‘Autism: The Musical’ at the Dwares JCC

See the film and stay for discussion

A screening of the film “Autism: The Musical” will be presented on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, followed by a family panel. The film chronicles a theater and musical arts program developed by Elaine Hall, author, international speaker, professional acting coach and founder of “The Miracle Project,” an award-winning theater and musical arts program for children with special needs. Hall is also a Jewish educator who has developed innovative programs in the Los Angeles synagogue community to support and include families who have members with special needs. She is the mother of a young adult son with autism, whom she adopted as an infant from Siberia.

“Autism: The Musical” is a two-time Emmy-winning documentary that has been the catalyst for the development of “Miracle Projects” nationally and internationally. The film follows Hall, five children with autism and their parents over many months as they create an original stage production. Through trial and error and tears and laughter, these families learn to communicate their feelings, hopes and dreams as they observe their children participate in song and theater performance. The film speaks to the power and joy of participating in the expressive arts as a means of creating community.

Following the film, Hall will facilitate a discussion among a panel of family members who have children with a variety of special needs, ranging in age and type of disability. The film’s universal themes are relevant for all families that have a member with special needs; it celebrates the power of the human spirit in all individuals, despite the challenges they may face. This activity, along with other activities sponsored by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island in February, will raise awareness of the issues faced by families that have members with special needs. The ultimate goal is to increase understanding and inclusion for all persons with special needs in religious and lay communities.

Elaine Hall is also the author of two books. Her memoir, “Now I See the Moon: A Mother, a Son, a Miracle,” was selected as a recommended reading for Jewish Disability Awareness Month by the Jewish Federation of North America. “Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Making Miracles in the Classroom” is her other work. She has addressed the United Nations two times as a disabilities advocate.

The film and panel discussion is intended for families, educators, therapists, doctors, students and professionals who want to learn more about individuals with special needs, the experience of families and ways to integrate music, movement, and creative dramatics into a child’s life.

Elaine will sign her books, which will be available for purchase, as will her DVD. This free event is open to the public. It is sponsored by the Alliance, Brown University’s Artists and Scientists as Partners Group and Temple Emanu-El.

BARRY M. PRIZANT is an adjunct professor at Brown University and director of Childhood Communication services in Cranston.