Profiles in Achievement: Amazing People with Learning Differences

 Awards

 Blingy Award: Diamond Award

Silver Telly Award

Reviews

Young people with learning differences often feel alone, ashamed, and discouraged. This film demonstrates that people like them have been successful and have surmounted their challenges by profiling five people who have overcome dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD and excelled in their chosen fields. A young man with dyslexia became a race car driver and acknowledged that if he didn't achieve the winners circle, he would find another vocation to satisfy his passion of working with his hands. A physician did not learn that she had ADD until adulthood, but even her late diagnosis has helped her in excelling in the work that she loves. A famous paleontologist, a Harvard undergraduate, and a singer/songwriter in New Orleans are also profiled and explain how, once they were diagnosed, they were able to triumph over their learning differences. Each profile includes live-action footage, photos, and a testimonial by the individual explaining how he or she got help. The accompanying binder includes discussion questions, student activities, quizzes, a bibliography, and more. An ideal program to enrich all classes—not only those that include students with learning differences—and help students understand that by concentrating on their strengths, they will be able to become successful and contribute to society.

- Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA 
School Library Journal

Recommended The film features five people with learning differences: three with dyslexia and two with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Part of the video’s appeal is the interesting array of vocations and talents represented by the subjects. Profiled are race car driver Dean Abbey, physician Liza Giamaria, paleontologist Jack Horner, Harvard University student Bree Sterne, and musician Philip Manuel. The film is visually rich and convincing because the subjects are filmed not only as talking heads but also actively pursuing their passions. We see them at the racetrack, with a patient in the examining room, at a dig, on campus, and on stage. 

The participants frankly describe some of the challenges of coping with a learning disability, such as trouble with linear processing, lack of organizational skills, acting out, and low self- esteem. The frustrations of diagnostic delay and the importance of adaptive strategies and tools are discussed. “Getting help” vignettes describe how crucial the assistance of parents, teachers, specialists, and tutors can be in meeting the learning challenges. The subjects share the insight that unique strengths have helped them to pursue their goals. These strong points—visual and spatial skills, empathy, perseverance, and lack of fear of failure—have enabled them to achieve success in their chosen fields. 

A loose-leaf teacher’s resource book is included to supplement the film. It contains student activities and fact sheets. The film could be useful in both counseling and classroom venues. It is appropriate for audiences of a wide range of ages as interviewees model the importance of lifelong learning.

- Highby, University of Northern Colorado 
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)