A Way Out of the Wilderness

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Movie
Original title A Way Out of the Wilderness
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1968
length 30 minutes
Rod
Director Dan E. Weisburd
script Dan E. Weisburd
production Dan E. Weisburd
music Jimmy Bond
camera Jean Mickelson
cut Wilton Chase
occupation

Narrator: Lorne Greene

A Way Out of the Wilderness is an American short documentary film from 1968. It shows the everyday life of children with disabilities at the Plymouth State Home and Training School , Northville , Michigan, and the Woodhaven Christian Home for Children in Columbia , on behalf of the state . Missouri.

The film is about the new approach to dealing with children with disabilities. Instead of locking them up, they are prepared for their return to the outside world in a home in cooperation with their parents and a nearby university. In the home, one tries to focus on the individual's challenges and to make them as independent from outside help and thus as autonomously as possible. The children receive medical care, are instructed if they are suitable and, for example, go shopping in a department store or visit the zoo. However, the film also mentions that such a home can only be the second choice for living with one's family. It also reports on the economic challenges of the homes, because although they can look modern, their practice is crucial. Group solutions due to a lack of staff are criticized and volunteer work is called for so that the severely disabled children can also get more attention. The positive effect of contact with the outside world is mentioned and that it has to show more acceptance so that the children can become a part of it.

The film was at the Oscars 1969 in the category Best Short Documentary nominated.

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