Understanding the Disabled: Dances with the Minotaur

Both in wheelchairs, Bill and Sam have recently been "mainstreamed" at a high school. As Bill deals quietly with problems of stereotyping and inaccessibility, Sam takes a more active approach: staging sit-ins; demanding to use the student cafeteria, rather than a "special" lunchroom; and encouraging ramp-building where only stairs exist. As prom approaches, Sam discourages Bill's interest in Miranda, with its implicit crossover into the abled world, telling him, "You can't fall in love with her. It's not allowed...you're going to get creamed. Why do it? Why put yourself out there like that?" But Bill's gentle persistence pays off, ultimately "creating a bridge for others to follow." Intended for middle and high school students, this well-done, challenging, dramatic presentation is not an ‘instructional' video but a discussion starter, which poignantly raises provocative questions while confronting many of the day-to-day issues faced by physically and mentally challenged young people. Highly recommended for its sensitivity, realism, and power. Aud: J, H, P. (K. Glaser)