Scranton, Pa. – In commemoration of Intellectual Disabilities Month, Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania collaborated with the Arc of NEPA and the Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention Program to host an event designed to challenge the perception of intelligence and instead see a life of possibilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The event was funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
Guests had the opportunity to visit with local providers for information while enjoying complimentary refreshments, music by pianist Aidan Kearney, and artwork by Tommy Hennigan. The highlight of the evening was a screening of the documentary “Intelligent Lives” by award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib which was followed by a panel discussion.
The documentary “Intelligent Lives” strives to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America. “Intelligent Lives” stars three young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Michael, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the United States.
Following the screening, a panel discussed a variety of topics about intellectual disabilities. Panelists included: Stephanie Chunca, Keystone-Beacon Hill; Janette Depamphilis, self-advocate; Kelly Dickey, NEIU 19; Leslie Galante, parent; Alex Groysman, professional and parent; Kristen Haefele, self-advocate; Eve Hennigan, parent; Angela Morales, parent/mentor; Daniel Morales, Special Olympics Athlete Leader; Heather Schreiner, Special Olympics Pennsylvania Northeast Region; and Orley Templeton, Assistant Professor, Misericordia University. Roseann Polishan, the Arc of NEPA, served as moderator.
