Local Short Doc Wins at Barbara Jordan Media Awards

The Austin-based creators of a short documentary film about children with dyslexia were honored at this year's Barbara Jordan Media Awards, held on June 12 in the new (still under construction) Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Changing Children's Lives director/co-producer Steve Mims, co-producer Patrick Peyton, and Alice Marsel, Director of Education at the Scottish Rite Learning Center, were honored as the "Special Contribution" award winners for 2008. The film was shot in Austin, and you can view a clip here. The short documentary reflects the experience of young children dealing with variations of dyslexia and the conditions of this learning disability.

After the jump, read more about the Barbara Jordan Media Awards, from the Office of the Governor's website:

"In 1982, a series of prestigious annual awards recognizing outstanding contributions of the Texas communications media was established by the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. These awards recognize individuals and organizations for eliminating attitudinal, social and physical barriers, and for encouraging accurate, respectful and progressive portrayals of people with disabilities. The Barbara Jordan Media Awards acknowledge print, broadcast, and Internet media professionals who accurately and positively report on individuals with disabilities.

"Elements in past winning entries include:

• Portraying people with disabilities as independent and productive.
• Focusing on stories about people first and disability second.
• Using people with disabilities as sources, rather than as examples.

"To be eligible for next year's competition, entries must have been produced and offered to the public between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009 and submitted to the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, by January 15, 2010. Self-submissions are welcome; the Submission Guidelines and Entry Form are already available through the Governor's Committee web page."