A first-of-its-kind television documentary premiering this month tells the story of the disability rights movement.

The film, “Lives Worth Living,” follows the evolution of the disability rights movement starting in the post-World War II years through the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

The story is told through interviews with people with disabilities who emerged as key leaders and legislators who were influential in passing the ADA. Historical footage shows how activists took action, breaking down curbs that were inaccessible and crawling up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to illustrate their struggles and demand change.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

“Lives Worth Living” premieres Oct. 27 on PBS’s Independent Lens series.

Watch Like an Emancipation Proclamation for the Disabled on PBS. See more from Independent Lens.

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.