Premiere Date: September 14, 2004
Synopsis
Freedom Machines takes a new look at disability through the lens of assistive technology. The experiences of a group of unforgettable people let us re-examine ideas about ability and disability grounded in our culture and attitudes. Engineers, designers and users challenge barriers inherent in our built environments, and reveal the gap between the promises of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and everyday reality for 54 million Americans with disabilities. Whether mainstream technology or extraordinary inventions such as stair-climbing wheelchairs, Freedom Machines reveals both the power and limitations of technology to change lives. An Independent Television Service (ITVS) co-presentation.
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Filmmaker
One of the complaints that I heard constantly while I was making this film was that there are so few role models for people with disabilities in the media... The people in the film really wanted to tell their stories and I just opened the door.”
— Jamie Stobie, Filmmaker
View the Film
Film Update
September 6, 2008
Critical Acclaim
The most inspiring documentary tonight comes on P.O.V., in which remarkable young people with disabilities show how much further they are aided with innovative technology.”
— Roger Catlin
Hartford Courant (2004)
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Reviews & Reactions
Average Review
| based on 2 reviews
Special Education Teacher
WOW! Freedom Machine was very empowering! I would love for its message to appear on 20/20 or some other national news show and for the world to be enlightened. What a difference could occur.
by Marcia from Liberty, IN
October 4, 2009, 6:20 PM
OTR
Great film for teachers, administrators, staff and parents to watch!
by Heather Hart-Elmore from Avon, IN
October 5, 2009, 12:38 PM