Festival of Dreams: A Special Education Video

"Pessimists are good prophets" says Yale Child Study Center director Donald Cohen. "If you think a young person is not going to succeed, you're going to be right." While most parents have high expectations, parents of the mentally retarded frequently fail to provide high goals for their children. Self-confidence is crucial for getting and keeping a job, living independently, and moving about in the "real world," yet many retarded adults have been sheltered by their well-meaning parents and given few responsibilities. This documentary takes a look at two Special Olympians as they compete in state, national, and international events, and more importantly, examines how they manage the transition from home to independent living. While there are abundant stories about the "miraculous" nature of sports, the involvement of these two young people in the Special Olympics has improved their people skills, motivation, and that crucial self-confidence. The documentary's only big negative is the overpowering, intrusive music, which dips deeply into the well of schmaltz that is always close to the surface of any achievement-against-the-odds story. Still, the title is recommended for public libraries and will also be welcome in many high school and college libraries. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)