I am Harry I work at Mencap and have a Learning Disability. I am a spokesperson/Ambassador and Journalist. I am a self advocate on the rights of people with a Learning Disability. I am also on the Inclusion Europe board and European Platform for Self Advocates Steering group. I am also one of the steering group members at UCL called Standing up for myself (STORM) research group.
I would like to share with you my interview bit.ly/32T8MFl recently did as part of my Journalism work. I was interviewing Hollywood star Shia La Beouf and Zack Gottsagen. The film is about a young man call Zac who has a Learning Disability in the USA instituted in a nursing home as he has no where else to go and denied legal capacity. Until one day he expresses his dream to become a wrestler. One day he escaped his nursing home and was alone in the real world until he saw Tyler who played by Shia La Beouf. First he was annoyed by Zac and than became friends and whilst they were living outside they got by eating peanut butter which has became his wrestling name.
As someone with a Learning Disability its important for me someone like Zack to be seen in a film alongside Hollywood star Shia La Beouf who previously appeared in Transformers as Sam Witwicky. It made me feel great as it also increased my opportunities developing a career in Journalism and good for viewers who are watching the Peanut Butter Falcon movie that will expand supporters of Mencap. But most importantly it has helped to change public attitudes to tackle stigma.
I really think its a great opportunities for viewers to see the film because its entertaining and at the same time raises awareness what people with a Learning Disability can achieve.
Try and find it at your local cinema and it you find out more about the film and People with a Learning Disability use Mencap website. bit.ly/36adqAN
