COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council will offer free virtual screenings of the award-winning "Hearts of Glass" documentary in April to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month.
The screening had previously been scheduled for April 2020 at Gateway Film Center but was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The film showcases the employment of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and highlights the importance of competitive wages and inclusive employment in a high-tech vertical greenhouse known as Vertical Harvest.
"This is a wonderful documentary that tells the story of the intersection of innovative sustainable farming and inclusive employment opportunities for people of all abilities," said Marc J. Tassé, director of the Nisonger Center, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
The film can be streamed anytime between April 9 and April 17 at watch.showandtell.film/watch/osu-nisonger. In addition, viewers can join a virtual panel discussion at 4 p.m. on April 15 with the filmmaker, Vertical Harvest employees, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Ohio DD Council and the Nisonger Center.
"The Ohio DD Council is proud to partner with The Ohio State University Nisonger Center for the premier of 'Hearts of Glass,' an inspirational film for others to learn about meaningful employment for people with disabilities," said Carolyn Knight, executive director of the Ohio DD Council.
Other partners in the event are Art Possible Ohio, the Autism Society of Central Ohio, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Gateway Film Center and the Ohio Self-Determination Association.
"We're delighted that the Nisonger Center and its partners are using 'Hearts of Glass' to catalyze vital conversations about the need for competitive employment and community inclusion," said Jennifer Tennican, director and producer of the film.
