Picture This was created in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, within the Healthy Generations Family Support Program. This moving project - originally intended as part of a Photovoice exhibit - addresses the life experiences of parents of Children with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
As a professional therapist I meet all kinds of people. When parents and people come to me, I am supposed to say "I understand." The reality that i have learned over 22 years is that I can never really "understand" because I have never really been there. What I have learned is that it is better to say "Help me to understand."
This video did just that: it helped me to understand just a bit better. Thank you to all who had the courage to share their stories. You have helped me to understand and appreciate FASD more.
Could I obtain a copy of the short video that addresses the life experiences of parents of Children with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)? I gather it was filmed at Sioux Lookout by mother there.
I hope you never have to take this down. I have found my way to it twice and each time it is like seeing it anew - I see different things in it. It IS very lonely out here! Thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts in such a beautiful form to lessen my loneliness within FASD. Jackie in Wisconsin
I just finished watching the new movie Marely and Me. After the husband and wife find out they are pregnant they celebrate one evening with a glass of wine for each of them. Tragic mainstream mixed message.
For the other comment about monitoring and locking up women, that was a real shame it shows that further education is needed around social factors that lead to FASD what an oppressive and discouraging comment; women have been subjected enough to laws against their bodies. FSAD is not a "gendered" problem.
This was an awesome outreach video! My heart was aching as I watched this. I too am raising children affected by Alcohol and know so well the challenges they and their caregivers face everyday. Thank you for doing this project.
An amazing, compassionate, thought provoking and heart wrenching piece of work. Deyanna - I, too, am a birth mum. My son is almost 24 and was diagnosed with FAS when he was 20. Your words made me cry. They are so true and we will always feel the guilt and pain of our childrens' struggles. How can we not? The world will never know or understand about FASD until it starts to LISTEN. Well done, all of you, for this brilliant creation, which I will be forwarding on to many.
Thank you all for the courage and strength to make this video. I hope that it will get world wide recognition. One person asked about prevention - this is prevention! Awareness is key. This was so beautifully done, bittersweet and thought provoking at the same time.
Is this available for purchase? It could be so useful in our FASD Parent Support group as the message is true for everyone raising or caring for a child/youth with FASD.
Thank you again for making such a wonderful video. I will share it with everyone I know!
Although the film did help me to appreciate the struggles that children with FASD and their families must endure in their day-to-day lives, and the necessity of providing them with adequate support, for me a piece of the puzzle was missing. In theory FASD is a preventable disease, yet babies affected by alcohol are still being born. I would have liked to hear these women's thoughts on how we might work together to prevent others from having to go through what they are going through. Would it make a difference if young women heard the unvarnished truth about the potential consequences of drinking and becoming pregnant from someone who is living it?
I would just like to thank you all for taking this leap forward and making this video. As an adoptive mom of two girls with FASD this really rings true with me. As said before this would be a great educational tool for seminars on FASD. There is definately a great need for support and services for families of children with FASD, as well as, thoughs living with FASD. Thank you once again for your courage in making this wonderful tool to possibly help with understanding the challenges that parents and families go through when dealing with children and adults affected by FASD.
GREAT JOB !!!
I would really like to get a copy of this video to use to help educate some of the educators in our school system. As well as for our support group.
I'm one of the mom's on Photovice.Thank you for your feedback, the way that photovoice has impacted lives, continues to astound us, as it awakens hearts, challenges understanding, and provides hope. We are not alone, and thank you for taking the time to respond. We can all come away blessed for reaching out in each others lives.
This video was so home-hitting - it touched on all aspects that a child experiences!! I am a FASD educator and would like to use this video as a teaching tool. Also, if anyone needs a diagnosis we have a FASD diagnostic clinic and do assessments. Just call me at (613) 575-2341 ext: 3207.
What a wonderful project. Congratulations to the women who had the courage to tell their story, you really have done a service to all of us to allow us to see things from your point of view. FASD children and their families are so misunderstood and the creation of this photo project and video is a step in the right direction!
While I was pregnant it amazed me how many people would encourage me to have a drink... "What's the harm?", "My Mother did!" and "It's only bad if you get drunk" were just some of the things I heard, especially while travelling to the US and Europe. It just shows that there is a real lack of education about this very important issue and thanks to projects like this people may come to a greater understanding of how to prevent it and how to support those living with FASD in their lives.
Sioux Lookout, Picture This
Wow, what an amazing video. The honesty and courage from the mothers to speak about their lives and the children affected is an inspiration for others.
I really enjoyed the short, simple words and everyday pictures that are real. This is the kind of material that needs to be more available to families.
Meegwetch!!
Thank you for making this wonderful video! I've sent the link to all my children's teachers, other professionals who work with them, and to extended family. What an insight you all provide!
I do hope that you will post this to YouTube so that many others can have access to it.
Hello Bev and all,
We have had many requests from people who want to use this as an educational tool. Yes, of course you can! We are very excited to see photovoice being used around the world for education and awareness building. We are currently looking into the feasability of producing high resolution DVD copies for distribution. But in the meantime, feel free to use it directly from this web site. You can also contact me directly for more information about accessing an actual copy - We will be working on this. Go to the Healthy Generations Family Support Program link beside film box to find my email.
Judy
Is there a way to share this piece as an educational tool? I know of someone in the UK who would be interested in getting a copy of this work to share over there.
This Photovoice Projecy is awesome.
FASD is just not well known in the USA. Yes people have heard of FASD but do not understand people who have FASD or how to help. This video is so true.
This is a very special piece, not only for the whole world in general,
but in particular for people experiencing FASD, (whether diagnosed or not), for their families, communities and the professional
service providers in their lives.
I wish for Deyanna that she might not blame herself so. It was the alcohol which did this... and we all need help with something in
our lives at some, or many stages, but only some are lucky enough
to get this help.
Thank you for giving this piece to us - it is powerful and it will travel far and wide, it's reached Ireland already! I hope that you can realise how much you are helping and that this knowledge this is some
consolation.
A very moving and intellignet presentation. Congratulations to all involved for providing a tool for understanding the challenges of parenting children affected by FASD.
HI
You are after my own heart with the photovoice project as a tool for social change and social awareness. Well done!
As for the other comment about monitoring and locking up women, that was a real shame - it shows that further education is needed around social factors that lead to FASD... what an oppressive and discouraging comment; women have been subjected enough to laws against their bodies. FSAD is not a "gendered" problem.
It is so true that birth mothers and their children need more support to address issues that bring about FASD. Compassion and understanding will make it possible for them to reach out and ask for the services that they need.
I commend the courage of the women who came forward and hope that this opens the door for other women who may need services for themselves or support for their children.
Great work making this show,the kids and the mothers need more help and compassion.The poor kids who recieved this disease from their mothers poor choices(its so very sad).We should be doing everything possible to avoid this happening to more children!,maybe a agency monitoring pregnant women,one that would lock up women that abuse their unborn children.put them somewhere safe so the unborn children have a chance at a normal life!.
Outstanding work.
An exemplary and compassionate creative work. Kudos to all involved in this effort - you have created a voice that can be heard and understood.
Thank you for sharing - and know that your courage does not go unnoticed.
Comments
Picture this - FASD
by Brett Barager
Thu, 06/03/2010 - 00:32
As a professional therapist I meet all kinds of people. When parents and people come to me, I am supposed to say "I understand." The reality that i have learned over 22 years is that I can never really "understand" because I have never really been there. What I have learned is that it is better to say "Help me to understand."
This video did just that: it helped me to understand just a bit better. Thank you to all who had the courage to share their stories. You have helped me to understand and appreciate FASD more.
B., MSW, RSW
Could I obtain a copy of the
by Cathy
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 20:28
Could I obtain a copy of the short video that addresses the life experiences of parents of Children with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)? I gather it was filmed at Sioux Lookout by mother there.
I am very interested in FASD.
If available, please send a copy to:
Ms. Cathy Closs
440 King St. West,
Kingston, ON
K7L 4Y8
Thank you.
Thank you to all who made this!
by Jackie
Sun, 01/10/2010 - 15:26
I hope you never have to take this down. I have found my way to it twice and each time it is like seeing it anew - I see different things in it. It IS very lonely out here! Thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts in such a beautiful form to lessen my loneliness within FASD. Jackie in Wisconsin
So great ! thanks for
by betclic
Tue, 04/07/2009 - 15:43
So great ! thanks for sharing that kind of video not so usual so so great for us !
great information for my
by kara
Tue, 03/10/2009 - 05:11
great information for my staff and a real learning tool!
Drinking during pregnancy in mainstream movies
by DM
Sat, 01/17/2009 - 15:18
I just finished watching the new movie Marely and Me. After the husband and wife find out they are pregnant they celebrate one evening with a glass of wine for each of them. Tragic mainstream mixed message.
For the other comment about
by Janet Forte
Sun, 12/14/2008 - 19:47
For the other comment about monitoring and locking up women, that was a real shame it shows that further education is needed around social factors that lead to FASD what an oppressive and discouraging comment; women have been subjected enough to laws against their bodies. FSAD is not a "gendered" problem.
Sioux Lookout, Picture This
by Barbara V
Mon, 12/08/2008 - 20:24
This was an awesome outreach video! My heart was aching as I watched this. I too am raising children affected by Alcohol and know so well the challenges they and their caregivers face everyday. Thank you for doing this project.
Picture This
by Tracey in UK
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 13:58
An amazing, compassionate, thought provoking and heart wrenching piece of work. Deyanna - I, too, am a birth mum. My son is almost 24 and was diagnosed with FAS when he was 20. Your words made me cry. They are so true and we will always feel the guilt and pain of our childrens' struggles. How can we not? The world will never know or understand about FASD until it starts to LISTEN. Well done, all of you, for this brilliant creation, which I will be forwarding on to many.
Picture This: Mothers of Children with Fetal Alchohol Syndrome
by Joanne Johnston
Fri, 11/07/2008 - 18:05
Thanks to the National Film Board of Canada for recognizing the quality of this project and the importance of increasing awareness of FAS.
To the Sioux Lookout mothers who participated, congratulations.
I'll be forwarding this to friends everywhere, especially those in education.
Joanne Johnston
Thank you for an amazing video!
by Camille
Thu, 10/09/2008 - 17:58
Thank you all for the courage and strength to make this video. I hope that it will get world wide recognition. One person asked about prevention - this is prevention! Awareness is key. This was so beautifully done, bittersweet and thought provoking at the same time.
Is this available for purchase? It could be so useful in our FASD Parent Support group as the message is true for everyone raising or caring for a child/youth with FASD.
Thank you again for making such a wonderful video. I will share it with everyone I know!
Camille
Thanks!
by HMcCormack
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 18:57
This was a great video, that I would love to show to some of the families I work with. Is it available to order?
Please call 250-395-5155
What about prevention?
by PHN
Mon, 09/15/2008 - 23:43
Although the film did help me to appreciate the struggles that children with FASD and their families must endure in their day-to-day lives, and the necessity of providing them with adequate support, for me a piece of the puzzle was missing. In theory FASD is a preventable disease, yet babies affected by alcohol are still being born. I would have liked to hear these women's thoughts on how we might work together to prevent others from having to go through what they are going through. Would it make a difference if young women heard the unvarnished truth about the potential consequences of drinking and becoming pregnant from someone who is living it?
Hits home and the heart
by SJ
Mon, 06/30/2008 - 02:46
I would just like to thank you all for taking this leap forward and making this video. As an adoptive mom of two girls with FASD this really rings true with me. As said before this would be a great educational tool for seminars on FASD. There is definately a great need for support and services for families of children with FASD, as well as, thoughs living with FASD. Thank you once again for your courage in making this wonderful tool to possibly help with understanding the challenges that parents and families go through when dealing with children and adults affected by FASD.
GREAT JOB !!!
I would really like to get a copy of this video to use to help educate some of the educators in our school system. As well as for our support group.
Keep up the great work.
To all who took time to comment
by cc
Fri, 05/16/2008 - 13:35
I'm one of the mom's on Photovice.Thank you for your feedback, the way that photovoice has impacted lives, continues to astound us, as it awakens hearts, challenges understanding, and provides hope. We are not alone, and thank you for taking the time to respond. We can all come away blessed for reaching out in each others lives.
Video
by Terrie
Mon, 05/05/2008 - 14:23
This video was so home-hitting - it touched on all aspects that a child experiences!! I am a FASD educator and would like to use this video as a teaching tool. Also, if anyone needs a diagnosis we have a FASD diagnostic clinic and do assessments. Just call me at (613) 575-2341 ext: 3207.
Story
by Cd
Fri, 05/02/2008 - 18:24
Thank you.
Thank you!
by JK
Fri, 05/02/2008 - 16:05
What a wonderful project. Congratulations to the women who had the courage to tell their story, you really have done a service to all of us to allow us to see things from your point of view. FASD children and their families are so misunderstood and the creation of this photo project and video is a step in the right direction!
While I was pregnant it amazed me how many people would encourage me to have a drink... "What's the harm?", "My Mother did!" and "It's only bad if you get drunk" were just some of the things I heard, especially while travelling to the US and Europe. It just shows that there is a real lack of education about this very important issue and thanks to projects like this people may come to a greater understanding of how to prevent it and how to support those living with FASD in their lives.
Sioux Lookout, Picture
by Tracy
Mon, 04/21/2008 - 16:33
Sioux Lookout, Picture This
Wow, what an amazing video. The honesty and courage from the mothers to speak about their lives and the children affected is an inspiration for others.
I really enjoyed the short, simple words and everyday pictures that are real. This is the kind of material that needs to be more available to families.
Meegwetch!!
Thank you!
by SGM
Sat, 04/19/2008 - 22:18
Thank you for making this wonderful video! I've sent the link to all my children's teachers, other professionals who work with them, and to extended family. What an insight you all provide!
I do hope that you will post this to YouTube so that many others can have access to it.
Thank you again, and bless you all.
Picture This
by Moxiemaniacs
Fri, 04/18/2008 - 20:29
A truly powerful presentation - thank you to all those who took part in its creation from an adoptive mom of a young adult with FASD.
Photovoice- educational Tool
by Judy
Fri, 04/18/2008 - 18:49
Hello Bev and all,
We have had many requests from people who want to use this as an educational tool. Yes, of course you can! We are very excited to see photovoice being used around the world for education and awareness building. We are currently looking into the feasability of producing high resolution DVD copies for distribution. But in the meantime, feel free to use it directly from this web site. You can also contact me directly for more information about accessing an actual copy - We will be working on this. Go to the Healthy Generations Family Support Program link beside film box to find my email.
Judy
Photovoice Project on FASD
by Bev Eastcott
Fri, 04/18/2008 - 15:49
Is there a way to share this piece as an educational tool? I know of someone in the UK who would be interested in getting a copy of this work to share over there.
FASD Education
by Barbara
Thu, 04/17/2008 - 18:54
This Photovoice Projecy is awesome.
FASD is just not well known in the USA. Yes people have heard of FASD but do not understand people who have FASD or how to help. This video is so true.
Sioux Lookout project by moms of children with FASD
by Michele
Wed, 04/16/2008 - 11:55
This is a very special piece, not only for the whole world in general,
but in particular for people experiencing FASD, (whether diagnosed or not), for their families, communities and the professional
service providers in their lives.
I wish for Deyanna that she might not blame herself so. It was the alcohol which did this... and we all need help with something in
our lives at some, or many stages, but only some are lucky enough
to get this help.
Thank you for giving this piece to us - it is powerful and it will travel far and wide, it's reached Ireland already! I hope that you can realise how much you are helping and that this knowledge this is some
consolation.
Best wishes to you and all your families,
Michele
Beautiful and Thought-Provoking
by CandiK
Fri, 04/11/2008 - 16:42
A very moving and intellignet presentation. Congratulations to all involved for providing a tool for understanding the challenges of parenting children affected by FASD.
Using social work tools
by Tania Z
Thu, 04/10/2008 - 10:06
HI
You are after my own heart with the photovoice project as a tool for social change and social awareness. Well done!
As for the other comment about monitoring and locking up women, that was a real shame - it shows that further education is needed around social factors that lead to FASD... what an oppressive and discouraging comment; women have been subjected enough to laws against their bodies. FSAD is not a "gendered" problem.
Compassion
by DM
Mon, 03/31/2008 - 16:38
It is so true that birth mothers and their children need more support to address issues that bring about FASD. Compassion and understanding will make it possible for them to reach out and ask for the services that they need.
I commend the courage of the women who came forward and hope that this opens the door for other women who may need services for themselves or support for their children.
Great work making this
by kozyjoe
Mon, 03/31/2008 - 13:26
Great work making this show,the kids and the mothers need more help and compassion.The poor kids who recieved this disease from their mothers poor choices(its so very sad).We should be doing everything possible to avoid this happening to more children!,maybe a agency monitoring pregnant women,one that would lock up women that abuse their unborn children.put them somewhere safe so the unborn children have a chance at a normal life!.
Picture This
by MC
Sat, 03/29/2008 - 18:31
Outstanding work.
An exemplary and compassionate creative work. Kudos to all involved in this effort - you have created a voice that can be heard and understood.
Thank you for sharing - and know that your courage does not go unnoticed.
m*
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