Glenbard Parent Series to premiere film on the power of words March 3-4

On March 3-4, the Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will host screenings of the new documentary "The R Word: The Power of Words and the Power of Love," with filmmaker Amanda Lukoff.

On Tuesday, March 3, see this award-winning documentary and hear from Lukoff at 7 p.m. at Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

There will be two additional presentations of this film. Lukoff will showcase her film at 9:30 a.m. March 4 at the District 41 Central Services office, 793 N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn.

Lukoff will lead a discussion targeting parents, caregivers and teachers of children, age 3 to 8.

There will be a repeat showing of the film at noon March 4 at Glenbard South High School, 23W200 Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn. Lukoff will lead a discussion following the film.

These free events will coincide with the national End the R Word Campaign and are open to the public. Students are encouraged to attend.

Lukoff grew up advocating for her sister Gabrielle, especially whenever she heard the word retard. In her film, she unravels the history and lasting effects of this ugly label through the lens of her experience as a sibling.

The film takes a purposeful look at the lasting implications of the R-word and exposes current attitudes and perceptions about people who have intellectual and developmental challenges.

Continuing professional development units are available for these events.

GPS is generously sponsored by the Cebrin Goodman Center, Community Consolidated School District 93 Birth to 5 Community Coalition, Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE), College of DuPage, DuPage Medical Group, Emmy Gaffey Foundation, Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative, Holiday Inn/Carol Stream, and the Prevention Leadership Team of the DuPage County Health Department.

For information, visit www.glenbardgps.org or contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at (630) 942-7668 or gilda_ross@glenbard.org.