A Mind of Your Own
By Gail Sweeney
National Film Board of Canada

"A learning disability is like a big rock. You have to work on it until it becomes a piece of dust." Henry, age 11

It's been estimated that in every classroom there are two or three kids who are affected by learning disabilities. Though most are of average or higher intelligence, every day is a new challenge for them, both academically and socially, as they struggle to keep up with their classes and gain acceptance from others as well as from themselves. Learning disabilities can make kids feel lonely, confused, hopeless and worthless, even if they know that they're smart, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Meet Henry, Matthew, Max, and Stephanie, four incredible kids who don't let learning differences hold them back or get them down. With the support of family, teachers, and their communities, these kids have confronted and learned to cope with their disabilities, while also developing their own unique talents. This warm and inspirational video will encourage kids struggling with learning disabilities and will foster understanding among their peers and the general public.

38 minutes
© 1999
Purchase $199 DVD
Order No. QA-290
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-908-8

Reviews
"The power of this production lies in the strength and determination the students exhibit in doing their best work and capitalizing on their strengths and talents." School Library Journal

"Highly recommended to schools and public libraries. Each youngster speaks authoritatively about what it means to grow up with learning disabilities and what it takes to succeed in spite of them." MC Journal

"Editor's Choice and Best of the Year." Science Books & Films

"Viewers will gain insight into the difficulties that learning difficulties present, and gain respect for the determination these youngsters display." Booklist

"Enthusiastically recommended for its kid-to-kid focus!" Video Librarian

"Remarkable. It offers an optimistic view in tune with the new teaching philosophy that puts the emphasis on the children's abilities." Adele Nessim, Learning Disabilities Association of Quebec

Awards & Conference Screenings
Amtec Award of Merit
National Health Information Awards
Western Psychological Association

Related Films
Dyslexia
Raymond's Portrait: This video introduces viewers to a remarkable young man born with Down syndrome and it is a powerful example of what can happen when a child is encouraged to develop to his full potential, regardless of others perceptions about his abilities. DVD version has both closed-captions and audio description.

Don't Give Up: A year in the life of a four-year-old who has autism, focusing on a special therapy program designed to break through Adrian's communications barriers.

To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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