Blind Teens Fight Challenges in New Documentary

National Federation of the Blind promotes Film to Increase Understanding Among Educators and Public

Muskogee, Oklahoma (October 16, 2017): Connor wants to be a sponsored skateboarder. Sarah wants to travel the world. Nick dreams of being a rock star. Carina wants to be the first member of her family to graduate high school.

These four teenagers are each trying to achieve their dreams. But they face an additional challenge: they are blind.

Blind people of all ages, their families, educators, and others who face discrimination based on low expectations will learn from these inspiring young people and their stories in Do You dream in Color?, a new, critically acclaimed documentary. A screening of the film, hosted by the Oklahoma Affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, will be held at the Oklahoma School for the Blind auditorium at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 30th. Admission is FREE and is open to students, parents, teachers and the Muskogee community at-large. The documentary depicts the problems that blind students experience in public schools and other challenges that they face due to low expectations and misconceptions about blindness. A town-hall-style discussion with audience questions answered by local blind individuals will follow the screening of the film. The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma will host a reception with light snacks and treats for the kids immediately following the film and discussion. Resources about programs and scholarships available to blind youth will be provided.

Rita Echelle, Superintendent, Oklahoma School for the Blind states, “We are looking forward to this event and feel that it will be inspirational to our students. We appreciate the National Federation of the Blind Oklahoma for providing this opportunity for Oklahoma School for the Blind. We encourage anyone who is interested to come and be our guest at this event.”

View the trailer and learn more.

Awards and Praise

• 2017 National Federation of the Blind Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award, Top Prize
• Official Selection, Dallas International Film Festival
• Audience Choice Award, San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
• Advocacy Award, Superfest: International Disability Film Festival
• “powerfully human” — Truth on Cinema
• “a film that will touch your head and your heart” — Unseen Films

“Watching this film made me more determined to fight for blind kids, like my own, against a public education system that too often fails them,” said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind.
“The teens in the film have dreams, just like any other kid might have, they just happen to be blind. It is my hope that the film will help to further the understanding that blindness does not have to hold anyone back, nor does it have to define anyone”, said Jeannie Massay, President, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma.

About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

CONTACT:
Audrey T. Farnum
Director of Communications
National Federation of the Blind Oklahoma
405-590-6110
Communications@nfbok.org