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We Regret to Inform You...

In a check-box society that functions by dividing us into neatly-defined categories, where does someone with a strong mind and a weak body fit in? Dr. Heidi Janz - award-winning playwright, accomplished academic, and self-described ‘crip’ – has a curious problem. Despite her obvious physical limitations she is denied financial assistance from government programmes because of her “productive” mind. Following Heidi through her everyday life, with all its unique responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges, We Regret to Inform You... offers an unsentimental, and unapologetic, look at what it means to be both “disabled” and “productive”.
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In a check-box society that functions by dividing us into neatly-defined categories, where does someone with a strong mind and a weak body fit in? Dr. Heidi Janz - award-winning playwright, accomplished academic, and self-described ‘crip’ – has a curious problem. Despite her obvious physical limitations she is denied financial assistance from government programmes because of her “productive” mind. Following Heidi through her everyday life, with all its unique responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges, We Regret to Inform You... offers an unsentimental, and unapologetic, look at what it means to be both “disabled” and “productive”.

Health and Medicine People with disabilities All subjects
  • writer
    Eva Colmers
    Heidi Janz
  • director
    Eva Colmers
    Heidi Janz
  • producer
    Bonnie Thompson
  • executive producer
    David Christensen
  • editor
    Scott Parker
  • director of photography
    aAron Munson
  • additional photography
    Jimmy Bustos
    Scott Parker
  • sound recordist
    Larry MacDonald
  • audio post production
    John Blerot
    Mike Sanders
  • composer
    Everett LaRoi
  • musician
    Everett LaRoi
  • transcription
    Sharon Murphy
  • voice-over
    Melissa Thinglestad
  • participant
    Heidi Janz
    Carlene Bellerose
    Tyler Munro
    Pat Langner
    Vern Thiessen
    Stacy Cabral
    Awkward Parker-Janz
  • colourist
    Herman Ansink
  • online editor
    Kody Davidson
  • motion graphics
    Kim Clegg
  • program administrator
    Ginette D'Silva
  • production coordinator
    Faye Yoneda
    Jasmine Pullukatt
  • marketing manager
    Leslie Stafford
  • production supervisor
    Mark Power
  • centre operations manager
    Darin Clausen

Education

Ages 16 to 18
School subjects
Civics/Citizenship - Human Rights Health/Personal Development - Bullying & Discrimination Social Studies - Law Social Studies - Social Policies and Programs

Ideal for essays, debates and class discussions on the role of government in offering social programs and health care. Explain Heidi Janz’s situation, and why she needs government support. What is the responsibility of the government for an individual such as Heidi Janz, in terms of financial support, medical support, nursing and caregiving, or other forms of support? If budgets for social-assistance programs are limited, how do we determine who receives benefits and who does not?

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