Powerful Documentary Chronicles Five South Shore Mothers through 50 years of Advocacy for Children with Down Syndrome and Autism
HINGHAM, MA, ISSUED FEBRUARY 2, 2026…The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, is honored to partner with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce to host a screening of “Raising Us,” a feature documentary about five South Shore mothers and their five-decade journey raising and advocating for their children with Down Syndrome and Autism. The film highlights members of the South Shore Mothers Group, whose shared experiences and advocacy shaped this powerful story.
The screening, slated for Wednesday, February 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be held at The Arc of the South Shore, 20 Pond Park, in Hingham and is free and open to all South Shore Chamber of Commerce members.
Six years in the making, “Raising Us” is produced by Jen Plante Johnson, the daughter of Maria Plante, one of the founding members of the South Shore Mothers Group. The powerful documentary, which blends archival footage, present-day interviews, and early advocacy accounts, captures the stories of the five pioneering women who raised their children with Down Syndrome and Autism and how their relentless spirit of advocacy grew into a decades-long movement for disability rights. Now in their 70s and 80s, they look back on 50 years of caregiving and advocacy with wisdom and humor.
“This deeply impactful film shines a light on five extraordinary women from the South Shore who helped shaped the early disability rights movement when no support systems existed,” said Elizabeth Sandblum, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore. “We are honored to partner with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce to present ‘Raising Us,’ a film that celebrates their legacy and underscores the importance of advocacy, inclusion, and community support.”
“The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with The Arc of the South Shore to share the screening of “Raising Us,” said Tim Cahill, president of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. ”This documentary is a testament to the courage, struggle, and resilience of five remarkable trailblazing parent advocates.”
About The Arc of the South Shore, Inc.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.
These services include an Autism Resource Center, early intervention program, community supports, employment services, day supports and habilitation programs, in-home care, and residential services. All of2 their programs are based on their six core values of people first, community, transparency, self-determination, diversity, and respect. The Arc serves participants from communities throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, and Norwell. Through their 75-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.