A documentary exploring the historic 1988 Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University, where deaf students fought for representation and ultimately changed the course of history.
The year was 1988, and the world's only deaf university, Gallaudet, was on the brink of history. With two deaf candidates in the running for the presidency, students saw a chance for representation and leadership like never before. However, the board of trustees, composed mainly of hearing individuals, chose the lone hearing candidate, igniting a fiery student movement.
The Deaf President Now protest, a culmination of years of frustration and a yearning for inclusivity, forced a reckoning with over a century of paternalistic practices within Gallaudet. The protest brought the deaf community's struggle for equal rights to the forefront of national attention, ultimately contributing to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.Davis Guggenheim and Nyle DiMarco, the director and executive producer respectively, collaborated closely on this documentary, bringing to light the stories of the students who led the charge. DiMarco, a deaf actor and former 'America's Next Top Model' winner, served as a valuable guide, offering insights and perspectives that Guggenheim, a hearing filmmaker, could not have grasped alone. The film delves into the complex dynamics between the deaf students and the hearing board, highlighting the deaf students' unwavering determination and the board's dismissive attitude. Through poignant interviews and archival footage, 'Deaf President Now' paints a vivid picture of a pivotal moment in American history, showcasing the power of collective action and the fight for equal representation
Deaf President Now Gallaudet University Deaf Rights Disability Rights History American Sign Language Protest Activism Representation
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