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STEUBENVILLE -- The hardship of caring for people with severe developmental disabilities has been highlighted in a new documentary which will be shown to promote awareness.
As part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month for March, caregivers and community supporters are invited to view the 40-minute film, "Unseen: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters" on Thursday. Private screenings are planned from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Jeffco Center, located at 256 John Scott Highway in Steubenville.
Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities officials will hold discussions with attendees while refreshments will be provided. It is sponsored by Jeffco Services Inc., Parent Council and JCBDD.
"We are so excited to share the very powerful and captivating human stories film, 'Unseen,'" noted Cookie West, JCBDD employment and community navigator.
"The film fosters the compassion and tangible support for the caregivers in our communities who care for their children or loved ones with disabilities," West said. "The movie is an opportunity for people -- whether it's parents, the family of a disabled person, the community, agencies or businesses that work with us -- to see an in-depth view of caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. These families are caring for children and adult loved ones who have severe and complex needs, and because of the lack of professional support in care services it's a great concern," she continued.
"We want people to view the film and have discussion, and maybe it will provoke people to become providers or share with people they know who have a heart to serve those who need supports and help build a village for the families that need help," West added.
She said families of children with complex needs will still provide for them as they mature, which also creates difficulty in later years. "This is an opportunity to promote discussion and for people to feel seen," West said.
JCBDD board member Mindy Aleksiejczyk said Superintendent Michael Zinno contacted her and West with an idea to share the film with the community. It holds significant meaning since she created the Special Needs Parents Support Group in the Ohio Valley Facebook page which shares events, resources and advice with families in need. She added that the page includes 126 members across West Virginia and Ohio including individuals and organizations.
Aleksiejczyk said the documentary and discussion will help people who need it most. "I felt it was important for people to see this, even more so the non-caregivers. We need more quality-of-life services for the children and adults we take care of."
To attend, RSVP by Monday by phone or text to (740) 219-9956 or e-mail awest@jcbdd.com.