That’s what parents of adults with autism around the country are saying about an inspirational new documentary coming to St. Louis's Landmark Tivoli Theatre Wednesday, February 17th.
The film "Programming Hope" features an inside look at the nonPareil Institute — a Texas-based nonprofit technology company that’s providing technical training and jobs in video game design for individuals who have been diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum.
Jack Creamer, the director of "Programming Hope," says, “There is an employment crisis facing adults with autism: 90% are unemployed or underemployed – without a career they’ll need to be supported by family the rest of their lives. NonPareil (NPI) is doing something to address that problem.”
NonPareil is the creation of former professional race car driver and technologist, Dan Selec. When his youngest son was diagnosed with autism, he was inspired to put his technology skills to work in a personal way — to help create a future for his son. The company he started in his kitchen with just a few students has now grown to a staff of almost 200 — learning and working at locations in Dallas and Houston.
Creamer says, "Nonpareil means 'unparalleled, without match, or unequaled', and that's what these students and employees are. They’re creating amazing apps that are being sold in iTunes and Google Play stores.”
Initial screenings of the film have drawn large audiences interested in the film’s uplifting story. Diane Thomas has an adult son on the autism spectrum. She and her husband drove almost 4 hours from Indianapolis to see the film in Columbus, Ohio. "This film is a must-see for others to understand the hope that we have been looking for. It gives an honest glimpse into the struggles and victories these adults and families like ours face every day," says Thomas.
Creamer says, “These are gifted and intelligent people who face often misunderstood communication difficulties or other issues related to living with autism. When those differences are recognized and accepted – it makes all the difference in the world. And that’s what this film depicts.”
As far as his personal take on nonPareil and documenting their journey, Creamer sums it up simply – “This place is truly changing people’s lives – and that’s a great story to tell.”
The February 17th St. Louis premiere of "Programming Hope" will be at the Landmark Tivoli Theatre at 7:30PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the link below.
Tickets: https://www.landmarktheatres.com/Booking/tivoli-theatre/2371533
Watch The Trailer: https://youtu.be/9ZujWUSVR0M
For more information:
www.facebook.com/ProgrammingHope
www.programminghope.com
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
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