Able Lives Stats & Facts

1. The word "disability" can create negative perceptions. CPTV's documentary series, Able Lives, addresses many issues affecting those with disabilities and their families. More than 10 percent of the world population has a disability, and most live lives of satisfaction and accomplishment, expecting to participate in their communities.
2. The disability movement has a saying, “Nothing about us without us”. But, in the past, people living with disabilities weren’t included in the dialogue and were marginalized by society. CPTV's documentary series, Able Lives focuses on ability and contributions rather than disabilities or limitations. Labels minimize everyone; and don’t take into consideration a person’s specific skills, talents, and abilities.
3. Part of what moves people living with disabilities towards independence and self-determination is a Circle of Support, which often includes a personal assistant. CPTV's documentary series, Able Lives profiles people living with disabilities who employ personal assistants to help facilitate their full inclusion in the community.
4. During Hurricane Katrina, many who did not evacuate were people living with disabilities and their caregivers. CPTV's documentary series, Able Lives, provides emergency preparedness information and resources for people with disabilities and their loved ones. Topics include creating a "Vial of Life" that provides responders with special needs information and having important documents for yourself and Service Animals readily available in case of evacuation.
5. The CPTV series Able Lives takes a look at people living with disabilities from many perspectives, including history, relationships, day to day challenges and culture. Culture is a word that may mean different things to different people. Able Lives explores how performance art, marketing, social living, and sport are breaking down barriers of prejudice and shame.
6. People with disabilities weren't considered capable of modern workforce contribution until 40 years ago, when "sheltered workshops" provided only repetitive work opportunities. The CPTV series Able Lives profiles people with disabilities now part of the mainstream workforce, and why a majority are still unemployed. That's fourteen and a half million people nationally that can potentially contribute to a company's bottom line.
7. The rebellious spirit of the sixties led to Americans with Disabilities Act, a major victory in the battle for equality. But passing a law doesn’t necessarily change the hearts and minds of people. The CPTV series Able Lives examines how advocacy can affect positive change through profiles of self-advocates, parent advocates and volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to change the system.
8. Just 40 years ago a person with a disability was isolated away from society, until state and federal laws demanded equal educational opportunities. At first that meant special education classes, but in recent years parents and the Federal government demanded full inclusion wherever possible. The CPTV series Able Lives explore this issue from first diagnosis through elementary education, high school life, and the transition from college to work.

9. It is said that when you remove the impediment, you remove the disability. The CPTV series Able Lives profiles people living with disabilities whose internal strength drives achievement of goals and dreams shared by all. EXTERNAL DEVICES can also aid in the quest for independence and inclusion. From peer-to-peer counseling and service dogs, to revolutionary technology, people, animals and things enable people with disabilities to live full and rich lives.