Common Senses Festival 2025
Events Schedule
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My Disability Roadmap
April 28
Film & DiscourseIn this Emmy Award-winning New York Times Op-Doc, Samuel Habib, a 21-year-old navigating life with disabilities, seeks guidance from pioneering disability activists to pursue independence, dating, and college. Featuring a cast and crew predominantly made up of people with disabilities, the film explores empowerment and the bold pursuit of adulthood.
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication Retrospective
May 10 - June 1
Science & TechnologyWith our partners from the Munroe-Meyer Institute and Kiewit Luminarium, we explore the history and importance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
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Sensorium AI
May 10 - June 1
Science & TechnologyBlurring the lines between art and technology, Sensorium AI, developed by VisionIntoArt and Luke DuBois at the NYU Ability Project, expands the possibilities for voice and expression for people with disordered, impaired, or limited speech.
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Going Up: The Elevator Experience
May 10
Preferred InterestIn collaboration with Autism Action Partnership, elevator enthusiasts will unite and ascend the buildings of Downtown Omaha.
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Risky Disco
May 12 - 23
Performing ArtsRisky Disco is an electrifying sensory workshop for the full spectrum of human diversity. Too often, adults with disabilities face barriers to artistic expression and the rich, multi-faceted social experiences that shape our culture, foster human connection, and inspire joy.
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Voices Untethered
May 13
Film & DiscourseCommon Senses welcomes writers of all disciplines to the Benson Theatre for a curated poetry showcase featuring activist, educator, and poet Lateef McLeod and participants from the Common Senses writing workshop series led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists Ben Wenzl and Bridigt Pollpeter.
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Making of Sensorium Ex
May 15
Film & DiscourseOn May 15th, the festival will screen Paul Lieber’s The Making of Sensorium Ex at Film Streams. A panel discussion with Paola Prestini, Brenda Shaughnessy, and the opera’s creative team will follow.
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Scribble
May 16, 17, 20 & 21
Performing ArtsScribble is an inclusive intergalactic dance party and participatory visual art installation, designed with and for autistic audiences.
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Natural Disorder
May 19
Film & DiscourseNatural Disorder follows journalist and comedian Jacob Nossell as he creates an autobiographical play while confronting ethical questions about eugenics and his right to exist. Film Streams will host a post-screening panel discussion on this powerful documentary.
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Inclusivity Reimagined
May 20
Film & DiscourseA day of discourse dedicated to the importance of strength-based interventions and leaning into individuals’ preferred interets. We invite you to come listen and learn from experts in the field of disability from across the country.
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Building Accessibility in the Arts
May 21
Film & DiscourseWhat does it take to truly build an accessible show from the start? Hear from industry leaders on how they strive to perfect the art of inclusion and accessibility within their productions.
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Sensorium Ex
May 22 - 25
Performing ArtsSensorium Ex is an ambitious new opera by acclaimed composer Paola Prestini and Brenda Shaughnessy, that synthesizes artificial intelligence, disability, and the arts in a groundbreaking and innovative artistic work.