The Johnny Hatch Project

“The Johnny Hatch Project turns disability into art, empowerment and creativity through cinematic storytelling.

The teaser above was originally screened at the United Nations (UN) in New York City to a global audience as part of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

(post-production -coming 2024)

The Johnny Hatch Project is a rare look inside a Los Angeles high school, as a single mother tries to navigate a system that is so focused on all that is wrong with her “developmentally-disabled” son while simultaneously, she is discovering all that is right with him.

This feature-length documentary gives us an up close and personal look into their journey of inclusion in a world where seclusion and segregation is still the “norm” for this community.

It explores the challenges and benefits when students with “disabilities” are included with “gen ed” students, what it takes to create meaningful inclusion, and the profound impact it can have when done correctly, not just for the disabled student, but for all those around him or her.

It shows the daily challenges people with disabilities and their families face in our society but also provides hope and encouragement.

“We often fear what we don't know but when we learn to overcome that fear and open ourselves up to trying something new or different, the results can be completely unexpected. The ripple effect of changing our perceptions is truly life-changing.”