KINGSTON, R.I. – February 20, 2009 – Like any 9-year-old boy, Samuel Habib brings joy to his family and friends. He smiles, he cries and he laughs.
Unlike most children he knows, Samuel has cerebral palsy, creating challenges in his life that others may not understand.
In Including Samuel – a documentary that will be screened in the Galanti Lounge of the University of Rhode Island library on Monday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. – Dan Habib follows his son’s life. The film follows four years of efforts by the family to include Samuel in all aspects of school and the community.
The film is part of the Disability Inclusion Film Series that is hosted by the URI Physical Therapy Department and the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council. Developed at the University of New Hampshire, the documentary honestly portrays the social, environmental and health challenges the Habib family must confront during a four-year period with Samuel. Including Samuel is especially key for showing inclusion methods with children in the elementary and middle school age groups.
“The University of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council are working together to promote the ideas of inclusion for everyone,” said Kathleen Samways, program coordinator. “The film series is one way of reaching out to the community and helping the community become more inclusive.”
The film screening is free and open to the public. Following the film, a discussion on Promising Practices will be held. The Galanti Lounge is an accessible location. To arrange for any accommodations for attendance, call 401.874.5001 or email Gordon Fields at fields@mail.uri.edu.