Killingly High School, 226 Putnam Pike, Killingly, CT

The documentary kicks off EASTCONN's disABILITY Empowerment Series, celebrating youth with disabilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dona Prindle

dprindle@eastconn.org

860-455-1553

The Ride Ahead: Documentary Screening Launches EASTCONN disABILITY Empowerment Series

Hampton, CT – EASTCONN presents a free screening of THE RIDE AHEAD on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Killingly High School, 226 Putnam Pike, Killingly, CT. The documentary kicks off EASTCONN’s disABILITY Empowerment Series, celebrating youth with disabilities. The PG-rated film is open to ages 12 and up, featuring open captions and available audio description. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible with ample accessible parking.

Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Dan and Samuel Habib chronicle 21-year-old Samuel’s journey toward independent living. The documentary follows Samuel as he seeks guidance from accomplished mentors in the disability community, including comedian Maysoon Zayid, ADA pioneers Judy Heumann and Bob Williams, Tony winner Ali Stroker, and other prominent activists.

The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with a Transition to Adulthood Fair, connecting students and families with support agencies. Free pizza will be served during the fair. The 6:00 p.m. film screening will be followed by a guided discussion led by youth with disabilities.

This free event is sponsored by LikeRightNow Films, Killingly High School and EASTCONN. While pizza and water are complimentary, baked goods will be sold to support local students with disabilities. The event will also collect donations for Paws Cat Shelter CT, where students volunteer regularly.

“We created this documentary and our impact campaign so that millions of young adults with disabilities will feel more seen and heard, and find their own mentors.” says Samuel Habib. “I learned from my mentors that it’s not easy to be an adult with a disability. But as Maysoon Zayid told me, ‘You are not alone. Find your community.’”

Reserve your free tickets by March 21, 2025 at https://tinyurl.com/eastconnTRA.

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Samuel Habib co-directed the Emmy Award-winning My Disability Roadmap, a 2022 New York Times Op-Doc. The film was a Critics Choice nominee and featured at festivals including Hot Docs, Doc NYC, and Hot Springs. Samuel was also a story consultant on the nationally broadcast film Mr. Connolly Has ALS and has presented nationally on disability rights. Samuel is a college student who navigates significant, chronic health challenges due to his underlying GNAO1 Neurodevelopmental Disorder. He works at the Westchester Institute for Human Development.

EASTCONN is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut's schools and communities since 1980.