Social Justice Resource Library

The story follows Ben (played by Paul Rudd), a retired writer who, after experiencing personal tragedy, enrolls in a caregiving course. He becomes the caregiver for Trevor (Craig Roberts), a teenager with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who has spent most of his life confined to his home.
As Ben and Trevor embark on a road trip to visit quirky roadside attractions, they develop a deep friendship, confronting their respective fears and emotional struggles along the way. They are joined by Dot (Selena Gomez), a hitchhiking runaway who challenges Trevor to step outside his comfort zone. The journey serves as a backdrop for themes of hope, healing, and the importance of human connection, ultimately allowing both Ben and Trevor to grow and find new perspectives on life.

The film Music, directed by Sia, is a 2021 musical drama that centers on the story of Zu, played by Kate Hudson, who is newly sober and unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her half-sister, Music, a non-verbal autistic teenager portrayed by Maddie Ziegler. The narrative unfolds as Zu navigates her recovery from substance abuse while learning to care for Music, who has a structured life shaped by her late grandmother's routines.
The film explores themes of family, identity, and the challenges of caring for someone with autism.

Deaf Jam is a documentary film directed by Judy Lieff, released in 2011. It follows the journey of Aneta Brodski, a deaf teenager and Israeli immigrant living in Queens, New York, as she explores the world of spoken word slam poetry. The film highlights her introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) poetry through an after-school program at the Lexington School for the Deaf.
Aneta's story unfolds as she meets Tahani Salah, a hearing Palestinian slam poet. Together, they collaborate to create a unique form of poetry that bridges the gap between the hearing and Deaf communities, transcending personal and political divisions.

Rust and Bone is a 2012 French film, centered around the intense and complex relationship between two characters, Ali and Stéphanie. The story begins with Ali, a struggling father, who moves to Antibes with his young son, Sam, to stay with his sister. While working as a nightclub bouncer, he meets Stéphanie, a killer whale trainer. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Stéphanie suffers a horrific accident during a performance, resulting in the amputation of her legs. The film explores themes of pain, recovery, and the complexities of love, as both characters navigate their struggles and support each other in their respective journeys.

The story centers on Elisa Esposito, a mute janitor working at a high-security government laboratory. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a humanoid amphibian creature, referred to as "the Asset," being held captive for experimentation.
Elisa forms a deep bond with the creature, communicating through sign language and sharing moments of connection. As she learns of plans to terminate the creature, she resolves to help it escape, leading to a confrontation with the facility's cruel head of security, Colonel Richard Strickland. The film explores themes of love, isolation, and the fear of the "other," ultimately portraying the creature as a misunderstood being rather than a monster.

The story centers on Michael Connolly, a 24-year-old with cerebral palsy who has spent most of his life in Carrigmore Residential Home. He is content with his life until he meets Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy), a rebellious newcomer with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who can only move his head and one hand. Rory's desire for independence and his ability to understand Michael, despite his speech limitations, sparks a deep friendship between the two.
As they bond, Michael and Rory challenge their circumstances, seeking to live more independently and experience life outside the confines of the home. The film balances humor and poignant moments, showcasing their struggles and triumphs while navigating societal perceptions of disability.

The Elephant Man is a 1980 biographical drama, based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man living in Victorian London. The film portrays Merrick, referred to as John in the movie, who is mistreated and exploited as a sideshow attraction due to his grotesque appearance caused by a rare condition, believed to be Proteus syndrome.
The story begins when Dr. Frederick Treves, discovers Merrick being exhibited by a cruel showman named Bytes. Treves rescues Merrick and brings him to the London Hospital, where he learns that Merrick possesses a kind and intelligent mind, contrary to the assumptions made about him due to his appearance. As Merrick begins to experience a more humane life, he forms friendships with hospital staff and even gains attention from society's elite, including actress Mrs. Kendal. Despite the care he receives, Merrick struggles with the duality of being celebrated as a curiosity while still being perceived as a freak. The film explores themes of compassion, dignity, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of societal prejudice.

Sound of Metal is a 2019 American drama film, featuring Ruben Stone, a metal drummer who faces a life-altering crisis when he begins to lose his hearing. The film explores themes of identity, addiction, and the challenges of adapting to a new reality.
The story follows Ruben, who plays in a two-person band with his girlfriend Lou. As Ruben's hearing deteriorates due to the loud environments of their performances, he is confronted with the harsh reality of his condition. After a visit to a specialist confirms that he will likely become completely deaf, he struggles to find his place in a world that is rapidly changing. Seeking support, Ruben joins a community for deaf recovering addicts, where he learns American Sign Language and begins to navigate his new life.

The Sessions is a 2012 film inspired by the true story of Mark O'Brien, a man who has been confined to an iron lung since childhood due to polio. At 38 years old, Mark decides he wants to lose his virginity. Struggling with his sexual desires and the constraints of his condition, he confides in his priest, Father Brendan, who encourages him to pursue this goal. The film explores their complex relationship as Cheryl guides Mark through the intimate experiences he has longed for, while also navigating the emotional nuances that arise between them. The narrative addresses themes of sexuality, spirituality, and the human need for connection, all set against the backdrop of Mark's physical limitations and his devout Catholic upbringing.

My Left Foot is a biographical drama film, released in 1989. It tells the inspiring true story of Christy Brown, an Irish writer and painter born with cerebral palsy, who could only control his left foot. The film is based on Brown's own autobiography, which chronicles his life from a challenging childhood in a large, impoverished Dublin family to his eventual success as a celebrated author and artist. The narrative begins with Christy's early years, where he is dismissed as mentally disabled by doctors and society. However, his mother believes in his intelligence and potential. A pivotal moment occurs when Christy learns to write using his left foot, which becomes a symbol of his determination and resilience. The film also explores his relationships, particularly with his nurse Mary Carr, who becomes a significant figure in his life.

Me Before You is a 2016 romantic drama film, based on the novel by Jojo Moyes. The story follows Louisa "Lou" Clark who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy banker left paralyzed after a motorcycle accident. Lou, struggling to find work after losing her job at a café, takes the position to support her financially strained family. Initially, Will is cynical and resistant to Lou's attempts to engage him, but over time, they develop a deep bond. Lou's vibrant personality begins to bring some joy to Will's life, and he encourages her to pursue her dreams and live boldly.

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution is a 2020 documentary that chronicles the transformative experiences of disabled teenagers at Camp Jened, a summer camp in New York. The film begins in 1971, showcasing the camp as a liberating space where campers, often marginalized in society, could express themselves freely and connect with one another.
The narrative unfolds in two parts: the first half captures the joyful and supportive environment of Camp Jened, emphasizing the friendships, fun, and personal growth that occur there. Campers share candid stories about their lives, including the discrimination they face outside the camp, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
The second half follows these campers as they transition into adulthood and become pivotal figures in the disability rights movement.

"Medicine Under the Influence" is a documentary that explores the controversial practices within the pharmaceutical industry, particularly focusing on the international drug company Merck. The film features Bernard Dalbergue, a former pharmaceutical executive, who reveals his experiences and insights after leaving the industry.
Dalbergue discusses how pharmaceutical companies manipulate clinical trials and mislead medical authorities to maximize profits, often at the expense of public health. He highlights the case of Gardasil, a vaccine developed to combat HPV, which was marketed as a breakthrough despite doubts about its efficacy and safety. The documentary sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and the impact of aggressive marketing strategies in healthcare, ultimately questioning the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry and its influence on medical practices and patient safety.

The Tournament is a 2009 British independent action thriller. The film revolves around a deadly competition that occurs every seven years, where 30 of the world’s most lethal assassins are pitted against each other in a fight to the death, all for a cash prize of $10 million. This event is orchestrated by a cabal of wealthy crime lords who bet on the outcome, making it a spectacle for the elite.

Lay Down Your Heart is a 2022 Canadian documentary, focusing on the life of Niall McNeil, a theatre performer and writer with Down syndrome. The film provides an intimate portrait of McNeil, exploring his artistic journey and the concept of chosen families within the theatre community.
The documentary highlights McNeil's creative process and the relationships he has formed with both his biological family and his theatre family. It emphasizes themes of openness, connection, and the transformative power of art.

Echo of Everything is a documentary directed by Cam Christiansen that explores the profound and mysterious power of music through various lenses, including science, history, and philosophy. The film is structured around Christiansen's personal journey to understand music's significance, interwoven with a silent character played by actor Andy Curtis, who guides viewers through a visually rich narrative that combines animation, performance, and expressive imagery.

Located in the community of Memramcook, New Brunswick, the Artisan Workshop is a model of social inclusion. This unique workshop offers training in everything from carpentry to using technology,giving 14 special-needs adults the opportunity to find fulfillment as craftspeople. Filmmaker Daniel Léger show that valuing the contribution of every member of a community infinitely increases its wealth.

Picture This (2018) is a short documentary that explores the intersection of disability, sexuality, and identity through the life of Andrew Gurza, a self-described "queer cripple." The film chronicles Gurza's efforts to organize a sex-positive play party for disabled individuals, titled "Justify My Love."
At its core, the documentary addresses the societal challenges faced by disabled people, particularly the struggle between feeling invisible and being objectified. It presents a candid portrayal of Gurza's experiences, emphasizing his determination to assert his sexuality and humanity in a world that often marginalizes him.

Shameless: The ART of Disability is a 2006 Canadian documentary film that explores disability culture and the transformative power of art for people with disabilities. The film follows five artists with diverse disabilities as they prepare for a disability art and culture festival. The documentary provides an intimate look at these individuals' lives, artistic processes, and perspectives on disability representation. It challenges stereotypical portrayals of people with disabilities in media and society.

Included: The Disability Equity Podcast is a thought-provoking series that challenges stereotypes and explores important issues in disability equity. Hosted by Dr. Bonnielin Swenor and Dr. Nicholas Reed from the Johns Hopkins University Disability Health Research Center, the podcast delves into a wide range of disability topics, including healthcare, voting, and other aspects of daily life. The podcast offers in-depth discussions and interviews with experts and advocates in the disability field. It covers personal experiences, advocacy efforts, and research perspectives on disability issues.