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Challenge
Initial Thoughts
Perspectives & Resources

What did you see? (Opinion Question: No Resources)

What feelings did you have about the photos? (Opinion Question: No Resources)

Now, what do you see?

  • Page 1: Learn More About the People in the Challenge

Do perceptions matter?

  • Page 2: Common Perceptions
  • Page 3: Cultural-Based Perceptions
  • Page 4: Film and Literature Portrayals
  • Page 5: Facts and Figures
  • Page 6: Language Preferences

Resources

  • Page 7: References & Additional Resources
  • Page 8: Credits
Wrap Up
Assessment
We want to hear from you. Please complete our brief Module Feedback Form.

What Do You See? Perceptions of Disability

Challenge

View the movie below and then proceed to the Initial Thoughts section (time: 1:28).

/wp-content/uploads/module_media/da_media/movies/da_chall.mp4

Credits

Music

  • Shutterstock

Photography

  • Benjamin (little boy with red cups) is courtesy of the IRIS Center.
  • John Cronin is courtesy of John’s Crazy Socks.
  • Michael Hingson is courtesy of Michael Hingson.
  • Dylan, Mia, and family is courtesy of the IRIS Center.
  • Tony Melendez is courtesy of Tony Melendez.
  • Russ and Melody Stein is courtesy of Russ and Melody Stine, photograph by Clare Cassidy Photography.
  • Kathy D. Woods is courtesy Kathy D. Woods.
  • The Smith family is courtesy of the IRIS Center.
  • Jay and the Music City Thunder is courtesy of the IRIS Center.

Description

The Challenge movie displays eight photographs that then combine to form a collage. A description of each image follows.

  • Picture One: A young boy smiles while holding two red plastic cups over a tub filled with dried beans.
  • Picture two: A young man with Down syndrome poses in front of a banner advertising a business.
  • Picture three: A middle-aged man pets his service dog.
  • Picture four: A family of four—a woman, a man, and a young boy and girl—smile for a photograph in their home.
  • Picture five: A man without arms plays a guitar on stage using his bare feet and toes.
  • Picture six: A man and a woman in chef’s coats pose outside a restaurant on a city street.
  • Picture seven: A woman of short stature poses in front of a rack of clothing on a floormat emblazoned with a business logo and the name “Kathy Woods.”
  • Picture eight: A family of four—a woman, a man, an adult son, and a teenage son—pose together for a photograph in their home.
  • Picture nine: A young boy in a wheelchair plays basketball.

The movie ends.

Here is your Challenge:

  • What feelings did you have about the photos?
  • What thoughts did you have about the individuals in this challenge?
  • Do perceptions matter?

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