POV Season 17 Episode 11 Freedom Machines

In season 17 episode 11 of POV, titled "Freedom Machines," viewers are taken on a journey through the world of disability rights and mobility technology. This documentary follows the lives of these individuals as they navigate a world that is not designed for them, and how they have found a sense of freedom and agency through accessible vehicles.

The documentary is largely told through the perspective of Gregg Mozgala, a writer and performer with cerebral palsy who experiences limited mobility and motor function. We watch as he searches for a car that will enable him to more freely navigate his daily life and attend auditions. He embarks on a journey to meet with engineers and car designers who are working on accessible vehicle technology, and we are given a glimpse into the countless challenges and roadblocks that these innovators face as they try to bring to market solutions for those with disabilities.

Along the way, viewers are introduced to other individuals with disabilities who have found freedom and independence through their accessible vehicles. We meet a veteran and double amputee who uses a specialized motorcycle as a way to regain a sense of mobility and adventure. We also meet a woman who is paralyzed from the waist down, and has designed a car that is specifically tailored to her needs, complete with hand-controlled gas and brake pedals.

The documentary also grapples with deeper questions about disability and mobility. How do we understand and define "normal" mobility? What is the role of technology in changing our ideas of what is possible for individuals with disabilities? And how do we ensure that technological advances in accessible vehicles are accessible and affordable for all who need them?

Overall, "Freedom Machines" is a powerful and inspiring exploration of the intersection of disability and technology. It sheds light on the struggles that individuals with disabilities face in navigating the world, but also showcases the remarkable resilience and creativity that so many have shown in finding new ways to assert their independence and mobility. Whether you have a disability or not, this documentary is a moving testament to the power of human ingenuity in overcoming the obstacles that we all face.