ITVS: Talkback


			ON A ROLL: Disability and the American Dream

Tell us what you think about ON A ROLL: Disability and the American Dream.

Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly and join the discussion.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Next

02/22/2005
Leonore Tiefer
NYC

I am a sex therapist and educator and I want to praise "On a Roll" for its candid presentation of how sexuality can be a problem for many (most) people with disabilities, including Greg Smith. The documentary gave my colleague, Mitch Tepper, probably our country's most eminent expert on sex and disability, a good chance to discuss, with frankness and realism, some of the solutions to those sexual problems. I want to recommend his website, www.sexualhealth.com for any people with disabilities wanting further information.

02/16/2005
Paul Middleton
stumblebee33@yahoo.com
SF, CA

After getting an inside look at the lives of the people in this program, I gained an appreciation for mobility that is easily taken for granted. A great strength is generated within people living in this world (of discrimination, oppression, and rejection) that is disability. Greg smith shines with witty optimism through bumps and tribulation, offering a smile in exchange for some recognition as a human being. I hope the day will come when disabled persons are given the opportunity to show everyone the skills and contributions they can offer.

Carmen Sanchez

I haven't seen the film and probably won't get to in a while. There are three PBS stations in the Washington DC area. Only one has plans to show it in February but at 1 a.m. in the morning!!! People with disabilities are twice as likely to be poor than people without, so telling them to tape it or pay for the DVD is yet another example of the disrespect and barriers they face every day.

det mi

The film was a very moving piece. It very poignantly illustrated Greg's inner strength. He spoke almost casually about setbacks that probably would immobilize most of us if we had to face them. I did not feel a sense of pity for Greg because of his strong spirit. This show is very timely. There are a group of individuals who are wheelchair bound who are suing the Detroit Department of Transportation because most of the wheelchair lifts on their busses are inoperable. I was wondering if there is an email address that I could correspond with Greg. I was spellbound by the film. Good work.

TSgt David E. Roberson II
San Antonio, TX

Not trying to be bias, but you need more than 60 minutes to document Greg's life. There are so many amazing things that were not covered. Not all of them personal or embarrassing. I am his cousin and I am very proud of him. We in America always like to categorize based on appearance, color, height, weight and disability. His power is mind and his strength is his desire to be the best at what ever is placed before. He is my inspiration to never quit and always strive to be the best. We need to take advantage of people like him because we complain about basic things. But, if you see the struggles he has to go through and he doesn't complain about it. How do we know what hard is! Can we survive an hour in his shoes (wheelchair), I think not. So be blessed, because he is. STRENGTH IS FAMILY. STRENGTH IS LOVE. STRENGTH IS A 60 POUND BLACKMAN IN A WHEELCHAIR!

Danny Pitcher
Colorado Springs, Colorad

I was overwhelmed by "On a Roll" as I was watching on 2/15/05. Greg, you are an inspiration and a strong man, with a wonderful warm voice perfect for radio! Your father and mother are wonderful, not pampering,and I would be proud to have them as my parents(being from Louisiana, that is a heavy thing to say!) I am making a donation to ADA in your name, my brother. THANKS for your strength.

Mike Larry
Queens, NY

It's was just great, I enjoyed it so much. Keep up the good work, It makes me appreciate the things we take for granted everyday. thanks for such a great documetary

Bonnie Powell
Houston, TX

Here I am, midnight, can't sleep, elderly, financially poor, feeling sorry for myself when I turned on PBS and watched Greg Smith "On a Roll" rich in life and inner strength, I watched in awe without blinking an eye. I saw Greg's goodness, and vigor and was ashamed of myself as I am not "disabled" but I have dis-abled myself in my own mind and spirit. Greg set me straight in how blessed I truly am. Tomorrow is a new day with hope. Perhaps I am called to something that I never realized, we'll see. Thank you Greg ! ! !

Mrs. Antoinette Young
Forthood Tx.

I am a wife of a Soilder who's in Iraq fighting and a mother of 4....Tonight while fliping through the channels, I came across a documentary on Mr.Greg Smith. I had my hand on the remote intending to turn but could'nt Mr.Smith just drew me in .. his words were so powerful his is voice and story was so loud, he just reminded me of why god put us on earth and that is to learn from one another. I just would like to say thank you to Mr. smith for being real and being himself. I would really like to see more on P.B.S and other channels on Mr. Smith, maybe a talk show or radio.. Some one needs reconize his true talent. may God continue to bless him and his entire family

Addie
Chicago, Il

I stumbled upon your documentary which enlightened me both educationally and personally in terms of the degree of challenge(s) faced by most people with disabilities and in particular Mr. Smith was heightened by the scene in which he was trying to turn off the hotel lamp...how profound. THANK YOU

Old-Town ME

I just watch the show with greg smith and I think he lost sight of the fact that you can look healthy and still be dissable, I drive a bus for a living for the simple reason it's something that I can do. There are not a lot of jobs out there for peaple with small problems that hide them. In my case collor blind in one eye, dislecsic, and border line gloclmer, are factors for me. I always wonderd what was rong with me in school but I made it. I was told about these things in the army. I've had a lot of time to hide some of the singhs that would tip off peaple to a problem. so don't juge all the ( AB ) peaple till you talk to them.

Alyssa
NY, NY

I watched the film last night on channel 13 and was completely engrossed. My eyes have been opened to the challenges and achievements of Americans with disabilities. I realize how ignorant and naive I myself and those around me are about these issues. It seems unfair that in a country so "advanced" as ours, there are still so many everyday activities and tasks that are near impossible for disabled persons (i.e. getting a wheelchair access. taxi in D.C.-- of all places!) I truly hope the documentary and Greg Smith get the accolades they deserve. Thank you for educating me.

Ally

This film was beautifully made with great respect and compassion for its subjects. Greg Smith's drive to create change and awareness for disability rights is truly inspiring. He is captivating to watch and incredibly sharp and articulate. I hope this film will expose people to the trials that disabled Americans are faced with their entire lives. He really gives us perspective and shows us "TAB's" that we shouldn't take our blessings for granted.

Lori B. Guidos
San Francisco, CA

I just watched the second half of the documentary on Greg Smith which gave me an eye into his work, family and struggles. There are so many issues that are brought up: help needed with activities of everyday living, access to health care, transportation, employment, and help needed as a parent. How difficult it seems to have a independent life, when one is so dependent. Over the past year I have been building an online information clearinghouse called http://www.DisabledCommunity.Org to help people with disabilitities, their family, friends, and caregivers find the information needed to live a higher quality of life. Cheers to Greg and his family for the work, they are doing as disability activists. Voicing their success and challenges open society's eyes to the possibilities. Lori B. Guidos Executive Director DisabledCommunity.Org

Janie Antley
Port Washington, NY

I thought the film was absolutely fantastic and insightful - that is for people without physical disabilities. I agree with Greg's comment that the perception of persons with disabilities has not changed much, and that is the heart of the matter. I have achondroplasia, the most common form ?It's amazing that dwarfism is still considered a "difference" that society will allow to be made fun of. I experience it every single time I walk out of my apartment. I was in the Paralympics in Atlanta in '96 and there's really no mention, to this date of our accomplishments. The only problem with the ADA is that it is centered on people who use wheelchairs. I CANNOT use a "handicapped accessible" public bathroom because I cannot reach anything. Why is that? Yes, I get angry (I also shook Pres. Clinton's hand at an awards ceremony) and want some feedback from anyone - seriously. How many people know that over 200 forms of dwarfism have been diagnosed? Why are we still excluded from disability rights? Where do you place us on the disability scale? Would love to hear from all of you! Thank God for my love of horses and riding - keeps me sane. Thank You!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Next

		Home \| Now Showing \| Programs \| For Producers \| International \| Community \| News \| Pressroom \| About
	Contact us at itvs@itvs.org Copyright © ITVS