“Hope and Healing: The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh” chronicles Institute as a local trailblazer
PITTSBURGH – WQED Multimedia will premiere “Hope and Healing: The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh” on Thursday, May 16 at 8pm on WQED-TV. The program will be available for streaming on WQED’s YouTube channel the same day. Written, produced and narrated by WQED Senior Producer Beth Dolinar, the half-hour documentary tells the story of the Institute’s continued advancement in disability care for children. “Hope and Healing” illuminates the history of a local organization that has touched thousands of lives, while serving as a trailblazer in the support of children with disabilities.
To view a special promo, follow this link: https://youtu.be/AJ6qzz7OAnI
The documentary includes interviews with family members of those helped by the Institute, as well as current and former patients and staff. Viewers will learn about the Institute’s innovative responses to the urgent health care needs of the past and their continuing efforts to meet the challenges of the future. The Institute continues to live at the leading edge of research into therapies for the treatment of disabilities including new approaches to occupational therapy; launching a program that became a leader in the development of therapies for head injuries; and much more.
Founded in 1902, the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is internationally known and respected for its expert and compassionate care. Through interviews and archival footage, viewers will learn of the Institute’s many trials and triumphs, including the story of young Emil Ter Noire, the Institute’s first patient, who lost his legs in a tragic train accident as a young boy.
“I can’t think of anything sadder than the way the Children’s Institute had its start all those decades ago. But sometimes good things grow out of sad things, and that’s the story I wanted to tell in this documentary,” said Dolinar.
“We wholeheartedly support and share WQED’s mission and long history of serving our communities,” says Dr. Wendy Pardee, President and CEO of the Children’s Institute. “We feel privileged to have our work featured in this documentary. The film chronicles the founding, growth, and impact of our programs and services at The Children’s Institute; it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of our team members who carry out our mission of helping children and families, and a fitting tribute to all those who have come before them. We thank WQED for bringing their stories to life and preserving our history in a profound and meaningful way.”
From the organization’s crucial role in trials for the Salk Polio vaccine to life changing therapies, to the creation of specially designed communication interactions for patients on the autism spectrum, “Hope and Healing” celebrates the story of a truly amazing Pittsburgh institution.
Funding for “Hope and Healing” was provided by the generous support of WQED’s members.
About WQED
WQED Multimedia starts conversations and creates experiences that educate, entertain and inspire our neighbors in Pittsburgh and across southwest Pennsylvania. Founded in 1954 as an experiment in educational community-supported television, WQED was a forerunner to PBS.
Our content creators produce impactful stories that delve into the rich mosaic of our region’s past, present, and future. We cover a wide range of topics, from arts and culture to pressing societal issues that impact our lives. We profile remarkable individuals and organizations who work to strengthen our communities. Our Learning Neighborhoods support children, in partnership with area schools and libraries, and extend to high school students exploring media careers through the WQED Film Academy. Known as “The Voice of the Arts,” WQED-FM provides a vital platform that amplifies our vibrant and diverse cultural assets, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
WQED Multimedia operates WQED-TV (PBS); WQED World; WQED Create; WQED Showcase; WQED PBS KIDS Channel; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel; plus various streams, apps, and interactive experiences.