This Winter Session, the University of Delaware is offering four free films centered around people with varying disabilities. The films in the “Disability Cinema” series will be shown at Room 127 in Memorial Hall on Thursday evenings. Each showing will begin at 7 p.m. with a 15-minute presentation by a featured speaker, followed by a film and discussion. “We created this film series to raise awareness about assumptions, constructions and interpretations of disabilities and demonstrate the influence of different disability representations on the lives of people with disabilities, communities and social institutions,” said Beth Mineo, director of the Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS). Participants will have the opportunity to explore current and longstanding disability issues in a stimulating social environment that creates space for engagement with other community members. The films are scheduled as follows:

• Jan. 7 – Tod Browning’s Freaks
• Jan. 14 – Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement
• Jan. 21 – Silver Linings Playbook
• Jan. 28 – Rory O’Shea Was Here

“To further promote an exciting and dynamic learning environment, we have invited guest speakers who can bring fresh, innovative and personal viewpoints to the topics being discussed,” added Laura Eisenman, faculty coordinator of the disability studies minor. The presenters will provide a variety of perspectives:

• Rachel Adams is professor of English and the director of the Center for the Study of Social Difference at Columbia University and parent of a child with Down syndrome. (Jan. 7).
• Susan Veenema, formerly a special education teacher, now leads initiatives on the development of Individualized Education Programs with UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies (Jan. 14).
• Stephanie Kerschbaum is an associate professor of English and faculty scholar with UD’s Center for the Study of Diversity (Jan. 21).
• Emmanuel Jenkins is founder of We Stand 4 Something, established to help people who have disabilities pursue their goals (Jan. 28).

The film series is supported by a grant from the Unidel Foundation and the Center for Disabilities Studies. Registration is requested. Call 302-831-2940 or visit CDS Film Series.  Accommodations are available. You may also read this article on UDaily.