Next In Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series: 'Swim Team'

OSSINING-CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY - From the Ossining Documentary & Discussion Series: This month’s offering from The Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series (ODDS) is Swim Team, The free screening will take place on October 19th , 2017 at the Ossining Public Library. Seating begins at 6:15 PM and all our welcome. A panel discussion will follow with three dynamic individuals with personal and professional expertise the needs and experiences of people with developmental differences.

The film tells the true story of the parents of a young man on the autism spectrum who form a competitive swim team. Other teens on the spectrum join the team and are coached with high expectations and zero pity. Swim Team chronicles the extraordinary rise of three diverse young athletes, capturing a moving quest for inclusion, independence, and a life that feels like winning.

As always, there will be a panel discussion after the film. Every month panelists with some expertise in the subject of each film generously volunteer to help shed light on the issues raised. Audience members are encouraged to respond honestly and ask their questions.

The Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series is organized by a committee of volunteers committed to bringing their “community together one film at a time.” October’s will be the group’s 50th screening. The public is invited to visit OssiningDocumentaries.org to learn about upcoming films on a wide variety of other topics. Screenings are always free and all are welcome.

The panelists for Swim Team will be:

Alison McIntyre, Behavior Analyst & Psychologist, Ossining School District.
Alison has been working in the field of Autism and other developmental disorders for over 10 years. She's a School Psychologist in the Ossining School District, focusing primarily on Special Education needs and behavioral difficulties. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she's seen the many successes that individuals on the spectrum are capable of, and believes in questioning all obstacles placed in their way.

Elizabeth Oliveto, Director, Extraordinary Ventures New York (EVNY).
EVNY's mission is to provide employment opportunities for men and women with autism and other developmental disabilities through the creation of small businesses incorporating the particular skills, interests and abilities of this unique population.

Stephanie Bellantoni , Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center.
HVSEPC works to provide information and resources to parents and school districts. Before joining HVSEPC she practiced as an attorney for over 20 years. Stephanie is a 2013 graduate of the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) interdisciplinary fellowship at Westchester Institute for Human Development. Stephanie has four children, and resides in Westchester County. Her daughter has a significant developmental disability, and is an integral and successful member of her family, school and community.

The Series is supported by its Grand Sponsors, SBS Printing and Shipping, Matthew and Cinthia Gullotta, and Down to Earth Markets, who manage Ossining’s Farmers’ Market. Friends of the Series and Screening Sponsors are acknowledged at the screenings and on the ODDS website. Partners and affiliates include Green Ossining, the Ossining Public Library, the Ossining Arts Council, and Energize NY.

Image via Ossining Documentary & Discussion Series