Photojournalist Dan Habib rarely thought about inclusion before his son Samuel was born. Now he thinks about inclusion every day.

Habib’s documentary film “Including Samuel” examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities. The film is built on the efforts of the Habib family to include Samuel, who is seven, in all facets of their lives.

Inclusion is a critically important issue for millions of American families. According to the United States Dept. of Health and Human Services, 4.5 million American children – or approximately one in every 18 – have a developmental disability. With inclusion, these children get to participate in everyday life with their peers. They attend the same classes and community activities and, as a result, they enjoy the same opportunities to succeed in life.

Including Samuel is a very personal and moving film that chronicles the challenges and opportunities presented by inclusion. It explores how inclusion can transform the lives of children, their families, and their teachers. The film also examines the sometimes painful process of changing the way we educate and support children with disabilities. In addition to chronicling the experiences of the Habib family, Including Samuel also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with teachers, parents and disability rights experts.