Exploring Lives Lived In Wheelchairs

NEW HAVEN — On Tuesday, June 3, at 5:30 pm, Yale assistant professor Dr Gretchen Berland will introduce her film Rolling, a firsthand look at the daily lives of three people who are wheelchair-dependent. The screening and presentation will be at New Haven Free Public Library.

Using video cameras mounted on their wheelchairs, the subjects of the film shot their own footage, and are associate directors of the film. Galen Buckwalter is a clinical psychologist who was paralyzed at age 17, Vicki Elman was a business manager at the UCLA School of Medicine until multiple sclerosis put her in a chair, and Ernie Wallengren is a TV writer of five children who suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), which stole his mobility and, finally, his ability to speak and breathe.

Mr Buckwalter films himself practicing with his rock band and during a doctor’s visit that presages a significant transition from manual to motorized chair.

Ms Elman shows audiences a feisty advocate for Californians for Disability Rights who at one point suffered the indignities of a temporary stay in a convalescent home.

Mr Wallengren captured the challenges and rewards of coaching his sons’ basketball team as well as his candid assessment of one hotel’s accommodations for disabilities.

Rolling recently screened on Public Television and is recommended viewing for anyone who lives or works with people whose disabilities require them to use a wheelchair.

There is no charge for this program, and free parking is available. The library is at 133 Elm Street in New Haven; call 203-946-8130 for additional information including directions. Registration is requested and can be done over the phone or online at guidezilla.com/NHFPL.