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David: Portrait of A Retarded Youth
| Length: | 28 min |
| Released: | 1980 |
| Ages: |
High School College Adult |
Downsyndrome! Mongoloid! These chilling words have always meant the newborn baby was condemned to a life of severe limitations.
But not always. David McFarlane was such a child. Now at sixteen he is a poised, athletic, articulate young man who has won an acting award for his role in a television drama about Down Syndrome. He talks freely about his handicap and his setbacks and triumphs. We meet his family, whose support allowed him to stretch the limitations of his disability. We learn how the school system can "make or break" the mentally handicapped.
Seeing David's determined efforts to master new situations, and his success in many areas, will inspire those who work with the mentally handicapped.
But not always. David McFarlane was such a child. Now at sixteen he is a poised, athletic, articulate young man who has won an acting award for his role in a television drama about Down Syndrome. He talks freely about his handicap and his setbacks and triumphs. We meet his family, whose support allowed him to stretch the limitations of his disability. We learn how the school system can "make or break" the mentally handicapped.
Seeing David's determined efforts to master new situations, and his success in many areas, will inspire those who work with the mentally handicapped.
"David is a hero because he is always striving to achieve his next goal." - Media and Methods
"Optimistic without being cloying, this (is a) testament to the educability of the mentally retarded as well as to the potential of the human mind and spirit..." Booklist
"Optimistic without being cloying, this (is a) testament to the educability of the mentally retarded as well as to the potential of the human mind and spirit..." Booklist
National Down Syndrome Congress, 1993
Inter-American Congress on Mental Retardation, 1986
American Association on Mental Deficiency, 1985
Inter-American Congress on Mental Retardation, 1986
American Association on Mental Deficiency, 1985
