This is advance notice that UC Berkeley Office of Disability Access and Compliance along with the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Disability Cultural Community Center are delighted to announce that we are putting on another Beyond the Frame: Amplifying Disability Voices film event.
We would like to invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Banatao Auditorium, 310 Sutardja Dai Hall, UC Berkeley. Doors open at 2 pm.
We will be showing short films; ‘Signs and Gestures,’ ‘Before the Tunnel,’ ‘I loved to see you,’ ‘How do you see me?,’ ‘Breaking Normal,’ and ‘After Heather’ starting at 2:30 pm. After the films there will be a Q & A with our panel followed by audience discussion. The current panelists intending to join us are:
Lisa Wymore: a member of the disability cluster at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. She is a Professor in the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies. She teaches classes in choreography, dance technique, pedagogy, improvisation, collaborative innovation, and performance.
Noah Jaffe: a Paralympic swimmer and a current UC Berkeley undergraduate studying Molecular and Cell Biology. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, he began competitive swimming at a young age and went on to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Noah is extremely passionate about expanding access and awareness to adaptive sports.
Rachel Collins: a Deafblind Education Consultant with the Texas Deafblind Project. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in supporting educational teams that serve students who are deafblind across diverse settings. Rachel is also the proud mother of two fierce young adult daughters, including a 20-year-old with Down syndrome.
Melissa Male: The Communications Director for Berkeley Mayor, Adena Ishii. A dedicated public servant and advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice, Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience in government and the nonprofit sector. She played a key role in the successful passage of SB 1256 (2010), which established Ed Roberts Day in California. Melissa holds both a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D. from UC Berkeley, and is a member of the State Bar of California.
Please RSVP to let us know if you would like to attend, and any accommodations you require. All films will have open captions and open audio description. We will send a calendar invite to those of you who can attend.
And please forward to your networks.
Films
Signs and Gestures
Director, Itandehui Jansen, tells a story of a Florist Clara relies on smell, touch and sound. She has recently been chatting with Art student Simon through a dating app.They arrange to meet in person. However, during their first date an unexpected situation arises. (12 Minutes).
Before the Tunnel
Directed by Nacho Ros Bernal, country of origin, Spain, Lía is 10 years old. She is going to lose her vision. She wears it naturally, because she is a girl. But her father is invaded by fear, and he only thinks about what she will lose; he wants to prepare her for when she enters that dark tunnel (15 minutes).
I loved to see you
Directed by Ricardo Garcia. A deaf boy falls in love with a blind girl. Now he must find a way to communicate as he discovers the world that surrounds her (19 minutes).
How do you see me?
Directed by Todd Robertson. Why do people with intellectual disabilities live 13 to 20 years less than others? Through the eyes of a young woman who sees her disability as a distinct advantage, this film explores the profound effects of societal views on their lives. Dive into the impact of societal perceptions while exploring paths towards a more equitable future (8 minutes)
Breaking Normal
Directed by Jessica Cabot. Breaking Normal was made for the 2024 DisabilityFilm Challenge. The film stars two neurodivergent actors, autistic actress Tal Anderson as Kitty and comedian Anthony Purnell who lives with ADHD, as Mask (6 minutes).
After Heather
After Heather, Directed by Clint Butler. The life journey of a Canadian dancer before and after acquiring a severe traumatic brain injury. Based on the book, “Little Feet: The Story of Heather Williams.” (22 minutes).