skip to main content

Against the Odds: Erica Takes Control

28 minutes 48 seconds

Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available. Log In to view the full length title.

Browse Full-length Non-member Titles
Erica, a woman with arm limb differences wearing a peach blouse and navy skirt, walks confidently down a sidewalk next to water and a bright green hill. There is a city in the distance behind her.

The video "Against the Odds: Erica Takes Control," part of the "Against the Odds" series, presents an inspiring story about Erica, who was born with the rare genetic disorder known as Miller Syndrome. Approximately only 40 people worldwide share this condition. Erica shares her experiences growing up in New Plymouth, dealing with misunderstandings about her appearance, and overcoming bullying. Despite over 40 surgeries to address issues related to her genetic condition, including eye surgeries, Erica has learned to embrace her uniqueness. She finds strength through physical activities like Kung Fu and swimming, which aid her physical fitness and mental well-being. Her journey highlights themes of self-awareness, resilience, and social-emotional learning, as Erica not only adapts to her own challenges but also aims to inspire other young people facing similar hardships. This video is an excellent resource for understanding social issues and disabilities.

Media Details

Runtime: 28 minutes 48 seconds

Request a DVD
Members Only - Apply Now
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