Film

Coded Generations

As soon as children with special needs enter the public school system they receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and a code such as intellectually disabled, emotionally disturbed, specific learning disabled, developmentally delayed, autistic or other health impaired. Children without IEPs are labeled as Gifted & Talented or fall into the “typical” group. The vague definitions of IEP codes shape their education experience by influencing what they learn, who they interact with, and how their educators and peers perceive their abilities.

Beyond graduation, the experiences resulting from these labels follow them into the workforce where they encounter obstacles in reaching employment potential.  The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is more than double the rate for their peers. Approximately 6,590,000, or 7% of American students attending public school between ages 3 and 21 have an IEP and many of these children will aspire to become productive members of our workforce. What opportunities will await them? Will the American workplace be ready to employ this steadily increasing number of individuals with special needs?

Coded Generations will follow the path of individuals with special needs from their first friendships in kindergarten classrooms to successful careers. These children and adults, as all of us, have vast potential if given a chance. Although they may encounter more obstacles along the way, Coded Generations will argue that their futures are worth greater investment from their communities, service providers and schools and that given the opportunity they can, and will, make contributions to this society that far exceed most expectations.