Including Samuel

Including Samuel is a heart-touching documentary that was released in 2007. Directed by the photojournalist Dan Habib, the film takes an intimate, honest, and empathic look at disability, particularly focusing on the lives of those with intellectual and physical disabilities. The title character, Samuel, is Habib's son, who has cerebral palsy. This powerful documentary explores the challenges and triumphs of Samuel and his family, borne from their desire for Samuel to live a life of inclusion and not seclusion.

In keeping his lens on both Samuel's personal experiences and the broader societal attitudes and systemic challenges towards disability, Habib uses "Including Samuel" to examine the cultural phenomenon of "inclusion." The film acknowledges that true inclusion remains challenging to implement, given its idealistic nature of integrating all individuals, regardless of their abilities, into community life. The documentary endeavors to break down stereotypes about disability, pushing its viewers to challenge and re-evaluate their own perceptions.

Samuel's journey is accompanied by four other families' stories that echo with the same sentiments. We meet Keith—a teenager with Down syndrome who, with the help of inclusive education, attends high school. Emily—an aspiring university student, is not defined by her spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy but is limited by societal prejudices. The story of Nathaniel, who has autism, further demonstrates the import of valuable community support for differently-abled children. Also, Emmanuel's narrative champions the "can-do" spirit despite a severe physical disability that requires him to use a wheelchair and type with his toes.

The documentary draws not only from Habib's personal experiences and interactions with other individuals and families but also strategically incorporates expert advice. Habib integrates interviews with teachers, therapists, scholars, and disability rights advocates—each providing a different perspective on inclusion. The diverse selection of interviewees and stories told paint a broad, multifaceted picture of what inclusion means, the efforts it requires, and the potential impact on all parties involved.

Including Samuel also delves into the dilemmas of inclusive education. Despite the ideal of ensuring that all children, irrespective of their abilities, get adequate and equal access to education, there persists an underlying tension about whether children with disabilities might be better served in specialized programs. The film does an excellent job articulating the complexities surrounding this contentious issue, revealing both the successes and struggles of inclusion in educational settings.

Set against the backdrop of everyday home life as well as school and community, the documentary's candid storytelling is interspersed with Habib's video-diary-style musings on his hopes and fears for his son. This personal narrative approach gives the film a refreshingly honest and authentic touch, bringing to light not only the practical issues of inclusion but also the emotional dimensions of nurturing a child with special needs.

Including Samuel is exquisitely shot in a photojournalistic style that captures the essence of each participant. The juxtaposition of expert commentary and first-person narratives makes for an engaging, thought-provoking movie. The film uses sobering statistics as bridges between scenes, further deepening its impact. In particular, it challenges societal norms by showing that disability is not a barrier to happiness and that every life has value and potential.

Substantially, Including Samuel educates and motivates proactive change. It's not a story about disability—it's a story about inclusion in the broader sense and the right to live fully and be accepted for who we are. This film is effective advocacy for change, encouraging society to recognize that including everyone makes us all richer.

The documentary was shortlisted for the American Library Association Notable Video Award for the year 2009. It has won several other awards and criitcal acclaim as well, indicating its resonance with audiences and its effectiveness in promoting inclusivity.

In the end, "Including Samuel" is much more than a documentary—it's a call to a societal shift towards embracing diversity and fostering a culture of acceptance. It sheds light on the lessons we can learn from people with disabilities and their families, reminding us that inclusion is a fundamental human right. It's an essential watch for educators, policymakers, caregivers, and anyone interested in understanding and championing inclusion in all aspects of life.