Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., to host disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series

BUFFALO, N.Y: The Museum of disABILITY History, will host the 4th Annual disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series October 17th (7 to 10 pm) and 18th (12:30 to 5 pm). The series will take place at the Market Arcade Theatre, 639 Main Street in Buffalo. Admission is $2 per person and free for students with proper I.D. The Film Festival targets students, educators, families, human service professionals, self advocates, and movie-goers. The goal is to provide entertainment and information while exploring issues faced by people with disabilities. The programs are intended to educate viewers about disabilities, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities to popular culture. There will be a presentation and discussion by a variety of speakers following the showing of each film. For more information go to www.disabilityfilmfest.org The Festival is also the unofficial start of New York State's second annual Disability History Week.

The schedule of the films and speakers are as follows:

October 17th (7:00 -10:00 pm): Mozart & The Whale (PG-13) The story of a developing romance between Donald (Josh Hartnett), a man who has Asperger's syndrome, and Isabelle (Rhada Mitchell), a woman who has autism. The film is based on the true story or Jerry and Mary Newport.  Running Time: 92 Minutes  Rating: PG-13 (Language)  Speaker: John Elder Robinson, author and New York Time's Best Seller.

October 18th (12:30-2:30 pm): Body & Soul: Diana & Kathy. Two life long friends and disability advocates who are determined to live independently. This documentary moves beyond disabilities and activism, giving a rare portrait of a profound and symbolic friendship. Running Time: 40 Minutes  Rating: Unrated  Speakers: Diana Braun, President, People First and disability rights advocate, Kathy Conour, disability rights advocate and writer, and Alice Elliot, Director, Welcome Change Productions.

October 18th (3:00-5:00 pm): The Collector of Bedford Street. Academy Award nominated documentary that takes and intimate look at Larry Selman, and activist and fundraiser who has a developmental disability. Larry's neighbor, filmmaker Alice Elliot captures Larry's persistence in overcoming obstacles and how he served as an inspiration to his community. Running Time: 34 Minutes  Rating: Unrated  Speakers: Larry Selman, advocate and fundraiser and Alice Elliot, Director, Welcome Change Productions.

For more information, visit www.disabilityfilmfest.org or call 716.817.7261.

The Museum of disABILITY History advances the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Its exhibits, collections, archives, and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery. The Museum, located at 3826 Main Street in Amherst, is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission to the Museum of disABILITY History is free. For more information, call 716.629.3626 or visit www.museumofdisability.org