ReelAbilities, the Houston Disabilities Film Festival, will be coming to the Bayou City Feb. 9–12, 2015, and all secondary teachers are invited to take advantage of it by scheduling free movie screenings on their campuses or at local movie theaters. Teachers can begin signing up for a screening on Jan. 15.

The goal of the festival is to demonstrate that disabilities don’t have to mean a life defined by what one can’t do. Each film highlights the story of everyday people living productive, satisfying lives, having overcome or learned to adapt to the limitations created by their conditions.

Among the inspirational stories is a film entitled “Henry O!” about Enrique Oliu, who serves as the official Spanish-language announcer for the Tampa Bay Rays. Although blind since birth, Oliu uses his acute sense of hearing to interpret what’s happening on the baseball field and shares his perceptions with listeners.

A number of programming options are available for schools through ReelEducation, including two in which students can actually speak with the stars of the films after the screenings. For details, please see this flyer (.pdf) or visit the link above. Questions may be directed to Jess Faerman at 713-667-9336 x208 or reelabilities@jfshouston.org.