On Richard's Side (ATOM Study Guide)

On Richard's Side (Andrew Wiseman, 2016) is a feature documentary that charts the life story of Richard, a young man with an intellectual disability since birth. The film provides intimate and poignant insights into his parents' determined quest to establish a quality life for their son and themselves. This latest film is the third in a trilogy of documentaries by Wiseman about Richard and his family, following Driving with Richard (1992) and Wonder Boy (2001). It reveals the challenges faced by families who have a child with a complex disability and the difficulties they face in finding the best place for a child to live, particularly as they all become older.

Curriculum Guidelines:
On Richard's Side would be an excellent film to show to middle and senior secondary students across a number of curriculum areas, including:

• Health and Human Development
• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Ethics
• Family Studies
• Humanities
• Disability Studies

Also, for tertiary students undertaking training as support workers, whether in home care situations or other settings such as community housing and healthcare, this film has much to offer.