I’ve compiled a list of 10 fascinating disability documentaries that are informative, eye-opening, and inspiring. Each of them includes a link to where you can watch them online. Some are available for free, and some requiring a small payment to buy or rent.
I hope you enjoy watching these disability documentaries and learn something new about disabled people.
1. Intelligent Lives
The premise of Intelligent Lives is that IQ tests cannot measure a person’s value to the world. 49/50 states in the US still use IQ tests to determine whether a child has an intellectual disability. This score will then determine what kind of education they qualify for. People with intellectual disabilities may score low on IQ tests, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t contribute anything. This film follows 3 people with intellectual disabilities as they seek education, work experience, and relationships. It’s a powerful film that convincingly argues that IQ tests are insufficient to predict a person’s potential.
2. Doglegs
Watch on Amazon Prime Video (rent or buy)
Doglegs is basically Fight Club, but with Disabled People. A group of disabled people from Japan formed a pro-wrestling league, and for 20 years, they have been fighting each other in the ring. Shintaro, a Tokyo janitor, has begun a doglegs legend after fighting for 20 years, and he now wants to retire. Kitajima, Shintaro’s able-bodied mentor, has been “beating up the disabled for 20 years”, fuelling a rivalry between Shintaro and Kitajima. Other members of Doglegs have more severe disabilities and can barely move. But they still get in the ring and beat the shit out of each other, which gives them a form of purpose. It’s refreshing to see because it’s not every day that you see a bunch of physically disabled people and able-bodied wrestling with each other in the ring. They don’t go easy on each other either. Even the most physically disabled person gets beaten up or swung around in the ring. There is no room for pity in doglegs, and it’s definitely not wanted.
3. Becoming Bulletproof
Watch on Amazon Prime Video (rent or buy)
this is a documentary about a group of disabled people making a Western movie. An organisation called Zeno Mountain Films creates a movie every year using only disabled actors. This film follows them as they make their biggest movie to date, showing behind-the-scenes what it’s like for the disabled actors. It’s refreshing to see people making a movie with only disabled actors. Disability representation in film and TV has been lacking, so this is a step in the right direction.
4. Is There Anybody Out There?
Watch on Amazon Prime Video (rent or buy)
In this documentary, Ella Glendinning searches for another person who has the same disability and body type as her. Ella has a very rare condition where she was born without hip joints and has very short femurs. Because of the rarity of her condition. Ella is different from almost everyone around her, and she experiences ableism, like virtually all disabled people. Ableism is a theme throughout this documentary. Ella discusses and considers whether disabled people should be “fixed” if the opportunity arises. An operation is available that could treat Ella’s condition and those like her, but the decision is not an easy one. Especially when it involves young children who cannot consent like some featured in the documentary.
5. Defiant Lives
This film focuses on the rise of the disability rights movement in the UK, Australia, and the US. Disabled people have had to fight to have their rights enshrined in law over the years. Often by occupying government buildings or chaining themselves to buses. The film features interviews with some of those who were prominently involved and discusses where the struggle for disability rights needs to focus next. Dramatic archival footage also shows how governments were forced to enact anti-discrimination legislation. Horror stories of abuse from disabled people who were forced to live in institutions show why we need the right to have control over our own lives and continue to fight for them.
6. Unrest
Jennifer Brea is working on her PhD at Harvard and about to marry the love of her life when she’s struck down by a mysterious fever that leaves her bedridden. When doctors tell her “it’s all in her head,” she turns her camera on herself to document her devastating symptoms. Searching for answers, Jennifer discovers a hidden world of millions confined to their homes and bedrooms by ME, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Together, Jen and her new husband, Omar, must find a way to build a life and fight for a cure.
7. My Beautiful Broken Brain
This film chronicles a woman’s recovery from a debilitating stroke when she was 34 years old. Lotje Sodderland films her struggles as she fights to recover her speech and physical abilities following her brain bleed. It’s an eye-opening insight into what it’s like to experience a stroke and the recovery process in its aftermath.
8. The Disability Paradox
This documentary from disabled filmmaker Chris Lynch explores whether it’s possible to be happy when you have a disability. Many able-bodied people seem to think that disabled people must be miserable because of our conditions. When they see us out enjoying life, they are shocked. This is the so-called “disability Paradox”– how can someone who can’t walk possibly be happy? The film features many disabled people and experts who give their opinions on the subject as Chris investigates whether a disability Paradox is actually true.
9. The Truth about Airline Mistreatment of Disabled Flyers – Sophie Morgan’s fight to fly
Going on a plane is usually not a pleasant experience for disabled people. Wheelchairs often get broken, and it can be a hassle getting on the plane in the first place. In this documentary for Channel 4, Sophie Morgan campaigns for wheelchair users’ right to stay in their wheelchairs on flights. Groups of disabled travellers take hidden cameras onto flights to document the struggles involved when trying to fly. For me, as someone who has been on a plane many times, I wasn’t surprised by what I saw with wheelchairs getting broken by the airline staff. Still, it is infuriating because it happens too often. But it is great to see people fighting for change, and it does seem that in the future, wheelchair users will be able to remain in their wheelchairs on board an aircraft. I hope that day comes sooner rather than later.
10. The Hidden Story of Disabled Britain
This BBC documentary reveals how disabled people in Britain have been treated over the years. From having to beg on the streets before the Industrial Revolution to ending up in workhouses and institutions, right through to modern times, where disability rights have been hard-won. It is presented by Cerrie Burnell, who used to be a children’s TV presenter. It’s a brilliant documentary that highlights how much life has improved for disabled people in Britain, but also shows that there is still work to be done. Disabled people continue to face prejudice and discrimination, and we shouldn’t stop fighting for the rights that we deserve.
This is just the sort of article that’s needed .
Great piece of writing Alex .
thanks Karen! 🙂