Film to promote inclusion

SANDUSKY — Two friends are on a mission to help people understand those with disabilities. Erica Harris, owner of TEAMS Advance, and Lisa Cassel, a licensed nurse and owner of Cassel Care, collaborated to develop a short film. Together they hope to elevate voices, promote inclusion and highlight the contributions of people with disabilities through their project. Harris' business is a specialized consulting firm that transforms workplace culture through comprehensive disability inclusion training. Cassel's business focuses on providing individuals with developmental disabilities with quality care that promotes independence. The video project, "Disabilities: Through an Authentic Lens," features participants with various disabilities in everyday settings. It's filmed by Shipwrecked Creative. "What makes this film particularly powerful is that each participant speaks directly to viewers, sharing their personal experiences and contributions in their own words," Cassel said. Instead of focusing on what people with disabilities can't do, the video shows how they're just like everyone else. "We want to break down the stereotypes and misconceptions people might have about disability," Harris said. "When you see real people living full, contributing lives, you'll move beyond seeing disability through the lens of pity or inspiration and recognize it as a natural part of human diversity." Harris and Cassel want to motivate everyone to create more inclusive communities, workplaces and relationships. "This film gives people with disabilities a platform to share their own experiences directly," Harris said. "For too long, others have spoken for the disability community." The film will be shown during a private premiere party on Sept. 12. After that, the public will be able to view it on Facebook at the TEAMS Advance or Cassel Care pages. "We are looking forward to this event and we hope viewers will walk away with a deeper understanding and feel motivated to join the movement for disability inclusion," Cassel said. The duo is still accepting sponsors and donors for the film premiere and future education. Email erica@teamsadvance.com or casselcare@outlook.com or call 419-901-0688 for more information.