Producer Jen Plante Johnson on set with her brother Peter Plante, 2022

The cover photo for this project captures a moment in 1975: my infant brother, Peter, held up by my parents, Pat and Maria. Born with Down syndrome and a severe heart defect, doctors told my parents Peter wouldn’t survive his first year. But my parents brought him home to us.

 

I was just 22 months old when Peter was born, so I don’t remember a moment in my life without him shining in it. In March 2025, Peter turned fifty. He works five days a week, loves music of all kinds, dances, swims, passionately cheers on Boston sports teams, and is a cherished son, uncle, and brother.

 

It wasn’t until I became a mom myself that I truly grasped the incredible strength and love my parents poured into raising us — especially Peter. In a world that wasn’t yet accepting of individuals with developmental differences, their bravery and determination to give Peter the best life possible were nothing short of inspiring. And they weren’t alone.

 

In the 1970s, my mother, Maria, and other mothers like Taffy Nothnagle, Wilma Goodhue, Karen Coyne, Norma Grassey, and many others formed the South Shore Mothers Group. They laid the foundation for an ongoing fight for inclusion, safety, dignity, and autonomy — and changed lives, not just in Massachusetts, but in communities across the country.

 

These women were pioneers. To me, they were the mothers I grew up with, the families I cared for, all navigating unique journeys but supporting each other in ways only other parents of children with special needs could understand.

 

This documentary is my way of shining a light on their relentless pursuit of better lives for their children — a pursuit that influenced advocacy far beyond Massachusetts. Their work shows the power of parent advocacy, and even though times have changed, there’s still an urgent need to build inclusive communities, break down stigmas, and provide appropriate support for caregivers in the disabilities community.

 

By giving these mothers a space to share their stories, we recognize the contributions of powerful, resourceful, determined women whose voices and contributions have often been under-represented or minimized. We want this film to spark conversations, amplify the message that everyone — regardless of ability — deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

 

I hope you will join us and become part of our inner circle of supporters, helping us share this important film with the world.

 

Warmly,  

Jen