Born That Way opens with a group of individuals working on various tasks in a field in Ireland. Moments later, we hear the voice of Patrick Lydon, who talks about his life helping others and explains the importance of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Patrick explains that having a disability is not a health issue, but that individuals “are who they are.” This film follows Patrick’s life’s journey and the extraordinary impact he made on the people and communities around him. It is framed in the last year of his life as he deteriorates with ALS.
As an individual in the disability community, I can relate to this story. It shows the strengths and weaknesses of humanity, and more importantly, the continuing struggle people face in trying to carve out a more diverse and inclusive world. The fight for humanity to create a more inclusive world for people who are not one-dimensional or run of the mill still resonates and is just as relevant today.
Patrick became involved in Camphill, a network of communities where people with and without disabilities live, work, and learn together. In Ireland, these communities served as safe havens where people from all walks of life could come together, feel accepted, feel included and share all aspects of daily life together. They encouraged individuals to connect deeply with each other and, most importantly, learn the value of accepting and supporting people of all abilities, from distinct backgrounds and walks of life. In Camphill, support is not given by the te able to the disabled, it is a mutual exchange in which all parties benefit. In many ways, Camphill reminds me of what Special Olympics, A Place to Be, I’m Determined, and other disability organizations are doing here in America. These groups create places where individuals are not excluded or neglected, but welcomed, taught, respected for what they can contribute and given chances to succeed. They help people with disabilities to be productive in a work environment, how to advocate and create change, how to have real conversations, and how to support others going through tough times.
When I interviewed the director, Éamon Little, he explained that as filming went on, Patrick’s health began to decline due to Motor Neurone Disease. That made it even more important to capture his story while he still had the strength to share it.
Éamon told me one of the things he learned from Patrick was that we are all spiritually whole, and that every person has both strengths and weaknesses, that while some of us have our packaging damaged what’s inside is still a whole human being. For me, that lesson speaks directly to what this film shows: people with disabilities should not only be seen for what they need, but also for what they can teach us about life and community.
Overall, Born That Way is powerful and moving because it shows the ups and downs of Patrick Lydon’s life along with his wife Gladys, while reminding us of the importance of accepting people for who they truly are. Éamon Little did a phenomenal job directing this film, combining interviews with archival footage to tell Patrick’s story in a way that is both honest and hopeful. One of the strongest lessons is that when you help someone in need, they can help you in return, and that communities grow stronger when we pass the torch of inclusion to the next generation.
Born That Way is a film about humanity and one worth seeing. I encourage everyone in our Special Olympics Virginia community to come out and watch it with us. The U.S. premiere will be at the Richmond International Film Festival on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Movieland Theater 2 in Richmond. You can reserve your ticket and seat here: Reserve Tickets.
