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.
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Photo credit: Krish Kiefer
Note: The videos on this page will autoplay when opened.
Lisa Kidder: From Qualified to – “Just Blind”
Employers will say: you have an excellent resume, an excellent cover letter, but the problem is you’re blind. I go from being a qualified applicant to just: blind. And they don’t look past that.
[Autoplay] Video: From Qualified To - "Just Blind"
Transcript: From Qualified To - "Just Blind"
Mark Braun: I Like To Go Fast
I don’t look at my disability as a stumbling block. I don’t look at it as an obstacle. You know what? This is who I am, and I’m going to take it and run with it.
[Autoplay] Video: I Like To Go Fast
Transcript: I Like To Go Fast
John Riddle: I Can See Where I Want To Go - But Can't Get There
Places say they are accessible – but are not. Minor obstacles that you would never think would be a problem, suddenly are a huge problem.
[Autoplay] Video: I Can See Where I Want To Go - But Can't Get There
Transcript: I Can See Where I Want To Go - But Can't Get There
Ben McCarthy: Give Me A Chance
I’ve learned many different skills in the theater world. When you’re creating a character, it’s fun expressing, figuring out what’s best for you.
When you let people with disabilities try it, you learn that, “Oh, this person can easily learn these lines.” Give us a chance, and we can show you what we can do.
[Autoplay] Video: Give Me A Chance
Transcript: Give Me A Chance
John Lee Clark: The Joy Of Being DeafBlind
Sure, we’re discriminated against, and yes, we face many challenges, but what I am is fine. What does need changing is the world. We’re not immune to the pain and frustration of coming up against a locked door.
[Autoplay] Video: The Joy Of Being DeafBlind
Transcript: The Joy Of Being DeafBlind
George Shardlow: I Was The One Kid Like Me In The Room
George Shardlow shares how his childhood was a weird roller coaster ride. He says, “You seek out communities where people accept you.”
[Autoplay] Video: I Was The One Kid Like Me In The Room
Transcript: I Was The One Kid Like Me In The Room
Margot Imdieke Cross: You Figure It Out
I remember going to the rock pile on the farm. My front caster fell off. My brother turned to me, and said, “You're gonna have to pop a wheelie.” To this day, I am one of the best wheelie poppers.
[Autoplay] Video: You Figure It Out
Transcript: You Figure It Out
Kate Eifrig: The Pain Of Mental Illness Is Real
It’s painful for people with mental illness to feel that you're not sick enough to be taken seriously.
You don't have to prove you're hurt. This is an illness. That's what I say when I'm talking to people about mental illness, but I have to say it to myself too.
[Autoplay] Video: The Pain Of Mental Illness Is Real
Transcript: The Pain Of Mental Illness Is Real
Mai Thor: Knocking Down Insecurities
Sometimes I wonder, “Do I do this as good as my able-bodied counterparts?”
Being a parent is a real learning experience. I told myself, “My insecurities about my disability are not going to hold me back from being a good mom to my kids.”
[Autoplay] Video: Knocking Down Insecurities
Transcript: Knocking Down Insecurities
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.
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