Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act (2025)

Access for Every Body

Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act (2025) poster

Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells 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. While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Told through the voices of key participants and witnesses, 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. A story of courage and perseverance, the film brings to life one of the great civil rights movements in American history, where ordinary people made their voices heard and Congress responded. A testament to the power of coalition building and bipartisan compromise, the passage of the ADA is a shining example of democracy in action.

Director: Jim Lebrecht
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 56 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Nathan Halpern, Robert Pycior, Chris Ruggiero
Cinematography: Claudia Raschke
Editing: Sandra Christie
Production: PBS, American Experience Films
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Jim Lebrecht
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act about?
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells 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. While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Told through the voices of key participants and witnesses, 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. A story of courage and perseverance, the film brings to life one of the great civil rights movements in American history, where ordinary people made their voices heard and Congress responded. A testament to the power of coalition building and bipartisan compromise, the passage of the ADA is a shining example of democracy in action.
Who directed Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act?
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act was directed by Jim Lebrecht.
Who stars in Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act?
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act stars Peter Dinklage.
How long is Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act?
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act has a runtime of 56m (56 minutes).
What genre is Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act?
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act is a Documentary film.
Where was Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act produced?
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act was produced in United States of America.