“This Is Not About Me” Film Screening and Q&A with Jordyn Zimmerman

Presented by the School of Education‘s Ganders Lecture Series and Center on Disability and Inclusion, and co-sponsored by Falk College.

What is it like to be autistic and non-speaking in a world that has already made up its mind about you? Jordyn Zimmerman dreamt of becoming a teacher. She started out eager to learn at school, but she was soon separated from the other children. Unable to communicate, teachers thought she was also unable to understand or learn. Year after year, her behavior worsened. She was restrained and placed in seclusion. Jordyn found herself caught in a system that unintentionally turned her life into a living nightmare. Finally, at the age of 18, with the help of educators who see her differently, she manages to turn her fate and flourish.

Filmed in an observational style, This Is Not About Me gives a glimpse into Jordyn’s daily life, difficult moments in her childhood, and interviews with teachers that worked closely with her. Piece by piece, her story reveals how professionals misunderstood her and pushed her deeper into a broken education system. Despite this system, Jordyn thrived, but her story is not one in a million. There are thousands of students like her who have something to say.

Hybrid Event: registration is not required for in-person attendance. Free and open to the public. CART and captioning will be provided.

Register for virtual attendance

Co-sponsors: Karen Colapietro Seybold G’92 and Family, College of Law, Atrocity Studies and the Practices of Social Justice minor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.