Update!
We're now accepting In-Demand funding! I flew a supported solo-now what??? I need your help in achieving the next step of planning and flying cross-country flights. Cross-country flights take time, and time=money. The aircraft that I'll be using costs $40 more per hour than the training aircraft, and the flight hours will increase too. So, please help me keep my momentum by contributing or selecting a higher perk. Thanks for your support!!!
Flying WHAT?!?
This project started out as a personal exploration of my own ability in pursuit of an assumed out-of-reach childhood dream of learning to fly a plane. I'm a special education teacher who is legally blind, and an advocate for children with disabilities. I've seen so many people forgo their dreams as a result of traditional notions of disability, and I want to share what is possible when we work together across ability.
Although I cannot ultimately get my pilot's license, I am driven to pursue this dream and to share the journey with the world. I have been very fortunate in finding the support of an instructor, Dr. Alex Arts. Alex is an ear surgeon in Ann Arbor, MI, and he deeply understands disability-related issues both professionally and personally.
Within this relationship, we are exploring an alternative to an able-unable dichotomy, wherein many can come together as one capable and effective force, acting both within and against the status quo. I'm deeply interested in and passionate about exploring the boundaries and rough edges of ability and disability. Disability isn't a deficit, it's a necessary aspect of a diverse society. Working together across ability isn’t charity or inspiration, it’s life.
What I Need & What You Get
In order to create this documentary, I need your support. I really need you to believe in this project as much as I do and to share it widely. I can't do this without YOU.
In addition, I need your support to raise the initial $8,000 needed for production costs including: additional equipment, captioning, editing, printing, and DVD replication, in addition to: additional flight instruction, plane rental, club dues, transportation, and outreach.
In return for your generous support, I'm excited to offer several REALLY COOL perks, including:
- High quality digital downloads of the original soundtrack, written and performed by my partner, Kelsey Carbonell, and me.
- VOD streaming and downloads of the finished film and special thanks in the credits for being an early supporter.
- Signed DVDs.
- Access to a private production blog, including additional video and photos.
- Tickets to a private local premier of the film near Ann Arbor, MI (transportation and lodging not included).
- A surprise production artifact (probably not an airplane–Probably).
- A showing of the film and Skype / FaceTime session with me for your school or organization.
- Co-Producer, Associate Producer, and Executive Producer credits.
I am shooting for fulfillment dates in Summer 2016, but production could be delayed due to weather and instructor / student scheduling. Be assured that I will keep in contact with you regarding production and fulfillment.
I won't let you down. You're the BEST!If I exceed my fundraising goal, it's a VERY good thing! The additional funding will be split between a donation to a disability advocacy nonprofit organization, a larger flight budget for more instruction time and longer cross-country trips, enhanced production including blu-ray replication, and increased outreach. If I don't reach my fundraising goal, the funds raised will be used to complete as much as I can of the instruction while completing the documentary. I'll also continue to pursue grant funding opportunities.
The Impact
We learn about the world, and each other, through stories. The more we share, the more we expand our world-view. Ultimately, the non-ableist view of disability that I'm exploring has implications in broader society including school systems, the legal system, healthcare, social services, and in each person’s daily life. Generalizations can be drawn across society within a new disabilty-ability paradigm for the benefit of historically underrepresented populations of disabled people, including children.
Risks & Challenges
It's entirely possible that I could reach a point of absolute physical limitation. In life, this is a reality for me, and I've developed a profound set of compensatory skills as a result. Alex, my extremely supportive flight instructor, has taken on this experience knowing the possible limitations and safety issues. Between us, we will negotiate the possibilities and limitations as we move forward. If I can't make it all of the way through instruction, even with necessary accommodations, that will be an extremely interesting point of exploration within the film.