Being Michelle_01
Being Michelle_01 “Being Michelle” is a documentary about a deaf woman with autism who survived incarceration and abuse in north central Florida, and now uses her artwork to depict the trauma she survived and heal from her past.
Her story highlights gaps in accessibility for deaf and disabled people in the justice system. While her experiences unfolded within north central Florida justice systems and Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, the filmmakers say this is a nationwide issue.
Traditional communication methods can be challenging for Michelle Ricks. Instead, she uses artwork to express the trauma she survived in the north central Florida justice system.
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Watch video and read the story on Youth Today
Her story highlights gaps in accessibility for deaf and disabled people in the justice system. While her experiences unfolded within north central Florida justice systems and Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, the filmmakers say this is a nationwide issue.
Traditional communication methods can be challenging for Michelle Ricks. Instead, she uses artwork to express the trauma she survived in the north central Florida justice system.
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Watch video and read the story on Youth Today
Being Michelle_02
Being Michelle_02 The documentary team says Michelle Ricks played a key role in the film’s making. “Finally, she has a voice. And finally, people are listening to her,” Director Atin Mehra says.
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Being Michelle_03
Being Michelle_03 Much of Michelle’s criminal record may have been caused by breakdowns in communication. At one point in the documentary, she recounts trying to report a terrible assault she just survived. Instead, she was arrested and sent to jail.
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Being Michelle_04
Being Michelle_04 Director Atin Mehra says they tried to get all sides to the story, including speaking with other women who had been incarcerated or worked as officers at Lowell prison.
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Being Michelle_05
Being Michelle_05 For the first time in her life, Producer Mae Thornton Mehra says, Michelle Ricks is dreaming of living independently.
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson
Central Florida
Photo: Courtesy Atin Mehra
Story caption: Katie Hyson
© Atin Mehra and Katie Hyson