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Against the Odds: Beyond Thalidomide

28 minutes 3 seconds

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Man with no arms and shorter legs uses a beach wheelchair, smiling at us with the ocean behind him at sunset.

The video "Against the Odds: Beyond Thalidomide" from the "Against the Odds" series offers an inspiring exploration of resilience and identity through the life of Barry de Geest, born with no arms and short legs due to Thalidomide. Thalidomide, prescribed in the 1950s to treat morning sickness, caused severe birth defects affecting approximately 10,000 babies worldwide. Despite the challenges, Barry defies conventional perceptions of disabled individuals by living an independent, fulfilling life. The video delves into social psychology concepts such as self-perception and social awareness, illustrating the societal tendency to treat those with disabilities as 'different.' Barry's journey of overcoming adversity showcases resilience, while advocating for recognition and understanding of disabled individuals. His story is a poignant reminder of the human spirit's capacity for growth amidst adversity, emphasizing the importance of empathy, acceptance, and disability awareness in society.

Media Details

Runtime: 28 minutes 3 seconds

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Boy lays in hospital bed with man and woman leaning over him. Man marks two points on boy's leg with hands.
Against the Odds
Episode 1
28 minutes 25 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Mary, a blind woman, swims the butterfly stroke in an Olympic-sized pool. Her arms are out like big wings and her head is lifted out of the water. She wears black goggles and a black swimmer's cap as water splashes up around her.
Against the Odds
Episode 2
28 minutes 7 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Woman stands with arms crossed in a dance studio. Group of individuals look on with their backs facing camera while one of them claps.
Against the Odds
Episode 3
27 minutes 45 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Two boys face each other, one pointing to the other with lips parted in mid-speech. Ladybug hangs on wall with peeling paint behind them.
Against the Odds
Episode 4
27 minutes 2 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Sarah, a deaf woman, leans over a kitchen table as she holds a sippy cup in her hand. Her toddler stands on a chair at the table with a bowl in front of him. They appear to be using sign language.
Against the Odds
Episode 5
28 minutes 40 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Man with no arms and shorter legs uses a beach wheelchair, smiling at us with the ocean behind him at sunset.
Against the Odds
Episode 6
28 minutes 3 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Anthea, a woman with cerebral palsy, uses a power chair next to a man who sits with his arms crossed. She looks over at him with a big smile. There are other people around in wheelchairs.
Against the Odds
Episode 7
28 minutes 10 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Andy, a middle aged man with Parkinson's wearing a suit and glasses, holds open a door for a young girl with a pink backpack on.
Against the Odds
Episode 8
29 minutes 33 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Inside of an airplane, Charlotte, an eleven-year-old girl with amputated arms just above the elbow, and an older man wearing a blue helmet and sunglasses look at us. There are several other men in the plane behind them. They are all dressed in skydiving gear and Charlotte nervously smiles at us.
Against the Odds
Episode 9
29 minutes 13 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Close up on Noel, a girl with spinal muscular atrophy, holding a Nikon camera up to her face.
Against the Odds
Episode 10
29 minutes 32 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12