WXXI Move to Include

Learn about the life and career of 4-time Emmy nominee Marlee Matlin as she shares her story in her native American Sign Language.

American Masters “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” airs Tuesday, October 14 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming on the WXXI app.

The documentary takes a closer look at Marlee Matlin’s life as a groundbreaking performer, whose meteoric and tumultuous rise to fame started in 1987 when she became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for her role in Children of a Lesser God. At the age of twenty-one, Matlin was thrust into the national spotlight, becoming for many Americans the first Deaf person they saw on TV and overnight becoming the de-facto representative of the Deaf community.

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore boasts never-before-seen home video filmed over the course of Matlin’s 37-year career by her longtime interpreter and producing partner Jack Jason—including footage of Matlin behind the scenes on the sets of some of her most iconic roles including Children of a Lesser God, The West Wing and Seinfeld. For the first time in her own language, Matlin will reflect on her relationship with actor William Hurt, her place in the Deaf community, her fight for roles and accessibility in Hollywood and what it means to be “the first.”

This film repeats Friday, October 17 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, October 18 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV. American Masters “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore“ is presented as part of Move to Include^TM an award-winning national initiative to promote disability inclusion, representation, and accessibility in public media. 

Photo: Marlee Matlin
Credit: Provided by PBS

When you’re faced with an incurable, debilitating and progressive disease, you have a choice to make. How do you live your life?

Jeffrey’s Journey airs Tuesday, January 13 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

When faced with an incurable, debilitating and progressive disease, you have a choice to make. How do you live your life? When Jeffrey McElfresh was a child, his feet and hands were gradually losing function. At age 41, he finally learned the name of his malady: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a rare peripheral neuropathy that disrupts signals from the brain, causing muscles in the feet and hands to atrophy. Today, Jeffrey’s disability is apparent, yet he has adapted and built a meaningful life that eventually led him to become an adventure cyclist. Jeffrey’s Journey follows his story over 10 days as he cycles along the Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati. As he follows the river through old steel towns, beautiful valleys and forgotten burgs, Jeffrey gains insight into the land he’s traveling across and even more about himself.

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: Jeffrey McElfresh rides through the industrial area along the Ohio River
Credit: Provided by APT

This heartwarming program sheds light on the incredible bond between guide dogs and their owners, highlighting the vital role these dogs play in the lives of those with visual impairments.

The Secret World of Guide Dogs With Martin Clunes airs Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

This film accompanies Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) after he adopts Laura, a retired black Labrador guide dog. Exploring the history of guide dogs, from the first four trained in 1931 to the current process used at Britain’s best-loved charity, this film follows all the ups and downs of the serious and challenging responsibility of preparing each dog for this daunting role.

Photo: Martin Clunes with Jaina Mistry and four guide dogs surrounding them.
Credit: American Public Television.

The James Beard Award-winning film “Marcella” takes an intimate look at the life and career of beloved Italian cookbook writer, Marcella Hazan.

American Masters: Marcella premiering Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

Discover how she shaped Italian cuisine in America in this American Masters film.

Marcella Hazan’s story symbolizes the American dream, arriving in New York City having never cooked and challenged by a disabled right arm, Hazan inspired millions of home cooks with the glories of Italian cuisine with her bestselling cookbook The Classic Italian Cook Book: The Art of Italian Cooking and the Italian Art of Eating. In addition to her cookbooks, Hazan connected with food lovers through her popular New York cooking classes, her friendship with fellow cooking legend Julia Child, and many on-air cooking demonstrations.

American Masters – Marcella is presented as part of Move to Include^TM, WXXI and The Golisano Foundation’s award-winning national initiative to promote disability inclusion, representation, and accessibility in public media.