From Disability Scoop:
“PBS
Documentary Explores Shortcomings Of Disability Support System”
(Christine
Hanberg with her brother Peter in the documentary "He’s My Brother,"
which airs next month on PBS.)
What happens
when a family is left to care for an adult who is deaf, blind and has autism
without support? That’s the focus of a new documentary that’s set to premiere
on national television. The 60-minute film “He’s My Brother” follows
co-director Christine Hanberg and her family as they look at what their future
holds with her brother Peter, 31, who has multiple disabilities. Until five
years ago, Peter attended a day center, but when it closed, his care fell
completely on his family. Peter’s mother quit her job to care for him full time
while his father works and Christine helps as much as she can. “Weeks and
months went on, so I grabbed the camera and started filming because I could not
comprehend how much responsibility we as relatives have to take when the system
fails,” Christine Hanberg said. “Now, seven years have gone by and we still
haven’t gotten any help at all. Not even one offer for day care for Peter and I
see so many people struggling with the broken system.”
Christine
Hanberg notes that Denmark, where her family lives, has one of the richest
welfare states in the world, but still fails to help people like Peter. The
documentary shows how Peter experiences life through touch, smell and taste and
explores Christine’s worries about becoming her brother’s primary caregiver
when her parents are gone. “It happens all over the world,” she said. “I hope
that our film can start a discussion about basic human rights for people with
disabilities and about how big a responsibility we as relatives should take.
For my part, I will be there for my brother anytime. But what about those who
do not have the opportunity or the time in their lives? If the system doesn’t
help. Who will, then?”
“He’s My
Brother” will have its national broadcast premiere Aug. 1 on POV on PBS and
will stream for free at pbs.org and on the PBS Video app until Sept. 1.
^ I am really
interested in seeing this. ^
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