help raise money for "Day Without Starbucks for Sebastien" . Sebastien is my friend. He has MELAS, a mitochondrial disease that is hurting him. Please help.

Sebastien’s Smile

Sebastien's Smile was created for the sole purpose of raising awareness for Mitochondrial diseases which affect the Setin's son Sebastien.

Henry’s video for his friend Sebastien, please help by sharing

Thursday Henry decided he wanted to write something to help his friend. We decided to video the process, as you can see, typing one letter at a time is a very long and arduous process. It took Henry  hours to type and edit that paragraph. It was hard and Henry decided to not to share the parts that were too emotional. Sebastien is one of Henry's best friends, he loves him dearly and he has watched his body get weaker and weaker each day. I am so proud of H for writing this, it was very, very hard for a

Ollibean Talks to Ray Ellis, director of “Certain Proof: A Question of Worth”

"All of these children have one thing in common. They were always having to prove themselves, over and over and over again." Ray Ellis

  • ollibean_therapy

Dinosaur Claw: Physical Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

"Helping Hands" at Rice University have developed Dino-Might, a controller/game designed for patients with cerebral palsy to use for physical therapy.

One Day without Starbucks for Sebastien and Mitochondrial Disorders

Sebastien is an 11 year old boy, who likes to do things any other 11 year old boy likes to do- play video games, watch sports on tv (especially his favorite player, Lebron James), and play baseball.

My Valentine by Paul McCartney- Featuring Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp

Paul McCartney Directs His Own 'My Valentine' Videos Featuring Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp using ASL.

OlliNEPAL at the SERC School

OlliNEPAL at the SERC School in Kathmandu

OlliNEPAL team at HDCS, Asha Bal Bikash Sewa (“Children’s Hope Development Service”)

OlliNEPAL team at HDCS, Asha Bal Bikash Sewa ("Children's Hope Development Service")

  • 479CziJHTFo

World Down Syndrome Day March 21!

Down Syndrome International presents the Global Video Event "LET US IN - I WANT TO LEARN!" in partnership with 68 countries for World Down Syndrome Day 2012.

Autistic Man, Jesse Saperstein Free Falls to End Bullying

Best-selling author, autism advocate and motivational speaker Jesse A. Saperstein is spreading an Anti-Bullying movement across America with his “Free-Falling to End Bullying in 2012” YouTube video hoping to put an end to torment in and out of the classroom.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s Stroke of Insight

Jill Bolte Taylor This TedTalk by Jill Bolte Taylor is a testimony to the power of presuming competence and importance of a nurturing, positive environment when learning. Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor woke up one morning and realized she was having a massive stroke. Bolte Taylor details her experience as her left brain slipped away and she was left without language, awareness of time. But, instead of being terrified she was intrigued and serene. As her left brain's stopped functioning she experienced the wonders of her right brain. She was fully present, connected to everything, thought in pictures, was inundated with sensory information

The Loud Hands Project

Love this video published by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Share it, Post it, Donate at http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Loud-Hands-Project?a=351448 so they will make more:)

  • Image description: photograph of young girl with blond hair and light skin, She is using American Sign Language. In the background a large white rectangular sign reads D-PAN, Deaf Professional Arts Network. Closed Captioning in Yellow at bottom of image reads" We're Going To Be Friends , " by the White Stripes.

D-PAN ASL Music Video “We’re Going To Be Friends” by the White Stripes

White Stripes "We're Going To Be Friends" ASL video we love by D-PAN.

Matt Savage with Bobby Watson- “Big Apple Blues”

Here's a song from Matt's "Welcome Home" CD Release concert in New York at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center! Matt Savage on piano ; Bobby Watson is on alto sax, Joris Teepe is on bass, and Peter Retzlaff is on drums. Incredible!

Saving Grace

Addison Lennon met all her early milestones: she sat up on time, crawled on time and walked on time. At about 4 months, however, she had a seizure, and her parents started to worry. By 9 months, her head appeared small for her age. Her neurologist reassured the family that Addison could still be within the lowest 5 percent of the normal range. "We were thinking she was typical," says Kari Lennon, "she would be in that 5 percent." At 15 months, however, Addison had another seizure that was a lot more severe. She had been tested for

Stories From The Road | Chapter Eight | “On Common Ground”

"On Common Ground": While in Houston to speak to teens at "Stand Up! For Inclusion" a conference aimed at inspiring youth to make a difference in the world, Larry takes time to exchange creative ideas with a young artist.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Thirteen | “The End Of The Road”

"The End Of The Road": Larry and Tracy take time to reflect on their spiritual journey of disability awareness as they prepare for the theatrical premiere if their film, "Wretches & Jabberers" in New York City.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Nine | “Lightning Rods”

"Lightning Rods": The Vermonters meet up with Stephen Kuusisto, author of "Planet of the Blind". He interviews Larry and Tracy about the journey they took while making "Wretches & Jabberers" and shares a few insights of his own about his disability.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Ten | “Apple Store Adventures”

"Apple Store Adventures": While in New York City to promote the theatrical release of the film, the Vermonters take an opportunity to visit the Apple Store and try out the new iPad 2.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Seven | “Stand Up! For Inclusion”

"Stand Up! For Inclusion": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal speak to teens in Houston at the 26th Annual BBYO Lonestar Convention. The theme of this year's convention is "Stand Up! For Inclusion" to inspire youth to make a difference in the world around them.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Twelve | “All That’s Newsworthy”

From our friends at Stories from the Road, "All That's Newsworthy": Larry and Tracy join director Gerardine Wurzburg on the WPIX Channel 11 Morning News to discuss the upcoming theatrical release of their documentary 'Wretches & Jabberers'. The guys get the star treatment as they share their experiences with anchor Jim Watkins.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Eleven | “Teaching The Teachers”

"Teaching The Teachers": The Vermonters are invited to speak at Teachers College at Columbia University. A subway ride brings them to their destination as they find open minds, caring hearts, and an invitation for beer!

Stories From The Road | Chapter Six | “Mile-High Marvels”

"Mile-High Marvels": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal are asked to speak about their experiences making "Wretches & Jabberers" at the 35th Annual TASH Conference held in Denver, Colorado.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Five | “A Small World After All”

More from the amazing W & J and State of the Art/Dan Curl. "A Small World After All": Tracy invites Finnish friends Henna and Antti to join him at his monthly task force meeting at Community Developmental Services in Barre, VT. Here other people with autism advocate for people with communication challenges, quality of life initiatives, and increase public awareness.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Four | “Breakfast at Larry’s”

From our friends at Wretches & Jabberers, "Breakfast at Larry's": Larry invites visiting international friends Chammi, Antti & Henna to his home for a traditional Vermonter breakfast. With the help of his sister Sally, Larry hosts a meal not soon forgotten!

Stories From The Road | Chapter Three | “Wretches Reunite”Stories From The Road | Chapter Three | “Wretches Reunite”

"Wretches & Jabberers" co-stars from Finland and Sri Lanka descend upon Burlington, Vermont to visit Larry and Tracy and discuss how the film has impacted their lives.

Stories From The Road | Chapter One | “A Night With The Stars”

"A Night With The Stars": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal take to the road to promote a new documentary titled "Wretches & Jabberers" following their recent "World Intelligence Magnified Tour". Their first stop is Syracuse, NY where they meet with the Disability Cultural Center Initiative at Syracuse University and answer questions about the film.

Stories From The Road | Chapter Two | “Syracuse International Film Festival”

"Syracuse International Film Festival": Larry, Tracy, Harvey & Pascal on the road to promoting "Wretches & Jabberers" following their recent "World Intelligence Magnified Tour". Their second stop was Syracuse, NY is to present the film and their personal narratives at the Syracuse International Film Festival.

60 Minutes: Studying Autism and iPads

Canadian professor Rhonda McEwen studies the use of iPads by autistic children in Toronto's Beverley School. She tells 60 Minutes Lesley Stahl that progress is slow, but learning to "play with language" is the first step.

Apps for Autism on 60 Minutes

People with autism whose condition prevents them from speaking are making breakthroughs with the help of tablet computers and special applications that allow them to communicate, some for the first time. Lesley Stahl reports.

Releasing the Music In Your Head

Dan Ellsey and Tod Macchover on TED Talks, Macchover (the man behind Guitar Hero) of MIT's Media Lab , talks about Hyper Score. Ellsey,a composer with cerebral palsy uses some new tools to write and perform his own beautiful music. Very cool.

On Beauty

We are in love with 'On Beauty" the documentary by Joanna Rudnick. She follows the talented Rick Guidotti as he challenges public perception of difference and beauty through the lives of three exquisite women.

The Miracle Project

Check out this trailer from the Emmy winning documentary, The Miracle Project. We should ALL have the opportunity to perform, participate, and find our gifts. Get involved with The Miracle Project ww.themiracleproject.org.

The Making of Sensitive

From The Miracle Project..the making of "Sensitive", a song about bullies. Wyatt Isaacs sings with Jack Black. Stephen Stills produces it a la sex pistols, with his signature guitar! Learn more about The Miracle Project at www.themiracleproject.org , you will love it as much as we do!

Classroom Simulation of Student Who Is Deaf or Hard of Hearing

An amazing simulation of what speech sounds like for hearing impaired student by the Vermont Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. You will be shocked! This simulation allows you to experience the challenges a hearing impaired student faces in the classroom, with and without a personal FM sytem. We had no idea it was this hard for hearing impaired students to hear what's being said in a typical classroom environment.

Carly Fleischman on 20/20

Carly Fleischmann, on 20/20 in 2009. Carly is diagnosed with autism and types to communicate. She is an incredibly intelligent self-advocate who is helping change how the world sees people who communicate differently. We are huge fans! Please check out her website for more information http://carlysvoice.com.

Autism Now : MacNeil Interviews Principal at Autism Charter School

An extended transcript excerpt from Robert MacNeil's interview with Rima Ritholtz, principal of PS 176, charter school in the Bronx can be found on PBS.org. Ritholtz discusses the schooling and treatment options for those with autism. She says approximately 10 out 700 students are able to return to general education.

Sprout

For more information about incredible films related to disabilities, check out Sprout, programs for people with disabilities. Sproutflix features films from around the world that focus on the lives and accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities.

Certain Proof – A Question of Worth

Certain Proof: A Question of Worth is a feature documentary about three children living with significant communication and physical disabilities, who struggle against the public schools in an emotional battle to prove their worth.

Hold My Hand

The documentary,"Hold My Hand", follows Eliza Schaaf, a young woman with Down Syndrome, who was raised under the principle of inclusion. Schaaf was dropped from her ceramics class by Southern Oregon University. SOU sited she required excessive supervision and limited her classmates time for instruction. Schaaf denies this and her classmates signed a petition refuting this fact and asked that she be reinstated. "Hold My Hand",made by four students at Chapman University, Ruby Stocking, Bobby Moser, James Parker, and Virginia Thomasi, looks at the impact of being excluded from her class, but also covers the importance of inclusion for all members of society. Schaaf's website offers

Wretches and Jabberers at Tampa Museum of Art

Academy Award winner, Gerardine Wurzburg's documentary, "Wretches & Jabberers ", Screening and Q & A at Tampa Theatre . The rockstars of self advocacy, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette take Tampa by storm, shattering misconceptions of autism and intelligence.

Go to Top