Filmmakers document disability services in Mississippi
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New York City filmmakers Meg Case and Brad Porter began documenting disability services in Mississippi after learning about a grant-funded program for nonspeaking students at Mississippi State University.
The project expanded as Case and Porter met families and adults with disabilities throughout the state, revealing a network of support they hadn’t anticipated. They decided to create a documentary series, “Mississippi L.O.V.E.,” to showcase the relationships, challenges, and support systems within the Mississippi disability community. Dr.
Mark Wildmon, who runs the Bridges to Speak program using the picture exchange communication system (PECS), encouraged the filmmakers to broaden their focus beyond his work. Case and Porter interviewed administrators, faculty, and practitioners at the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities (MIoD) and spent time with disabled individuals and their families in their homes. They found a robust system of care and recognized the need for a series to capture the variety of experiences within the community.
The filmmakers released a three-minute trailer on YouTube this fall, with plans to release recurring video features from Starkville, Tupelo, and surrounding areas. “Mississippi L.O.V.E.” aims to provide dignified and honest representation of people with disabilities, countering the tendency to portray them with pity or as inspirational figures. The series’ creators hope to highlight the strong community connections that contribute to Mississippi’s success in disability services.
