In 1981, Mickey Rooney and Dennis Quaid starred in the highly-successful television drama “Bill” that forever changed the world’s perception of people with disabilities…Now meet the real Bill Sackter! “A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story” is filmmaker Lane Wyrick’s inspiring documentary about the transformation of the real Bill Sackter from a neglected individual to a national hero for people with disabilities. It all started from a chance encounter and an unlikely friendship.

DIFFERENT IS THE NEW NORMAL tracks the trials and triumphs of Ariel Small, a 17-year-old living with uncontrollable physical and vocal tics caused by Tourette Syndrome. Narrated by actor Michael J. Fox, DIFFERENT IS THE NEW NORMAL reveals an acutely personal first-hand account of Tourette’s through Ariel’s eyes. With Ariel’s permission, his mother documents their emotional journey to overcome the obstacles of Tourette’s in order to raise awareness about the neurobiological disorder, dispel the misperceptions and social stigma associated it, and help others living with the condition. Along the way, Ariel meets James Durbin, the American Idol finalist whose own battle with bullying and intolerance inspired the film’s title.

Watch on the PBS Player now.

For many, the name Michael Graves is synonymous with the “whistling bird” Alessi teakettle and an array of affordably stylish household products bearing the Graves Design imprint at Target stores. But Graves is also a renowned architect who transformed America’s built environment with buildings in the 1980s that took a whimsical approach to classical forms. In early 2003, in the midst of his successful career, a mysterious and potentially fatal illness left him partially paralyzed. Graves survived after undergoing years of painful rehab, but his ordeal opened an unexpected new chapter in his illustrious career — designing hospital furniture and homes for wounded war veterans. His goal is to transform traditionally cold institutions into environments that promote healing.

Watch on the PBS Player now.

THE TEACHINGS OF JON is an insightful and humorous documentary by Jennifer Owensby about her brother Jon, a 40-year-old man severely and profoundly affected by Down syndrome. Although Jon may never accomplish much by conventional standards – he has an IQ of 20, cannot talk and earns less than $13.00 a year – his greater purpose is to teach others how to love. The program celebrates Jon exactly as he is, rather than focusing on changing Jon to fit into the world. From the opening shot, the film offers an up close and personal look at the realities of living with someone with severe mental retardation. THE TEACHINGS OF JON uncovers how this “family secret,” locked away in an institution for the first seven years of his life, became the family treasure. While entertaining, this inspirational story of one family’s journey is also about honesty and redemption, acceptance and growth that offers hope to others.

Cecelia Viverios battles a baffling learning disability. Anna Kamens reluctantly welcomes a fourth-grade newcomer who struggles socially. Furquann Syed, teased for his name and Muslim heritage, finds that violent solutions have a down side.

Watch on the PBS Player now.