ON-DEMAND: The Reason I Jump, Free Virtual Discussion

WXXI, Al Sigl Community of Agencies, and the Golisano Foundation hosted a panel discussion about The Reason I Jump, a film that examines the lives of five young people who live with autism spectrum disorder.

Presented as part of Dialogue on Disability and Move to Include, The Reason I Jump takes an immersive cinematic exploration of neurodiversity through the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. WXXI, Al Sigl Community of Agencies, and the Golisano Foundation presented this film, The Reason I Jump, at The Virtual Little free of charge throughout January 31, 2021. 

While the movie is no longer screening at The Little, it is available online at other theaters. Click here to view the full list.

A panel discussion about the film was held on Tuesday, January 26 at 6 p.m. on WXXI's Facebook page and was recorded. Participants heard from Al Sigl Community of Agencies President Tom O'Connor and Golisano Autism Center Director Beth Ciardi. Evan Dawson of WXXI News' Connections moderated the discussion with panelist:

• Jerry Rothwell, documentary filmmaker and director of The Reason I Jump
  
• Clara Washington, the parent of a non-speaking person
• Teddy Milko, a non-speaking autistic young adult
• Sarah Milko, Executive Director of AutismUp and mother of Teddy

WATCH THE RECORDED DISCUSSION HERE:

Dialogue on Disability is a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies –  in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series, which celebrates people with differing abilities with a week’s worth of television and radio specials, news reports, and screenings. The initiative, which runs January 25-31, is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. To learn more, visit: WXXI.org/dod

Move to Include is a partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation designed to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Through programming and special events, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation look to build a more inclusive community by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life. To learn more, visit: WXXI.org/include.