Trailer | ASL | CHANGE, NOT CHARITY: THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS

Summary

The transcript chronicles the disability rights movement's fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), highlighting activists' persistent protests and civil disobedience to challenge societal barriers and discrimination. Key figures and moments include protesters demanding legislative action, a young Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins crawling up steps to symbolize their struggle, and George H.W. Bush's signing of the ADA. The movement's core message was that civil rights are not freely given, but must be actively fought for, ultimately transforming public policy and providing people with disabilities the opportunity to dream and fully participate in society.