Our world is centered on the rights and needs of non-disabled people. This workshop with the creators of the documentary Most Beautiful People | Adults with Disabilities will explore the definition of disability, and provide insights into systemic problems disabled individuals endure on a regular basis.
Historically, our world tends to share the stories and truths of those in power, and the struggles of many are often not seen or acknowledged by the greater whole. We are the Most Beautiful People presents intimate stories collected from a wide array of persons with disabilities from around the world. The film also explores the concept of what it means to be beautiful, and uses beauty as an underlying theme to challenge the concept of beauty, urging people to rethink how they engage with all humans in the world.
Participants will view clips of the documentary and engage in discussion topics that explore concepts those with disabilities regularly contend with, including institutionalization, ableism, Disability Justice, the medical model vs. the social model of disability, equity, mental health, aging, and suicidality.
The film and workshop will also explore how some individuals cope using therapeutic art, and participants will engage in an art making activity. Participants are encouraged to have materials nearby that they find soothing to work with (drawing materials, watercolor, collage materials, etc.).
This workshop will provide an engaging and safe space for curiosity, creativity and enriching discussion on a topic that is regularly unseen by many, and will also include allyship and strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities.
Participants in this workshop will:
- Examine historical treatment of adults with disabilities including institutionalization, access to medical care, equity and inclusion
- Distinguish the difference between Disability Rights and Disability Justice
- Recognize differences in the medical model and the social/cultural model of disability
- Identify strategies useful in treatment that can create a strong foundation in allyship
BA Short (Director & Editor) is a mixed race (Wolastiqiyik/Maliseet), genderqueer/nonbinary person. They also experience multiple invisible disabilities. BA is an artist, art therapist, educator, filmmaker and storyteller. In all of their work BA applies a postmodernist approach incorporating intersectionality, social constructionism, liberation theories, feminism, queer theory, and antiracism. “I believe human beings will always be evolving. My work relies on empathy, language, storytelling and art. Often this means there are multiple truths and realities to explore, understand and witness. I also believe in the importance of acknowledging, questioning and creatively dismantling historical systemic power structures that have been in place marginalizing individuals.”
Zian Chavez (Producer) is a disabled, Spanish, Indigenous, queer, non-binary, artist, activist, and producer. She is also an experienced body centered art therapist. They were diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1993. She started working with young adults with disabilities 25 years ago. They went to Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a dual degree in Art Therapy and Counseling. After grad school Zian moved to Portland, Oregon and started working with different nonprofits working with adults with disabilities. Today, Zian proudly runs an art therapy program at Multnomah County with HIV positive Oregonians. She loves traveling, learning, cooking, reading, and practicing mindfulness and meditation. Her favorite motto is, “Pace with Grace”.
Robert Lafady (Cinematographer) was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Robert has over 30 years of photography, video, editing and publishing. Robert has worked as a Director of Operations and an Operations Manager for over 28 years. Currently Robert is an operations manager at Enders & Associates. He also directs, edits and publishes training videos at Enders & Associates Productions for vendors across the United States and abroad. Robert is also brand ambassador for Rad Power electric bikes. In his spare time he loves spending time with his chosen family, traveling, biking, and experiencing life in the Pacific Northwest.
