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No matter how politically correct the language, the issue of how people with disabilities function society can be touchy. These seven moving videos show that it needn’t be that way - especially when it comes to children with special needs. Exploring mental and physical disabilities alike, these clips tell tales that drive straight to the point - acceptance and integration.
1. THE EYES OF A CHILD
This poignant two-minute video makes an important point about how society treats people with disabilities. Without giving too much away, the video shows a thought-provoking social experiment in which parents were invited to participate in an educational game with their children.
2. AN UNCONVENTIONAL LOOK AT DISABILITY
In this humorous and feisty TED talk, the late Stella Young takes a different look at disabilities. Born with a congenital bone disorder, Young didn’t want to be seen as a noble inspiration to others just because she is in a wheelchair - she doesn’t view herself being disabled as exceptional or extraordinary. She sees herself like anyone else - functioning in the body that she was born with and using it to the best of her capacity.
3. A SPECIAL TYPE OF BEAUTY
The models in this fashion photo shoot are beautiful - both inside and out. Photographed as part of the Changing the Face of Beauty campaign to include images of people with disabilities as standard practice, these children look super happy and extremely comfortable in front of the camera. With a growing list of dedicated photographers and advertisers on board, get ready to see a lot more of these very special faces everywhere you go.
4. THE CAR WASH WITH A SECRET INGREDIENT
The Rising Tide Car Wash in Parkland, Florida is a family-owned and run business with the founder John D’Eri at the head and his two sons Tom and Andrew out in the field. What sets this car wash apart from other businesses is that 35 of its 43 employees are on the autism spectrum. The idea for the car was born from the D’Eri family's desire to support their autistic son Andrew - both financially and emotionally. This video tells the whole story.
5. THE HUG OF ACCEPTANCE
Another European clip about how we treat people this disabilities, this video features a huge cuddly bear in the middle of a busy town square, looking for hugs from passersby. After a minute of embracing strangers on the street, the video gets to its point - “do we need to disguise ourselves to get closer?”
6. A GOOGLE GLASS STORY
Alex Blaszczuk was left paralyzed from the chest down after a car accident en route to a camping trip in 2011, unable to use her hands. Three years later Alex finally went camping again - as a Google Glass Explorer.
