External Link External Link

Facing a rapidly progressing form of multiple sclerosis and experiencing a swift decline in his motor skills, Jason soon learns that the harsh restrictions of the US Medicaid system would prevent him from accessing the services he needs to live life as fully as possible, and from being the dad he wants to be for his young son. 

Synopsis

New Yorker Jason DaSilva is facing the life-changing decision of whether to relocate to Austin, Texas to be closer to his young son who has moved with his mother following their recent divorce. Facing a rapidly progressing form of multiple sclerosis and experiencing a swift decline in his motor skills, Jason soon learns that the harsh restrictions of the US Medicaid system would prevent him from accessing the services he needs to live life as fully as possible, and from being the dad he wants to be for his young son. Left with this heart-aching choice, When We Walk, the follow-up to DaSilva’s Emmy Award-winning film When I Walk, reflects on Jason’s own childhood and relationship with his father, making his fight to keep his son resonate even more powerfully.

 

Closed Captioning and live transcription (CART) of the Q&A available. 

“As an authentic, first-hand experience of a person with a disability, When We Walk is a refreshing, essential perspective that achieves what we strive for in our own research and advocacy.”

- Jane Buchanan, Deputy Director, Disability Rights Division, Human Rights Watch

 

To learn more on this topic visit HRW.org
November 4, 2024
Inquiry Needed into Japan’s Flawed Criminal Justice System
November 4, 2024
DR Congo President Suggests Changes to Term Limits

Credits

Jason DaSilva

Director

Jason DaSilva has been a prolific filmmaker for the past 15 years. He has directed four short films (Olivia’s Puzzle, A Song For Daniel, Twins of Mankala, First Steps) and two feature length-documentary films (Lest We Forget and When I Walk). Olivia’s Puzzle premiered at the 2003 Sundance Festival. Three of his films have had national broadcasts on PBS, HBO, and CBC. DaSilva’s latest film, When I Walk, won a 2015 Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Programming, was an Official Selection of the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won Best Canadian Feature at Hot Docs 2013. In 2014, Jason also won three awards: AAPD Mobility Magazine’s Person of the Year, the Paul E. Hearn Leadership Award, and the Christopher Award for Excellence in Film. Currently he is working on a new feature film When They Walk and on AXS Map, a website and accessibility database to find disability friendly places around the world.