"ON A ROLL": Family, Disability and The American Dream
“ON A ROLL,” the inspiring story of disability activist Greg Smith to air on the PBS series Independent Lens, Tuesday, February 15, 2005, 10:00 P.M. (check local listings). Film by Joanne Caputo. Hosted by Susan Sarandon.
Radio host, author, motivational speaker, father and tireless advocate for the disabled, Greg Smith’s life and work is showcased in this inside look at the joys and frustrations of life as a 65-pound disabled dynamo.
“Disability is a beautiful part of the natural diversity that is human life.” – Greg Smith
Two million Americans use wheelchairs. 54 million Americans have a disability. From his home state-of-the-art studio, Greg Smith – “the wheelchair dude with attitude” -- uses his popular nationally syndicated radio program to offer advice, encouragement and inspiration to not only the huge number of disabled Americans, but all Americans. His upbeat, positive, often humor-filled message closes the gap between the disabled and non-disabled by stressing that we all need help from each other, every day. Directed by Joanne Caputo, ON A ROLL will air nationally on the acclaimed PBS series Independent Lens on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 10:00 P.M. (check local listings) in conjunction with African-American History Month.
At the age of three, Greg Smith was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a progressive weakening of the muscles. His parents, Adelia and Jim, were told he would never live past ten; it was a diagnosis they refused to accept and Greg is now 40. As we see through home movies and interviews, Greg’s remarkable parents were adamant - despite the racial discrimination they regularly faced - that their disabled son would grow to be strong and independent. At a time when kids who were called “crippled” went to “special” schools, the Smiths’ fought for Greg to be able to attend his regular neighborhood school, where he not only got by, but excelled, even becoming a member of the school marching band (doing all the complicated formations from his motorized wheelchair.) The Smiths encouraged Greg to be as physically independent as possible, which strengthened him and made it possible for him to function more ably as an adult.
In ON A ROLL, the film crew traveled across the country with Greg as he conducts his hectic schedule of speaking engagements combined with an appearance at the huge Washington event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is a event both uplifting and bittersweet for Greg, who gets to Washington only to find he can’t find an accessible taxi to take him to the White House. As we see Greg’s daily struggles with so many things that the able-bodied take for granted – getting on an airplane, maneuvering in a hotel room, bathing, dressing, having sex, playing with one’s children – ON A ROLL gives us an unprecedented look at how millions of people with disabilities live and how much still needs to be done to improve their lives. Ultimately, ON A ROLL is a film about the strength and determination of one 65-pound man who keeps on rolling even when the going gets tough and how that spirit has changed not only his own destiny but those of countless others as well.
The program’s interactive companion website www.pbs.org/onaroll features detailed information about the film, including an interview with the filmmaker, cast and crew bios, links and resources pertaining to the film’s subject matter, and a “talkback” section for viewers to share their ideas and opinions, preview clips of the film and more.