Character and Characters - Otis Library Event

Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000

Norwich …………… The Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project, in collaboration with the Otis Library, will be presenting the exhibit “Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000” at the Otis Library in Norwich from October 1 through October 29, 2010. The Opening Reception will be Friday, October 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The reception will include a poetry reading in the atrium by Sarah Rizzuto from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sarah will read deeply personal work reflective of her own experience as a young woman with a disability. Musical interludes will be played by guitarist Matthew Pirie. The reading will be sign language interpreted.

This documentary exhibit explores the unique and significant contributions to the State's disability rights movement by residents of eastern Connecticut, many living and/or working in the greater Norwich area. Guided by the principle that disability is as much a political and cultural status as a medical condition, these remarkable figures influenced the remaking of the built environment; the passage of significant legislation; the development of independent living strategies; and the transformation of popular attitudes toward disability.

This being eastern Connecticut, the State's flagship region of eccentricity, it is not surprising that many of these spirited individuals were as amusing as they were effective! From the one-man-show advocate whose group consisted of himself as President and entire membership, to the activist minister who defied every stereotype with tenacity and wit, these are people whose engagement with life was complete and indefatigable. Some have passed away; others are still at it, living rich and politically active lives that confound expectations.

If you would like to view the exhibit during the days following the reception, please contact the library at (860) 889-2365 to ensure that the room is free during your visit.

A descriptive tour of the exhibit for people with visual and reading disabilities will be offered on Saturday, October 9 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Advance registration is required! If interested, please contact Elanah Sherman by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6 at elanahs@gmail.com or (860) 383-2322.

The Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project is sponsored by the Norwich Arts Council and the Otis Library. The Otis Library is located at 261 Main Street in Norwich, CT.

For information about access and parking, please contact Elanah.