June 26 at 7:00 pm CT

In 1982, Judge Bruce Van Sickle issued a series of orders that changed how North Dakota cares for its citizens with developmental disabilities. Hundreds of children and adults left overcrowded institutions to find homes in communities across the state. Thirty years later, Prairie Public is reviewing the historical context and investigating the outcome of that reformation with a new television documentary.

I Am A Person talks with the people who have been most affected by the change—to explore what is possible when people with developmental disabilities are provided with the care they need to live full and happy lives, and to build awareness about how they contribute to their communities through both their work and social capital.

To provide context for the investigation, the documentary also explores the lack of funding that led to appalling conditions, the ARC v. Allen Olson court decision that mandated deinstitutionalization, and the evolution of support programs and community-based living facilities.

Production funding for I Am A Person was provided by the North Dakota Association of Community Providers through a grant from The North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Streaming On Demand

 If you missed the premiere of I Am A Person, you can view this documentary on Prairie Public’s free On Demand service.  Watch Now

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