It's hard to describe the vital role of accessible technology in the everyday lives of its users, but Apple's newly released short film, The Greatest, has made quite the effort.
The video stars (and was created by) people with disabilities, individuals who use tech like smartphones, watches, and tablets daily to do much more than just make calls and surf the internet. Highlighting things like the iPhone's Assistive Touch and Door Detection, the Apple Watches' Sound Recognition notifications, and Speak Selection for iPad users, the two-minute video is also a great breakdown of the unlimited potential of accessible technologies — as well as Apple's commitment to making its in-house products usable for all.
Onscreen, viewers watch a day in the life of seven Apple users using this variety of Apple tech and accessible system settings to be "their greatest," while behind the scenes, a team of people with disabilities led the creative endeavor. This even includes the minds behind the film's scoring track, from producer Cola Boyy (spot him building the song at the 45-second mark) and pianist Matthew Whitaker (viewers can watch him go from dressing room to stage throughout the film).
Apple also released an audio-described version of the film to bring awareness to the needs of blind and low-vision audiences.
All of this was done ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a United Nations–recognized holiday to promote disability inclusion and awareness, on Dec. 3.
