Keep Moving Forward is an interview series featuring people with disabilities sharing perspectives, insights, and experiences produced by Ampers.
The series explores what's better and what needs improvement for people with disabilities since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Together we keep moving toward full access and inclusion in all aspects of life.
This project is supported by the Minnesota Council on Disability, Ampers, the Minnesota Humanities Center, and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
Photo credit: Krish Kiefer
Note: The videos on this page will autoplay on YouTube when opened.
Christine Morgan: Untreated Hearing Loss Is Dangerous
There's a link between untreated hearing loss, dementia, falls and auto accidents.
Hearing loss can contribute to dementia. You're not as aware of your surroundings. Different parts of your brain that normally would hear, aren't hearing, and you're not getting the stimulus that you need.
Untreated Hearing Loss Is Dangerous (closed captioned)
Untreated Hearing Loss Is Dangerous (audio described)
Untreated Hearing Loss Is Dangerous (transcript)
Lisa Kidder: I Feel Like Nobody Sometimes
As a college student, I face barriers to information. If printed material is not available electronically so that I can access it with my screen reader, I feel separated and unequal.
It wears on my self-esteem; I've experienced it so much. I feel that I'm the one educating others.
I Feel Like Nobody Sometimes (closed captioned)
I Feel Like Nobody Sometimes (audio described)
I Feel Like Nobody Sometimes (transcript)
John Lee Clark: Awkward and Unneeded "Help"
We DeafBlind folks may be lucky in one respect; we don't see people staring at us. We're less burdened by what's called the "Abled Gaze."
Sometimes I get unwanted help. I'm walking along a wall instead of down the middle of a corridor, and people think I'm lost, and so they to try and correct what seems out of place. Abled people are unacquainted with people with disabilities, yet we make up a quarter of the population.
Awkward and Unneeded "Help" (closed captioned)
Awkward and Unneeded "Help" (audio described)
Awkward and Unneeded "Help" (transcript)
Karen Thorud: Not Enough Opportunities For Work
There's not enough opportunities for people with disabilities to work in theater. There's not enough opportunity to even try out. Some theater places won't even look at you because you have a disability. They'll say, "Yeah, you have a disability, forget it."
Not Enough Opportunities For Work (closed captioned)
Not Enough Opportunities For Work (audio described)
Not Enough Opportunities For Work (transcript)
Sherry Bartholomew: Art Is Life-Saving
I was a pastry chef. I had a breakdown. I knew I couldn't go back to work.
Working with polymer clay is very much like working with wedding cake fondant. You can do the same things with them both. Working with clay gave me back some of the passion that I had when I was a pastry chef. It's a life-saving thing for me.
Art Is Life-Saving (closed captioned)
Art Is Life-Saving (audio described)
Art Is Life-Saving (transcript)
George Shardlow: I'm The Expert On My Disability
The thing about disability is, you get angry because you feel isolated. It's interesting to constantly be with people who are trying to be "nice," while processing your own anger and frustration. Because for them it's just one interaction, but for you, it's 30 years of interactions.
I'm The Expert On My Disability (closed captioned)
I'm The Expert On My Disability (audio described)
I'm The Expert On My Disability (transcript)
Mark Braun: Team Turns Tragedy Into Triumph
From the heartbreak of being a "throw away baby" to Paralympic Gold, Mark Braun understands the value of "team." He can walk for only short distances, but he can run!
Team Turns Tragedy Into Triumph (closed captioned)
Team Turns Tragedy Into Triumph (audio described)
Team Turns Tragedy Into Triumph (transcript)
Master Hinkle: Barrier To Friendship
That's one of the biggest things I'd like to change in the world. I think if enough people see people using wheelchairs out and about living their lives, it could change the perception. But it's really hard if you never get to see us because we can't get into the places you are.
Barrier To Friendship (closed captioned)
Barrier To Friendship (audio described)
Barrier To Friendship (transcript)
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Sponsors
This work is funded in part by a grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program is made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.
