When Cristina Rubke arrived at the Storytellers for Good launch event in March to talk about B.A.A.D.S (Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors), the crowd was silenced by her presence alone.  Wheelchair bound and with no use of her arms or legs, the San Francisco attorney moved the audience with her quiet confidence and passion for a non-profit that provides people with a wide range of disabilities a most unique opportunity to sail on the San Francisco Bay.

We chose to tell this story, not just because of the amazing characters who sail with BAADS and the great work of their organization, but also because of the lessons they have to teach a much greater audience  about overcoming the greatest of obstacles. Despite blindness, autism, living with paralysis or as dwarfs, these extraordinary sailors get out on the bay every weekend.  With special devices and straps… and the help of both the able bodied and each other, they indeed challenge all assumptions about what it means to be disabled.

“The great thing about it…is that the focus in on sailing not the disability. The fact that you have a disability is a side point,” says Rubke.

In this case we felt the “story” was not just about one sailor (although separate documentaries could be made about each). Instead it was about the collective efforts of a variety of people with diverse disabilities…and abilities who come together to make the seemingly impossible, possible. Photojournalist Paul Fifield and I took time to get to know each. We got on and off boats and delved into their personal perspectives to get  a first hand look at what they face everyday: stares from strangers, dependence on the help of others and an unmistakable distinction of being different that they each owned in their own way. Our story provides just a glimpse of each…but one we hope will move and inspire viewers as well as help this small non-profit continue to raise funds for many voyages to come.

Here is the finished story: