Written by: Isabella Bullock
The movie Out of My Mind based on the novel Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper debuted on Disney+ on November 22nd. Out of My Mind is a story of Melody Brooks, a 12-year-old disabled girl who has cerebral palsy and is nonspeaking. But although she cannot physically speak she still has a lot to say. Out of My Mind is not just a story but a depiction of reality for the fight of inclusion, advocacy, and belonging which disabled people fight for every day.
In the movie Melody who has spent Kindergarten through fifth grade in a self-contained special education classroom is given the chance to participate in a general education sixth grade social studies class. While this opportunity is exciting Melody, it requires everyone around Melody to change their mindset and allow Melody to leave the “box” everyone put her in. Melody was excited to be given a chance like everyone else and learn along her peers. While navigating her new class and connecting with peers, Melody discovers an ACC device which is a communication device that allows her voice to be heard through a computer. Being able to use assistive technology to communicate allowed Melody’s intelligence to shine.
Although Melody earns her spot on the Whiz Kids team, she is not truly included in team. Even the teacher, Mr. Dimming actively works to not include her. Despite proving herself time and time again, she is left out, ultimately bring the whole team to fail.
With a powerful ending, Melody advocates for herself with her teacher and classmates calling them out on their intentional exclusion and claiming her spot in the classroom.
Out of My Mind is good reminder for all, that disabled voices matter and that our voices NEED to be heard.
In the words of Mrs. V (the Brook’s neighbor), “Just because someone else wipes your ass, does not mean you have to kiss theirs.”