On a Roll: Disability and the American Dream

A man travels the globe in his power wheelchair, but finds his own nation's capital inaccessible — a minor challenge compared to living independently.

Film Signature Image
Series
Independent Lens, True Stories
Premiere Date
February 15, 2005
Length
60 minutes
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2005 Independent Lens-Audience Award
  • Producer

    Joanne Caputo

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    The Film

    Greg Smith and his family bare all in this unflinching portrait of a 65-pound man striving for the American Dream. Fueled by discrimination, Smith created On a Roll talk radio from his wheelchair in 1992. The father of three travels the globe, but finds his own nation's capital inaccessible — a minor challenge compared to living independently and having safe intimate relationships.

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