Student DVD Helps Disabled Kids

In late 2007, Video Production instructor Susi Graf, found a need and filled it with a touching film created by her students. Their creative efforts are now bearing fruit.
 
Susi's child attends P.S. 10 in Brooklyn, NY, a school with a large population of students with various disabilities.  The playground was in disrepair, and not suitable for many of the children.  As a class project, Susi and her Video Production students visited the school and created a very moving video about the school’s need for a barrier-free playground.  Scenes of children looking longingly at equipment not in good repair, and not usable by them, are heart-wrenching.

The first $250,000 for the playground was contributed by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz after he and his staff watched the video; the second $250,000 was given by the Community Educational Council (CEC) from the New York City Department of Education School Construction Authority after a Capital Funding Meeting.

"The video played a substantial part in our quest for funding.  Everyone was so moved by it.  They saw students on the sidelines, and heard their voices.  It was emotional and powerful and really got to everyone in the meeting," said Laura Scott, Assistant Principal at P.S. 10.  "Visitors and people from other schools and our central Department of Education offices are often so moved when they see it, they walk out with tears in their eyes, and a very positive feeling about our school."

The process has moved slowly, but the playground is now virtually completed.  There will be a launch party in mid-October.