Hey! This is @ALISTROKER here to talk about CRIP CAMP, Netflix’s new documentary from directors Nicole Newnham & Jim LeBrecht — a film that blew me away. (thread)
(📸 Jenny Anderson)
(📸 Jenny Anderson)
This is a story of a group of people with disabilities who decided that their reality and their access and their rights were no longer acceptable. They set out to change their lives and every American with Disabilities.
The film’s archival footage — showing Camp Jened in 1971 — is so stunning. I am so grateful these moments were captured on tape. Everyone looked so happy and free. Watching the group of young friends feel their freedom for the first time was thrilling.
It reminded me of the way I felt the first time I performed on stage. Where all the obstacles were gone and you are seen for who you are, and not your disability.
I was so impressed with the conversations the young teenagers had at the camp. I loved one scene where a young woman, Nancy, speaks but the group isn’t sure what she said. A camper translates for her: “I think what Nancy was saying was, we have been denied the right of privacy.”
It was a moment in the film where I felt like something was articulated that I’ve always felt but never know how to express. As a 32-year-old woman who has been in a wheelchair since I was two years old, this was very powerful to hear aloud.
The way people disclose their dissatisfaction and their pain in the film was so liberating for me. It reminded me that I’m allowed to express myself in this way too.
CRIP CAMP’s footage of the historic San Francisco 504 sit-in from 1977 is incredible to see. I couldn’t believe how many people with disabilities showed up, and then stayed for weeks inside the building. And still, they were ignored by HEW secretary Joseph Califano.
“I’m tired of feeling thankful for accessible toilets... when am I ever going to feel equal in the community?” — Judy Heumann.
Judy has a way of articulating her truth in high pressure situations that had such a huge impact. She was the voice of the disability rights movement.
Judy has a way of articulating her truth in high pressure situations that had such a huge impact. She was the voice of the disability rights movement.
Judy Heumann is one of my personal heroes. I had the opportunity to play her in Comedy Central’s DRUNK HISTORY Episode 504.
Watching footage of Judy in CRIP CAMP makes me respect and admire her even more. She was a visionary. She could see a better world for our community before anyone else could. She wouldn’t stop until laws were passed. She never settled. I am so in awe of her work.
Oh, and we must talk about the music in CRIP CAMP — I am totally obsessed with it. I want the soundtrack, please!!!
“This was a Disabled Rights Movement which turned into an International Rights Movement.” This film isn’t just about and for disabled Americans, it’s a film that reminds us ALL of our rights and freedoms and how we must fight to protect them.
Before watching CRIP CAMP, I had never seen footage of people with disabilities climbing the steps of the Capitol in D.C. I felt so emotional watching their struggle.
My favorite part of the film was the connection and relationships that were formed at Camp Jened and still exist today. I loved watching Jim and Judy before they knew what was coming their way in life and seeing the life and drive in their eyes. And seeing myself in them as well.
I didn’t grow up with much content that was about disability, and I knew nothing about our history. This film is so important for Americans like me who were born after the ADA.
Don't miss CRIP CAMP, now on Netflix.
