Smiling Again

A law change in the 1980s gave mentally-handicapped children the right to be educated at New Zealand state schools. This 1991 doco examines the pros and cons of mainstreaming special needs children, by looking at the schooling of severely brain-damaged child Jessica Palmer. Teachers both for and against mainstreaming are interviewed, alongside Jessica's parents. Palmer's teacher Sue Dunleavy admits there have been noise issues at times, but thanks to Jessica's presence her classmates have "learnt acceptance and caring and understanding, and it's taken the fear away."

Key Cast & Crew

Tom Finlayson

Director, Producer

Chris Gurr

Editor

David Caldwell

Camera

Lorelei Mason

Reporter

Paul Stent

Sound

Marcia Russell

Associate Producer