Gabrielle is a young woman with Williams syndrome who has a contagious joie de vivre and an exceptional musical gift. Since she met her boyfriend Martin, at the recreation centre where they are choir members, they have been inseparable. However, because they are "different," their loved ones are fearful of their relationship. As the choir prepares for an important music festival, Gabrielle does everything she can to gain her independence. As determined as she is, Gabrielle must still confront other people's prejudices as well as her own limitations in the hope of experiencing a love far from the "ordinary".
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Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that presents itself at birth. Individuals with Williams Syndrome develop a number of medical problems. However, these individuals are extremely friendly and usually have highly social personalities. There is no cure for Williams syndrome.
The documentary focuses on a wonderful little girl named Josie Portnoy. In addition to Josie's personal story, we have integrated a number of doctors, teachers & other professionals involved with Williams into the story. Our goal is to create an in-depth, comprehensive film that looks at the conditions and complexities related to Williams Syndrome. |
HBO Summer Documentary
Gives Girls with Disabilities a Chance to be Celebrated "I hope that my Miss You Can Do It girls leave this pageant knowing that, okay, we might fall down, or someone might stare at us, but I just did something amazing. Something that not very many people get to experience." -- Abbey Curran, former Miss Iowa and the first woman with a disability to compete in the Miss USA Pageant® |
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The Sisters of Invention: As Real As It Gets (documentary)
The Sisters of Invention are the world's first girl-band with disabilities. 'The Sisters of Invention: As Real As It Gets' documents the process of creating their debut self-titled album (available now on iTunes: http://apple.co/1bYKM8i). Every Member Of The Sisters Of Invention Has A Learning Disability — And Their Music Is AMAZING! The Sisters Of Invention are an Australia-based vocal group who write and produce all of their songs. What makes the group extra awesome is that the five girls in the group — Aimee, Annika, Caroline, Jackie and Michelle — all have a learning disability. Previously known as Hot Tutti, The Sisters of Invention are part of the Tutti Performing Arts program based in Brighton South Australia. |
Chris Steel is 40 years old. He is remarkably friendly and engaging, and is happiest when he is on stage acting in plays such as George Orwell's Animal Farm.
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A gift arrives. What’s inside? Curious? Discover what it means to be gifted: follow talented composer Jez Colborne to the very heart of music making as he uses a shipping container as a musical instrument and performance arena.
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An exciting collaboration with fantastic artists from Galway, Ireland, Trickster immerses audiences in a powerful experience of dark and unusual sounds...
Trickster carries audiences on a wave of music and song, with thunderous sounds made by instruments in disguise. Internationally renowned artist and composer, Jez Colborne, takes you on a journey to beat the Trickster and get back to the people who were left behind. A powerful soundscape that tells a tale of twists and turns. Be immersed in this awe-inspiring musical experience fuelled by Jez’s fascination with all things industrial. Created in collaboration with talented performers of Galway working in partnership with That’s Life and Mind the Gap. |
When six-year-old Heidi Comfort, a victim of Williams syndrome, greeted neurologist/author Oliver Sacks by saying, "Don't be shy, Mr. Sacks," he was immediately charmed. While children with Williams syndrome are endowed with endearing personalities and strong expressive language skills, they often are challenged by musculoskeletal deficiencies and developmental delays as well. In this program, Dr. Sacks probes the nature of Heidi's condition. What he discovers sheds new light on the genetic basis of personality and provides fascinating insights into how the brain organizes data and experiences. A BBC Production. (50 minutes)
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Filmmaker Aisha Roberson follows her brother Jennis (22) on his first uninhibited steps on the path of love. Methodically he searches for the perfect woman, with red lips.
Jennis was born with Williams-Beuren syndrome, which manifests itself in him having perfect pitch, being mentally challenged and above-average social skills.In addition Jennis has an overpowering fascination for everything that spins. Will Jennis find a girl that suits him? |
Friendly to the Extreme: Meet Kids and Adults With Williams Syndrome
June 9, 2011 By MICHAEL MENDELSOHN and MIGUEL SANCHO |
TOCS - Together On Center Stage
(Inclusive Theater for people of ALL abilities) TOCS FALL 2015 PROGRAM BEGINS SEPTEMBER 8TH - TOCS MEETS THE WIZARD OF OZ This very special inclusive performing arts program welcomes a diverse group of participants with varied abilities who normally create and perform their own original production. This season, however, the theme of the show is TOCS Meets The Wizard Of Oz!!! |
http://www.pbs.org/saf/1205/resources/transcript.htm http://www.pbs.org/saf/1205/segments/1205-1.htm http://www.pbs.org/saf/1205/features/twins.htm http://www.pbs.org/saf/1205/teaching/teaching3.htm |
Law and Order Special Victims Unit: Season 9, Episode 4: Savant (First Aired: 16th October 2007)
When Corrine Nicholson is found brutally attacked in her home and put in a coma, the only witness to the attack is her young daughter, Katie who has Williams Syndrome. As they investigate the case, Corrine's husband, Ben blindsides the investigation by refusing to have the detectives question Katie further.
Katie Nicholson: Hi, my name's Katie. What's yours?
Elliot Stabler: I'm Elliot.
Katie Nicholson: Hi Elliot! You look upset and need a hug... Can I?
(Katie suddenly latches onto Elliot's waist, who looks taken aback)
Lena Patrovsky: So ordered.
(Judge Petrovsky bangs her gavel, and Katie flinches in pain)
Katie Nicholson: Don't do that!
Casey Novak: She has very sensitive hearing, Your Honor.
Judge Lena Petrovsky: Oh, I'm sorry.
Katie Nicholson: That's okay.
(half-beat)Katie Nicholson: Can I have a hug?
Judge Lena Petrovsky: No. (quietly) Maybe later.
When Corrine Nicholson is found brutally attacked in her home and put in a coma, the only witness to the attack is her young daughter, Katie who has Williams Syndrome. As they investigate the case, Corrine's husband, Ben blindsides the investigation by refusing to have the detectives question Katie further.
Katie Nicholson: Hi, my name's Katie. What's yours?
Elliot Stabler: I'm Elliot.
Katie Nicholson: Hi Elliot! You look upset and need a hug... Can I?
(Katie suddenly latches onto Elliot's waist, who looks taken aback)
Lena Patrovsky: So ordered.
(Judge Petrovsky bangs her gavel, and Katie flinches in pain)
Katie Nicholson: Don't do that!
Casey Novak: She has very sensitive hearing, Your Honor.
Judge Lena Petrovsky: Oh, I'm sorry.
Katie Nicholson: That's okay.
(half-beat)Katie Nicholson: Can I have a hug?
Judge Lena Petrovsky: No. (quietly) Maybe later.
NPR ran a story on Williams Syndrome. They profiled a young man who became an excellent drummer, but who struggled in many other developmental areas such as measured IQ, fine and gross motor skills, and attention. His mother noticed that he was unusually sensitive to music as an infant. For example, the child was moved to tears by a Brahms lullaby. He possessed many of the characteristic physical features of Williams Syndrome (WS) which usually include a small upturned nose, long philtrum (upper lip length), wide mouth, full lips, small chin, puffiness around the eyes, and a prominent “starburst” or white lacy pattern on the iris of the eyes. Listen to the interview to learn more...
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What was originally a goofy idea in a Hawaiian t-shirt, and one of Nickelodeon’s low-budget filler cartoons, has become an international ultra-sensation. Sometimes he’s an adult, sometimes he’s a child, and sometimes he’s just a bubble-blowing, fry-cooking fiend. Always though, he is hyperactive, emotionally intense, socially awkward, and everyone’s best friend the moment he meets them.
Sounds like someone you call to a party to keep the conversation flowing, right? Wrong. Sounds like someone with Williams-Beuren Syndrome, hereafter known as WBS. People who exhibit the symptoms of this genetic disorder are often unusually cheery and outgoing in their personalities. I’ve seen a PBS segment on children and adolescents with this disorder, and they are beside themselves with joy to meet and hug anyone within reach. It’s incredibly sweet to watch. Whether it’s because of their winning personalities that captivate you so quickly, or you’re so enchanted by their elf-like facial features, you want to hug them back as well. However, while this makes for a very merry person, it also brings with it mental disabilities, heart murmurs, and low muscle tone (watch the episode “Musclebob Buffpants”, to see how low Spongebob’s muscle tone is), in addition to the stereotypical poor behavior timing.
Sounds like someone you call to a party to keep the conversation flowing, right? Wrong. Sounds like someone with Williams-Beuren Syndrome, hereafter known as WBS. People who exhibit the symptoms of this genetic disorder are often unusually cheery and outgoing in their personalities. I’ve seen a PBS segment on children and adolescents with this disorder, and they are beside themselves with joy to meet and hug anyone within reach. It’s incredibly sweet to watch. Whether it’s because of their winning personalities that captivate you so quickly, or you’re so enchanted by their elf-like facial features, you want to hug them back as well. However, while this makes for a very merry person, it also brings with it mental disabilities, heart murmurs, and low muscle tone (watch the episode “Musclebob Buffpants”, to see how low Spongebob’s muscle tone is), in addition to the stereotypical poor behavior timing.
Date last modified: 30th July 2015