“King Gimp”

By Betsy Curry
“King Gimp” is an extraordinary film; there is no other word worthy of description. The Disability Services Office and the Social Justice Committee gave the campus the opportunity to view “King Gimp,” in recognition of National Disability Month.

The film will change your outlook on people with disabilities. When the word disability is spoken it often comes with a negative term, but with the film “King Gimp” negativity is not a factor. The film is based upon a thirteen-year period in which the directors, William A. Whiteford and Susan Hannah Hadary, follow Dan Keplinger, a boy born with cerebral palsy, through his daily dilemmas.

Keplinger started school at age 6 at Ridge School, a school for people with disabilities. Students who attended Ridge School stayed there until they turned 21. Keplinger’s mom felt Ridge School was holding him back and decided, against numerous educators’ beliefs, to mainstream him. The first few days were rough as should be expected, but soon Keplinger used those days as stepping-stones, as he continued his education on a higher level. It was in high school that he became aware of his artistic ability. A headgear equipped with a paintbrush was his source of inner expression.

Keplinger graduated high school and welcomed the challenge of continuing his education. He attended college at Towson University and graduated at the age of 24. Some of his artwork is available at the Phyllis Kind Gallery in New York.