FW: Rebroadcast of "Refrigerator Mothers"

Below is information on a re-broadcast of a very important documentary that aired earlier this year.  If you didn't see it the first time, I highly recommend it. One of the moms interviewed is from Montgomery County.

Sandi McNally
Assistive Technology Activities Coordinator
Institute on Disabilities
Temple University
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 423 Ritter Annex
Philadelphia, PA  19122
215.204.3370
smcnally@temple.edu
"Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence"

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From ASA-Net, The Autism Society of America's e-Newsletter
"Refrigerator Mothers" Documentary To Re-Air July 27 On PBS
The award-winning documentary film "Refrigerator Mothers" is set to air again on PBS on July 27, 2004. The film, which was developed by J.J. Hanley, the parent of a child with autism, "explores the legacy of blame, guilt and self-doubt suffered by a generation of mothers," who during the 1950s were blamed for their children's autism and labeled "refrigerator mothers."

The captivating documentary tells the story the story of autism from the early years to the present time and includes archival footage from old training films, interviews with ASA leaders, such as founder Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., and interviews with several parents of children who attended the school created by Bruno Bettleheim, the self-proclaimed psychoanalyst who popularized the "mother blame" theory.

Since it first aired in 2002, "Refrigerator Mothers" has won numerous awards, including Best Documentary at the 2002 Sedona International Film Festival, Best of Show at the 2002 Indiana Film Festival, Grand Jury Prize at the 2002 Florida Film Festival, and ASA's Media Award in 2003.

"Refrigerator Mothers" was directed and produced by David Simpson, Gordon Quinn, and J.J. Hanley, and funded and supported by a variety of organizations, including the Independent Television Service (ITVS), the National Endowment for the Arts, Kartemquin Films, among others. It is set to be re-broadcast on July 27 at 10pm (EST) on PBS; however, check your local listings for exact times.

For more information about "Refrigerator Mothers," including information about participating in discussion groups and information on how to find your local PBS station, click here, or go to www.pbs.org/pov/pov2002/refrigeratormothers/.