Watch Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, released in 2020, is a powerful and inspiring documentary that tells the story of a group of teenagers with disabilities who attended a summer camp in the early 1970s. The film, directed by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham, offers an intimate look into the lives of these young people who found a sense of belonging and community at Camp Jened, a summer camp for disabled youth located in upstate New York.

The documentary begins by introducing viewers to some of the campers who attended Jened, including Lebrecht himself, who was born with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair his entire life. Through a combination of archival footage and personal interviews, we learn about the challenges faced by these young people as they navigated a world that was often hostile and inhospitable to those with disabilities.

Despite the obstacles they faced, the campers at Jened found a sense of freedom and empowerment in the ive environment of the camp. They were able to express themselves fully, without fear of judgment or ridicule, and to build meaningful relationships with others who shared their experiences. The film captures the spirit of this community with remarkable warmth and sensitivity, celebrating the humor, creativity, and resilience of these remarkable young people.

As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that the story of Camp Jened is not just a story about a summer camp, but a story about a movement. The campers at Jened became activists who fought tirelessly for disability rights, and who played a key role in shaping the laws and policies that protect people with disabilities today. Crip Camp shows how the friendships and sense of community that these young people forged at the camp became the foundation for a movement that transformed the lives of millions of people with disabilities.

The film is at its most powerful when it focuses on the activism that emerged from the Jened community. We see how the campers became leaders of the disability rights movement, taking to the streets and engaging in acts of civil disobedience to demand access to public spaces, transportation, and education. The film does not shy away from the challenges and setbacks that these activists faced, but it also celebrates their remarkable achievements, including the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law in 1990.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a number of key figures in the disability rights movement, including Ed Roberts, a pioneering disability rights activist who experienced discrimination firsthand as a student at UC Berkeley, and Judy Heumann, another disability rights leader who has been fighting for equality and inclusion for more than four decades. These individuals, along with many others, are portrayed with great respect and iration, and their stories help to illustrate the powerful impact that the disability rights movement has had on American society.

One of the most striking aspects of Crip Camp is its use of archival footage, which provides a fascinating window into the world of the disability rights movement in the 1970s and 80s. The film includes footage of historic protests and demonstrations, as well as intimate glimpses of the Jened community at play and at work. This footage is expertly woven into the narrative of the film, creating a rich tapestry of sights and sounds that transport the viewer back in time.

In addition to its historical significance, Crip Camp is also a deeply personal film that tells the story of a group of remarkable people whose lives were forever changed by their experiences at Camp Jened. The film is a testament to the power of community, and to the potential of people with disabilities to lead full and meaningful lives. Through its inspiring and moving story, Crip Camp reminds us of the importance of fighting for justice and equality for all, and of the transformative power of human connection.

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 86.