- Apple has a new video for International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- This is not your average accessibility video.
- Highlights a wide range of Apple accessibility features.
They’re not “brave,” “awesome,” or “inspiring,” but I think it’s safe to say that the disabled students who participated in Apple’s latest video for International Day of People with Disabilities (December 3) produced an impressive and poignant video that reminds us that they’re only human, messy and wonderful.
Throughout the video, which of course highlights all the accessibility features Apple offers across its product line, including Magnifier on macOS, Braile Access, Assistive Touch on Apple Watch, Live Captions and more, we see students using tools like Apple Watch gestures and name recognition (text notifications when your phone detects someone calling you) to connect with other students and learn both inside and outside of class.
Despite the message, it’s hard not to be moved by the often happy moments in the video. These students with disabilities, from visual to hearing impairments, mobility to missing limbs, sing, dance, navigate campus life and show that they are not trying to be special, but just want to do what everyone else is doing. It really helps to take advantage of Apple’s accessibility tools. But there is more.
Availability | I’m not cool | Apple YouTube
While the Kim Gehrig-directed video is a stark reminder that none of these young people are trying to be inspirational, it does provide some examples of strong empowerment. The young woman drawing with her toes on an iPad with an Apple Pencil (pictured above) is doing what she loves and isn’t trying to demonstrate any specific skill, at least none beyond her impressive drawing skills.
Ultimately, accessibility tools do not improve skills; This is to ensure that students like them can experience learning, creativity and socialization in the same way as students without disabilities.
It’s a powerful message, uplifting, sometimes funny, and perhaps a representation of people with disabilities that we’ve never seen before.
As we read in the video: “
“I’m only good because everyone else is.”