Dialogue on Disability

Dialogue on Disability Week — January 12-18

One in four Americans has a disability, yet only 3.1% of characters in the media do. Dialogue on Disability, WXXI’s annual initiative with Al Sigl Community of Agencies, aims to change that by showcasing stories of people with disabilities and sparking conversations about inclusion.

Since 2003 WXXI and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies have worked together to help break the ingrained stereotypes about individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities with its week-long initiative, Dialogue on Disability. Held every January, the initiative is designed to stimulate community dialogue about the perspectives and abilities of people with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.

Throughout the week, WXXI presents kids programming and primetime specials on WXXI-TV and WXXI-WORLD (and streaming live on the WXXI and PBS apps), special reports from WXXI’s news team and the Inclusion Desk, and community conversations on Connections with Evan Dawson. New this year is the launch of the Move to Include podcast, a six-episode audio and video podcast that puts the voices of people with disabilities at the center of the conversation about inclusion. Click here to learn more about about the podcast and hear the trailer.

Click here for the full list of programming!

In an effort to continue its commitment to motivate individuals to take action and to include more people with disabilities in the workplace, in schools, neighborhoods, and in all aspects of society, WXXI has partnered with the Golisano Foundation in a multi-year initiative called Move to Include ™.

Dialogue on Disability is a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies – in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation.

PBS KIDS Programming for Dialogue on Disability Week • WXXI-TV + WXXI-KIDS 24/7

All week long, WXXI will air special PBS Kids programs that deal with disability issues. Here are a few highlights.

Arthur “When Carl Met George“
Monday, January 12 at 6 a.m. on WXXI-TV
George learns about his friend Carl’s Asperger’s Syndrome.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood “Snowflake Day”
Monday, January 12 at 9 a.m. on WXXI-TV
“Snowflake Day” brings everyone to the Enchanted Garden for music, food, and fun. Daniel learns each snowflake is unique — just like people, each one special.

Donkey Hodie
Monday, January 12 at 11 a.m. + Friday, January 16 at 11 a.m. on WXXI-TV + Tuesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. + Saturday, January 17 at 12 p.m. on WXXI-KIDS 24/7
Jeff Mouse, Donkey, and Panda search for a hard-to-find moth all over Someplace Else. Will Jeff get a photo of it to add to his scrapbook? Inspired by Jeff Erlanger’s iconic visit to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in 1981, Jeff Mouse is an intrepid explorer, lover of nature, always resourceful, and prepared for an adventure.

Sesame Street “The Sign Language ABCs”
Tuesday, January 13 at 10 a.m. on WXXI-TV
At Alphabet Day, Elmo sings the ABC song, and his friend Mathis signs the alphabet using American Sign Language.

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum “I Am Helen Keller”
Tuesday, January 13 at 1:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Xavier, Yadina and Brad see how Helen Keller learned to communicate with other people!

Elinor Wonders Why
Thursday, January 15 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-KIDS 24/7
Elinor and her friends set out to return Ms. Mole’s glasses to her after she forgets them at school. Ms. Mole can’t see anything without her glasses!

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum “I Am Temple Grandin”
Friday, January 16 at 1:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Brad meets the innovative scientist and advocate for autism awareness and learns how to understand different perspectives, especially about sensory issues.

Here’s the full schedule:

On WXXI-TV

1/12/26 6am Arthur #1306

1/12/26 9am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #133

1/12/26 11am Donkey Hodie #222

1/13/26 6am Arthur #2005

1/13/26 9am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #140

1/13/26 10am Sesame Street #5423

1/13/26 1:30pm Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum #103

1/14/26 6am Arthur #1305

1/14/26 9am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #514

1/14/26 11:30am Pinkalicious & Peterrific #703

1/15/26 6am Arthur #1009

1/15/26 9am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #515

1/16/26 6am Arthur #2003

1/16/26 9am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #707

1/16/26 11am Donkey Hodie #222

1/16/26 1:30pm Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum #129

1/17/26 6:30am Arthur #1306

1/17/26 9am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #133

1/18/26 6am Mister Rogers Neighborhood #1478

1/18/26 6:30am Arthur #2005

1/18/26 9am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #514

1/18/26 10am Sesame Street #5422

On WXXI-KIDS 24/7

1/12/26 7am Pinkalicious #703

1/12/26 10am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #133

1/12/26 2:30pm Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum #103

1/12/26 7:30pm Arthur #1306

1/13/26 3:30am Arthur #1306

1/13/26 10:30am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #140

1/13/26 12:30pm Donkey Hodie #222

1/13/26 7:30pm Arthur #2005

1/14/26 3:30am Arthur #2005

1/14/26 10am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #514

1/14/26 7:30pm Arthur #1305

1/14/26 8:30pm Hero Elementary #137

1/15/26 3:30am Arthur #1305

1/15/26 10:30am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #515

1/15/26 1pm Elinor Wonders Why #108

1/15/26 2:30pm Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum #129

1/15/26 7:30pm Arthur #2003

1/16/26 3:30am Arthur #2003

1/16/26 8am Sesame Street #5422

1/16/26 10am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #707

1/16/26 7:30pm Arthur #1009

1/17/26 3:30am Arthur #1009

1/17/26 7:30am Peg + Cat #120

1/17/26 10am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #133

1/17/26 12pm Donkie Hodie #222

1/17/26 2:30pm Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum #103

1/18/26 7am Pinkalicious & Peterrific #703

1/18/26 7:30am Peg + Cat #201

1/18/26 10:30am Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood #140

1/18/26 2:30pm Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum #129

Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies – in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series aims to change that by showcasing stories of people with disabilities and sparking conversations about inclusion. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. The weeklong initiative runs January 12-18, 2026.

WXXI and Al Sigl have been hosting Dialogue on Disability since 2005. In 2014, with the support of businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation, Move to Include™ was formed. This initiative enables WXXI to present and develop programming that promotes inclusion year round.

ASL Video Podcast: Breakdown • On-Demand

FRONTLINE, the Portland Press Herald and Maine Public investigate the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history and the missed opportunities to prevent it.

There were 656 mass shootings in the U.S in 2023. The one in Lewiston, Maine on Oct. 25, 2023 was the year’s deadliest — and quite possibly preventable.

Over six episodes, Breakdown explores the missed opportunities to prevent the shooting, the role of guns and hunting in Maine’s politics, and the aftermath for shooting victims, some of whom were deaf and hard of hearing.

Each episode includes American Sign Language (ASL)-interpreted videos.

Click here to watch the ASL Video Podcast: Breakdown

You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Move to Include Podcast • On-Demand

From WXXI News “Inclusion Desk” comes a six-episode audio and video podcast exploring self advocacy for people with disabilities. Hosted by WXXI News reporter Noelle E.C. Evans, each episode delves into a core aspect of everyday life for people with disabilities — education, employment, housing, relationships, healthcare, and transportation — told through the lens of the self-advocacy movement.

Through one-on-one interviews and panel discussions, the show empowers people with disabilities, caregivers, and allies with practical knowledge, resources, and inspiration to advocate for themselves and build stronger communities.

Episode 1 drops Monday, January 12!

Listen + subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, and Amazon.

Distribution: One episode drops each month from January to June 2026. Audio & video episodes with text recaps and transcripts will be available on all podcast platforms, YouTube, and WXXINews.org.

Accessibility: All episodes will be fully captioned. The video version of the podcast will include an on-screen ASL interpreter. Full episode transcripts and summaries will be available.

This podcast is from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, a multi-platform reporting effort to inform and transform attitudes and behavior about inclusion. The Inclusion Desk grew from the Move to Include partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation. Through programming and special events, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation look to build a more inclusive community by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life.

Exited Podcast • On-Demand

Leaving the world of adolescence and entering the adult world — the real world — can be a confusing time for anyone. But for young people with disabilities, it can feel like arriving at a cliff as they leave behind the cocoon of school and sometimes struggle to find a place where they belong. Exited is a podcast that brings you the stories of eight young people, ranging in age from 17 to 26, as they navigate transitions in various settings – high school, higher education, sheltered workshops, day programs, and home life.

Click the links below to hear each of the five episodes. Or subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, Amazon.

Episode 1

“Want a diploma? Go through this maze first” In the first episode of Exited, explore an early factor in transition – graduation tracks – through the experience of 17-year-old Nate, a student who doesn’t quite fit on any one track.

Episode 2

“Leaving college with lots of benefits — but no degree” Going to college can be a key experience in a young person’s life, leading to friendships, personal growth, a degree — and, of course, future employment.

Episode 3

“The uncertain future of segregated workshopsThe uncertain future of segregated workshops” Sheltered workshops, where many people with disabilities go to work, have been around for decades. But they’re controversial for a few reasons

Episode 4

“How disabled is too disabled to work?” When Akin Johnson was nearing the end of high school, he was clear about what he wanted to do next. He wanted to get a job.

Episode 5

“Imagining the future and ‘other people caring for him'” People like Jonathan Jackson tend to have an entourage. An entourage can consist of professionals and family members who support someone with disabilities in all kinds of ways.

This podcast, produced in 2017, is from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, a multi-platform reporting effort to inform and transform attitudes and behavior about inclusion. The Inclusion Desk grew from the Move to Include partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation. Through programming and special events, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation look to build a more inclusive community by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life.

“The Ride Ahead” Screening + Panel Discussion • The Little Theatre

Join Move to Include^TM for a special FREE screening and panel discussion on transitioning to adulthood for people with disabilities.

In “The Ride Ahead”, meet Samuel Habib, a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career, and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams? The film will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Noelle E. C. Evans, WXXI News education reporter.

EVENT DETAILS:
“The Ride Ahead” Screening + Panel Discussion
Tuesday, January 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
The Little Theatre, L1 (240 East Avenue)
This is a free event, but reservations are required.

Click here to reserve your seat

More about the film:
Turning 21, Samuel Habib wants to date, leave home, go to college. Yet every rite of passage is fraught with challenges. Seizures and uncontrollable movements. Friends’ homes inaccessible to his wheelchair. Degrading ableist encounters. “No one tells you how to be an adult,” he says, “let alone an adult with a disability.” Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?

Samuel is determined to avoid the statistical realities: unemployment, isolation, institutionalization. He seeks out wisdom through conversations with disabled mentors: comedian Maysoon Zayid, Americans with Disabilities Act legends Judy Heumann and Bob Williams; Tony-winning wheelchair-using pioneer Ali Stroker; hip-hop artist Keith Jones; autistic, queer activist Lydia X.Z. Brown; and marathon runner and disability activist Andrew Peterson. The Ride Ahead is a film by: Samuel Habib, Dan Habib and Erica Lupinacci.

This film is presented with open captions. ASL interpretation will be provided for opening remarks and post-screening panel discussion.

This event is presented as part of our annual Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between the Al Sigl Community of Agencies and WXXI, in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation.

This program is made possible by a grant from American Documentary | POV, with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Panelist to be announced soon.

I am disABLEd • WXXI-TV

This heartwarming documentary highlights the challenges and triumphs of students with disabilities and their families, focusing on their abilities and similarities with their typically developing peers rather than their disability.

I am disABLEd airs Monday, January 12 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming on the WXXI app.

The film seeks to ignite conversations about inclusion and action and encourages thoughtful conversations about what it means to destigmatize disabilities.

American Experience “Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disability Act” • WXXI-TV

Tells the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

American Experience “Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disability Act” airs Wednesday, January 14 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Told through the voices of key participants and witnesses, the film highlights the determined people who literally put their bodies on the line to achieve their goal and change the lives of all Americans. A story of courage and perseverance, the film brings to life one of the great civil rights movements in American history, where ordinary people made their voices heard and Congress responded. A testament to the power of coalition building and bipartisan compromise, the passage of the ADA is a shining example of democracy in action.

This program is presented as part of Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies – in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. The weeklong initiative runs January 12-18, 2026. WXXI and Al Sigl have been hosting Dialogue on Disability since 2005. In 2014, with the support of businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation, Move to Include™ was formed. This initiative enables WXXI to present and develop programming that promotes inclusion year round.

Photo: ADAPT (American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit) activists protest for accessible public transportation in Los Angeles, CA. • Credit: Tom Olin