Read, Watch, Critique:

Film: "Radio" -The Story of James Robert Kennedy
Director: Michael Tollin
Date of Release: Oct 24, 2003

Characteristics of a Person with an Intellectual Disability

Portrayal of James Robert Kennedy “Radio”

Can be caused by genetics, chromosomal differences, maternal infections (rubella),intoxicants (drugs),postnatal diseases, and childhood accidents Refers to delayed intellectual growth that is manifested in immature reactions to environmental stimuli and below average social and academic performance Have difficulties with complex academic material, slower than age-mates in reasoning, making judgements, using memory effectively, and associating and classifying information Individuals scoring below 70 IQ on standardized test of mental ability are considered intellectually disabled Range from mild to profound in severity Mildly intellectually disabled present few if any divergent physical symptoms Minor differences may be seen in measures of health, physical and motor performance Speech and language can also be affected

Unknown cause for intellectual disability, just born that way Able to speak but language is less complex, sentences are short Motor performance mildly affected (walking) Has difficulties in academics and making judgements At times, uses hand gestures and avoids eye contact, lacks social skills Attends a regular grade 11 classroom

The movie "Radio" accurately portrayed an individual with a moderate intellectual disability.  The character exhibited delays in physical, cognitive, communication, and social/emotional developments as well as difficulty in learning and academic achievement.  With help from the coach, Radio became socially accepted, developed better communication skills and was included in a regular grade 11 classroom.  I would highly recommend watching this movie, it's an emotional story based on the true life journey of "Radio" James Robert Kennedy who goes from an intellectually challenged outcast to a well respected individual. Radio not only gains the opportunity to learn, but inadvertently, teaches others how to be a better person, all because someone believed in him.

View the movie trailer at:
www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3232694553/