Saturday, December 28, 2024

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Fall 2024 disability talks and screenings

On October 16th 2024 I (Margot) I had the privilege of having gave four presentations on disability. I spoke to two medical student classes about disability and bioethics such as how many disability rights activists see euthanasia and medical assistance in dying, and certain genetic testing, as a violation of disability rights (Not Dead Yet 2024). This conversation highlighted the importance of understanding how society views disability and the ethical implications that arise from these views. I discussed how side effects of medications can be disabling, and how invisible physical disabilities can sometimes be misdiagnosed and therefore dismissed as psychological disorders. It’s vital for future healthcare professionals to recognize that not all disabilities are visible and that the impact of treatments can vary greatly among individuals. Then I spoke to a group of college faculty about accessible teaching strategies like UDL. Last I spoke to a class of special education teachers and paraprofessionals about accessibility and my life story. On October 24th 2024 I spoke to another class of students learning to be general education and special education about the film “A Stroke Of Endurance” and modifications that can be made and addressing both mental and physical disability. This session highlighted the importance of recognizing each student’s unique needs and the role of educators in facilitating their success. On December 5th I screened “Drama Sighted” for another group of teaching students to discuss the impacts of bullying of disabled students. The conversation turned into a discussion of “A Stroke Of Endurance” when an audience member mentioned they knew someone who had died of an ischemic stroke recently. One student said they thought Crip Video Productions main mission was to let disabled people know they matter and are valued.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024!

Happy World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 from Crip Video Productions! 🎉🌍 Today, we celebrate the vibrant achievements of individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP) around the globe! CP is considered a form of neurodiversity, highlighting the unique ways in which individuals experience and interact with the world. At Crip Video Productions, we are dedicated to depicting characters with CP living full and vibrant lives, ensuring that people with Cerebral Palsy are actively involved in all our film productions. We apologize for not always posting on World CP Day, but thanks to a fan’s reminder a few years ago, we’re making it a priority to share annually! 💚 Special thanks to all our supporters for helping spread awareness! For more information about Cerebral Palsy, check out our "About Page" here: Crip Video Productions About Page. Be sure to check out our films: 🎬 Drama Sighted 🎬 Only Those Who Limp Allowed 🎬 Crips Not Creeps 🎬 A Stroke Of Endurance These films focus on the fictionalized personal experiences of individuals with Cerebral Palsy, shedding light on their unique stories and challenges. Plus, don’t miss our public speaking videos like Insights For Educators and Cerebral Palsy Awareness to further your understanding and advocacy! Please share our films with those you love who have Cerebral Palsy or want to learn more about it! This month, we have several public speaking engagements for disability awareness focused on educating the community about the needs of individuals with CP. We'll keep you updated on these events! On September 24 2024 I(Margot) had the opportunity to speak with future educators, who were already starting to teach in classrooms. We discussed music and dance accessibility in classrooms, implementing IEPs, integrating special education disabled students in general education classrooms and accommodating anxiety disorder and Cerebral Palsy and Autism in classrooms. We discussed the challenges teachers face in providing the right support, and the importance of proper diagnoses for students.We discussed how teachers are often not given the right information to assist disabled students and how students may not be properly diagnosed. This led to some students and the instructor saying they were seeking a proper diagnosis for themselves. Let’s continue to advocate for a world where everyone is celebrated and valued as a human being!

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Crip Video Productions Video Editor launches a Crowdfunding campaign!

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, it may seem unusual to hear from Michael Leslie Rubin before the film is even made, but he has an extraordinary project in the works! Michael Rubin, an independent visual effects filmmaker and video editor at Crip Video Productions, is currently contributing by working on the upcoming documentary “What The Body Believes”, as the video editor, on the film co-directed by Mary Lynn Navarro and Margot Cole, and produced by Dylan Rothbein. Following the success of his recent short film, “Once Upon A Time On Mars,” which starred scream queen Candace Hilligoss, Rubin is now embarking on his first feature film project: a two-part adaptation of the Epic of Gilgamesh. This ancient Mesopotamian epic, known for its tale of adventure and the quest for immortality, remains timeless despite being written 4,000 years ago. With advancements in visual effects technology making high-quality production more accessible, Rubin is seizing this moment to bring the epic story to the big screen. To achieve this ambitious goal, Rubin is launching a crowdfunding campaign and is seeking support to assemble a dedicated cast and crew. Every contribution, regardless of size, is valuable and appreciated, and there are exciting perks for backers! Support Michael Rubin’s project and help make the Epic of Gilgamesh come to life. Visit the campaign page here: The Epic of Gilgamesh: Part One on Indiegogo Note: Crip Video Productions will not receive any financial gain from this crowdfunding effort. This crowdfunding effort is seperate from Crip Video Productions! Thank you for your support!

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Press and Disability Pride

On July 27, 2024, Teatro Paraguas was honored with this award for hosting the Special Needs Talent Show. Many thanks to Disability Pride New Mexico for noticing Teatro Paraguas's work which aligns with that of Crip Video Productions! Stay tuned because Teatro Paraguas's 3rd Annual Special Needs Talent Show will take place December 7 and 8, 2024 if you are in Santa Fe New Mexico! Crip Video Productions got mentioned by Judy Singer on Linkedin Special thanks to Judy Singer!

Friday, July 26, 2024

34TH Anniversary Of The ADA

Today, Crip Video Productions celebrates the 34th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Many of the actors that work with Crip Video Productions, including myself, have Cerebral Palsy, and the ADA allows us to be fully accommodated on set and in daily life. In many ways, Crip Video Productions would not exist without the ADA. Today, we honor activists who are no longer with us, like Neil Jacobson and Judy Heumann, who were involved with the passage, and those who are still with us, like Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, who crawled up the steps of the Capitol in the "Capitol Crawl." Today, we are grateful for the freedom provided by the Americans With Disabilities Act and so thankful to the people who fought to have it passed! Happy Disability Pride Month! We are excited to announce that new projects and collaborations are coming from Crip Video Productions. Be sure to watch our producer Dylan Rothbein's new videos on neurodiversity and genetic disability titled "My Genetics Journey" and "Judy Singer Interview." In this video "My Genetics Journey" you will learn Dylan Rothbein’s genetics life story. In this comprehensive science and personal story video, viewers will explore the intricate genetics behind several medical conditions and phenomena. The video delves into the genetic underpinnings of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of connective tissue disorders caused by mutations in specific genes. The video explores the biological links between EDS, intersex conditions, and gender dysphoria. It also covers ataxia, a neurological disorder characterized by loss of coordination, often linked to genetic mutations Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition preventing vitamin B12 absorption, is examined through its genetic causes. The video further explains the role of genetics in fetal development with ectodermal dysplasia, highlighting how genetic material from both parents shapes the growth and development of a fetus ectoderm. Additionally, the concept of gene overexpression is discussed, illustrating how increased gene activity can lead to various biological effects. This video "Judy Singer Interview" is an interview that Dylan and I conducted with Judy Singer who is the woman that came up with the idea that sparked a movement and a new type of disability studies under “Neurodiversity”. Join me as we discuss with Judy Singer the ideals of “neurodiversity” and the scholars she single handily inspired. Please continue to support Crip Video Productions https://cripvideoproductions.blogspot.com/ Dylan Rothbein Liberty Coalition and Teatro Paraguas this ADA anniversary!

Friday, July 5, 2024

Insights for Educators - A Presentation by Margot Cole video

https://youtu.be/37zAqRdCXTU Join Margot Cole from Crip Video Productions as she shares her invaluable insights on Cerebral Palsy with future educators in Professor Carol Carielli's class on early childhood education and development. This presentation is a must-watch for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of disability advocacy and accessible teaching strategies. Margot, a passionate advocate and storyteller, draws from her own experiences and the mission of Crip Video Productions to create films that increase understanding of disabilities through engaging storytelling depicting disabled people living vibrantly in the film’s narratives. Her talk is informative, providing practical tips for new educators on how to create a fully accessible classroom environment for all students. During this enlightening presentation, other impactful resources are discussed such as videos created by Crip Video Productions producer Dylan Rothbein, including those about the historic capitol crawl in 1990. https://youtu.be/7srPFCa2QU0?si=5N_vVTGlfkZQV1CY These videos offer a glimpse into the pivotal moments of the disability rights movement and serve as a powerful educational resource, along with information about Teatro Paraguas https://www.teatroparaguasnm.org . ‍ What You'll Learn: • Understanding Cerebral Palsy and its impact on learning. • Effective teaching methods for students with disabilities. • The importance of disability advocacy in education. Further Viewing: "A Stroke of Endurance" - A film by Margot Cole “Drama Sighted” A Film by Margot Cole • Dylan Rothbein's videos on the capitol crawl, a significant event that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act For more information on Crip Video Productions and their work, visit their official website http://www.cripvideoproductions.com/. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content on disability awareness and advocacy. This video is posted with Carol Carrielli’s full permission. This video was recorded by Carol Carielli.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Happy 4th of July 2024

Happy 4th of July from Crip Video Productions to our USA fans! The 4th of July marks the anniversary of the founding of our country. If it was not for the founding of our country civil rights would be a pipe dream for many minority groups including the disability rights movement. The legacy of Judith Heumann would not have been possible without Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration Of Independence. The 4th of July is the culmination of what we have all inherited as a nation and everything our nation stands for like the Americans With Disabilities Act. In many ways the 4th of July can be summed up as gratitude for who we are as a nation. As we celebrate these things we have to be mindful of who we are as individuals so we can all see ourselves in the flag which is the legacy of the 4th of July.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

LGBT history update from our producer

https://youtu.be/FFak5YKRcBo?si=YNG0fHzwxqz-6f95 This is the history of Lili Elbe who is the trans woman "The Danish Girl" is based off of. Viewer discretion advised. Features Crip Video Productions producer Dylan Rothbein and Crip Video Productions director Margot Cole and mentions disability. For Pride Month. Dylan Rothbein Liberty Coalition is separate from Crip Video Productions.

Monday, June 24, 2024

Teatro Paraguas Disability Pride Award

I am thrilled to announce that the theater I(Margot) am a proud board member of Teatro Paraguas which has screened Crip Video Productions films in 2018,and has hired Crip Video Productions actors John Diodato and Izabela Ginda and our producer Dylan Rothbein who does grant research from Crip Video Productions has been awarded the Community Champion Award by Disability Pride New Mexico for exceptional contribution and steadfast dedication to enhancing accessibility to all people with disabilities in the Santa Fe community. Disability Pride is in July and is an important month dedicated to disability culture and disability history celebrating the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and our theater friends are honored to receive this award! Umbrella Childrens Theater at Teatro Paraguas was the first theater where I was accepted as an actor and where my disability was treated as an asset to the performance. I am forever grateful to Teatro Paraguas for the opportunities they give me as a disabled actor and writer.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Autism Pride

In honor of Autistic Pride Day Crip Video Productions would like to acknowledge and show gratitude to all of the autistic people who make Crip Video Productions what it is today. At Crip Video Productions we celebrate Neurodiversity and the greatest of the autistic brain which is an asset to our productions and we strongly believe that considering the 90% unemployment rate of autistics we wish to show the strengths of autistics in the workplace. Autistic people have been a part of Crip Video Productions in one way or another since its inception and we value their personal accomplishments and their lives. At Crip Video Productions we believe autism is a part of the world and natural environment. We couldn’t be more proud to have autistic people be part of the Crip Video Productions community because they are a key part of our fanbase as a disability led, disability oriented company. At Crip Video Productions we would like to wish a Happy Autistic Pride day to autistic people and their families all over the world because we believe all people have value, neurotypical and neurodiverse alike regardless of how they describe their disability or lack of one, and they will always have a place in our company.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Stroke Awareness Month 2024

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is a very common disability. Stroke in babies can cause CP. Stroke can also be caused by birth control complications and vitamin defiency in young people like vitamin B defiency anemia. In appreciation of the stroke survivors who have inspired us such as one stroke survivor who allowed us to interview her personally to ad to the authenticity of Professor Ben’s character, symptoms and recovery process, and many other survivors who are fans who supported our film “A Stroke Of Endurance” from the very beginning of its creation, and after, Crip Video Productions would like to be a part of Stroke Awareness Month as always! We hope "A Stroke Of Endurance" is a great resource for all stroke survivors and their loved ones! Watch for free here! https://cripvideoproductions.com/astrokeofendurance.php

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

"A Stroke Of Endurance" screening, panel, and interview

Crip Video Productions director Margot was interviewed. "A Stroke Of Endurance" was screened after a panel last week More photos can be found on the Crip Video Productions tumblr.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Update on disability from Crip Video Productions Producer

Happy New Year from Crip Video Productions! Rabbinical Student and Crip Video Productions Producer Dylan Rothbein shares an update on her blindness and other disabilities. https://youtu.be/NAka1rqGGHQ