Kickstarter

PLEASE HELP US DOUBLE THE GOAL

Thank you for all your amazing support for this project. We ultimately will need $20,000+ to cover the cost of filming and post-production and we are half-way there!  Please continue to spread the word while we STILL HAVE TIME ON THE CAMPAIGN. The best way to spread the word is to directly share the link via email to those you think will care deeply about these issues and want to give a voice to people with sensory disabilities. 

ABOUT THE FILM

Teach Me How to Sea  is a documentary film about twenty graduating seniors from The Perkins School for the Blind with various visual, cognitive and physical disabilities who have decided to go on a five-day cruise to Mexico for their senior class trip. It is my goal to document their journey from setting this goal through the final experience of the cruise itself.  My hope is that these inspiring students will debunk pre-conceived notions that people with sensory disabilities are less able to experience the many pleasures of life. 

Rites of Passage - The senior cruise will be a trip of many firsts – a step into ocean water, dinner and laughter alone with friends, a formal dance, or maybe even a first kiss. As the students are immersed in this new sensory world, they will not go unnoticed by their fellow passengers and crew. Away from the protected world of school and home, students will demonstrate their ability to live independently to others who might be simultaneously surprised, bothered and moved by these 20 students-- just as I am.  Undoubtedly, there will be connections fueled by curiosity, empathy, misunderstanding and mutual admiration as both the students and strangers meet and begin to “see” each other in a new way.

Starting a Dialogue - Beginning with this Kickstarter campaign, through production of the film to completion, Teach Me How to Sea, will be a vehicle to start a dialogue about the importance of the inclusion of people with disabilities in the greater community --something that Perkins already works tirelessly in doing.  For many of these students, Perkins is a safe harbor from the rocky seas of life.  Like most seniors, a big trip with friends, prom and graduation celebrate this send-off.  But, for many of us who know and love these young adults, we will watch with white knuckles as they prepare for this entry into adulthood. As the film ends, we will all face the question of what life will be like after graduation? And what is our responsibility to adults with disabilities?

Bring this Film to Life - I have a long-time love for documentary films and their power to change perceptions. From the minute I heard about this unprecedented senior trip, I knew documenting it would be a positive vehicle to start a conversation.  But, the cruise is coming quickly. I am reaching out to the community who believes in these students to help get this story told.  We need to raise $8,000 to cover the cost of a professional crew to film the cruise, travel expenses, and equipment. Although we will need to raise more to finish this film, $8,000 will ensure that we capture the magical moments of life at sea, get to know these students, and prepare to tell their story. Any amount we can raise beyond this goal, will go to critical postproduction funds! 

I can't thank you enough for your support in creating greater understanding about people with sensory challenges through Teach Me How to Sea.  All these students changed my way of seeing and I know they will change yours.