Time to Open your I
Youth with disabilities challenge society through video
by Tyson Radons, Get Out! Youth Reporter
Nikola and Sharon working together in Open I.
Pacific Cinématheque Photo Archives, 2005
A disability, no matter what the acuity, is usually coupled with a belief that the individual is incapable of customary behavior, normal interaction or intellect on a sophisticated level. Rarely do we see a person with a disability being embraced for what they have to offer, especially in the media. It is fortunate that B.C. has many foundations that benefit people with disabilities. These organizations allow men and women to pursue their dreams and goals without the barriers already placed before them. Disabled People’s Association of Canada or the Canadian Paralympics are just some of the organizations that welcome the wonderful contributions these individuals have to offer.
Over the past decade, the production of media has become more and more accessible. As the technological era progresses, many devices are now available to amateur journalists and media creators that generate the same quality end products as with expensive media tools. Pacific Cinématheque along with G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre is offering something extraordinary to disabled youth between the ages of 14 to 24. They are offering youth the chance to express their views and perspectives on issues that are significant them in a program called Open I. The students work in small collaborative groups creating and molding different ideas into innovative short films. The teams can use any media form they would like, such as documentary, public service announcement, or music video.
During a few short months this program will evolve to a remarkable end result. The stories are created in an articulate and expressive manner, usually sparking an “Aha” moment in everyone that watches these short videos. A story about how this world is tailored to the right handed people as a metaphor for disability, is an example of the interesting angle these clever young minds take when creating a story. The Open I program also includes many workshops which help in the creative process while making the short videos. I have had the pleasure of taking workshops at Pacific Cinemathéque and have consistently come out of the program with a firm grasp on all topics covered. The Instructors are patient and the information is delivered in a precise and clear way. With all the expertise and equipment that Pacific Cinematheque can offer, the Open I program will break barriers facing the disabled community. At the end of the program, the youth will have the opportunity to showcase their work at a Youth Symposium on Media and the Disabilities in the fall of 2006. Some works may also be shown at FlickStarts, B.C.’s first disability related film festival.
In Canada, 14.6% of men and women have a disability, and this significant community has been consistently overlooked. These capable individuals are brimming with ideas and opinions waiting to be released on society. Open I allows some vivacious youth to expand their ideas and express their unique outlook on life. A voice is rising in this community and it will only amplify with time, so that these valuable perspectives will no longer be neglected.
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