The film is about Joanne Sansome, a disability activist who has fought hard to be recognised as a campaigner, educator and published social researcher. It captures conversations between Joanne and her friend and colleague, Professor Joe Duffy, and is an inspiring account of the journey to activism, from an inspirational woman.
It is being made public after it premiered on the 1 December 2023, at a special event attended by Joanne and Joe’s friends, family and colleagues from across the disability, health, education and public service sectors.
Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Joanne dreamt of studying graphic design at University and living in America. In the film she discusses her experience of breaking down the barriers she faced, her journey to becoming a disability activist and how in doing so she has influenced social work education in Northern Ireland. She also gives her account of how the Covid-19 pandemic increased inclusion for many people living with a disability and shares her ambitions to pursue research at University now she has completed her Masters in Social Research Methods.
It offers a glimpse into Joanne’s life, difficult challenges and shows step by step how she found a way through a far from easy educational system and how she eventually flourished. Today, she is passionate and determined to make a difference in the world of social work education and disability activism by ensuring people with a disability in Northern Ireland and beyond are able to exercise their rights.