Unlocking the Silence: A Deep Dive into ‘Deaf President Now!’ – An Engaging Film Review

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald from HollywoodChicago.com recently joined Josh Westcott on “The Morning Mess” at WBGR-FM in Monroe, Wisconsin. They discussed the new documentary “Deaf President Now!”, which tells the powerful story of a 1980s protest at Gallaudet University, a school for the deaf. The documentary will be available to stream on AppleTV+ starting May 16th.

In March 1988, Gallaudet was about to name its next president. This time, they selected Elisabeth Zinser, a choice that sparked outrage among students because she was not deaf. The students rallied for a deaf president, and their protest grew intense. They even temporarily shut down the university to make their voices heard. This movement highlighted a significant issue: the lack of representation for disabled individuals in leadership roles.

The activism at Gallaudet played a crucial role in bringing attention to the broader struggles for the deaf community and people with disabilities. Experts in disability rights often cite this event as a turning point. It illustrated how crucial it is for everyone to have a seat at the table, especially those who have been marginalized.

Fast forward to today, and representation remains a hot topic. A 2022 survey by the National Disability Rights Network found that the representation of people with disabilities in leadership positions is still alarmingly low, with only 5% of board members in corporate settings having a disability. This shows that while progress has been made since 1988, there’s still a long way to go.

The documentary includes interviews with key figures involved in the protests, like Bridgetta Bourne and Tim Rarus. It revisits the unrest and the determination of students who fought for their rights. As they say, history often repeats itself. The echoes of the past resonate in the current fight for inclusion and equity in society.

Watch “Deaf President Now!” on AppleTV+, and see how this significant moment still impacts conversations about disability rights today.

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