Things have been falling into place.  The “Human Subjects” approval was recently granted through the Millersville University Institutional Review Board (ethics of research projects committee)  so the filming can begin.  This was an important step for the project but put us behind in our shooting schedule.  MU required this human subjects approval because I am receiving grant funds from the “Engaged Scholars” program.  I have never needed this kind of approval to film interviews for a documentary.  In general, a signed “permission to record” form is sufficient. 

However, this film involves recording vulnerable populations, minors and those with dyslexia (defined under the DSM-5 guidelines used by Millersville University IRB Committee).  For more information on “vulnerable population” approval for research see http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/policy/populations/index.html.