NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

There is a general consensus that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face structural barriers to employment, healthcare, and housing, and suffer the emotional repercussions of stigma and misperceptions. These cultural narratives are perpetuated by underrepresentation and inaccurate portrayals of I/DD in the media.

Only 2.7%

percent of all speaking or named characters in film were shown to have a disability.

"I am sharing my story because I believe that in a very challenging economic and ergonomic world, many individuals with disabilities are often misunderstood and misinterpreted and treated unfairly. I believe that this story will show and depict how our lives are just as ordinary as others."

Trent Hampton, Film Subject
"Even though I have a disability, I'm able to do stuff, just like other people. I have the same desires. I like working. I like living at home. I like having relationships with people. I hope that when somebody watches the film they will see that I don't use my disability as a label. I think people would be more open to knowing other people if they didn't have labels on disabilities."

Melanie Holmes, Film Subject
"I really want this movie to be an eye-opener. We all come from different backgrounds. We all have differences from each other. Trent, Mel and I are not just different from (and I hate to say this) the “normality of society”, but we're different from each other too. But we were able to get together and bond. That's what I want people to be able to get out of this movie: a bond with us and to feel like they're there with us."

Chris Wines, Film Subject

Athletics x Activism

High-profile disability advocates, such as Loretta Claiborne and Judy Heumann, have joined forces with LeBron James to make this the most anticipated disability film of the year.

Loretta Claiborne, Self-Advocate, Special Olympics Champion, ESPY Award Winner

“So many times when they do this type of film it’s sugar coated. This film shows our people in real life, it’s not sugar coated. You have three people with intellectual disabilities who are just trying to make it through life. That's the kind of story that gets people interested and begins a dialogue.”

Subverting Disability Tropes in the Media

The goal of the film is to counter harmful tropes (e.g. inspiration porn, supercrip, etc.) that dominate representation of I/DD in the media–by centering the voices and experiences of the three main subjects as the film’s primary arbiters of truth.

A (New) Dialogue

Judy Heumann, Internationally Renowned “Bad-ass” Disability Rights Activist

“All You Hear Is Noise is an important film because it conveys the experience of people whose disabilities are largely invisible, yet who nevertheless encounter barriers and discrimination in their lives. By centering the voices of the subjects, the film brings a new face to the diversity of those with disabilities–their aspirations, barriers, and commitment to continue to move forward.”

Co-Director’s Note: Judy served as an invaluable consultant, ally, and friend until her passing in March 2023. Read More.

Social Impact Campaign Strategy

Moving Forward on Inclusion

- Supporting a civil rights movement for people with I/DD
- Nothing about us without us
- Taking risks and learning new things (*includes job skills training*)
- Dismantle structural barriers to employment
- Promote inclusive workplace culture
- More on-screen representation of people with I/DD
- Promote stories that do not perpetuate harmful I/DD stereotypes
- Deeper appreciation for the experience of living with I/DD
- Understanding that the barriers people with I/DD face are structural

Campaign Goals

All You Hear Is Noise Impact Map

Impact Sectors

01. Education

Discussion guides, lesson plans, and other curriculum resources will be made available to students, educators and school administration from middle school to higher education institutions.

03. Non-Profit

Resources are being produced in partnership with self-advocacy organizations (e.g. SARTAC) and Special Olympics International, to be made available for use by member organizations and stakeholders.

02. Business

Inclusive corporate culture resources that leverage the film as a shared learning experience for business leadership and employees will be disseminated for in-person and virtual trainings.

04. Media

Toolkits and workshops are being designed to help filmmakers, festival programmers, and distributors understand inclusive storytelling practices and accessibility considerations for I/DD communities.

Prospective Campaign Partners

Special Olympics International

Awareness, Athlete Leadership, Health
RespectAbility

Disability Representation & Training
DisArt

Accessibility
Disability:IN

Inclusive Corporate Culture & Hiring
Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)

Self-Advocate Resources & Support
FWD-Doc

Non-fiction Disability Storytelling Resources
The Arc

I/DD Advocacy
Athletes for Impact

Broad Issue Social Advocacy