Movie night held to showcase local autism programs

NINA WILLIS, Evergreen reporter

Several community organizations will host a movie night and panel about the impact of autism and support and outreach programs available in the area.

The Disability Action Center NW will show the documentary “Swim Team,” in the Kenworthy Theater as the second film in the Reel Movie Mondays film festival, according to a news release.

The documentary follows the Jersey Hammerheads, a competitive swim team comprised of teens on the autism spectrum. As three members of the team reach adulthood, they find fewer government resources available to them and struggle to reach an independent and inclusive life, according to the news release.

Several organizations will give a presentation before the film to showcase the support and outreach programs available to families on the Palouse. This includes puppies-in-training from Autism Anchoring Dogs, Palouse Area Therapeutic Horsemanship and a community outreach by the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, according to a news release.

The film night will take place at 7 p.m. tonight at the Kenworthy Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the pre-film presentation. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

Reporting by Nina Willis