TEACHER OF PATIENCE (original) (raw)

Educational Media Reviews Online | Reviewed by Giovanna Colosi, Librarian for the School of Education, Subject Instruction Lead, Syracuse University [T]houghtful conversations about disability, inclusivity, fairness, and access in disability studies, psychology, social work, and teacher prep programs."

Booklist | Sue-Ellen Beauregard
"An engaging and unfiltered peek into the lives of Indiana residents Tim and Tina Felter and their twentysomething daughter Emily who has Down Syndrome."

Samantha Burgett | Police Social Worker for City of Valparaiso, IN
"As someone who interacts with diverse populations on a daily basis, the transformative concept of educating others on how to engage appropriately with other people via documentaries and story sharing is invaluable. Teacher of Patience provides a beautiful lesson on embracing and appreciating our differences, as well as a critical lesson on how we should all strive to learn how to engage with and appreciate others who we may not initially understand. This is an incredibly powerful and important film.”

Steve Slack | National Down Syndrome Society DS Ambassador & Champion of Change Award Recipient
"I train law enforcement and first responders on how to engage people with disabilities. Teacher of Patience explains why patience is so important by examining the life of one family. I tell those in my trainings that they cannot control how someone else reacts to something, but they can control how they react, and how they react can make all of the difference. Watching Tom and Tina put into action what they are teaching is eye opening. This is a very important and beautiful film. I recommend it to all first responders and everyone else."

Kayla McKeon | Down Syndrome Self-Advocate and Lobbyist
"I feel like this video should be shown because it tells the life of someone with Down Syndrome and how they should be portrayed. I felt comfortable watching this movie because it shows every day life , family and the struggles we go through."

Melissa Bohacek | Parent of an Adult with Down Syndrome
"As a parent of an adult with Down Syndrome, I immediately connected to the parents in this film. The vulnerability and rawness of everyday life was beautifully captured in the film. My daughter and I love getting to know Emily through the documentary and celebrating her uniqueness and individuality."

Denise Humberstone | Trustee and Director of Making Chromosomes Count, Parent of an Adult with Down Syndrome
"A definite must-watch! You just know within the first few minutes that you are about to experience a roller coaster of emotions simply because it is crystal clear this story is unadulterated, as raw as it gets, and will make for a difficult, uncomfortable, deeply moving and funny watch, all at the same time. A testament to the love and dedication of all the families of disabled children who are desperate to make the world a safe place for them long after they are no longer around to protect them themselves. Most of all, it is a documentary that could save lives, one that all law-enforcement officers as well as paramedics should watch."

Mark X. Cronin | Co-Founder of John's Crazy Socks, Parent of an Adult with Down Syndrome
"You will love Emily. This film presets the fullness of Emily and does so in an insightful and empathetic way. I watched it with a group of people - some of whom had Down syndrome - and everyone loved the movie and found it incredibly moving. It speaks to Emily's courage and humor and the love and patience that she has given to her parents and family. I highly recommend this movie."

Brittany Alsot | Filmmaker
"Carmen Vincent's deft and sensitive filmmaking gives us a fascinating window into Emily's world, including both the joy and the overwhelm as she and her family navigate life with Down Syndrome. It's wonderful to get to know this family in their unique complexity and heartening to see Emily's parents be so honest about their struggles even as they work so hard to help Emily be herself."

Documentary Filmmaker Carmen Vincent has been making films that tell stories from marginalized communities since she was in high school. As a disabled storyteller, she speaks from both personal experience and empathy-driven curiosity for others stories. She is passionately involved in numerous disability advocacy movements and organizations, and works hard to help foster a more equitable world where everyone can be there most authentic selves, fearlessly. You can check out some of her advocacy work at: https://www.carmenvincent.com/disability-work.html. You can also learn more about the film at: https://www.teacherofpatience.com

Expertise
As an individual with invisible disabilities, I am passionate about creating safe spaces for people to talk openly about disability, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. I do this through filmmaking and self-advocacy efforts. Audiences will gain a deeper understanding for the challenges and joys of being a disabled individual, as well as the ways in which our society can change and grow to include the disability community more equitably.

Speaking History
You can view my disability advocacy work here: https://www.carmenvincent.com/disability-work.html

I have presented Teacher of Patience along with a Q&A for the National Volunteer Fire Council, Purdue Northwest College of Nursing, Valparaiso University, City of Valparaiso, Immanuel UCC, Jewish Cultural Center, American Center, Forum for Cultural Engagement, New Bulgarian University, and more.

I have spoken for D-Word, Pandemic Parenting, RespectAbility, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Chicago/Midwest, Diversability, NPR Lakeshore Public Radio, Welcome Project Valparaiso, Department of Education, Media Burn, Alliance of Documentary Editors, and more.

Tom Felter, Jr. has worked in Emergency Medical Services for over 30 years, with additional experience as a police officer and firefighter. He first developed and presented The Emily Talk in February of 2015. Since then, he and his daughter Emily have presented The Emily Talk dozens of times across the region, state, and country. Emily Felter is a 28-year-old self-advocate who plays an active role in teaching others about Down syndrome and disability by interacting with others before, after, and sometimes during The Emily Talk. The Emily Talk is a presentation that she inspired her paramedic father to develop and its aim is to teach first responders about the disability community. Wife and mother Tina Felter has been a nurse for over 30 years. She is currently the Clinical Manager of Labor and Delivery at Northwest Health – Porter. Tina provides key support to both Tom and Emily to make sure they have what they need to be successful. She also makes sure mothers who give birth to a baby with Down syndrome in her labor and delivery unit have all of the information they need to move forward.

Expertise
The Emily Talk is a live presentation. I believe that those in attendance will gain some “big picture” knowledge on interactions with disabled persons AND a glimpse into Emily’s world and how she and those around her tackle life.

Speaking History
We have presented The Emily Talk for numerous emergency service agencies (police/fire/EMS) as well as schools, utility services and hospitals.