Outside the Neighborhood: Discussion Guides

Dear Viewers,

Talking about people with disabilities can be uncomfortable. Sometimes it can feel like an elephant in the room that everyone notices, but no one wants to mention. Too often, movies, books, and television depict characters with disabilities as either “super-crips”, overcoming the odds to accomplish some amazing achievement; or victims.

These stereotypes are harmful because they encourage prejudices and bigotry. The cliches make people with disabilities seem different, like “the other” and not our brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors. In The Collector of Bedford Street, the line between ability and disability is not as easy to draw as we might assume. Although Larry may have a low IQ, he excels in qualities not measured on standardized tests.

The Collector of Bedford Street gives us the opportunity to talk about issues that may arise when a person or group of people with disabilities need the support of the community. It also can form the basis of ongoing discussions to how to better your community creating an inclusive and diverse environment into your neighborhood-community. Additionally, this documentary-short can introduce topics on the broader issues of disability rights.

Download The Collector of Bedford Street:
• Study Guide for Grades 6-12
• Discussion Guide for Adult Groups
• Spiritual Guide for Faith Communities

Please use our study guide for grades 6-12 or our discussion guide for adult groups to help address pertinent issues covered during the movie. We also offer a spiritual study guide to aid in viewing and discussing the film with your faith based community. I hope these materials will facilitate lively conversation following your screening of The Collector of Bedford Street.

Sincerely,
Alice Elliott, director