Disability rights organizations like DREDF, AAPD, and others had been on the front lines for years lobbying for bills that would address the “marriage penalty” for disabled people, which causes them to lose their benefits and/or Medicaid if they get married. However, they could never get any mainstream attention for the issue to cause constituents to press lawmakers for a vote. We created the feature length documentary, Patrice: The Movie, by spotlighting the life of disabled artist Patrice Jetter, who we had known for many years. The film was sold to Hulu where it became one of the top 25 “Most Liked Documentaries” on the platform and was seen by millions of people.

After it premiered the Social Security Administration put out a statement on the film admitting that they have “outdated rules” and they stated publicly for the first time that they “stand by to assist Congress in changing” them. The news broke the day before Patrice and the director were on The View, which prompted Whoopi Goldberg to write a letter to President Biden. The story made additional appearances on Good Morning America, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Dateline, PBS, NPR, and podcaster Trixie Mattel brought the story to over 2 million of their listeners. Patrice was invited to the White House to have dinner with President Biden and discuss the issue. He was on CSPAN the same day and mentioned both Patrice and the issue. The first time a President has ever done so. The film won an Emmy award and Patrice’s speech went viral and was viewed over 1million times between different platforms.