Freedom Machines

First broadcast in September 2004 on the award-winning PBS series POV, Jamie Stobie's remarkable documentary reminds us how woefully uninformed--even at the dawn of the 21st century--society remains about issues related to disability. An enjoyable, progressive, inspirational survey of assistive technologies, Freedom Machines serves a much-needed dual purpose: showing a variety of smart and determined people with disabilities working hard to gain acceptance and viable futures in the public mainstream, while also illustrating how new technologies are making it possible to gain access to previously unavailable services and activities. Laden with none of the sugarcoated sentiment that is so common in films about disability, the documentary also examines the benefits of the Americans with Disabilities Act (passed in 1990), while pointing out that a lot of social, political, and institutional obstacles still prevent many people with disabilities from fulfilling their highest potentials. Making a strong case for assistive technology as a human rights imperative and a sound fiscal policy, Freedom Machines manages a near-perfect balance of compassion, humor, political insight, and deep admiration for the people it profiles--individuals whose lives have been significantly improved by new technologies that bring hope where none existed before. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)