© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
American Experience

Audiobooks and the accessibility revolution | Extended Audio Description | The Curb Cut Effect

Season 37 Episode 2 | 7m 40s

Audiobooks are a billion-dollar industry, a staple of modern entertainment. But what most people don’t realize is that their roots trace back to a community that desperately needed them—the blind.

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Extras
Watch • 1:45
American Experience
Trailer | Mr. Polaroid
The story of Edwin Land, whose iconic Polaroid camera let everyone instantly chronicle their lives.
Preview: S37 E3 | 1:45
Watch • 2:24
American Experience
Trailer | Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.
Preview: S37 E2 | 2:24
Watch • 2:23
American Experience
Trailer | ASL | Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
ASL The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.
Preview: S37 E2 | 2:23
Watch • 9:17
American Experience
Chapter 1 | Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
Watch a preview of Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act.
Clip: S37 E2 | 9:17
Watch • 9:17
American Experience
Chapter 1 | ASL | Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
ASL Watch a preview of Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act.
Clip: S37 E2 | 9:17
Watch • 2:50
American Experience
Trailer | Extended Audio Description | Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
EXTENDED AD The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.
Preview: S37 E2 | 2:50
Watch • 11:31
American Experience
Chapter 1 | Extended Audio Description | Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
EXTENDED AUDIO DESCRIPTION A preview of Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act.
Clip: S37 E2 | 11:31
Watch • 53:02
American Experience
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act [ASL]
The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.
Special: 53:02
Watch • 3:29
American Experience
This 8-year-old girl changed history with one huge climb
Meet the protesters who climbed their way into history—and changed how all Americans live.
Clip: S37 E2 | 3:29
Watch • 7:12
American Experience
How one carrot peeler revolutionized design | Extended Audio Description | The Curb Cut Effect
EAD Many household products were originally designed by or for people with disabilities.
Clip: S37 E2 | 7:12