“Renegades,” a new PBS American Masters Disability digital series, “showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities.” The five-part documentary series is hosted and narrated by Lachi, award-winning musician, disability rights advocate, and founder of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), who is legally blind. “Renegades” explores “the impact on and contributions to American society” made by the individuals profiled as well as “the concept of disability culture, which honors the uniqueness of disability.” Among those featured is the musician Thomas Wiggins, known as “Blind Tom,” whose work was highlighted in a previous issue of this Bulletin. Each episode is available with audio description as well as on-screen ASL, captioning, and descriptive transcripts. To reinforce the impact of the series, the WNET Group’s Kids’ Media and Educational Team is producing accessible, “standards-aligned educational resources” for grades 6 through 12 to complement its airing. The American Masters series is available for streaming “concurrent with broadcast” on all PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App. For additional information about the series and how to access it, read the PBS American Masters webpage on Renegades and the PR Newswire article announcing that American Masters Premieres Renegades, A New Documentary Short Series About Disabled Icons on PBS.
Menu
