Here are some thoughts about the film from members of our team who attended the event:

"The movie was very impactful. It shows how communication access is vital for everyone and how taking away that access to communication can impact a person's life. This would apply in the criminal justice system, the medical field, and many more. It shows, with the right communication access, situations can be prevented from getting worse. Having an ASL interpreter provides understanding between both parties and it's not only for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. There is a saying, 'You can't teach a Deaf person to hear, but you can teach a Hearing person to sign.' I highly recommend that people take the time to watch this film."

David Wantuck
Director of Deaf Community Services

"I found the documentary Being Michelle to be incredibly moving. She had a life filled with trauma that was completely out of her control. It was beautiful to see what she could be once she had people who could/would communicate with her and listen. Prior to this, she communicated the only way she knew--aggressive behavior. I think this film is a great tool for others to be educated about being Deaf and a person with a disability."

Concetta Ferguson
Chief Innovation Officer

The movie Being Michelle highlighted the need for appropriate access to language and ASL services. This can be accomplished by businesses and local municipalities budgeting for and understanding the need for interpreters. I was moved by the panel, which occurred after the screening. The panelists and audience engaged in an honest dialogue which reflected the impact the movie had on everyone in attendance. Special thanks to the panelists for sharing their thoughts and reflections.

Jim Scutt
Vice President

"I was so happy to see my alma mater and my agency come together to screen this important film. At this point in my career—42 years—I’d hoped that our social infrastructure would be more in tune with the support needs of everyone. Unfortunately, Being Michelle was a stark reminder that it’s not. That being said, the film also reminded us that there is hope, and that people want to learn how to be more supportive; they just need information. Being Michelle not only provided that information but did so in a personal, powerful way that cannot be duplicated by classroom training. It would be wonderful if more stories like this—as heartbreaking as they start out—could be shared with a community open to learning about the abilities that everyone has and about how we can support one another."

Michael G. Herrmann, MSEd CHMH
Behavioral Intervention Specialist