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Since 1975, federal law has given students with disabilities the right to attend class
with non-disabled students, a process called inclusion. In 1991, Peter Gwazdauskas, a third
grader with Down syndrome, became one of the first students with severe disabilities to
attend classes at his southern Virginia elementary school, an experience that was
documented in Gerardine Wurzburg's HBO special "Educating Peter."
"Educating Peter" made strides for the disabilities rights movement, and won an
Oscar® in the Documentary Short Subject category, but did not tell the whole story. When
Peter entered sixth grade, Wurzburg returned to Blacksburg, Va., to continue filming him. For
seven years, as Peter grew from an adolescent to an adult, she chronicled his life, capturing
both daily occurrences and formative events, from sixth grade through high school graduation.
GRADUATING PETER invites viewers to take a
walk in Peter's shoes and offers a glimpse into a world seldom seen. This unflinchingly honest film includes
scenes that show Peter confronting depression, loneliness and the limitations of his disability.
His deficient speech and communication skills often make it difficult for him to be assimilated at
school, isolating him from his peers, while others' dismissive attitudes and lack of respect can
jeopardize Peter's progress.
GRADUATING PETER also shows Peter emerging from his shell, gaining
acceptance from his peers, and enjoying classic high school moments. In his senior year,
Peter becomes the manager of the varsity boys soccer team, escorts another student to the
senior prom, and, to the cheers of his classmates, graduates with a Certificate of Attendance.
The film is a testament to those on the frontlines fighting for Peter's rights, especially his
mother Judy. In meeting after meeting, she checks in with Peter's teachers, makes plans for
his transition to high school, and later, into the community, and struggles to treat his complex
medical problems. Through it all, Judy is there for Peter, waging a constant battle to build the
best future for her son.
At the end of GRADUATING PETER, that future is not clear. It will not be without
challenges, but Peter has learned enough life and job skills to give himself a fighting chance for
independence, and a full life.
GRADUATING PETER was directed and produced by Gerardine Wurzburg;
additional directing by Grady Watts; associate producer, Ali DeGerome; cameraman, Gary
Griffin; sound recordist, Robert Silverthorne; editor, Barbara Ballow; original music composed
by Geoff Muldaur. For HBO: supervising producer, Julie Anderson; executive producer,
Sheila Nevins.
Academy Award ® and Oscar ® are registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
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