“Raising the Bar in Disability Advocacy to an ART”
Los Angeles-April 7, 2009- The Autism Society of America-Los Angeles will host the Los Angeles premiere of ARTS, a ground-breaking documentary that highlights “Possibilities, Disabilities and the Arts” on April 17, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater.
Filmmaker Keri Bowers showcases how the arts can be valuable “power tools” to improve social skills, self-confidence, life skills, language, and emotional well-being, and even lead to potential career paths for those with special needs. ARTS explores painting, film, drama, writing, dance, public speaking and other creative media. Internationally known personalities including Temple Grandin, Stephen Shore, Stephen Wiltshire, Donna Williams, Jerry and Mary Newport, Geri Jewell, among others, share their insights into the creative process.
At the premiere of ARTS, guests will enjoy an art exhibition by artists with special needs and a silent auction. ASA-LA and Normal Films’ will recognize local individuals who have promoted excellence in community service and autism with the “Hearts and Arts Award”. This year’s recipients include Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films; Joanne Lara, Aut - Erobics and Autism Movement Therapy; Elaine Hall, "Coach E." from The Miracle Project, Susan Sheller, songwriter and advocate in autism; Karen Simmons, founder of Autism Today and co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul; Children with Special Needs"; Detective III Gil Escontrias, Los Angeles Police Department Mental Evaluation Unit & the Los Angeles Police Department; Emily Iland, M.A., ASA-LA Secretary and Coordinator of the ASA-LAPD Autism Awareness Project & the ASA-LA Project Volunteers; Soryl Markowitz M.S.W., Autism and Behavioral Resource Specialist for Westside Regional Center & Westside Regional Center; and Patrick Lufrano of Patrick Lufrano Insurance Agency & Farmer’s Insurance.
Those in attendance will mingle under the stars, overlooking the Hollywood sign and Griffith Park Observatory with the filmmaker and many of the film’s stars, including singer Nick Guzman, who performs his breakout song in ARTS, “Since We’re Friends”, written for him by Joey Travolta and composer Jeff Lass. Joanne Lara of Autism Movement Therapy will dance with several of her young students. Two short films, created by students with autism at the Media Enrichment Academy in Sherman Oaks will also debut their work before the screening of ARTS.
Bowers, who created the hit films Normal People Scare Me and The Sandwich Kid with her sons Taylor (now 20) with autism, and Jace (now 14) to support greater awareness about disabilities, siblings, and other issues, says: “The arts are my first love. Music, painting and drama helped me to ‘find’ my son when he was young and had no language. Once he began to develop language, I made things up using those media to help him emerge from his isolated world, and to help his brother cope with him. Then, after years of working with hundreds of other kids in my camps and socials skills groups, I was inspired to make this film from the heart.”
Tickets are available for $20 to the general public online at www.bgttix.com or the night of the premiere in the Barnsdall Gallery Theater box office.
Keri Bowers & Normal Films
It’s a long road from a young, single mother raising a developmentally disabled child, to nationally respected disabilities advocate, filmmaker, and spokeswoman, but Keri Bowers’ mission remains constant: to raise awareness and opportunities within the global disabilities community through the medium of film and public speaking.
As a parent, advocate, educator, and filmmaker with over 20 years experience in autism, advocacy, and program facilitation, her film credits include “Normal People Scare Me”, “The Sandwich Kid”, and “ARTS”. Keri has presented numerous topics at over 200 venues: hospitals, governmental agencies, universities/colleges and private and non-profit organizations, large and small throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Her 1/2 day, full day and two day workshops and key note addresses have received rave reviews both nationally and internationally.
Autism Society of America- Los Angeles
The Autism Society of America – Los Angeles (ASA-LA) is a local chapter with state and national connections. Their mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. ASA-LA’s goal is to increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, as well as their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The chapter advocates for programs and services for the autism community, is a leading source of information, referral, and reference on autism spectrum disorders.
The Autism Society of America and AMC Entertainment® have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. With “Sensory Friendly Films,” the movie auditoriums have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. This has been an exciting collaboration, as many individuals who might never have been able to visit a movie theater because of the overwhelming sensory bombardment are now able to attend and enjoy a movie for the very first time.
ASA-LA is meeting the needs of the community by their unique role in the direct training of LAPD officers on how to recognize and interact with persons on the autism spectrum and has recently conducted a four month series on “Transition to Adulthood” in collaboration with The HELP Group and Village Glen parents association.
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