Disabilitiy Videos - The Documentary Network

The Last Taboo – In bed, everyone’s able

Documentary.net staff — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:15:31 +0000

The Last Taboo tells the gripping and heart-warming story of six people with various physical disabilities and an able-bodied partner who was in a relationship with one of them. These individuals share their perspectives on intimacy, relationships and what their experiences have taught them about themselves. The Last Taboo asks us to to step outside of our comfort zones in order to reconsider our misconceptions regarding disability, identity, gender, attraction, beauty and sexuality. Written and Directed by Alexander Freeman Director’s Statement

To be fully human is not only about eating, drinking, or thinking but is also about experiencing the touch of another person. This creates a connection which embodies, I not only see you but I truly feel you. As a person with a disability myself, I too want that connection. A few years ago, one person gave me an incredible experience, unlike I had ever felt before and allowed me to explore who I am sexually. This caused me to think about the topic of sex and how people with disabilities are seen as not wanting or able to have sex at all. I also wondered why society subconsciously considers sex and disability as taboo. I knew that there had to be many people with disabilities out there who had stories of love and intimacy to share. Those stories need to be told in order to open people’s eyes to see that the need for human touch is one of the most basic of human needs.

Jeweller creates miniature designs – despite having no fingers

Documentary.net staff — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 07:09:28 +0000

A talented jeweller has found her own way to make miniature masterpieces worth thousands of pounds - despite being born with no fingers. Annette Gabbedey, 48, spends months creating delicate rings and bracelets, glittering with precious diamonds and opals in her workshop. But the expert goldsmith does not have any special tools to help her work without digits - she simply adapts conventional crafting devices to create dazzling ornaments. Determined Annette - who insists she is not disabled - even says she could not imagine doing her job with fingers because they "must get in the way".

Adults with Autism

Documentary.net staff — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:49:04 +0000

It’s been 68 years since the first case of autism was diagnosed. For decades it was considered a rare disorder but in a single generation, autism has become one of the most common developmental disabilities, affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans. With so many children diagnosed in the 1990s, hundreds of thousands of them will reach adulthood over the next decade. Their needs will swamp the already financially strained state services. At least 10 states have already cut funding for some of those very services, increasing the burden on families. Filmmaker Alison Stewart spent time with two such families who are ahead of the coming wave — older parents doing their best to provide a safe and happy future for their adult children with autism, in the face of uncertainty.