The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, an education, advocacy and service nonprofit for the intellectually and developmentally disabled, is helping bring part of the acclaimed Sprout Film Festival to Muhlenberg College April 26.

The Arc Director of Development Bruce Seidel said in an announcement that local students chose from the New York festival's many entries which special selections would be viewed in the Lehigh Valley.

"As the Lehigh Valley's only provider of advocacy services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc is using the Sprout films as a tool for advocacy – helping to change perceptions and attitudes of mainstream grade school students toward their peers with disabilities, and all kids who are different," Seidel said.

He explained students from more than a dozen local schools reviewed eight short films from the Sprout collection and completed a survey. The most popular films overall were included.

Additionally, student groups created posters interpreting their perception of each film's true meaning, and developed plans for promoting the festival within their schools.

"No two schools did this project exactly the same, and all made the project much more than a school assignment," Seidel said.

Bethlehem participants included some 60 students from Liberty HS photography, ceramic and special education classes, and Bethlehem Catholic HS students, many of whom volunteer for The Arc.

The film festival will be held in Moyer Hall, Muhlenberg College, beginning at 1 p.m. Former Pa. State Rep. Jennifer Mann will moderate the program.

Seating is free, and given on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on The Sprout Film Festival, visit The Arc's website at: www.arcoflehighnorthampton.org or call The Arc at 610-849-8076.