TEACHINGS OF JON, THE

THE TEACHINGS OF JON is an insightful and humorous documentary by Jennifer Owensby about her brother Jon, a 40-year-old man severely and profoundly affected by Down syndrome. Although Jon may never accomplish much by conventional standards — he has an IQ of 20, cannot talk and earns less than $13.00 a year — his greater purpose is to teach others how to love. The program celebrates Jon exactly as he is, rather than focusing on changing Jon to fit into the world. From the opening shot, the film offers an up close and personal look at the realities of living with someone with severe mental retardation. THE TEACHINGS OF JON uncovers how this "family secret," locked away in an institution for the first seven years of his life, became the family treasure. While entertaining, this inspirational story of one family’s journey is also about honesty and redemption, acceptance and growth that offers hope to others.