Lauren Grant

Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD)

Mission: Empowering adults with developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect,
which guided by the principle that everyone has value and ability

Role: Work in the box office at ReelAbilities, which includes customer service, selling
tickets, and notifying others of the movie schedule & locations

ReelAbilities is a film festival that occurred in the Cincinnati Convention Center. The

emphasis was presenting movies that feature people with developmental disabilities (DD).

Unfortunately, I was unable to see any of the films, but it could be enjoyed by anyone. I felt

privileged to participate in this event because I met a lot of people, and the mission of LADD

was reflected at this event. From volunteers to workshops to book signing to the feature films,

those with DD were shown to have varying abilities and their contribution was evident. One

particular volunteer was friendly and frequently came to the box office to socialize; another came

to the box office for her daily fist bump and she made sure to include everyone sitting there.

I was energized by how the community united to celebrate those working to break the

mold in the film industry. In particular, I wanted to see the Finisher. It was a film about a father

who used to complete triathlons until his son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The father

became withdrawn toward his son, and he did not engage with his son often. Seeking to connect

with his father, the son asked his father to complete a triathlon with him. Initially, the father

refused but his son was persistent. They figured out a way for both to complete the course.

In many ways, this theme of perseverance, dedication, and fulfillment reflects the

community who seeks to assist those with developmental disabilities. Also, these descriptors

identify the traits that an individual with DD has when facing society and life. Thus for my ILP

goals, I sought to understand appreciate, honor, and continue to respect those with developmental
disabilities. Typically developing people can be hesitant to accept those who talk, look, or

function differently than themselves. I do not want to be one of those people. I have a cousin

who was born with hydrocephalus and an intellectual disability.

When I was younger, I did not view her differently than my other cousins. She wanted to

play, socialize, and in general, be include in the same activities as everyone else. I appreciate her

kindness and friendliness because she could not walk past anyone without saying hello. Her

smile was bright and stretched across her face from ear to ear. As she became older, we had to

teach her about cultural norms such as not touching others without asking for permission or not

interrupting others while someone was speaking. At ReelAbilities, I wanted to honor the concept

of allowing individuals to be who they are. I respected the frequent fist bumps and high-

fives. Honestly, it put a smile on my face and others around me because unfiltered happiness

and joy of life is contagious.

While I did not get to enjoy any films, I loved the idea of those in the DD community

being empowered to follow their dreams and fulfill their passions. It is important for them to

capture their place in society and become self-advocates. I plan to review some films later, but it

provides a peek into their lives and the obstacles they face. Also, one of my ILP goals is modify

my culture to meet the needs of patients and families. Immersion in the ways and culture of those

with DD increases my level of awareness and ability to be empathetic. Both (awareness and

empathy) can help me educate patient and families with problem-solving in their daily lives and

possibly overcoming obstacles or increasing their ability to self-reflect on various situations. At

ReelAbilities, I saw a culture of universal acceptance, which should not be unique to events that

support people with DD.

 This experience has solidified my passion to continue to be active in supporting those

with DD, either through volunteering, work, or policy advocacy. As I greeted those who walked

by the booth, I saw that everyone wanted to share an experiencewatching films,

companionship, and socialization. These privileges are not just granted to those with special

health care needs. There was closed captioning available for those who may be deaf or hard of

hearing; elevator access for those unable to go on the escalator; a quiet space for those who were

in need of decreased sensory input; most importantly, a movie experience is not complete

without snacks like popcorn and candy!

As I worked with staff members at LADD, I learned about another community event in

which the organization participates--the Flying Pig. The Saturday prior to the marathon, LADD

participates in a 5K walk, which I plan to attend or volunteer. I asked for contact information so

that I could stay connected to this organization because I believe their mission is important and

inclusive. Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to live, work, and enjoy life. Also, ones

ability and personality makes an individual unique or outstanding. LADD can have a more

positive impact by continuing to publicize their activities in the community.

For example, ReelAbilities received media attention from the Cincinnati Enquirer and WLWT

channel 5. The media helps to shape societys perception of cultural norms. While the event can

be seen as inspiring, events like ReelAbilities should not be unique. Increasing the publics

exposure and knowledge about those with DD is fundamental to changing this perception. By

working with LEND, LADD can continue to improve integrating those with DD into mainstream

society. People with DD, professionals who work with them, their families, and the public will

benefit from this exposure so the us versus them mentality can be minimized.
 In the future, LEND should have one or more community agencies lead breakout sessions

so as a trainee, I could have a better sense which one fit my needs or personal visit. While the

PowerPoint in the beginning of my LEND experience was helpful, hearing from an actual

agency would be impactful in reflecting the aim of the community leadership project. LEND

should continue to work with LADD, but improvements in communication, organization and

leadership need to be changed within this organization. Prior to working with LADD, their lack

of organization was well-known and this reputation was off-putting. What followed was even

more discouraging.

Initially, in October, a group of LEND trainees and I met with Kathy Smith, the volunteer

coordinator of LADD, and Deb Pinger, the ReelAbilities event coordinator. I appreciated their

enthusiasm about the event, which made me feel energized. The group was notified that there

would be fundraising events, which would occur in upcoming months. Instead, the group was

left in limbo for months due to an inconsistent lag in communication. By the end of February, the

group of LEND trainees had definite plans, but it was frustrating. My willingness to volunteer at

ReelAbilities was under personal scrutiny and I was left with the following questionswhat

positive experience could I have if this is how the coordinators conduct themselves? Will the

event be organized? How much am I going to learn and grow by participating in this experience?

In the future, LEND trainees should be encouraged to sign up online to volunteer for the event.

While it is nice to have a contact person for the event, it was not beneficial in this case