July 26, 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of President George H. W. Bush’s signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. To commemorate this landmark law, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation present special programming, virtual screenings, and news features. This is part of Move to Include, an initiative that uses the power of public media to inform and transform attitudes and behaviors about inclusion. Founded by WXXI and the Golisano Foundation, Move to Include has expanded to five additional communities thanks to a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

WXXI is leading this national effort with PBS affiliates: WFYI (Indianapolis), OPB (Oregon), WGCU (Southwest Florida), WCNY (Syracuse), and Iowa PBS. All six stations will spotlight disability issues and people with differing abilities in their communities through television, radio, news, special events, and social media.

As part of our work with Move to Include, WXXI News presents a live forum that explores the unique challenges people living with disabilities have faced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. WXXI LIVE FORUM: The Impact of COVID-19 on People with Disabilities airs Thursday, July 23 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV and simulcast on AM 1370. It will also stream on WXXINews.org and @WXXINews on Facebook Live. Hosted by Evan Dawson of WXXI News’ Connections, local people with disabilities will discuss how disparities they face in health care and society have been exacerbated by the pandemic. They’ll also explore how they expect issues related to access and inclusion will change after the pandemic ends. I hope you have a chance to tune in.

To learn more about our efforts, the national project, and the programming featured, click here.