Understanding Our Differences, the Newton Commission on Disability, and the Newton Free Library present a screening of the documentary film The Ride Ahead. An audience discussion will follow the screening, moderated by Gary Alpert and Nathan Persampieri.

 

 

The Ride Ahead, directed by Samuel Habib and Dan Habib

Samuel Habib’s goals are pretty typical for a 21-year-old. Moving out of his family’s New Hampshire home. College. Establishing his career. Dating. Sex.

 

Yet every rite of passage is fraught with challenges. Unexpected seizures and uncontrollable movements caused by his rare genetic disorder. Friends’ homes that are inaccessible to his wheelchair. His labored speech and use of a communication device are barriers to a social life. He craves more independence and a family of his own one day. “But no one tells you how to be an adult,” he says, “let alone an adult with a disability.”

 

Samuel is determined to avoid the statistical realities: unemployment, isolation, institutionalization.

 

A turning point comes when he starts talking to disabled adults, who have been through all he is going through now. And when he begins to channel their insights, a roadmap for himself, and for other young adults like him, begins to take shape.

 

 

Learn more about the film and its cast, and watch the trailer, on The Ride Ahead website!

 

This film screening will take place in Druker Auditorium in the Newton Free Library. The location is wheelchair accessible, and the film will be shown with open captions, audio description and ASL interpretation. The program introduction and live discussion will include ASL interpretation. Assistive listening devices are available and can be requested from staff at the event. Doors will open at 5:30pm. Stay tuned for a more detailed description of the location, coming soon.

 

Film runtime: 96 minutes

Content note: The Ride Ahead is geared towards high school students and adults. The film contains some swearing and discussions of sex.