Side by Side 63

Side by Side is father/filmmaker Ron Taylor's 35-year documentary of the significant moments from infancy to adulthood of his son Micah who lives with severe Cerebral Palsy. Intimately recording on film and video, Ron captured the ups and downs, milestones and challenges, smiles and tears. He also tells the story of the Special Village it takes to nurture a child with Special Needs. Recent interviews with family members, caregivers, therapists and teachers provide narrative commentaries that look back at their work with Micah and provide insight into Micah's significant impact upon their lives while they were influencing his. The film touches on many developments in social attitudes, technology, and education such as reciprocal benefits to caregivers and person-centered learning. Through talks and power-point presentations at conferences and film showings, Ron also shares his "lessons learned" from nurturing Micah with "teachable moments" that go beyond disability to new possibilities for a greater humanity.
From Nancy Weiss:
August 2, 2019
To Whom it May Concern,
I’ve had the joy of viewing Ron Taylor’s films that document his son Micah’s life from birth to adulthood. We so rarely have an opportunity to observe the life of someone growing up over all these years – much less to be allowed access into the life of an amazing young man who has a disability. The film invites us into Micah’s life as well as those of his family, friends and caregivers. We meet Micah through the eyes of his loving family and through the perspectives of the people who were in his life when he was a very young child to those who have supported him as he grew into an adult with a life and perspectives of his own.
The films provide much more than an understanding of what it is like to grow up with a significant disability – we learn from those who have learned and grown through their relationships with Micah over the years. These are not one-way helping relationships but rather rich connections and mutual opportunities for growth and appreciation.
These are films that stick with the viewer over time. They offer new ways of thinking about disability, family and the mutual benefits of caregiving. Taylor’s films open the doors for people to see that a child with disabilities brings love, hope and a rich future. I am extremely enthusiastic in my recommendation of these films. They should be on the 'must see' list for teachers, parents, professionals in the disability field and all who are open to viewing disability through a refreshing new lens.
Sincerely,
Nancy Weiss
Director, National Consortium on Developmental Disabilities

Director - Ron Taylor