Tomorrow, Monday, June 23, 2014, I will be tuning in to see Jason DaSilva’s documentary, When I Walk. Much like the initial onset of my experience with multiple sclerosis, Jason lost the ability to walk. While I responded well to therapy and treatment, Jason was not as lucky.
Throughout the film making process, Jason’s disability increases. When I Walk follows Jason over an five year period. During the five years of filming, Jason goes from being able to walk independently, to needing a cane then wheelchair and eventually a scooter. He also suffered other exacerbations during the filming of this documentary, but wanted to persevere to show the world what it was like to have a degenerative process take over.
“I wanted to capture this transformative experience—becoming disabled—because I hadn’t seen it done before, and people need to see how a degenerative disease impacts the lives of those living with it,” says DaSilva. “My diagnosis was not the end of the world. Instead, it has proven to be a new way for me to see and be in the world.”
“The first scene in the film is of me on the beach with my family. I brought my camera along to film the get-together, but the footage we captured meant more than I could have imagined: I fell down and couldn’t get back up. It was the very first time my M.S. made something in my life go completely awry—the first time it made itself visible and impossible to ignore,” says DaSilva. “What was supposed to be a nice family vacation turned into the inciting incident. Soon after, encouraged by my family, I chose not to ignore my M.S., but to turn my camera on it instead. I had made films all my life, so making a film about the progression of the disease seemed a natural way for me to process the journey.”
I have found in life that we are not always defined by what happens to us, rather how we respond to what has happened. In Jason’s case, he fell in love, got married and along with his wife, Alice, realized the dream of producing this documentary. Their story is warm, heartfelt and humorous at times despite DaSilva’s battle with his progressing MS. Here is a preview of this can’t miss documentary:
Jason and Alice continue their fight against MS as they received a grant to work on AXS Map, which is a map of disability friendly activities around New York City. This pilot program can prove pivotal to those with disabilities worldwide.
DaSilva says, “I’ve discovered that and other new loves since we began filming When I Walk. These days, I’m working on developing AXS Map, a crowd-sourced online tool for sharing reviews on the wheelchair accessibility of buildings in New York City. And while I miss the incredible spontaneity and unlimited access to the city I once had, my diagnosis was not the end of the world. Instead, with a bit of determination, it has provided a new way for me to see and be in the world. This was the basis for the voice and heart that emerged in the film, almost as though the film itself willed it. As director, my role was to foster that spirit, to learn to adapt and to enjoy the ride.”
Thank you to Jason for continuing to inspiring people living with MS, like myself, to strive to achieve bigger things. I will definitely be watching tomorrow night. Here is viewing information about When I Walk and information about AXS Maps.
Viewing Dates: Jason DaSilva’s When I Walk has its national broadcast premiere on Monday, June 23, 2013 at 10 p.m. (check local listings), kicking off the 27th season of the award – winning PBS series POV (Point of View). The film will stream on POV’s website, www.pbs.org/pov/wheniwalk/ June 24 – July 23, 2014.
About AXS Map: In 2011, DaSilva and Cook received a grant from Google Earth Outreach and other foundations to build a prototype of AXS Map (pronounced access map), which uses new media technology to engage, empower, and connect the disability community.Through the AXS Map app and website, users are invited to search for businesses or public places that have accessible features such as entrances and washrooms, and then share their reviews with a 1- to 5-star rating. AXS Map will offer all people—including people with disabilities, seniors, and their supporters—freedom and spontaneity to make decisions about where they eat, shop, work and play.
AXS Map is available online or via mobile web, as well as Android and iPhone applications. It’s free and easy to use. To learn more and start mapping, visit www.axsmap.com. AXS Map recently received the prestigious Google Earth Outreach Developer Award.
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