Crip Camp at Sundance

        Netflix will release "Crip Camp – A Disability Revolution" on March 25th, 2020. Crip Camp, a documentary that premiered at Sundance this year and received an Audience Appreciation Award, will show on Netflix on March 25th.  Crip Camp - directed by  Nicole Newnham and Jim Libbrecht and produced by Sara Bolder in conjunction with Netflix and Barack and Michelle Obama's HigherGround Productions. Crip Camp spans the years from the late 1960s to the present. The film includes many videos, photographs, and discussions of the Disability Civil Rights Movement and the 504 Demonstrations.  Crip Camp interviewed fourteen disability activists, including Jim LeBrecht, Lionel Je' Woodyard, Joseph O'Conor, Ann Cupolo Freeman, Denise Sherer Jacobson, Judith Heumann, Sheldon Koy, Dr. William Bronston, Corbett O'Toole, Dennis Billups, HolLynn D'Lil, Evan White, Emily Hofmann, and me. This film shows the struggles people with disabilities faced to achieve our civil rights. 

        I was a camper at Camp Oakhurst in my teens, and I knew of many other camps for people with disabilities. These camps had beautiful, well-maintained grounds. Most of the counselors were young college students who wanted to help people less fortunate have a good summer experience. Counselors had a room separate from where campers slept. Activities were always well planned, and schedules strictly followed. People had close relationships at camp, but they ended when people returned home.  

Camp Jened was very different. The grounds were shabby. Water came into the cabin through the ceilings when it rained. There were many days when there was no hot water. Many of the staff were former campers. Most workers were hippies of the Woodstock Era. and conscientious objectors of the Vietnam War. Campers and staff were all there to have fun together as equals. Activity schedules were made but loosely followed. After the evening activity, campers went with their girlfriend or boyfriend unaccompanied by a counselor. If you have any doubts about what we did, watch the film. Relationships formed at camp often lasted for decades. Many still exist. 

        The free, open, equitable, and loving environment found at Camp Jened undoubtedly is why so many of us went on to have our own families, successful careers in academia, businesses, and government.