GPB partnered with Oglethorpe University and Georgia Library for the Blind and Print disabled to offer an accessible screening of the series Renegades in October.  Renegades is an American Masters series of short films that showcase the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities.  We partnered with Oglethorpe University Museum of Art to host an accessible screening on their campus.  The museum is offering two exhibits that celebrate accessibility, disability pride and wellbeing.  We thought the screening would be a perfect way to showcase these two artistic projects.  

With help from the Georgia Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, we identified panelists to share their insights on employment for all, how to champion for the disabled community, and reframing disability.  The panelists included Renegade filmmaker Marsha Hallager, Amanda Miles from New Disabled South, Doug Crandell, Project Director of Advancing Employment, and Garrick Scott, Executive Director of Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living and moderator for the discussion.

Beyond the screening and discussion, we took care in offering more accessibility features at this event.  They included captions and audio description of the film clips, ASL interpretation of the discussion, movable seating to accommodate wheelchairs and other equipment, and the conversation was made virtual to allow people across the state to participate.  

The event made us realize how many more resources we can offer our communities to make our events more accessible for all.  We will strive to add resources to events going forward that accommodate our communities.  There is always more we can do, but we are excited to be on this road!  

If you are interested in attending future GPB community events and have specific accessibility needs, please contact Amanda Densmore at adensmore@gpb.org or call 404-685-2611