Celebrate 35 Years of the The Americans with Disabilities Act this Month
This month marks the 35th anniversary of when the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. July is a time to celebrate people living with a disability and recognize the individuals who fought for the rights of Americans with disabilities. Check out the list below for disability programming airing this month on CET and ThinkTV, including the American Experience documentary on the ADA, which premiered in March, and find more specials to stream on the PBS App.
American Experience “Change Not Charity, the Americans with Disabilities Act”
Sunday, July 20, at 3pm on CET
Friday, July 25, at 10pm on ThinkTV16
Trace the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. A story of courage and perseverance, the film highlights the determined people who literally put their bodies on the line to achieve their goal and change the lives of all Americans. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://video.thinktv.org/video/change-not-charity-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-ell1ry/.
POV “The Ride Ahead”
Monday, July 21, at 10pm on CET and ThinkTV16
Turning 21, Samuel wants his independence. Yet every rite of passage is fraught with challenges and social barriers. Seizures and uncontrollable movements. Inaccessible housing. Degrading ableist encounters. “No one tells you how to be an adult,” he says, “let alone an adult with a disability.” Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams? Learn more: https://www.thinktv.org/pov-the-ride-ahead/.
The Greatest Bond
Thursday, July 21, at 10pm on CET
Monday, July 14, at 10 pm on ThinkTV16
Follow this inspirational and heartwarming documentary, which highlights the journey of disabled veterans whose lives are forever changed through the unconditional love of service dogs. Not only do these dogs help the veterans on a very practical level, but they also provide constant emotional support, protection and relief from the terrors of their combat-related PTSD. Watch a preview: https://video.thinktv.org/video/trailer-hh9f9k/.
You can also explore some amazing disabilities-focused programming on the PBS App and on PBS LearningMedia, some of which are part of Move to Include. Move to Include is a national public media initiative that seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of people with disabilities and promote their inclusion. You can learn more at https://movetoinclude.us/. Find more programs below:
Jeffrey’s Journey
This locally-produced documentary from March 2025 follows Jeffey McElfresh, a disabled cyclist, on a 10-day journey as rides along the Ohio River. From Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, he discovers a lot about the land he’s riding through and even more about himself. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://video.thinktv.org/video/jeffreys-journey-z2oqda/.
POV “He’s My Brother”
Christine’s brother Peter is 30 years old, and their family is having trouble finding the proper care for his multiple disabilities. Told through Christine’s eyes, this film explores her uncertainties about one day becoming his primary caregiver. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/hes-my-brother-bsbtv1/.
Independent Lens “Move Me”
At 27, Kelsey Peterson dove into Lake Superior as a dancer and emerged paralyzed. But within the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) community, she found allies in her quest to discover who she is now and to dance with disability. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/move-me-zeifel/.
POV “Fire Through Dry Grass”
A group of young, Black and brown disabled artists document their lives on lockdown during Covid, their rhymes underscoring the danger and imprisonment they feel. In the face of institutional neglect, they refuse to be abused, confined, and erased. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/fire-through-dry-grass-l5grzy/.
American Masters “Renegades”
This collection explores the lives of diverse, lesser-known historical figures with disabilities, exploring not only their impact on and contributions to U.S. society, but also the concept of disability culture, which honors the uniqueness of disability. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://video.thinktv.org/show/american-masters/collections/renegades/.
American Masters also has a special collection of accessible episodes that feature enhanced accessibility, including extended audio description, on-screen ASL interpretation and large open captions. Learn more: https://video.thinktv.org/show/american-masters/collections/accessible-episodes/.
