Patrice: The Film – A Rallying Call for Marriage Equality for Individuals with Disabilities

Patrice: The Movie is an innovative documentary that blends the elements of a “documentary romantic comedy.” Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8 and available on Hulu on September 30, 2024, this film offers a remarkable narrative that appeals to a broad audience.

Directed by Ted Passon, known for his work on Philly D.A., the documentary is produced by ABC News Studios, ESS Projects, Cedar Road, and All Ages Productions. The film centers on Patrice Jetter, a disabled woman from New Jersey, and her partner Garry Wickham, as they share their life story together.

However, their love story takes a serious turn when they discover that if two disabled individuals marry and cohabit, they risk losing their Medicaid support and Social Security disability benefits, presenting a harsh reality they must face.

Patrice: The Movie sheds light on Patrice’s ongoing struggles against a system that overlooks the basic rights of individuals with disabilities.

The Captivating Real Story Behind Patrice: The Movie

Patrice: The Movie (2024) | Source: IMDB

Filmmaker Ted Passon has had a friendship with Patrice Jetter for over thirty years. In addition to being a passionate advocate for disability rights and a dedicated Special Olympics athlete, Patrice serves as a school crossing guard.

Interestingly, the documentary does not delve deeply into the specifics of Patrice’s disability. It highlights her long-term boyfriend Garry Wickham, who has cerebral palsy, establishing a romantic narrative.

Both in their 50s, Patrice and Garry confront a significant dilemma: if they proceed with their plans to marry, they could lose crucial financial support from Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.

The film firmly embraces the social model of disability, emphasizing that socio-political attitudes create barriers to access for those with disabilities. While we learn about Gary’s cerebral palsy, Patrice’s specific condition remains undisclosed.

This approach aligns with growing movements within the disability rights community that argue full medical disclosure is not always essential. Nonetheless, Patrice identifies as disabled. In cleverly crafted flashbacks depicting her early life and intricate relationship with her mother, themes of special needs education and institutionalization emerge.

The couple faces an unfair $3,000 combined asset cap that determines their eligibility for SSI; marriage would push them over that limit. A disability rights attorney cautions that their support payments might diminish, even if they merely intend to cohabitate.

As revealed in the documentary, the origins of these oppressive asset rules date back to an era when many disabled individuals were institutionalized and deprived of the right to marry or pursue employment.

Elizabeth Dicker, a close friend of the couple, poignantly questions:

“If two people are receiving Medicaid benefits, how does marriage result in a financial loss for the government?”

In an interview, Paul Melmeyer, vice president of public policy and advocacy at MDA, recounts heartbreaking personal stories that resulted from these archaic laws.

“Many individuals in our community have expressed how devastating these laws can be for their career aspirations and personal relationships,” Melmeyer states.

Patrice and Garry’s journey culminates in a powerful march led by disability rights activists, featuring disabled couples adorned in wedding attire, advocating for the removal of barriers that hinder love and companionship.

In an incredibly moving moment, Patrice leads the charge to bless a modern understanding of marriage, uniting the disability community in a heartfelt plea for equality.

“We wish to marry and still be able to access essential services like medical care, buy groceries, and pay our bills without fear of ending up homeless. By the authority vested in me, I pronounce you all TOGETHER,” she exclaims to the delighted supporters.

The documentary highlights the restrictive laws surrounding disability rights that obstruct their pursuit of marriage, yet it predominantly celebrates their enduring love. Patrice and Garry continue to support each other, navigating life’s challenges hand in hand.

This heartwarming love story transcends barriers, resonating across all communities. The disability community is large and vibrant, comprising around 20% of the United States population. At any point, anyone can be part of this community. However, it is crucial for those who currently inhabit and show kindness within this space to advocate for its nurturing and empowering environment.

About Patrice: The Movie

This documentary narrates the plight of Patrice and Garry, a disabled couple in their 50s ready to marry but hesitant due to the risk of losing their essential benefits. Nonetheless, they decide to celebrate their commitment. Directed by Ted Passon, the film is produced by ABC News Studios, ESS Projects, Cedar Road, and All Ages Productions. It captures the personal journey of Patrice Jetter, a disabled woman from New Jersey, as well as her intimate relationship with Garry Wickham. Patrice: The Movie unveils the couple’s struggle against systemic indifference towards the rights of disabled individuals.

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