Human Rights on Screen: Our Hearts Aren’t Disabled

May 13, 2024

Our personal relationships are the stuff of life. Fostering friendships, intimate and romantic relationships can bring meaning to our lives and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. They can also be fraught with complication.

Insights about dating as a person with a disability can expand our understanding of why it is so important to do our part to remove physical and attitudinal barriers to inclusion in all facets of society.

The Commission is excited to be partnering with the Atlantic International Film Festival for another installment in our Human Rights on Screen series. During Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia (May 26 – June 1) Nova Scotians are invited to watch the documentary film “Our Hearts Aren’t Disabled” for free, via AIFF’s online screening platform. You’re also invited to join in a virtual panel discussion featuring filmmaker Josh Dunn and others in discussion about the film’s themes.

About the Film

Our Hearts Aren't Disabled examines the romantic lives and trials of six people living with mobility challenges. Its characters are people of different ages, genders, orientations, and ethnicities. Multi-disciplinary artist Josh Dunn features as both subject and interviewer as he endeavors to shed light on the difficulties he and others face. Sometimes a painful journey filled with heartbreak, Our Hearts Aren't Disabled also features a healthy dose of wit, humour, and perseverance, helping the viewer to see that disability places no barrier on the power and beauty of one's humanity.

Note: Portions of the film contain profanity and comedy touching on subjects like sexuality and intimate partner violence.

Trailer

"Our Hearts Aren't Disabled" can teach us several lessons about creating inclusive communities:

Shifting the Perspective on Disability

The film challenges the idea of disability as a limitation and instead focuses on the social barriers that prevent people with disabilities from full participation. This reframing helps us see disability as a societal issue, not a personal one.

Importance of Accessibility

‘The documentary highlights the importance of physical accessibility in creating inclusive spaces. This includes ramps, elevators, and accessible washrooms, but also encompasses aspects like clear signage and good lighting.

Inclusion Beyond Physical Needs

True inclusion goes beyond just physical accessibility. The film emphasizes the need to create welcoming and supportive environments where people with disabilities feel valued and empowered to participate in all aspects of community life.

Strength in Shared Humanity  

"Our Hearts Aren't Disabled" showcases the talents, dreams, and aspirations of people with disabilities. By centering their stories, the film reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of building communities that embrace everyone's contributions.

Panel Discussion

Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Panelists

Join in an online panel discussion taking place on Zoom as Josh Dunn, Vicky Levack and Tammy Bernasky share their perspectives on themes highlighted in the documentary film Our Hearts Aren’t Disabled.