American Experience 36x9 - Change, Not Charity: The Americanswith Disabilities Act

Change, Not Charity: The Americans with DisabilitiesAct tells the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-longpush for equality and accessibility that culminated in thepassage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille onelevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once thesubject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps ofCongress. Told through the voices of key participants andwitnesses, the film highlights the determined people wholiterally put their bodies on the line to achieve their goalsand change the lives of all Americans. A story of courage andperseverance, the film brings to life one of the great civilrights movements in American history, where ordinary peoplemade their voices heard, and Congress responded. A testamentto the power of coalition building and bipartisan compromise,the passage of the ADA is a shining example of democracy inaction.