The Great Fight for Disability Rights

Gr 9 Up—This introduction to the history of the disability rights movement in the United States is based on the 2011 PBS documentary Lives Worth Living (directed by Eric Neudel). The well-organized content is divided into two parts: the formation of the movement and the push for the Americans With Disabilities Act. Narrated by Colleen Flanagan of Easter Seals Massachusetts, the title contains historical footage as well as interviews and photos. The DVD is completely accessible: menus can be selected through the descriptive audio track, there is Braille writing on the case (for the title and a Helen Keller quote), and the option of closed captions. The included educational resources contain an abridged historical time line and an assortment of materials for discussion, a quiz, and activity ideas available as PDF documents. With its superb production quality, this thoughtful and involving title is of interest to high school students and educators.—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY