Movie Description:

The movie begins with text that reads "Maurice Snell." Maurice Snell is Easter Seals' 2007 Adult Representative. The movie features Maurice and his family, and many different people in his life talking about his time with Easter Seals.

Movie Transcript:

(Action: Close up photo of Maurice)

Jennifer Snell, Mother: Maurice came from a very dark space. A very quiet space.  A very confusing space.  A very frustrating space.  And, that frustration touched our entire family.

Lisa Snell, Sister: I was a little frustrated and not understanding.  Why can’t he speak.  Why is he not speaking, why is he grunting, why is he screaming?

Willie Snell, Father:  We went to all the so-called experts, and they were telling us that he would be institutionalized, as he would never succeed in anything.

Maurice:  My dark years I was sometimes out of control.  I could talk at that time but I didn’t want to speak because I fear for others to think that I am a retarded child.  All of a sudden I feel like Cinderella getting ready to go into (laugher) the bowling ball!  Yes, Alright game time! (Laughter)

Stephen W. Porges, PD.D., Director Drain Body Center, University of Illinois at Chicago:  Individuals with autism have difficulties in socially engaging people, but that is only half the story.  The other half is that people have difficulty relating to them.  Autism, although it’s defined on behavioral dimensions, is really a brain/nervous system disorder. 

F. Timothy Muri, CEO, Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago:   When he first joined our program in the early 90’s, he literally was rolled up in a ball in a corner. He would not speak, you couldn’t touch him.  He wouldn’t interact with kids. 

Barbara A. Zawacki, COO, Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago:  I saw a spark in his eyes that he really wanted to learn, to have friends, and it was just trying to find the right technique to reach him. 

Maurice:  Yeah!  Yeah!

Sheila Cobb, Staff, Easter Seals Therapeutic Day School, Easter Seals brought a lot out of him that was already in him, I believe.  His parents were the support system. 

Jennifer Snell: Easter Seals is part of our family.  We are part of Easter Seals’ Family.  Because Easter Seals came into the life of my child, helped my child to develop into the young man that he is now.

Kristen:  63! Woohoo!

Nick:  I’m surprised, you did pretty good.

Maurice:  Kristen that was great! For a bowler like you. (All laugh)

Sue Zientara, Former Director, Student Success Services, St. Xavier university:  When he was here as a student, he took his learning seriously.  He had goals that he wanted to achieve, and he achieved those.

Barbara:  For him to graduate with high honors from St. Xavier, that’s such an accomplishment. 

Maurice:  I’ve got good news for you, Sue.  I got accepted for a job at Easter Seals. 

Sue:  You did!

Wendy Murphy, School Administrator, Easter Seals Therapeutic Day School:  Here we have your official Letter of Acceptance for your new position. 

Maurice:  OK, I accept your Letter of Acceptance and I will sign right here.

Wendy:  (Claps) Great!
 
Wendy:  He’s a wonderful human being.  He’s a very considerate young man. Everyone is thrilled to have him back.

Terry Bracey, Music Therapy Assistant, Easter Seals Therapeutic Day School: I would like to tell Maurice that you keep on keeping on and just be yourself. 

Nick & Kristen, Friends:  He’s a great guy.  He’s fun and he seems like a good friend.  Like somebody who will always be there for you.  

Terry and Maurice: (Singing) I got so much honey, the bees envy me.  I’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees.  Well, I guess you’d say, “What can make me feel this way?” My girl, my girl, my girl.  Talking ‘bout my girl.  My girl! (Clapping) 

Maurice: Alright.  

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