The Key of G: new PBS documentary
November 5, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
21-year-old Devon Carmans has an apartment of his own in the federally subsidized ABC Apartments on Corte Arango in El Sobrante, California; he has a roommate and a regular support staff. Gannet is 22 years old and has physical and developmental disabilities; in the film The Key of G he moves out of his mother’s apartment and into a new living arrangement:
……he leaves his mother’s home to share an apartment with a close-knit group of artists and musicians who support him, not only as paid caregivers, but also as friends. Together they create a uniquely successful model of supported living, and a compelling alternative to institutionalized care.
You can watch a trailer of The Key of G at the Newsday reports that some 162 new residential beds for the “severely disabled” will be added at five sites on Long Island. It is hoped that students who had been housed at out-of-state centers—-including the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, Massachusetts—-can be brought back to New York State, and nearer to their families.
I happened to be having insomnia (probably worrying about my boys’ future) when I caught this show at about 4 AM. It was so moving–especially the way his care-givers related to him. I hope they replay it at an hour when more people will see it.
I’d really like to see it—it’s not scheduled to play in New Jersey, last time I checked. I was especially interested after seeing the scenes with Gannon and the musicians.
I saw this documentary last night as I was winding down for bed. It was a long hard day for me. Despite how tired I was I could not stop watching this documentary. A day for Gannon & his caregivers brings to light what challenges really are. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing and reminding us all how precious life and loving is.
This documentary was on late one night as i came across it. I was glued to the screen for every minute of it. 4 years ago i left my job in the developmental disabilities field for a job making more money. More money does not =happiness. This movie made me reflect back on my job and all the great memories i had with some of my friends who were like mr. g. The memories were full of trying moments and at times wonderful happiness and conquering of incredible obstacles. This movie is inspiring and full of hope, well done and thank you. I was also wondering about some of the musical artists who provided the soundtrack.
I found the movie enlightening, inspiring, soothing—so much from the music, the use of the drawings. The website for the film—
http://www.lateralfilms.com/keyofg/
has a link to contact the director, Robert Arnold.
I know what you mean about “More money does not =happiness”—a cliché, but I’ve never felt so rich as in our years with my son Charlie.
Thank you!
I just watched the moving trailer and will most likely get the DVD. The website says they are looking for caregivers for G.