Crip Camp

Crip Camp poster

Crip Camp

Crip Camp is a documentary film released in 2020 that focuses on the story of a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities in the 1970s. The camp, known as Camp Jened, was located in upstate New York and became a pivotal place for many young people with disabilities to come together, form friendships, and advocate for their rights.

History

Camp Jened was established in the early 1950s and quickly gained a reputation for its inclusive environment that welcomed campers with various disabilities. The camp provided a space where individuals could participate in activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and social events without facing the discrimination and barriers they often encountered in their daily lives.

Impact

The experiences at Camp Jened had a profound impact on many campers, empowering them to challenge societal norms and fight for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The friendships and connections formed at the camp also played a significant role in shaping the disability rights movement in the United States.

Legacy

The legacy of Camp Jened lives on through the activism and advocacy efforts of its former campers, many of whom went on to become leaders in the disability rights movement. Their work has led to important legislative changes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed in 1990 and prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life.

Documentary

Crip Camp was directed by James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham and produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground Productions. The film combines archival footage from Camp Jened with interviews of former campers and staff members to provide a powerful and inspiring look at the impact of the camp and the broader disability rights movement.

Reception

Crip Camp received critical acclaim for its storytelling and portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of individuals with disabilities. The film won the Audience Award for U.S. Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.