Hollywood and Disability: An Insider's Perspective
Touro Law Center and Touro Talks are pleased to present a special screening of the Oscar-Nominated Short Film, Feeling Through, the first film to star a DeafBlind actor. The program will feature a conversation with Doug Roland, the film's Director/Writer, and the film's Producers from Helen Keller Services.
Co-sponsored by:
Robert and Arlene Rosenberg and the Jewish Law Institute at Touro Law Center
Moderators:
Dr. Alan Kadish
President of Touro University, noted educator, researcher, and administrator, who is training the next generation of communal, business, and healthcare leaders.
Professor Samuel J. Levine, Touro Law Center
Professor of Law and Director, Jewish Law Institute, Touro Law Center, prolific writer, author of Was Yosef on the Spectrum? Understanding Joseph Through Torah, Midrash and Classical Jewish Sources
Speakers:
Doug Roland, Social Impact Filmmaker
Doug Roland is an Oscar-nominated director for his film Feeling Through, which is the first film to star a DeafBlind actor. Featured on The Nightly News with Lester Holt, The Daily Show, in The New York Times, and LA Times and winner of over 160 film festival awards, Feeling Through is executive produced by Oscar winner Marlee Matlin and was made in partnership with Helen Keller National Center. Now, in a widespread collaboration, Doug is creating Feeling Through Studio: an online educational platform that is home to authentic information on disability taught by disabled instructors through an immersive, storytelling approach.
Dr. Susan Ruzenski, Chief Executive Officer, Helen Keller Services
Sue Ruzenski's career at HKS spans over four decades. As Executive Director at the Helen Keller National Center from 2014 to 2020, she led innovation, pioneering educational, and vocational opportunities for DeafBlind participants. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Direct Services for 22 years. Dr. Ruzenski holds a B.A. in Special Education from Dowling College, an M.A. in Deaf Education from New York University, and a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Chris Woodfill, Associate Executive Director, Helen Keller National Center
Chris Woodfill started working at Helen Keller National Center in 2012 as the regional representative for the Mid-Atlantic region. He has also he worked at Gallaudet University and at Wisconsin School for the Deaf. In addition to his employment experience, he has been very active in both the Deaf and DeafBlind communities for almost three decades at local, state, national, and international levels. As an important aside, he is DeafBlind.
Scott Davert, Coordinator, Technology, Research, and Innovation Center, Helen Keller National Center
Scott Davert, who is DeafBlind, coordinates the Technology, Research, and Innovation Center, providing high quality technology training to professionals in the field as well as members of the DeafBlind community. He also serves on the Disability Advisory Committee, advising the Federal Communications Commission on the creation of legal regulations related to telecommunications that impact people with disabilities.
